character arc
Creating relatable characters makes a story memorable. Audiences love characters who feel real. Peter Parker, for example, is not just a hero; he’s a person with struggles. He worries about school, family, and money. Such human qualities draw audiences in. Relatable characters make us feel seen. They bring depth to stories and keep us coming back. Table of contentsThe Importance of Personality TraitsPresent Moment: Staying Grounded in the SceneMental Health and Character DepthCreating a Believable Main CharacterYoung Girl Protagonists and
Eleanor Young – Truly ORIGINAL Characters Series: Part 25
Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts’ articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Eleanor Young from Crazy Rich Asians (2018). View all Truly Original Characters + Table of contentsWhat is an original character?Who is Eleanor Young?Eleanor Young – BackgroundSingaporean Matriarch: The Intriguing Life of Eleanor Young in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’Eleanor Young’s CharacterEleanor Young: A Portrait of Elegance, Intelligence, and TraditionFaith, Ambition, and Vulnerability: The Complex World of Eleanor YoungEleanor Young’s
How to Avoid Writing One Dimensional Characters
In the realm of storytelling, characters are the heartbeat of any narrative. They drive the plot forward, elicit emotional responses, and ultimately connect the audience to the story. However, one common pitfall that screenwriters may encounter is the creation of one dimensional characters. These flat, predictable personas can leave audiences disengaged and stories lacking the depth needed to make a lasting impact. Table of contentsWhat is a One-Dimensional Character?The Dangers of One Dimensional CharactersOne Dimensional Characters : Audience DisconnectPredictabilityLack of
The Vital Secondary Character and Its Importance in Screenwriting
In the intricate tapestry of storytelling, screenwriters often find themselves navigating the delicate balance between character development and plot progression. The secondary character, often overlooked, crucially shapes the narrative and enhances the screenplay’s impact, despite the main character’s prominence. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of the second character and why their presence is essential in creating a compelling and resonant story. Table of contentsWhat is a Secondary Character?Secondary Character: Establishing Depth and DimensionAdding Layers to the NarrativeSecondary Character:
Katniss Everdeen – Truly ORIGINAL Characters Series: Part 24
Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts’ articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Katnis Everdeen from The Hunger Games (2012). View all Truly Original Characters + Table of contentsWhat is an original character?Who is Katniss Everdeen?The Struggle in District 12Survival Instincts and SkillsNavigating Psychological Warfare and Symbolizing RebellionForming Alliances and Building BondsCatalysts for Unity and Rebellion Beyond the ArenaUnwavering DeterminationA Symbol of Resistance and Hope Amidst Capitol’s Oppression”Conclusion What is an
Roman Roy – Truly ORIGINAL Characters Series: Part 22
Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Roman Roy from Succession. View all Truly Original Characters + Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Roman Roy?What Makes Roman Roy an Original Character?Roman Roy and Logan RoyRoman and the Roy SiblingsRoman and ShivRoman Roy – Uncomfortable PositionsMature Immaturity What is an Original Character? It’s a character that sticks with you even when they’re long gone from
How Do You CREATE and MAINTAIN Empathetic Characters?
There are many important aspects to writing a great screenplay; good dialogue, interesting settings, unique stories, and good characterisation. However, little is arguably more important than creating and maintaining empathetic characters. Empathetic characters are the cornerstones of most great stories. Without an empathetic protagonist, in particular, the audience may struggle to connect to your story, narrative arcs, themes and even setting. Even the seemingly most unlikeable of characters will have something in the way of empathy; a reason to be
What is Indirect Characterization in Screenwriting? 12 KEY Steps
Indirect characterization is an essential part of constructing a convincing and compelling fictional character. Whether your character is a hero, a villain or a sidekick, they are always more interesting and enjoyable to watch if they are well-rounded and developed with realistic behavior. This is what indirect characterization can add to the writing of your characters. So in this article, we will provide a detailed definition of indirect characterization as well as tips on using it to its best potential. Table of
How Do You Write a GREAT Sidekick Character?
Writing a sidekick character can come with a lot of creative freedom. Where your protagonist or hero may have a rigid characterisation, a sidekick can complement them in many different ways. Are they a life-long friend, a reluctant ally, or even an animal? As the name suggests, their main role is to assist the protagonist (or perhaps antagonist). As such, a sidekick can be equally as crucial to story development as those that they accompany. Despite not being at the center
How Do You Write a Convincing and Powerful Death Scene?
