characterisation

Unleash Your Writing Voice as a Screenwriter: The 10 Key Steps

by
Writing Voice: The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
In the world of screenwriting, a distinct voice is what sets you apart from other writers. It’s the unique way a writer brings their own personality and perspective to the stories they tell, making them instantly recognizable. Finding your writing voice in screenwriting is crucial because it defines YOUR unique style. It’s your point-of-difference, your X-Factor. It also shapes how audiences connect with your characters and stories. In this blog, we will explore the 10 key steps to help you

Read more

How To Assert Complete Control Over Your Character’s Perspective In Screenwriting

by
Fight Club (1999)
Creating a compelling screenplay demands mastery over your character’s perspective. Controlling this viewpoint is essential for the writer for deep storytelling. Character perspective refers to the unique viewpoint or lens through which a character experiences and interprets the world around them. It reflects their beliefs, values, emotions, and past experiences that influence how they perceive situations, interact with others, and make decisions. These perspectives shape the character’s behavior and responses within the whole story, providing depth and authenticity to their

Read more

How To Write A Masterful Femme Fatale Character

by
Femme Fatale: Ava Lord
The femme fatale, a seductive, dangerous and ‘fatal’ woman, has captivated audiences for centuries. From literary classics to silver screen icons, this archetype continues to intrigue. Beyond her alluring exterior lies a complex character capable of driving narratives and captivating hearts. Crafting a compelling femme fatale requires more than just allure; she must be a complex, multifaceted character. This post delves into the art of writing a masterful femme fatale. We’ll explore character development, her role in the plot, thematic

Read more

What are Character Foils in Screenwriting?

by
Character Foils: Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson from Sherlock
Character foils are the secret ingredients that add flavour and depth to a story. These contrasting characters, often paired with the protagonist, highlight key traits and qualities, enriching our understanding of the main character and themes. Dive into this exploration of character foils, discovering their role, significance, character examples and how to craft them for a compelling narrative. Table of ContentsWhat is a Foil Character?DefinitionWhy are they important?Difference between Antagonist and Character FoilHow to Write a Foil CharacterExamples of Foil

Read more

How to Avoid Writing One Dimensional Characters

by
one dimensional character
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

Read more

Are These The Best Movie Villains of All Time?

by
Movie Villains
Cinema has given us an excess of memorable characters over the years. However, only a handful of characters make a lasting impact like the iconic villains that linger in our memories on screen. The finest film villains, ranging from menacing to psychologically intricate, not only confront heroes but also attract audiences with their evilness. In this exploration, we delve into the realms of cinematic history to celebrate some of the best movie villains ever brought to life on the silver

Read more

Roman Roy – Truly ORIGINAL Characters Series: Part 22

by
Roman Roy Original Character
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

Read more

How Do You CREATE and MAINTAIN Empathetic Characters?

by
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

Read more

How Do You Write a GREAT Sidekick Character?

by
Samwise 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

Read more

Patrick Bateman – Truly ORIGINAL Characters Series: Part 21

by
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 Patrick Bateman from American Psycho. View all Truly Original Characters + Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Patrick Bateman?Complex, Three-Dimensional CharactersPatrick Bateman’s “Relationships”Jean and Patrick BatemanPaul Allen and Patrick BatemanDetective Kimball and Patrick BatemanEvelyn Williams and Patrick BatemanStruggle for PowerPsychology of Patrick BatemanReality vs. Constructed RealityWas It All In His Head?In Conclusion: What Makes

Read more

What is a Mary Sue Character And How Do You Avoid Writing One?

by
Rey Mary Sue Character
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,

Read more

Kim Wexler – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 19

by
Kim Wexler Original Character
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

Read more

Ferris Bueller- Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 18

by
Ferris Beuller Original Character
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 a classic movie character; Ferris Bueller from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. View all Truly Original Characters + Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Ferris Bueller?What Makes Ferris an Original Character?Breaking the Fourth WallFerris’ RelationshipsCameronJeanieSloaneEd RooneyFerris’ ParentsConfidence Versus Arrogance Having a Day OffIn Conclusion What is an Original Character? It’s a

Read more

Rue From Euphoria – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 17

by
Rue From Euphoria
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

Read more

How Do You Write BRILLIANT and ALTERNATIVE Teen Drama?

by
Stranger Things - 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

Read more

How to Effectively Weave Character Backstory into Your Screenplay

by
The Godfather Character Backstory
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

Read more

Shiv Roy – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series Part: 15

by
Shiv Roy Succession Original Character
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

