Character Scriptwriting Oakes

Essential Story Elements World Character Conflict

Character Story starts with character. Some writers say this is the most important element in a story. Give them life. Know your characters. Avoid stereotypes and cliches Research Empathize with your character Give them an arc/change (growth)

The Protagonist is Active Drives the action of the story Changes in some way at the end Wants something badly The goal/object that the protagonist desires cannot be easily achievable

Protagonist and Antagonist In many movies, there is a character who provides the strongest obstacle to the protagonist. Such a character is known as the antagonist. Though antagonists are often evil, this isn’t always the case. An antagonist can be a decent person who is simply at cross-purposes with the protagonist. No matter how intense the conflict, the protagonist should continue fighting to achieve the goal.

Character Arc Protagonist is changed over the course of the film Wiser or stronger for example Gradual change (Internal Progression) The seeds of the character’s redemption or destruction are there at the beginning Rick in Casablanca, Neo in Matrix

Appeal The audience should find the Protagonist appealing in some way This is who the audience is supposed to root for. The audience doesn’t have to like the character but they should find something redeeming about them. The Protagonist doesn’t have to be the “good guy.” Protagonist doesn’t have to be glamorous

Other Major Characters Most features have 3-5 main characters These characters may have arcs as well Romantic interest Friend or Mentor Antagonist Strongest obstacle to the Protagonist’s goal Equally matched to the Protagonist Doesn’t have to be “bad” or villainous

Dramatic Function The dramatic function of a character logistical structure (cause>effect) The function of the character in the story directly ties him/her to your plot. The combination of roles among your characters can actually help to build your story outline.

DIALOGUE Dialogue is a great way to reveal character. You should strive to make your character sound unique and different from the other characters. Dialogue should be idiomatic, maintaining the individuality of the speaker, yet still blend into the style of the screenplay as a whole.

Other Orchestrate the cast (Star Wars, Fargo) Add Dimension to the characters Complexity and Fullness Contrasting traits May not be able to verbalize them

Memorable Characters

Tips Be a Sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them in order that the reader may see what they are made of. - Kurt Vonnegut What is the worst thing that can happen to this person?

Profile - Assignment Create a character profile for the protagonist in your short film Include Physical, Cultural, Personality traits Character actions should be consistent with the personality Character dialogue should be consistent with the personality