How to write a good death scene? This is a question writers may well have been pondering since stories were told on the walls of caves. From Shakespeare to Spielberg, death scenes are ever-present in storytelling. Sometimes death in a film or TV show doesn’t even have to be realistic to have us mourning our favorite characters. Audiences have shed many tears over a fictional, fantastical death before. A great death scene can make or break the legacy of a
The KEY Building Blocks to Writing a GOOD Romantic Comedy
The romantic comedy goes all the way back to Shakespeare, with plays such as Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night’s Dream being full of love triangles and comic misunderstandings. If done right, writing romantic comedy can be a surefire way to crowd-please both critically and commercially. It’s a genre that has evolved through time but has remained extremely popular with audiences and the box office. Although sometimes reduced to cliche, romantic comedies, at their core, are about happiness and
How Do You Use the Bookend Technique in Screenwriting?
Often there are terms in screenwriting that do what they say on the tin. The bookend technique fulfils this mantra. It’s a plot device used to sandwich a story like two bookends. But what exactly does the bookend technique look like in screenwriting? And how can you deploy it? In this article, we will help you understand the bookend technique and how to use it in your own writing. To do this, we will take three easy steps. Teach you
What The Social Network Opening Scene Teaches Screenwriters
The Social Network opening scene grips the audience into its world. It’s one of the most compelling examples of an opening scene in its use of quick dialogue, acute character set-up and rich conflict. Written by the characteristically sharp Aaron Sorkin, The Social Network, as a whole, is a masterful exploration of clashing egos. It’s ultimately a brilliant character study, taking a look at what drives someone with ruthless ambition. And it’s the opening scene that lays this thematic purpose
What is a Mary Sue Character And How Do You Avoid Writing One?
In recent years, there has been a lot of dialogue around who the term Mary Sue can be ascribed to and what constitutes it. But what, fundamentally, is a Mary Sue character? And perhaps more importantly, with it being seen largely as a negative trait for a screenplay, what can be done to avoid it? In this article, we look into the meaning of a Mary Sue character and how you can protect against writing one in your screenplay. So,
The 10 KEY Building Blocks to Writing Revenge Stories
Revenge stories are a popular sub-genre almost guaranteed to satisfy an audience. They’re typically a visceral and cathartic response to injustice and consequently something that elicits easy emotion. We love to follow a journey of change and retribution and revenge stories provide us with these essential elements. Writing revenge – defined as the action of hurting or harming someone in return for an injury or wrongdoing suffered at their hands – can be particularly fun, dark, and, as with writing
The BEST Series Finales and What They Teach About Writing TV
How do you finish writing a TV series? We all know the feeling of being disappointed by a series finale, mourning not only the loss of a treasured show but also an unsatisfying ending. But what about the series finales which leave us with our jaw on the floor (in a good way)? What can these brilliant series finales teach screenwriters about storytelling and about TV writing? We take a look at some of the best examples and analyze what
Kim Wexler – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 19
Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts’ articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Kim Wexler from Better Call Saul. View all Truly Original Characters + Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Kim Wexler?What Makes Kim Wexler an Original Character?Kim Wexler and Jimmy McGill A Perfect On-Screen Relationship Kim Wexler vs Howard HamlinKim’s Past – How Did She Get Here?In Conclusion – Better Call Kim What is an
What is Circular Storytelling? The KEY Lessons For Story Structure
Circular storytelling is a structural technique visible in many stories across film, TV, literature and other mediums. But what exactly does the structure entail? And could it be useful to your screenplay? We take a look… Table of ContentsWhat is Narrative Structure?What’s the Point of Circular Storytelling?Circular Storytelling in Other MediumsThe Hero’s JourneyCircular Storytelling in Dan Harmon’s Story CircleCircular Storytelling in SitcomsDetermining the Best Narrative Structure For Your ScreenplayIs Circular Storytelling Right for Your Story? What is Narrative Structure? Everyone
Writing Act Three: The Conclusion – An ESSENTIAL Breakdown
The third act. The end. The stroll off into the sunset or dramatic cliffhanger. Writing your third act is the finishing stretch and, therefore, vitally important in leaving the audience or screenplay reader with a great and lasting impression of your screenplay. This is what you have been building to for the past one or two hours. It doesn’t have to be a happy ending or thrill ride. What it absolutely should do though is satisfy all those questions act
The 22 PIXAR STORYTELLING RULES: Lessons for Screenwriters
Pixar films are some of the most well-crafted stories in cinema history. And so it’s no wonder that there appear to be Pixar storytelling rules that writers and directors of these movies typically follow. In 2011, a Pixar story artist, Emma Coats, wrote and tweeted a list of “Story Rules” she learned while working for Pixar. Note: She has now stated she wishes she had called them “guidelines” instead. The so-called guidelines were essentially a number of tips for writers
Is The Godfather Opening Scene the Best Opening Scene EVER?
