What narrative structure is commonly used in black comedy?

Black comedy often employs a narrative structure that allows for the juxtaposition of serious, often taboo subjects with humor, creating a unique blend of comedy and commentary. The romantic comedy structure is known for its focus on relationships and the evolution of romantic interactions, typically involving misunderstandings, comedic situations, and ultimately a resolution that leads to love.

In the context of black comedy, this structure can be subverted to include darker themes such as death, addiction, or societal absurdities while still maintaining a tone of comedic relief. The relationship dynamics that are central to romantic comedies can be twisted in black comedies to explore the darker sides of human interaction, leading to humor that comes from uncomfortable or unsettling places. This approach allows audiences to engage with serious topics in a way that still feels entertaining and thought-provoking, which is a hallmark of black comedy.

This contrasts with adventure or tragic love structures, which emphasize different thematic concerns, and documentary styles, which focus on realism and factual representation rather than the absurdist and satirical elements prevalent in black comedies.