I'm writing a murder mystery where the main character is lying about their name for about half of the script. I'm writing them as their actual character name for clarity for the script reader, but the audience will only know them through their aliases until they reavel their real name. My question is: Should I let the audience in on the real identity of the main character when they are introduced on screen OR should they find out the main character's real name at the same time as the other characters do? Thoughts?
Screenwriting : Murder Mystery Character quesrionn by Eric McKeever
Founder/Creative Director at ElmTREESinger ♦ Screenwriter
4 years ago
Murder Mystery Character quesrionn
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I would say don't even let the script reader in on it until they reveal their real name. Remember when someone reads a script, they become an audience member and are seeing the film for the first time in their head.
I'm guessing the reason for the reveal is both important to the plot and to shock and awe the audience. If you really want to surprise the audience, hold off on the reveal until necessary and REALLY surprise them.
Hope this was helpful.
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How did McQuarrie do it on the page for "The Usual Suspects?"
Read script and copy the reveal
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hi Eric I suggest you read and research 'the importance of being ernest' by oscar wilde
I actually write a TV show which a murder/mystery/drama series which based on real stories And the episodes of the TV series are independent. Luckily I have the original ones and due the Greek police wish, I changed the names and the cases a bit
It’s a good question. It depends how much that surprise name relates to drama. You can expose early on the character’s is loose with the truth, then it might ‘fun’ to learn their real name with thr audience… because all along you knew they’re probably lying :)