What is a Two Hander in Movies?

A two hander is a term that describes a story driven by two protagonists. In theater, a two hander typically applies to a play in which there are only two main characters and no one else. In movies though, it's more broadly used to mean a movie in which the story contains two main characters.

How Do You Write a Two Hander?

The essentials in writing a two hander include making sure both of your two main characters have clearly defined goals and that they undergo significant change throughout the film because of each other. The two characters' existence must be entwined and the thematic purpose of using the two hander narrative structure must be clear. Otherwise, the protagonists' journeys aren't necessarily enhanced but instead, taken away from.

The Best Two Hander Movies

The best two hander movies thrive off the context in which the two protagonists find themselves. They push their characters to the limit and utilize the differences and similarities between them to extract conflict, narrative progression and a conclusion that either allows both protagonists to reach their goals or leaves one a winner and one a loser.

eBooks

Craft

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

Members only

This article continues in the IS Vault

Join Industrial Scripts for full access to 700+ guides, whitepapers, the script library, industry interviews and much more.

Join the IS Studio — $9.99/month

Cancel any time · No commitment

Industrial Scripts

Founded in early 2010, Industrial Scripts is now one of the world’s leading screenwriting companies, with close links to industry and over 1,000 verified testimonials from its global client base.