History Main / AdaptationalSeriousness

* ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure'': In the manga, Jotaro is much more expressive and smiles more often during ''Stardust Crusaders''. In the anime, Jotaro only has the serious part of his personality present during most of the series. The [=OVAs=] go even further removing much of the series' comedy and exaggeration.

* ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure'': In the manga, Jotaro is much more expressive and smiles more often during ''Stardust Crusaders''. In the anime, Jotaro only has the serious part of his personality present during most of the series.
** The [=OVAs=] go even further removing much of the series' comedy and exaggeration.
* The original ''{{Franchise/Pokemon}}'' games

[[folder:Fanfic]]
* In the ''Film/Ghostbusters1984'' fanfic ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/35402485/chapters/88242349?view_adult=true Sick]]'', Ray, who, in canon, is an [[{{Keet}} extremely cheerful and energetic man]], is somewhat subdued and a lot less optimistic.

[[folder:Film -- Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/TheJungleBook1967'': All three of Mowgli's [[AnimalCompanion Animal Companions]] get personality changes in this adaptation. This trope applies to Bagheera the panther, who was far more playful in the book, while the inverse applies to Baloo the bear.

[[folder:Film -- Live-Action]]

** Film/Aladdin2019: This version of Jafar lacks the more comedic side of his animated counterpart in favor of being a straight-up madman who wishes to wage war on a neighboring kingdom, with no banter with Iago (who undergoes a similar treatment) or mocking the Sultan behind his back.
** A {{downplayed|Trope}} example with Gaston from ''Film/BeautyAndTheBeast2017''. While he's still a LargeHam with his own VillainSong boasting about how awesome he is, more of his screen time is devoted to moments of him scheming or trying to get Maurice to let him marry Belle, not bellowing out how he's the hero of this story.
** ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKing2019'':

* ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'':
** Although the Internet has latched on to many of Thanos' quotes from his appearances, he's not so much the LargeHam {{Badass Boast}}er that he is in the comics. In the MCU, he's much more solemn and contemplative about his work, rarely raising his voice, and dead set on ensuring his goal is complete, with few boasts of his awe and might (Ebony Maw fills that void on his behalf).

* ''Film/ThePunisher2004'': In the comics, while a very dangerous villain, The Russian is a pretty humorous character with plenty of funny dialogue. In this film, The Russian is still a tough and brutal thug but he never speaks and comes across as much more serious as a result.

* In ''Film/SonicTheHedgehog22022'', Knuckles, unlike his WesternAnimation/SonicBoom counterpart, takes the encounters with Sonic and Robotnik very seriously. [[TheComicallySerious A little too seriously, in fact.]]

* In ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'', Uhura is friendly and warm, with her most memorable scene involving her playing music with Spock for fun during break time. In ''Film/StarTrek2009'', she's a driven and ambitious hard worker who has no patience for antics and rarely smiles.

* ''Series/Halo2022'': Master Chief, though right in the middle of a war, usually snarks out some DangerDeadpan at his teammates or Cortana, and is friendly to his fellow soldiers when off-duty. Because this version had his emotions suppressed upon being forced into the SPARTAN program, he takes everything, even a child stamping his hand, with a greater sense of seriousness.
* ''Series/LukeCage'': His comic book counterpart could trash-talk like Spider-Man, but the Netflix adaptation makes him stiff and bland to better suit its weighty, ponderous tone.
* ''Series/MoonKnight2022'': Arthur Harrow, in his sole appearance, was a typical MadScientist trying to uncover Nazi research that could aid him in his work and had the LargeHam dialogue to go with it. This Harrow is an enigmatic cult leader who takes his goal of unleashing Ammit and purging the world of vice and sin very seriously, giving little time to humor.

[[folder:VideoGames]]

[[folder:WebAnimation]]

[[folder:WesternAnimation]]

** Barry the Chopper is an AffablyEvil comic relief IneffectualSympatheticVillain in the manga and brotherhood. In the 2003 anime, He is treated as a serious threat, and he lacks his comedic and redeeming qualities.

Compare and contrast OOCIsSeriousBusiness, which usually applies to characters going out-of-character to reflect their current situations within the works themselves and is not mutually exclusive to adaptation changes. Opposite of AdaptationalComicRelief, where originally serious character becomes a PluckyComicRelief. SubTrope of AdaptationPersonalityChange.

