I'm writing a new short script and the hero created is suffering from chronic depression but masks it with black market prescription "upper" drugs. Everything was going fine when writing until I realized I had no clue why she suffered from chronic depression in the first place. I ran through her back story I made for her and there isn't anything to depressing. Anyway, I dont want the typical cliche reasons why people fall into depression. In order for me to have a great "hook" for my story, I want something new and original. I figured the best way to come up with some fresh reasons is to ask people who aren't hiding behind studies and statistics. Anybody have any ideas?
Screenwriting : Need original reasons for Chronic Depression. by Nikki April Lee
Need original reasons for Chronic Depression.
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Maybe something going back to her childhood and it's still evident in some of her actions/decisions as an adult.; or maybe a long time ago she failed at something (marriage, goal, etc) and is still haunted by it.
@Browne I like that idea of her being a pile of human without a cause. Nice. @Lane one of my weaknesses is failure. My character failing at something in her past would be a great reason for her depression. Now I just gotta figure out what. Both of these help me greatly narrow down her backstory greatly. :) Thanks
People fall into chronic depression when life lets them down and their dreams are lost. You have to ask "What did she-he come down here for?"
Chemical imbalances....... now there's a challenge. LOL. The only bad things that's happened to her in her past (so far) is her parents' death in a car accident and she being diagnosed with infertility. Death of a parent is always a huge stressor on a child. Infertility could be a major contributor, especially because she's a woman. The thought of her not being able to have kids of her own one day could be pretty hard to deal with. She'll build the belief that no man would want to be with a woman who can't reproduce therefor dropping her self-esteem.... I think I just about have this figured out. lol
Genetics? Not very interesting but it happens.
What are her goals in life? What does she want to win? Why is the Antagaonist keeping her from reaching her goals? What is the Hero willing to do in an extreme measure to defeat the Antagonist and win? That should help you determine what caused her chronic depression.
Exactly... something is out of balance; her life, her trust; something or someone she lost, etc. This is part of or close to the inciting incident. If she knows what her ultimate goal is; which must include defeating the protagonist, then that might explain what she lost that is causing her depression.