Screenwriting : How to name indistinguishable henchmen in a screenplay? by Andy Alexander

Hmmm. Andy I'd say if those henchmen have individuality as a character, meaning if they have personal traits that add to the plot of the script, give them a distinguishable name. But if they are simply moving as a mob then label them as a group. You can even label them just as that-henchmen.

If however for instance, there's a leader that is dishing out the orders to the others, then you can name that leader something to distinguish him by as a key character among the bunch, and label the others as henchmen. And so on.

To further put things in perspective, I think Ready Player One is a great script that may be similar to what you're asking. Here's a an excerpt describing a group called Sixers:

INT. IOI HEADQUARTERS

Inside the building, a sea of workers in rows of Haptic Decks. A buzzing hive of activity; like a trading firm, all working to solve Anorak’s challenge.

WADE (V.O.)

They started their own division of egg hunters.

We see all of the IOI EMPLOYEES AVATARS have the same default

outfits and instead of names, NUMBERS. All of them start with a “six”.

WADE (V.O.)

We call em “Sixers” ‘cause that’s the rule, no name, just numbers.

They put this Kardash named Nolan Sorrento in charge.

SIXER (O.S.)

Mr. Sorrento! I’m in Central Park, sir!

I did Thug1 and Thug2

There are good evocative words for criminals

There was a big push not that long ago to not use names such as CHARACTER #1, CHARACTER #2, etc and give some sort of meaning to the name for the sake of the actor but everyone has their own opinion so whatever you prefer to use will have very little impact on the end result.

Advice to me has been, if they are important enough ti have dialogue, then they're important enough t have a distinguishable name. So, I agree with Imo, IMHO.

Thanks for your response, so far!

To clarify, they never have any spoken lines, and their faces are almost never seen. Think, for example, of The Sons of the Harpy in Game Of Thrones, who all wear the same mask.

Having said that, a few of them have important scenes when they interact with the main characters, but the majority of them are just causing havoc with other extras. So I'm thinking the few in big scenes could be 'RED SHIRT IN PARK', and 'RED SHIRT IN THE TEMPLE', etc. And the rest could be numbered. But should I repeat those numbers in later scenes so they are re-used, or not? Remember they are indistinguishable from each other.

It helps in production if the characters have names,. They're easily identified by the crew, not everyone will be on top of Character 1/2/3/4/5/6/ etc.

Edit: I meant filming not production.

What is the meaning of Red Shirt? Why Red Shirt? General speaking, that label could become redundant, repetitive, and tiring for your reader. Personally, I prefer to give some sort of name or a more distinct description to help my reader separate background or minor characters or to remember them if I’m expecting or I need readers to remember them for whatever reason. Perhaps for the more benign lean more into their function rather than the location or number for this gang or group: guard, driver, etc. If one is some sort of leader or some come back to repeatedly engage your main characters, even if they have no dialogue, give them a name or some simple handle perhaps a name based on some physical feature. Make it more interesting and entertaining to read. ;)

@Beth To be honest I just made up 'Red Shirt' for this forum as an example, my actual name is much more descriptive and memorable. But my key question revolves around the fact that they are all indistinguishable. Imagine the Sons Of The Harpy in Game of Thrones, or The Dark Riders in Lord Of The Rings. All are intentionally the same.

Now I've realised Lord Of The Rings would be a good example to look at, I've taken a look. It simply refers to 'a ringwraith' when it wants an individual ringwraith to do something, with the exception of the lead ringwraith who gets the name 'Witch King'.

But even so, I'm still warming towards sticking numbers after my names, surely it's better than giving them the same name?

Okay? But still. Some are usually “called out” or given some distinct difference if need be, to call to the reader’s/audience’s specific attention. Perhaps find those scripts for example. I was just glancing through John Wick (Scorn).

There are about 3 individual scenes where they have a significant interaction with the main characters. I could somehow name these ones differently. Its difficult to name though because, like ringwraiths, they are not actually any different to all the rest, they just happen to be the ones in contact with the main characters of the story. Unless I make up some subtle difference just for the sake of naming.

Andy, I (we) don’t have any context here. Nor do I (we) know your overall creative intent. My points above, really, in a nutshell are: Consider your reader as well. How to/what will engage them? What will help them understand and follow the action and plot. And never confuse. Clarity is key. ;) Again, seek out scripts that have some similar element to what you are trying to achieve. See how they handled it on the page. ;) I do hope that helps! Best to you!

Thanks Beth Fox Heisinger . Ye, I can see that I haven't revealed enough about my screenplay to get accurate responses, but I feel now I have a much better grasp of what I should do. :)

The trope of the redshirt, named after the Star Trek (original TV series) disposable side character, is that he (and rarely, she) exists only to die, often to ennoble the leading character.

Can you do something like this....Andy, Chris and Jack are known as "The Red Shirt Gang".

I think you have to give them all names so the audience can identify with them. Think in terms of real life. People can be part of a group but they all have a name/identity.

read scripts and steal whatever methods/style. Master the art of stealing.

"GREEN BOOK" script; The writers use "REDNECKS."

LIP (O.S.)

Get your hands off him!

REDNECK #1

What the good goddamn we got here, fellas?

LIP

Hand him over, we walk out, won’t be a problem.

REDNECK #1

Already is a problem, Mister.

DR. SHIRLEY

(slurring) I just came in for a drink.

REDNECK #2

He ain’t got no gun, Ray. Let’s get him. He’s fulla shit.

REDNECK #3

What if he ain’t?

Ahh got it. Makes sense.

Hey everyone, just wanna write here my conclusion from this discussion (feel free to comment still though!)

Firstly, I was rather unclear in my description of the context, because it feels weird to directly reveal my ideas (maybe I'm too paranoid about my ideas being stolen). So lots of talk here about 'thugs' is probably really useful as general advice, but isn't really apt for my screenplay.

My group of antagonists are more akin to the Ringwraiths in Lord of The Rings, but there's loads of them. They look identical to each other at a glance, and never speak.

I think I should give them numbered and slightly descriptive names (for example, if this was Lord of the Rings, Ringwraith #1, Ringwraith #2, etc). I may also give unique names for ones who directly pose a threat to the main characters in big scenes (e.g Ringwraith In Hobbiton).

Kay. I've done breakdowns and it wouldn't make a bit of difference.

Kay Luke Thanks for that advice Kay Luke ! My name will probably be multiple words, so I presume it still looks ok to jam the number onto the last word. e.g BLACK CLOAK REAPER#2

Actually I may just call my assailants Slayers, e.g SLAYER#1, SLAYER#2. That's a nice single word, and the first time they are seen they will be described. No need for multiple words.