Types Tuesday

This month is Power of Reason month. We’ll be examining a type of Character that know exactly how the world should be. Power of Reason Characters solve problems with a sense of detachment. These Characters are precise, seeing the world as complex puzzles to be solved. When their own personal logic is challenged, they can turn to the dark side as they try to revert any deviation. Nothing distracts them from their singular view of the world- emotion does not factor into their actions.

Throughout March, we will look at Scientists, Serial Killers and Strategists and try to understand why these Characters are so rigid in their logic and reasoning. Power of Reason Characters may seem one-note and unwavering, but their detachment and problem-solving can be as fascinating as it is horrifying.

The Odd Couple

Based on the play by Neil Simon, The Odd Couple, starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, is one of the most renowned comedies ever made, and with good reason. It’s a classic simple premise- two friends, Felix (Lemmon) and Oscar (Matthau) live together and drive each other mad through their differences- performed to perfection by two actors at the top of their game. The film depicts two vastly opposing Character Types forced together- the result could only ever be a clash of egos.

Felix: Power of Reason

Felix’s perfect, neatly-organized world turns to disarray when he splits up with his wife, driving him to several unsuccessful suicide attempts. This dramatic reaction shows how much of a Power of Reason that Felix is- he cannot comprehend the order of his world being upended.

He is a neurotic, uptight, OCD Power of Reason Character. Then he meets with even more chaos when he moves in with his friend Oscar, the polar opposite to him in every way. Their relationship becomes strained and the tension increases as they both ruin each other’s previously satisfactory situations. For Oscar, it’s a big inconvenience. For Felix, it’s a fundamental alteration to how he perceives things to be.

Felix drove his wife crazy with his obsession to have everything the way he thought it should be. Oscar is like a Bull in a China Shop. He is resistant to all Felix’s attempts to clean and perfect his apartment for him. This reckless slob forces change upon Felix.

Oscar: Power of Excitement

Oscar is a fun-loving, thrill-seeking slob that becomes the bane of Felix’s life because he totally disregards Felix’s logic. He challenges the worldview of a Power of Reason Character simply by being the way he is.

Power of Excitement Characters seek thrills, fun and pleasure. The kind of values that Felix stands for- order and cleanliness- are unnecessary burdens to this way of life. He is far more laidback than Felix. But Oscar becomes increasingly irate by this uptight basket of nerves who wants him to be more responsible.

One of a Power of Excitement Character’s greatest fears is settling down and taking on responsibility. These two need each other, even though they may not want to admit it. One needs to loosen up and learn that they cannot control everything. The other needs to get their act together and start behaving like an adult.

Conflict makes for great drama and great comedy. The Odd Couple pairs up the two Character Types that best represent order and chaos. Forcing them into the same cramped apartment guarantees humour and conflict.