What do great opening scenes do? They capture the essence of the upcoming story, whether the audience knows it or not. At their best, they lay out the story’s essential driving theme cinematically and grippingly as well as establishing tone, genre and some elements of characterisation. With this in mind, The Godfather opening scene makes a strong case for a perfect opening scene. But what is it exactly that makes this scene such a great opening to the film? And
Writing Act Two: The Conflict – An ESSENTIAL and SIMPLE Breakdown
So you’ve finished act one. You’ve got your beginning and you probably have some ideas about your ending, but how do you create your middle? What happens between the end of the first act and the beginning of the third? Well, appropriately enough, writing act two is next on the agenda. Act two is the core of your story. The central, overarching plot and all your character arcs come into play. It’s for these reasons that writing act two is
Rue From Euphoria – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 17
Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts’ articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Rue from Euphoria. View all Truly Original Characters + Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Rue From Euphoria?What Makes Rue From Euphoria an Original Character?Rue From Euphoria: A Multi-Dimensional CharacterSeason OneSeason TwoFirst-Person Narration Mise-en-scèneRue Bennett’s RelationshipsJules Vaughn and Rue BennettGia Bennett and Rue BennettLexi Howard and Rue BennettFezco “Fez” and Rue BennettRue From Euphoria: A Reflection
Tina Belcher from Bob’s Burgers – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 16
Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts’ articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Tina Belcher from Bob’s Burgers. View all Truly Original Characters + Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?What Makes Tina Belcher Original?Tina Belcher’s Love LifeTina’s Family RelationshipsRainbows and Erotic FictionTina Belcher – Personality Through Musicality The Lasting Impact of Tina Belcher What is an Original Character? It’s a character that sticks with
How Do You Write BRILLIANT and ALTERNATIVE Teen Drama?
Teen drama is one of the most enduring genres to have graced TV screens since its inception. We’ve all been teenagers at some point. And the heartbreak, emotions, journeys, discoveries, and drama that comes with being a teenager typically makes for highly engaging stories. As a screenwriter, you may be thinking that a teen drama is a perfect way to capture audiences. But how do you write teen drama? Moreover, how do you write teen drama that is alternative or
How to Effectively Weave Character Backstory into Your Screenplay
So, you made it through one of the hardest parts of writing a screenplay; you created your characters. From childhood trauma to adulthood adventures, you’ve fleshed out your entire character backstory. You should be excited to move forward. Any main character of any compelling story has to have a backstory to match. And anytime you write a character whose story deserves to be told, it’s important for the audience to know your character’s entire history so they love your character
Shiv Roy – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series Part: 15
Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Shiv Roy from Succession. View all Truly Original Characters + Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Shiv Roy?What Makes Shiv Roy an Original Character?Shifting LoyaltiesShiv’s Relationship with LoganSibling Rivalries The Gilded CageFashion Sense and ImageIn Conclusion What is an Original Character? It’s a character that sticks with you even when
10 INCREDIBLE Closing Scenes & What They Teach Screenwriters
The closing scene of any film is crucial. The last scene and image should stick with viewers. If done well, it can prove to be a vital cog in a successful film. In contrast, an unsatisfactory ending can ruin a film. This is especially the case if it feels rushed, confusing, or if the main character experiences no growth or change. The best story endings conclude the arc of a character’s journey in a satisfying way. This doesn’t mean your
Michael Scott – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 14
Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts’ articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Michael Scott from The Office. View all Truly Original Characters + Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Michael Scott?Complex, Three-Dimensional CharactersThe Evolution of Michael ScottSeason One Michael Scott:Season Two Michael Scott:The Later SeasonsMichael Scott’s RelationshipsDwight SchrutePam Beesly Jan LevinsonHolly FlaxIn Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Michael Scott What is an
How To Write an Active Protagonist (and Avoid a Passive Protagonist)
Table of ContentsWhat is an Active Protagonist?Goals and DesiresMatchmaking: Antagonism and the Active ProtagonistEscalation and the Active Protagonist Actioning Dialogue and Avoiding PassivityStakes and Ticking ClocksExamples of Active ProtagonistsRon Woodroof in Dallas Buyers ClubJoe Goldberg in YouRay Ferrier in War of the WorldsAC 12 in Line of DutyProfessional Protagonists What is an Active Protagonist? An active protagonist is a main character who is not merely affected by the world around them, but affects that world too. Their actions, both internal
Writing Christmas Films & Navigating the Holidays: The ULTIMATE Guide
When writing Christmas films there’s multiple sub-genres and elements to consider to make it the perfect holiday watch. It’s no secret that there are a range of elements to cover when trying to make a classic Christmas film. But where do you start? And how do you make sure you’re following the right beats whilst writing something fresh? We take a look… Table of ContentsWhat is a Christmas Film?The Different Types of Hybrid Christmas Genres1. Christmas Genre: Romantic Comedy Holiday2.