** The OVAs go even further removing much of the series comedy and exaggeration.

** The villain squads of each region usually consist of a hierarchy in competence (in most cases, [[VileVillainLaughableLackey bungling mooks but with sinister leaders]]), but are very often still [[BewareTheSillyOnes very hammy and grandiose in behaviour despite a usually threatening scheme]]. In the anime, likely because Team Rocket still exist as the GoldfishPoopGang each series, the alternate teams are usually conveyed as more consistently serious and fearsome. Team Flare in particular are conveyed as genuinely no-nonsense and stoic, even their lowlier grunts, while in the games their fashion victim gimmick made them far more pretentious and silly acting in-universe to offset their shady behaviour. Only Team Skull are largely the same as their games counterparts, posing as a SitcomArchNemesis for Team Rocket.
** Played and subverted with Brock and Kiawe, who, in a case of CharacterizationMarchesOn, were much more stoic and no-nonsense in their earliest appearances in the anime, only to become ''even more'' comical and jovial than their games counterparts afterwards.

* The original ComicBook/{{Hawkeye}} was a warm, friendly guy who was quick to crack a joke and had such a strong [[ThouShallNotKill code against killing]] that he temporarily quit the Avengers when he killed the supervillan Egghead by accident (he'd tried to disarm Egghead by firing an arrow at his ray gun only for the gun to explode and fatally wound Egghead). In the Ultimate Universe, he was changed into a stone-cold, dead serious assassin who never joked and never smiled while casually killing people.

* ''Series/Halo2022'': Master Chief, though right in the middle of a war, usually snarks out some DangerDeadpan at his teammates or Cortana, and is friendly to his fellow soldiers when off-duty. Because this version had his emotions suppressed upon being forced into the SPARTAN program, he takes everything, even a child stamping his hand, with greater sense of seriousness.

** Megatron in the original cartoon, while NotSoHarmless as the series continued, was still very much a bluster-prone LaughablyEvil 80s bad guy, prone to cartoonish schemes and arguing with his cronies (especially Starscream) LikeAnOldMarriedCouple. Later takes of Megatron, while maintaining his snark and LargeHam tendencies to some level, generally portray the Decepticon leader as a much more fierce and sinister BigBad, his threat level often taken dead seriously by both the Autobots and [[BadBoss his own Decepticons.]]

* ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros'': In his origin series, Mario is a [[{{Keet}} happy-go-lucky]] HeroicMime who is friendly to everyone he meets. In the ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series (from ''[[VideoGame/SuperSmashBros Melee]]'' [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl on]][[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosForNintendo3DSAndWiiU wa]][[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate rds]]), he is instead a [[TheStoic stoic]], [[PerpetualFrowner grumpy]] HeroicMime who is very skilled at fighting, and is sometimes hostile to anyone who harms his loved ones (Like in ''Brawl'' where he wanted too kill [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZelda Link]] and Yoshi, the latter being [[FightingYourFriend one of his friends]], for killing Peach).

* ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'': Although the Internet has latched on to many of Thanos' quotes from his appearances, he's not so much the LargeHam {{Badass Boast}}er that he is in the comics. In the MCU, he's much more solemn and contemplative about his work, rarely raising his voice, and dead set on ensuring his goal is complete, with few boasts of his awe and might (Ebony Maw fills that void on his behalf).

Compare and contrast OOCIsSeriousBusiness, which usually applies to characters going out-of-character to reflect their current situations within the works themselves and is not mutually exclusive to adaptation changes. Opposite of AdaptationalComicRelief, where originally serious character becomes a PluckyComicRelief. See also AdaptationPersonalityChange.

* Dr "Eggman" Robotnik, while fluctuating in competence, is generally depicted as LaughablyEvil ham of a bad guy in most interpretations of the ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'' franchise. The ''WesternAnimation/SonicSatam'' animated series set itself apart from the norm by depicting Robotnik as a [[KnightOfCerebus legitimately terrifying]] EvilOverlord, with the entire globe under his mercy from the start of the show, with a full-on CerebusSyndrome concerning his badnik machinations and very few jokes made at his expense. The second season made Robotnik more characteristically vain and prone to a bit more sarcasm and pratfalls, though he still remained a far more sinister entity than most takes of the doctor.

* ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros'': In his origin series, Mario is a [[{{Keet}} happy-go-luck]] HeroicMime who is friendly to everyone he meets. In the ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series (from ''[[VideoGame/SuperSmashBros Melee]]'' [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl on]][[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosForNintendo3DSAndWiiU wa]][[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate rds]]), he is instead a [[TheStoic stoic]], [[PerpetualFrowner grumpy]] HeroicMime who is very skilled at fighting, and is sometimes hostile to anyone who harms his loved ones (Like in ''Brawl'' where he wanted too kill [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZelda Link]] and Yoshi, the latter being [[FightingYourFriend one of his friends]], for killing Peach).

Usually, in an adaptation a character (if not always) becomes a AdaptationalComicRelief in comparison of the original source. But what if it's the opposite? A character is more serious or just humourless in an adaptation. Can result in a character being TheStoic. May also come from an AdaptationalAngstUpgrade.

** In the manga, Envy is a very excitable and somewhat frequent source of comedy for the audience with several LargeHam moments when recounting their evil deeds. In the [[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist 2003 anime]], Envy is considerably calmer with toned down comedic traits, also lacking the manga version's PowerfulButIncompetent tendencies. Justified since Envy is a much older and smarter AdaptationalBadass in the 2003 anime, being treated as a very real threat to the heroes, whereas manga!Envy was dwarfed in terms of power and importance by many other villains.

* The original ''Manga/GhostInTheShell'' manga is filled with numerous comedic elements such as BlackComedy, sight gags, Batou being a ButtMonkey for comedy sake, Motoko Kusanagi being greedy, petty, bitchy, and snarky, and plenty of exaggerated expressions thanks to Creator/ShirowMasamune's art styles. Creator/MamoruOshii's [[Anime/GhostInTheShell1995 1995 adaptation]] conveys a complete tone shift by refocusing Motoko and Batou as stoic and introspective while focusing on philosophy and the nature of humans and technology in a CyberPunk setting, as well as more proportionally realistic depictions in the art style. Every series that has followed has continued with a fairly grounded reality within its story settings, usually only allowing humor to develop naturally from character interactions.
* ''Manga/{{Hanebad}}'': While the manga is quite light-hearted and often comedic (at least in the early parts), the anime adopts a much more somber tone, changes some characters' personalities and rearranges the storyline significantly, making the two versions very distinct from each other.
* Downplayed with Iris Heart in ''Anime/HyperdimensionNeptuniaTheAnimation''. While she isn't ''completely'' serious, compared to her depiction in ''[[VideoGame/HyperdimensionNeptuniaVictory Victory]]'', she isn't a HeroicComedicSociopath who enjoys tormenting enemies and allies alike, barely makes DoubleEntendre jokes and doesn't resort to BlackComedyRape that often. Instead, she is depicted as a {{sadist}}ic, CreepyGood AntiHero who [[TerrorHero only dishes out her sadism towards her enemies]]. The only exception is in [[BeachEpisode episode 8]] when she tortured Linda, but even then that comes off as more [[AssholeVictim deserving of punishment]] (as the latter had poisoned Neptune and [[FalselyReformedVillain tricked the other CPUs into thinking she had redeemed herself]], all the while she [[CardCarryingVillain smugly says to herself as being a "natural born villain"]]) rather than ComedicSociopathy. This is likely due to her more [[AdaptationalHeroism friendlier portrayal]] in the anime.
* ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure'': In the manga Jotaro is much more expressive and smiles more often during ''Stardust Crusaders''. In the anime, Jotaro only has the serious part of his personality present during most of the series.

** The villain squads of each region usually consist of a hierarchy in competence (in most cases, [[VileVillainLaughableLackey bungling mooks but with sinister leaders]]), but are very often still [[BewareTheSillyOnes very hammy and grandiose in behaviour despite a usually threatening scheme]]. In the anime, likely because Team Rocket still exist as the GoldfishPoopGang each series, the alternate teams are usually conveyed as more consistently serious and fearsome. Team Flare in particular are conveyed as genuinely no nonsense and stoic, even their lowlier grunts, while in the games their fashion victim gimmick made them far more pretentious and silly acting in-universe to offset their shady behaviour. Only Team Skull are largely the same as their games counterparts, posing as a SitcomArchNemesis for Team Rocket.
** Played and subverted with Brock and Kiawe, who in a case of CharacterizationMarchesOn, were much more stoic and no nonsense in their earliest appearances in the anime, only to become ''even more'' comical and jovial than their games counterparts afterwards.

* ''Film/ThePunisher2004'': In the comics, while a very dangerous villain, The Russian is a pretty humorous character with plenty of funny dialogue. In this film, The Russian is still a tough and brutal thug but he never speaks and come across as much more serious as a result.

