protagonist

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

The KEY Elements to Workplace Dystopias in Film and TV

by
Severance Workplace Dystopias
Over the last few years, there has been a rise in the number of workplace dystopias in film and TV. But what are the essential elements of these stories? And why do writers return to the format again and again? We take a look at the key parts of workplace dystopias in film and TV, their context, inspiration and resonance. Table of ContentsThe Rate Race on Film – What is a Workplace Dystopia?A Brief History of the WorkplaceSeverance – a

Read more

What is Indirect Characterization in Screenwriting? 12 KEY Steps

by
The Social Network Indirect Characterization
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

Read more

What is an Unreliable Narrator and How Do You Write One?

by
American Psycho Unreliable Narrator
It’s comforting to settle into a story where we can trust the narrator to guide us easily and expertly. The narrator is, after all, the audience’s compass through the story, a framing device on which they can rely heavily. However, not all narrators can be trusted with equal measure. The unreliable narrator can lead the audience down the wrong path either on purpose or by virtue of their personality. But what’s the use of an unreliable narrator in screenwriting? And

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