Saul Goodman – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series Part: 13
Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts’ articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. View all Truly Original Characters + Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Saul Goodman?Jimmy Becomes SaulComplex, Three-Dimensional CharactersJimmy and Chuck McGillJimmy and Kim WexlerThe Name BehindSaul Goodman’s DevelopmentWhy is Saul Goodman an Original Character?Saul Goodman: Good or Bad?In Conclusion What is
The Essential Elements of Writing a Fish Out of Water Story
Table of ContentsWhat is a Fish Out of Water Story?The Essential Elements of a Fish Out of Water Story1. Subjective Perspective2. Objective Uses 3. Partial Fish Out of Water4. Don’t Be Afraid of Exposition5. Conflict is in the Nature of a Fish Out of Water StoryThe Fish Out of Water Narrative Structure1. The Introduction of a Whole New World2. Making Mistakes3. Success 4. The Biggest Challenge Yet 5. The FutureThe Fish Out of Water – In Conclusion In Summary What
How Do You Write Likeable Characters? ESSENTIAL Steps and Examples
Likeable characters are often at the heart of great TV and film. But what makes a likeable character? In this article, we’ll look at the keys to writing a likeable character that convinces in their depth and realism and what makes a likeable character in the first place. We’ll also take a look at some great examples of likeable characters, demonstrating how the best of them are created and realised on screen. Table of ContentsWhat is a Likeable Character?The 6
Kendall Roy – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 12
Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts’ articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Kendall Roy from Succession. View all Truly Original Characters > Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Kendall Roy?What Makes Kendall Roy an Original Character?Kendall’s RelationshipsKendall and Logan Roy Kendall and the Roy SiblingsKendall Roy’s Season 1 Character ArcKendall Roy’s Season 2 Character ArcThe Kendall We KnowKendall’s Strengths and WeaknessesThe Crux of Kendall and the Crux of Great
What Makes A Great Action And Adventure Movie Script?
The action and adventure movie genre is one that often sits at the top of the box office. It’s a genre that can have a wide reach across many different audiences and captivate with its mix of engaging characters, thrilling set-pieces and general sense of escapism. But how do you approach writing what is such a formidable and large scale genre? And what exactly are the elements that make up an action and adventure movie in the first place? We
How Do You Write a Cinematic Two Hander? The ESSENTIAL Steps
A movie that not only follows one protagonist but two always feels like one with an added layer of depth and substance. In the screenwriting world, this kind of movie, with dual protagonists, is often called a two hander. Many movies and genres follow the arc of dual protagonists. It’s a popular form because you get to see two distinct characters on a journey together. The audience watches their conflicts push the story forward and how they develop as characters
How To Write Dialogue Between Multiple Characters: The ESSENTIALS
Dialogue is difficult. And writing dialogue between multiple characters adds pressure as there is a lot to juggle. It can be a struggle for any writer whether you’re a novice or a veteran. In this article, we will provide all the tips needed to be able to grasp writing dialogue between multiple characters. It may seem overwhelming initially, but a structured and disciplined approach smooths the tricky path. And soon enough the ability to write dialogue between multiple characters will
How Do You Write A Character Bio? The Road to GREAT Characterisation
Character bios can be an essential part of writing your character. There is no story without a character, just as there is no character without a character bio. Every writer needs some semblance of a bio before they can start writing because it is the only way to truly know who your character is. Without one, it’s harder to feel their existence as something tangible. The best way to think of a character bio is as it being their passport.