** One of the few criticisms of the ''Film/SpiderManTrilogy'' starring Creator/TobeyMaguire is how that version of Spider Man doesn't quip anywhere near as much as a character known for YouFightLikeACow should, if at all.
** Norman Osborn's cinematic iteration from ''Film/SpiderMan'' and ''Film/SpiderManNoWayHome'' is another {{downplayed|Trope}} example. He still has the silly green costume, cranks plent of jokes, and yells out his dialogue with enough gusto that he could break a window, but his goal of breaking Spider-Man -- [[Creator/TobeyMaguire his]] or [[Creator/TomHolland another universe's]] -- is all played deadly serious, as he goads his foe into taking the final blow.

* ''Film/XMenOriginsWolverine'': One thing fans disliked about the film is how ComicBook/{{Deadpool}} was changed from a HeroicComedicSociopath and TalkativeLoon to a serious threat with his MouthStitchedShut. This version of the character [[BitingTheHandHumor was even the butt of many jokes]] in ''Film/{{Deadpool|2016}}'' and [[Film/Deadpool2 its sequel]]. This is {{subverted|Trope}}, since he was brainwashed at the time.

* ''Series/MoonKnight2022'': Arthur Harrow, in his sole appearance was a typical MadScientist trying to uncover Nazi research that could aid him in his work, and had the LargeHam dialouge to go with it. This Harrow is an enigmatic cult leader who takes his goal of unleashing Ammit and purging the world of vice and sin very seriously, giving little time to humor.

** ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'' helped put the franchise on the map thanks to a combination of exciting plots and unique characters (helped by the cast and crew giving virtually all characters a unique voice or inflection). Optimus Prime in particular avoided the biggest pitfalls of being a StandardizedLeader by being an approachable yet warm leader, which caused him to be viewed as a surrogate father figure by many kids of the 80s. However, virtually every version of him since then (such as his counterparts in [[Film/{{Transformers}} the live action films]], the [[VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron Al]][[VideoGame/TransformersFallOfCybertron ign]][[WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime ed]] Continuity and [[Creator/IDWPublishing IDW's Transformers comics]]) are all portrayed as stoic, humourless leaders weighed down by [[TheChainsOfCommanding the burden of leadership]]. The [[WesternAnimation/TransformersWarForCybertronTrilogy Netflix series]] version of Optimus is particularly disliked for being such a dour, unlikable character that it's difficult to imagine him inspiring the Autobots at all.

* Reconstructed for the AlternateTimeline BTeamSequel, ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot4ItsAboutTime''. In the original games, a lot of Crash's supporting cast were relatively more serious than him, [[TheComicallySerious but still arrogant and prone to being the butt of jokes.]] In later games the formality was often skipped, and a lot of the characters were depicted as even wackier and more idiot prone than Crash was. ''It's About Time'' however Flanderizes the original format even further than before, with Crash and Cortex being the sole comic relief in an unironically serious acting cast. Coco for example is Crash's outright HyperCompetentSidekick, losing all of her petulant BunglingInventor qualities [[NotSoAboveItAll that brought her back down to his level]], while N Tropy is now the KnightOfCerebus [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter far more fearsome and sinister than Cortex]], rather than a time pun-spewing ham who only ''thought'' he was.

* The original ''Koha-Ace'' manga is a satirical take on the Holy Grail wars of the ''Franchise/FateSeries'' focusing on Japanese servants, and it has a very simplistic chibi artstyle and lots of nonesensical gags. ''WebComic/FateTypeRedline'' is the [[DarkerAndEdgier very dark adaptation]] of the above plotline, removing the striking majority of {{Mythology Gag}}s, [[TheCameo cameos]] and satirical elements, having an incredibly detailed -- and quite beautiful -- artstyle, a TokyoFireball premise, and depicting all the characters as far more serious versions of themselves. That characterization also stems from the ''VideoGame/FateGrandOrder'' GUDAGUDA events, which are based on the ''Koha-Ace'' manga but grew increasingly serious over the years despite the gag elements.

