The classic movie “Mrs. Doubtfire”, starring Robin Williams, showcases Aristotle’s definition of comedy. In this film, Daniel, a father, wants to see his children after a divorce from his wife, who limits the time he gets to spend with them. He dresses up as a nanny with a particular disguise and convinces his ex-wife that he’s a woman. His name is now “Mrs. Doubtfire.” Through his new experiences with his kids, he becomes a better man and father, and his kids become better, too. However, all good things come to an end when Mrs. Doubtfire and Daniel need to be at the same restaurant at the same time.

We follow Aristotle’s definition of comedy through Daniel’s journey, as one that follows the ordinary person and the comic hero, and Daniel sure has some charm to him…maybe. We can empathize with Daniel and feel more sympathetic toward him because of his situation. Daniel is the underdog at the beginning. But seeing his kids through new experiences, he becomes a better person. His character eventually falls again because of the discovery of his persona, but it gets better from here. There’s an almost bittersweet ending: Daniel is on much better terms with his ex-wife and becomes the babysitter for his kids, who can see them whenever he wants. His career grows with the persona of Mrs. Doubtfire. 

Initially, Daniel is ordinary, just like any one of us. He resembles the pain of families facing divorce. But he develops throughout the movie and changes his personality because he succeeds as a father.