Melodramatic – definition: exaggerated and emotional or sentimental: sensational; overdramatic

There is a fine balance between making a character believable and making them too melodramatic. I am sharing a favored author, K.M. Weiland’s video here. K.M. is very generous in sharing her vast experience and knowledge on her web site.

http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/2011/07/drama-vs-melodrama-can-you-tell.html

I remembered a favorite cartoon from my childhood, Wacky Races  featuring Dick Dastardly & Muttley as I was pondering today’s word. Dick was always trying to sabotage the other racers in an attempt to win. Without fail his cunning plans backfired on him and Muttley would laugh as Dick uttered one of his catch phrases.  “Drat, and double drat!” or “Drat, drat and triple drat!” or “Curses, foiled again!” He would also plead, “Muttley, do something!” I loved Muttley, the sidekick and was nicknamed Muttley as I would laugh like him on occasion, when my breath would leave me silent laughing followed by a huge gasp of air. Dick was melodramatic but funny.

These characters were perfectly balanced and that is why they were such an endearing and funny partnership.

Who are your favorite ‘over the top’ characters?