Screenwriting : Introducing my protagonist by Lamar Faulk

No opportunity for the super funny one to be the protagonist?

I wouldn't worry about the confusion if the friend is super funny. I think the audience will get that vibe that his character will be the comic relief like Stifler in American Pie. Something along those lines. I know the script doesn't start with Stifler but you get a sense of where I'm going I hope.

Maybe just tone the humor so he doesn't outshine the protagonist in the opener. Then agter the opener, let him shine the way you want him to.

Interesting enough Anthony, the "super funny" character actually started out as the protagonist. But the more i wrote, the more the current protagonists storyline began to drive the script, so i changed it.

Keep it the way it is. The script will need cast one day. No actor wants to be wallpaper behind a great main character. A good secondary character gives the story depth. Look at Hans Solo, great character that nearly steals the show. I have an antagonist that does appear to about page 60. So rules are for the guidance of the wise and the adherence of the foolish. Your protagonist can take a backseat in the opening, he has plenty of time to mark his ground.

thanks Craig

I think you got something with all of his friends being there, where your characters problem can be bought up later

Sometimes characters want to take over your story. Promise that character (in your mind) that you will write something for it later - then continue the story you want to tell. You will find that the character will support you. (i.e. a very different way to look at the same issue).

Finish the script, wait a week or two then re-read it and decide if you feel the same way. If so, revise. If not, send it to a few trusted beta readers for opinions.

You could make that part of the story line/character traits/flaws/arcs. One of your characters gets all the attention because he is so outgoing, and it makes your protag feel like he is always being pushed to the back. Especially because he is probably smarter/also funny/more successful/more talented, or whatever. It starts out a small annoyance, but over time, it becomes a thorn in his side until it finally comes to a climax and threatens their friendship as your protag finally asserts himself. And maybe at some point he finds out second hand that his friend actually gives him credit for being smarter/more talented etc. when he's not arround, i.e. Talking to a girl that the protag likes, she's like, "OMG you are so smart and funny", and his friend says, "Nah... Joe is the smart one. You should see the work he does on the molecular earthworm generator". Or whatever. Just ideas. I don't know your story, or at what stage you are in.

Another thing to look at is dominant character traits. Make sure the main character has one extreme trait that comes out often to make him more interesting. For example, if he is volatile, or has a mean-streak or, is competitive, or controlling, or jealous or whatever. Give his funny friend an opposite or similar streak, put them in the same room and watch the fireworks.