* Dr "Eggman" Robotnik, while fluctuating in competence, is generally depicted as LaughablyEvil ham of a bad guy in most interpretations of the ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'' franchise. The ''WesternAnimation/SonicSatam'' animated series set itself apart from the norm by depicting Robotnik as a [[KnightOfCerebus legitimately terrifying]] EvilOverlord, with the entire globe under his mercy from the start of the show, with a full on CerebusSyndrome concerning his badnik machinations and very few jokes made at his expense. The second season made Robotnik more characteristically vain and prone to a bit more sarcasm and pratfalls, though he still remained a far more sinister entity than most takes of the doctor.

* ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'': In his original appearance in ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' cartoon, Waspinator was a comic relief IneffectualSympatheticVillain whose status as the show's [[TheChewToy Chew Toy]] and [[TheyKilledKennyAgain a tendency to get blown to pieces]] in his every single appearance served as a great source of comedy for the show. By contrast, his ''Animated'' version is portrayed as much darker interpretation of the character, depicted as a genuinely menacing and dangerous threat, and [[WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds the abuse he receives]] ''not'' being PlayedForLaughs, instead serving as a source of horror.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:AnimeAndManga]]

[[folder: Comic Books]]

[[folder: Fanfic]]

[[folder:Film - Live-Action]]

* The title character of ''Film/HarryPotter''- in the books, Harry is a DeadpanSnarker with a penchant for GallowsHumor, while his film counterpart is typically more serious.
* ''Film/TheHobbit'': In the [[Literature/TheHobbit original book]], [[VoluntaryShapeshifter Beorn the skin-changer]] is a cheerful BoisterousBruiser who laughs a lot and jokes around with the dwarves. In ''Film/TheHobbitTheDesolationOfSmaug'', he's a menacing figure with a gruff demeanor who never smiles, due to [[AdaptationalAngstUpgrade a tragic backstory]] that includes [[LastOfHisKind all the skin-changers except for him getting slain by orcs]].

* ''Film/TalesFromTheCrypt'': The Crypt Keeper in the comics just comments on the stories with puns. In the film version, he's a serious person. He tells a group of people in his Crypt [[spoiler: and how each of them had died.]]

* The original ''Koha-Ace'' manga is a satirical take on the Holy Grail wars of the ''Franchise/FateSeries'' focusing on Japanese servants, and it has a very simplistic chibi artstyle and lots of nonesensical gags. ''WebComic/FateTypeRedline'' is the [[DarkerAndEdgier very dark adaptation]] of the above plotline, removing the striking majority of {{Mythology Gag}}s, [[TheCameo cameos]] and satirical elements, having an incredibly detailed - and quite beautiful - artstyle, a TokyoFireball premise, and depicting all the characters as far more serious versions of themselves. That characterization also stems from the ''VideoGame/FateGrandOrder'' GUDAGUDA events, which are based on the ''Koha-Ace'' manga but grew increasingly serious over the years despite the gag elements.

* ''Film/TheDarkKnight'': Most versions of the Joker usually have a variety of comical gags and plenty of jokes to throw around in their quest to drive Batman insane?Caesar Romero and Jack Nicholson's versions are no exception to this rule. Enter Heath Ledger's take, who eschews the comedy in favor of his scheme being the joke; to him, the world is a chaotic place, and every person is just one bad day away from going insane. He's going to be the one to prove that, and he's dead serious about it. If he does laugh, it's not because Batman got covered in silly putty, but rather that he's playing right into his hands and proving him right. He still provides a few laughs, but they mostly come from Joker's utter flippancy in the face of any kind of threats against him.

* Several ''Manga/LoveHina'' fanfics such as ''Fanfic/ForHisOwnSake'' and ''Fanfic/AnAlternateKeitaroUrashima'' plays the Hinata Girls (barring [[TokenGoodTeammate Shinobu]]) [[DoubleStandardAbuseFemaleOnMale treatment of Keitaro]] (especially Naru) for drama rather than for laughs, likey due to their [[AdaptationalVillainy negative attributes being cranked up]] making the abuse even more horrifying.

* ''Series/Halo2022'': Master Chief, though right in the middle of a war, usually snarks out some DangerDeadpan at his teammates or Cortana, and is friendly to his fellow soldiers when off-duty. Because this version had his emotions suppressed upon being forced into the SPARTAN program, he takes everything, even a child stamping his hand, with greater sense of seriousness.

* ''VideoGame/SpyroTheDragon'': In the in original series, Hunter was a goofy SurferDude who would help out, but normally leaves hero stuff to Spyro. In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfSpyro'' series, he is instead a serious, [[TheStoic stoic]] resistance leader who is a HeroOfAnotherStory.

