I have a few ways I go about creating my characters when starting the early stages of development on my script. How to give them layers and things like that. I would like to hear how some people go about creating/developing their protagonists, antagonists and even the minor characters, because let's be honest, even the most minor character matters if you want to write a real, authentic and meaningful script.
Screenwriting : Character Studies by Wade Taylor
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I start with a theme and I build my protagonist off that theme, making his/her fatal flaw the opposite of that theme. Then I manifest the fatal flaw into the Antagonist. The natural character arc allows the Protagonist to meet his/her internal goal and overcoming the fatal flaw when they have defeated the Antagonist.
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That is a very good way to not only develop your character, but develop a stronger and more impactful story. Thanks for the response Chris.
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I understand that Chris, but us as the writer need to know as much as possible about the character in order to create the right ways to convey that to the audience through dialogue and action/reaction.
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Yes!! Each character must have a "worldview" -- perhaps even a different variance on your theme! I usually write 10 pages on my characters and most never even makes it into the script.
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I also write a 5-10 page background and character summary on my major characters Chris, riddling them with fears, habits and other issues. It usually helps me to create the scenes in order to mirror and bring out their traits/flaws.
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About the only good thing about getting older is that your experiences give you the "character" you need. I was a reporter for years and have a whole closet full to draw from.
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For me, the characters evolve over time as I'm writing and spending time in their universe. It works, the more time I spent thinking about the script and writing it, the better I am at knowing them and writing their traits and personality. By the third draft/re-write, they are more polished and multi-dimensional and feel real.
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Great feedback, important to do that work so every character has a genuine "life" no matter how small their part.
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Wade: One of the good things about getting older is that you've met more interesting people/characters. I simply use them, name and all, in the beginning. ;o)
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I do a lot of people watching. As I walk through a mall I may listen into conversations not for information but to catch mannerisms and attitudes. Sitting in a food court and just observing the "drama" around me is great for character studies. Airports work well if you travel. Find places where people are at their best (dates on restaurants ) and worst (waiting at the DMV) and ER / hospital waiting rooms should you find yourself waiting and waiting and waiting there
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I have always seen the relationship between the protagonist and the story as the key to development. In many of my favorite stories, the protagonist's fatal flaw IS the conflict of the story. Think Jack Nicholson's character in "As Good as it Gets" or even "Citizen Kane." Not only does this give you an honest, relatable story to tell, but it also ensures that your character really struggles and changes as a result. Therefore, be sure to develop your protagonist as you create your plot/outline, etc. or else your story and your characters run the risk of not being authentic.