Make scripted character development 100 times easier with this #1 tip.
Do you have an incredible idea for a script but aren’t sure how to make the character feel real? Do you often get comments like this: Your character feels two-dimensional?
This is a simple screenplay character development technique that most aspiring writers won’t use, but will quickly elevate your characters above the norm. In fact, we think it’s necessary because it will help you Decipher a character’s motivations open.
So, let’s dive into some strategies you can use to write better scripted characters that act and feel authentic.
The ultimate character hack.
The hack we recommend you use is called Enneagram. Without getting into a history lesson, the Enneagram is a personality type scoring system. Along the lines of Meyers-Briggs, there’s even — grunt — astrology.
In this article, we’ll focus on scripted character development, but the Enneagram Institute is the place to learn more about it.
The central idea of this test is nine basic types of people. Each person taking the test is assigned a “type” from 1 to 9, which are:
1. Reformer.
This personality type is purposeful, principled, always in control, and somewhat perfectionistic. Read more about reformers here.
2. Helper.
If your script character is a generous, likeable person, they’re likely to be a helper. Additionally, being exposed and prone to being a little possessive. Read more about helpers here.
3. Achievers.
Does one of your characters always check his or her hair before leaving the house? They are likely to be image-conscious achievers. They are also very adaptable and driven. Read more about Achievers here.
4. Individualist.
This character type is the sensitive, withdrawn type in the script. And he is self-centered, moody, and extremely individualistic. Read more about individualists here.
5. Investigator.
If your screenplay character is someone who likes to stroke their chin with their brains, that’s their personality type. Mysterious, innovative, and maybe a little lonely. Read more about the investigators here.
6. Loyalist.
A loyalist is a responsible person who is trustworthy and always on time. Additionally, there are anxious and paranoid types who double-check the door before leaving the house. Read more about Loyalists here.
7. Enthusiast.
Trying to arrange time to meet with enthusiasts can be tricky as their spontaneous, fun personalities mean they are always busy. It can also describe being easily distracted and unfocused. Read more about enthusiasts here.
8. Challenger.
This personality type fits many screenplay villains: powerful, bossy, confident, and one who never backs down from a confrontation. Click here to learn more about Challenger.
9. Peacemaker.
The exact opposite of the Challenger, if you have a character in your script who is easy-going, complacent, and away from drama, then he or she is the Peacemaker. Read more about Peacemakers here.
Give “wings” to the characters in the script.
The broad personality types above are a great starting point when it comes to scripted character development, but it gets more complicated…
Each of the nine types has one “wing”: corresponding type That is, one above or below the original personality type.
For example, a seven (lover) could also be a seven-six (loyalist) or a seven-eight (challenger).
So if your script character is a fan, you can differentiate them from other fans. It depends on whether they are more like the seven or six of the Loyalists or the seven or eight of the Challengers.
You can develop this scripted character further if you wish…
18 possible character types.
Each of the nine personality types also has a tendency.
Just because two people are 76, doesn’t mean they are the same. This means they are similar. Each of the eighteen subtypes also has Three Instinct Variations They used to feel protected:
1. self protection
2. Relational
3. social
Your screenplay character development process is now Fifty-four concrete subtypes of people, in a pyramid scheme. But there’s more, and this is the most important part…
9 levels.
The Enneagram posits that there are nine “levels” of people. That is, at level 1, they are the best version of themselves, and at level 9, they are the worst version of themselves.
As one would expect, a person at level 9 of one subtype may be psychotic, while a person at level 9 of another subtype may be suicidal. It depends on what a particular character tends to do when acting reached the limit. One person can never harm another person, and the other person can never commit suicide.
But the truth is, we never know what we’re capable of until we reach true rock bottom. That’s what this scripted character development exercise will help you find out.
Script character development becomes easy.
Using the Enneagram you will Know how your character will react In these and other cases. With 54 seed types and 9 levels based on states of being, you can find 486 potential starting points for any character you create!
This eliminates much of the random and vague “oh, he’s this type of guy” writing style and gives you a framework for character development based on the script.
This is why we love the Enneagram. This may not be scientific, but it is very realistic. And, as writers, we don’t need scientific proof that the system works…we just need it Feel Real, and the Enneagram does just that.
Think of the quiz as your character.
When starting any script, take the Enneagram test in the protagonist’s voice And each of your main characters. Also, read about types and subtypes.
Then, I look at another Enneagram book I own and note what level I think my character lives at. Then I write down where I want to take them…and then I figure out how to get them there.
Why the Enneagram is the best tool for screenplay character development.
Enneagram offers True traits and motivations personality type. Then its subtypes become more specific. constantly.
We recommend visiting the Enneagram Institute to learn more and finding other Enneagram books and materials on sites like Amazon.
Once you start incorporating the Enneagram into your screenplay character development, you should immediately understand what we mean by the system “Based on motivation.” What would our character be without motivation? Two-dimensional, implausible and fictional.
This character development may not tell you everything You need to know how to write a great character. But it will push you in the right direction and ensure they feel more grounded.
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Have you ever used the Enneagram in your scripted character development? Are you willing to try it? Let us know in the comments section below.
Like this article? Read more posts about character development…
Why your scripted character feels “flat” and how to fix it
Why creating a character profile is not a good starting point
How to write a unique script in 6 steps
[© Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons / Unsplash]