[[folder:VideoGame]]

** The ''ComicBook/SonicTheComic'' incarnation of Robotnik is similar to his [[WesternAnimation/SonicTheHedgehogSatAM SatAM version below]] being a tyrant KnightOfCerebus who rules Mobius with an iron fist, but what makes this a case of this trope is that he uses his appearance from the far more [[DenserAndWackier comical]] ''WesternAnimation/AdventuresOfSonicTheHedgehog'', where in that show he is portrayed as a buffoonish LargeHam who is SurroundedByIdiots.

* ''Film/TalesFromTheCrypt'': The Crypt Keeper in the comics just comments on the stories with puns. In the film version, he's a person serious. He tells a group of people in his Crypt [[spoiler: and how each of them had died.]]

* The original ''Manga/GhostInTheShell'' manga is filled with numerous comedic elements such as BlackComedy, sight gags, Batou being a ButtMonkey for comedy sake, Motoko Kusanagi being greedy, petty, bitchy, and snarky, and plenty of overexaggerated expressions thanks to Creator/ShirowMasamune's art styles. Creator/MamoruOshii's [[Anime/GhostInTheShell1995 1995 adaptation]] conveys a complete tone shift by refocusing Motoko and Batou as stoic and introspective while focusing on philosophy and the nature of humans and technology in a CyberPunk setting, as well as more proportionally realistic depictions in the art style. Every series that has followed has continued with a fairly grounded reality within its story settings, usually only allowing humor to develop naturally from character interactions.

This trope is often found in Derivative Works that are DarkerAndEdgier or BloodierAndGorier than their source.

* ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'': Although the Internet has latched on to many of Thanos' quotes from his appearances, he's not so much the LargeHam [[BadassBoast badass boaster]] that he is in the comics. In the MCU, he's much more solemn and contemplative about his work, rarely raisigng his voice, and dead set on ensuring his goal is complete, with few boasts of his awe and might (Ebony Maw fills that void on his behalf).

* ''Film/TheDarkKnight'': Most versions of the Joker usually have a variety of comical gags and plenty of jokes to throw around in their quest to drive Batman insane?Caesar Romero and Jack Nicholson's versions are no exception to this rule. Enter Heath Ledger's take, who eschews the comedy in favor of his scheme being the joke; to him, the world is a chaotic place, and every person is just one bad day away from going insane. He's going to be the one to prove that, and he's dead serious about it. If he does laugh, it's not because Batman got covered in silly putty, but rather that he's playing right into his hands and proving him right. He still provide a few laughs, but they mostly come from his utter flippancy in the face of any kind of threats against him.

* ''Film/TheDarkKnight'': Most versions of the Joker usually have a variety of comical gags and plenty of jokes to throw around in their quest to drive Batman insane?Caesar Romero and Jack Nicholson's versions are no exception to this rule. Enter Heath Ledger's take, who eschews the comedy in favor of his scheme being the joke; to him, the world is a chaotic place, and every person is just one bad day away from going insane. He's going to be the one to prove that, and he's dead serious about it. If he does laugh, it's not because Batman got covered in silly putty, but rather that he's playing right into his hands and proving him right.

* In ''Film/SonicTheHedgehog22022'', Knuckles, unlike his WesternAnimation/SonicBoom counterpart, takes the encounters with Sonic and Robotnik very Seriously.

* ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros'': In his origin series, Mario is a [[Keet happy-go-luck]] HeroicMime who is friendly to everyone he meets. In the ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series (from ''[[VideoGame/SuperSmashBros Melee]]'' [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl on]][[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosForNintendo3DSAndWiiU wa]][[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate rds]]), he is instead a [[TheStoic stoic]], [[PerpetualFrowner grumpy]] HeroicMime who is very skilled at fighting, and is sometimes hostile to anyone who harms his loved ones (Like in ''Brawl'' where he wanted too kill [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZelda Link]] and Yoshi, the latter being [[FightingYourFriend one of his friends]], for killing Peach).

[[quoteright:250:[[Franchise/GhostInTheShell https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/adaptserious.png]]]]
[[caption-width-right:250:Above: [[Manga/GhostInTheShell Major Motoko Kusanagi]] has her fair share of goof-ball moments.

[[quoteright:250:[[Franchise/GhostInTheShell https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/adaptserious.png]]

[[quoteright:250:[[Franchise/GhostInTheShell https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/adaptserious.png]]]]

Needs A Better Description Administrivia/NeedsMoreExamples