Characters in TV and film are more than words on a page — they’re embodied by actors, interpreted by directors, and felt by audiences. A strong screen character has to look, sound, and feel authentic, all while driving a visual narrative. Whether you’re crafting a character for a single feature or a multi-season arc, here's how to build one ready for the screen.
1. The Basics — More Than a Name
Every screen character needs a firm foundation. Start with:
-
Full Name, Age, Gender, Ethnicity
-
Place of Birth & Current Setting
-
Occupation or Role in Society
In screenwriting, this information helps casting, setting, and story direction. It also subtly influences how a character speaks, moves, and interacts with others.
2. Visual Identity & Physicality
TV and film are visual mediums — a character’s look matters. Think of it as shorthand that tells the audience who this person is before they even speak.
-
Body Type, Height, and Posture: How do they carry themselves? Are they imposing or unassuming?
-
Hair, Skin Tone, Facial Features: These help create visual continuity across scenes and influence lighting and makeup choices.
-
Wardrobe & Style: Are they sleek and stylish, rugged and worn, or colorful and bold? Clothes can reveal status, attitude, and tone.
-
Physical Quirks or Mannerisms: A limp, a twitch, a signature gesture — small physical traits become iconic in performance.
Actors bring these details to life, but your script should give them something to build from.
3. Psychology, Emotion & Complexity
A great character feels real — flaws, fears, contradictions, and all.
-
Personality Type: Are they a brooding loner, a charismatic leader, a conflicted idealist?
-
Intelligence & Emotional Maturity: Are they book-smart but naïve? Streetwise but emotionally stunted?
-
Mental Health or Trauma: Have they suffered loss or been through transformative experiences?
-
Emotional Range: A well-rounded character should be able to express joy, grief, rage, fear — even when they try to hide it.
These aspects guide how your character reacts to conflict — essential for strong screenwriting.
4. Narrative Purpose & Relationships
-
What is their role? Hero? Villain? Comic relief? Moral compass?
-
What do they want? Desire drives plot. Do they want revenge, redemption, respect, freedom?
-
Who do they know? Relationships define characters. Build scenes that explore bonds, betrayals, and chemistry with others.
-
What’s their arc? TV excels with slow burn development; films often need a clear beginning, middle, and end.
A character’s journey must be both believable and compelling, giving the audience someone to root for — or against.
Comments
Post a Comment