The secret of how to write characters in a screenplay is simply to put them first. Character is at the heart of a story and it is their actions and decisions that drive it forwards. People re-watch films and re-read novels for their characters. Laurel and Hardy made over a hundred films and although people would struggle to recall the plots, the characters are iconic. All great literature is character driven and that's why they keep getting rediscovered by each new generation.
There are only 7 stories but characters are infinitely variable.
Characters are individual to you as a writer so that’s where your initial focus should be.
The better you make your antagonist, the better your hero needs to be to stop them and that, in turn, makes for a better story.
Movie goers pay to see a hero overcome personal odds. If your hero is the same at the end of the film as they were at the beginning then ask yourself why have viewers been watching for 2 hours?
All mothers love their sons, even if they’re a hitman or serial killer. You have to love your characters and understand their motivations. They won’t be authentic if you don’t.
Make sure your hero’s and villain’s motivations (The Main Tension) are clear. All character motivations should then relate / reflect / oppose this.
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Character is where a lot of the writer’s voice comes from so don't be afraid to explore.
Give the audience someone to cheer and someone to boo. It dates back to plays of ancient Greece and it's importance can't be understated. The audience have to root for the good guy and hope the villain gets what they deserve. It's pretty obvious but if you make your hero too unlikable and your villain redeemable then the audience tire quickly.
Characters should drive the narrative - not the other way around. Think about what makes your character unique and how they propel the story because of it - for good or for bad. If the hero isn't taking charge and failing, any success they get at the end of the story won't feel earned.
The more conflict and obstacles (physical and phycological) your hero has to overcome, the better. If the hero has a fear of heights - make sure the antagonist’s lair is a high-rise apartment.
See the hero and antagonist as polar opposites that, if merged into one person, could be complete. For example - the hero might be shy of women - whilst the antagonist is a womaniser. The end of the story should see the hero take the best bits of the antagonist to balance themselves.
Give the hero a subjective story arc as well as a objective one. What the character WANTS (objective) & actually NEEDS (subjective).
A hero’s worst enemy is themselves. It's easier said then done but create your hero with faults and demons to overcome.
The most convincing and compelling antagonists are often those who would see themselves as the hero.
The villain raises a question that the hero has to answer. The hero wouldn't have a purpose if it wasn't for the villain. Check out the blog post on creating a villain.
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