Read more

Michael Scott – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 14

by
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

Read more

Writing Dramatic Irony in Screenwriting: The Key Steps

by
Toy Story Writing Dramatic Irony
Table of ContentsWhat is Dramatic Irony?Three Common Types of Irony Key Ways to Use Dramatic Irony in Screenwriting1. Using Dramatic Irony for Suspense 2. Using Alternative Perspectives 3. Engrossing the Audience in the Character’s Tragedy 4. Writing Dramatic Irony for Humour 5. Creating Empathy for Naive Characters Things to Watch Out for When Writing Dramatic Irony In Conclusion: Writing Dramatic Irony EffectivelyIn Summary What is Dramatic Irony? Simply put, dramatic irony is a form of irony. It is both a

Read more

Saul Goodman – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series Part: 13

by
Saul Goodman Original Character
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

Read more

How Do You Write Likeable Characters? ESSENTIAL Steps and Examples

by
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

Read more

Kendall Roy – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 12

by
Kendall Roy Original Character
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

Read more

How Do You Write a Cinematic Two Hander? The ESSENTIAL Steps

by
The Lighthouse Two Hander
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

Read more

Daryl Dixon – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series Part: 11

by
Crossbow
Welcome to Industrial Scripts’ Truly Original Characters series, an ongoing sequence of articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article focusses on Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead. View all Truly Original Characters > Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Daryl Dixon?What Makes Daryl Dixon an Original Character?Multi-Dimensional CharactersDaryl Dixon’s RelationshipsRick Grimes and Daryl DixonMerle Dixon and Daryl DixonCarol Peletier and Daryl DixonDaryl Dixon’s Journey and Character ArcDaryl Dixon’s Strengths and

Read more

What is a Soliloquy? And Is There Space for Soliloquies in Screenwriting?

by
Taxi Driver Soliloquy
Most will remember Hamlet’s famous speech, the one example of a soliloquy that has been painfully etched into many students’ memories – “to be or not to be”. And conveniently enough, such a question helps this article’s premise too. Is there space for soliloquies in screenwriting? What is a soliloquy and what is its purpose? Do they have a place in modern screenwriting? And how are they written into screenplays? Let’s take a look… Table of ContentsWhat is a Soliloquy?The

Read more

How To Write Dialogue Between Multiple Characters: The ESSENTIALS

by
12 Angry Men Dialogue Between Characters
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

Read more

How Do You Write A Character Bio? The Road to GREAT Characterisation

by
Tony Soprano Character Bio
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.

Read more

Beth Harmon – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series Part: 10

by
Beth Harmon Original Character
Welcome to Industrial Scripts’ Truly Original Characters series, an ongoing sequence of articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article focusses on Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit. View all Truly Original Characters > Table of ContentsWho is Beth Harmon?What Makes Beth Harmon an Original Character?Multi-Dimensional CharacterBeth Harmon’s RelationshipsMr Shaibel and Beth HarmonTownes and Beth HarmonBenny Watts and Beth HarmonBeth Harmon’s Journey and Character ArcBeth’s Strengths and WeaknessesWeakness As StrengthIn Conclusion What is an Original Character? It’s a

Read more

What is Method Writing? Meaningless Buzzword or Useful Tool?

by
Barton Fink Method Writing
The market for stories has a wealth of new entrants every year. This is of little help to most writers who do not need any further reminders that they are in a tough industry. New approaches to writing, however, could be helpful to some writers seeking to stand out in such a competitive field or to break through writer’s block. And one approach that has gathered momentum in recent times is “method writing”. Table of ContentsIntroduction: What is Method Writing?Employing

Read more

Eleven from STRANGER THINGS – Original Characters Series: Part 8

by
Eleven-fron-Stranger-Things-S1
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 Eleven from Stranger Things. 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 a reference point in casual conversation or a character that sums up a behavior or generation. original, adjective“not the same as anything or anyone else and therefore special and interesting…”—

Read more

Travis Bickle – ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 7

by
Travis Bickle Taxi Driver Cinema
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 Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver. Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Travis Bickle?What Makes Travis Bickle Stand Out?A Multi-Dimensional CharacterTravis Bickle’s PastThe Power of the AntiheroWhat Reveals Travis Bickle’s MotivesThe Assassination IrisTravis Bickle’s RevengeThe Road to DestructionIn Conclusion What is an Original Character? It’s a character that sticks with you even when they’re long

Read more

Barry Berkman – ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 6

by
Barry Berkman Original Character
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 Barry Berkman from Barry. Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Barry Berkman?Complex, Three-Dimensional CharactersCharacters in BarryMonroe FuchesGene CousineauSally ReedFinding PurposeBarry Berkman’s Double LifeBarry Berkman’s Character Development What Makes Barry Berkman an Original Character? 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

Read more

ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part Five – Walter White

by
Breaking Bad Pilot - Walter White - Original Character
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

Read more

The 10 Critical Steps of Good Character Development

by
Joker 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

Read more