Tyler Durden – ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series Part: 9
Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts’ articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Tyler Durden from Fight Club. Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character? Who is Tyler Durden? What Makes Tyler Durden Original? Multi-Dimensional CharacterTyler’s PurposeTyler’s InfluenceAn Anti-Hero’s JourneyTyler Durden & Masculinity In Conclusion What is an Original Character? It’s a character that sticks with you even when they’re long gone from your screens. It’s a character that serves as
Writing a Satisfying Story Ending: The COMPLETE Guide
Table of ContentsStory Ending: The Most Important Part of Your ScreenplayKnow Your Story Ending Before You Start WritingFinding a Story Ending That Fits Your ScreenplaySetting Up the Climax of Your Story Ending1) Up the Stakes2) Prove How Far Your Character Has Come3) Renew the Attack Upon Your Character’s New ParadigmThe Ultimate Choice Between Want and Need The Climactic MomentToy StoryStar Wars: Revenge of the SithThe Character’s New World BeginsThe Story Ending Answers the Thematic Question The Power of the Final Image In
Dual Protagonists: How to Handle TWO Lead Characters in Your Screenplay
Table of ContentsDual Protagonists: Breaking the MouldThe Function of a ProtagonistEmpathy for Your ProtagonistThe Dual ProtagonistsThe Three Plot LinesCompeting for a Shared GoalThe DepartedThe Inner + Outer JourneysThe Shawshank RedemptionA Unifying ThemeChallenging Their BeliefsThe PrestigeRobert Angier and Alfred BordenThe Structure of Dual Protagonists Tandem NarrativesFlashback Forms In Summary Dual Protagonists: Breaking the Mould There is no law in screenwriting that dictates you must only have one protagonist, or main character, in your screenplay. Granted, most writers choose to dedicate their
Creating Characters That Leap Off The Page: What Are The 15 VITAL Steps?
Table of ContentsCreating Characters: A Daunting Process1. Determine Your Character’s Role in the Story2. Get to Know your Character from the Inside outA Character’s Life: Interior and Exterior 3. Establish your Character’s Individual Point of ViewCharacters’ Points of View in Jurassic Park4. Each Character Must Have an Attitude5. The Lie the Character Believes6. Your Character’s Ghost7. Determine What Your Character Wants8. Determine What Your Character Needs9. Something has to Stand in their Way10. Make Your Characters Take Action11. The Tactics
Antagonist Examples: 15 of the BEST Formidable Foes from Film & TV
In screenwriting terms, the antagonist of a story is arguably as important as the protagonist. In the very simplest terms, if your protagonist is the hero, then the antagonist is the villain… Table of ContentsWhat is an Antagonist?15 Fantastic Antagonist ExamplesAntagonist Example 1: Tracy Flick 2: Erik Killmonger3: Terence Fletcher4: John Fitzgerald + Nature5: King George VI’s Stammer6: Travis Bickle + Society7: The Joker8: Violence + Anton Chigurh 9: Reality TV + Christof10: Tyler Durden11: Infertility (Dystopia)12: The Shark13: Ava
ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part Five – Walter White
Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Walter White from Breaking Bad. Table of contentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Walter White?Complex, Three-Dimensional CharactersSupporting Characters in Breaking Bad:Jesse and Walter’s Relationship:Walter White as a Father Figure?Walter White: Hero Or Villain?Walter’s Motivation And Purpose:Who is ‘Heisenberg’?Masculinity in Breaking Bad: Walter as a Husband And Father:Skyler WhiteWalter White: A Good Father?Walter’s Character Development:The Veneer of a ‘Likeable’ Character
The 10 Critical Steps of Good Character Development
In writing a screenplay, with every character, you create them and take them on a journey. But how do you get to that point? How do you know who your character is and where to take them? This is the essence of character development. Furthermore, when you create a screenplay, you’re not only creating the lead characters, but you’re also responsible for creating supporting characters, as well as minor characters. And if you’re writing for TV, you potentially will need
The Deep Value of Subplots: With 10 Awesome Examples
The Value and Importance of Subplots: With 10 Amazing Examples Subplots. Most movies and TV series have them, whether large or small. The grand overarching plot is the defining part …
How to Properly Nail Your Character Arc: The Ultimate Guide
How to Nail Your Character Arc: The Ultimate Guide A crucial part of any screenplay is the main character’s growth and evolution from beginning to end. This is their …
10 Extreme Character Arcs in Film & TV
We all know that most good characters undergo some kind of change over the course of their story. Whether it’s a change in perspective, circumstance or goal, WE as the …