Developing Characters for Feature Films

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Developing Characters for Feature Films
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Why do you need rounded characters?

• Flat characters stock characters that are there
  simply to fulfill an action.
• Round characters Main characters that have
  backgrounds and feelings, behaviors, etc. that
  are affected by that background

We can relate to round characters on some level
other peoples or characters point of view is
what separates us.
Character arcs a character changes as a result
of the dramatic action over the course of the
film in a way that is consistent with their
personality.
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Screenwriting Mantra 3

• Character is action
• Characters are revealed through their actions,
  behaviors, and their dialog. Know your characters
  inside-out.

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How do you reveal Character on paper?

• Flashbacks Excessive exposition avoid at all
  costs characters are revealed through their
  actions and interactions.

Characters experience conflict in achieving their
dramatic need.
They interact with other characters.
They interact with themselves.
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Dissecting a Character

• Interior forms the character it is the
  biography from birth to present that affects all
  the characters personality traits. Developed
  through asking questions and brainstorming.

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Dissecting a Character

• Exterior- reveals the character all action,
  behavior, dialog, etc. that is a result of the
  Interior influences

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Developing the Exterior

• Define the need of your character what is the
  overall need of the character that propels him
  through the action of the screenplay you can
  then create obstacles to that need.

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Developing the Exterior

• Define the action of your character through
• Professional what do they do for a living? Are
  they successful at it? What are their
  relationships to their coworkers?

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Developing the Exterior

• Define the action of your character through
• Personal are they married? Divorced? How many
  friends do they have?

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Developing the Exterior

• Define the action of your character through
• Private what do they do when alone? Any
  hobbies? Any secrets?