So much focus on screenplay writing, as well as critique, seems to be on the main character, or the hero. Certainly, a lot of that focus is warranted. No one wants to have a screenplay with a weak or ineffectual hero. However, I would submit to you that you need to spend an equal amount of time …
Category: Character
Hero Vs. Villain: Who Is More Interesting?
One of the things that I notice when reading scripts is how, especially in early drafts, the antagonist is almost always a more interesting character than the protagonist. This is clearly an issue for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that you want the audience to root for your hero and …
“What Do You Want?” The First Question To Ask Your Hero
I read a script last week for a repeat client. It was a good script, had a good and suspenseful storyline, an ironic and interesting premise, and a deep and complex main character. It was an entertaining read, borderline thriller, and I enjoyed reading it very much. Yet, something was bugging me about it, and …
The Human Touch: Humanizing Your Main Character
I’ve been working with a client on a script for the past couple of months, and a familiar problem reared its ugly head. The script had a compelling premise, the storyline was well structured with steadily rising tension throughout the second and third acts. For the most part, the characters were engaging and likeable with …
Love Your Hero Enough to Make Her Flawed
The best heroes have something wrong with them. That’s usually why they have to go on the journeys they’re on. They have some flaw or some hole within them that needs to be filled before they can be whole and move on with the rest of their lives. One of the most common mistakes I’ve …
Wading Into the Shallow End of the Character Depth Pool
One of the most difficult things about writing a screenplay is creating characters with depth. When I evaluate scripts , I notice that most people seem to have three-act structure down or some interpretation of the Hero’s Journey worked out. They have characters that have unique and specific personalities, but the characters, and the main …
Who’s Got Your back? Missing the Mentor In Screenplays.
I’ve noticed recently when covering scripts that a lot of screenwriters are missing mentors for their heroes. Though not necessarily essential, a mentor can be a valuable asset to a screenplay and can provide a way to handle some otherwise boring exposition. A mentor is another tool in the toolbox of a screenwriter. He explains …