Why your screenplay character feels “flat” and how to fix it.
Have you ever been told that your scripted role felt “flat”? This is a common message received. But we’ll show you how to stop getting it and how to write characters in a smart way.
After reading this article, you’ll know how to flesh out your primary and secondary screenplay characters so that they feel real 3D man. It doesn’t matter what happens in your story Script characters that happen to happen.
The plot should obey the wishes of the characters, not the other way around.
Screenwriters can become so obsessed with story that they try to bend the characters in the script to the will of the plot. on the contrary, The plot should obey the wishes of the characters.
Yes, you need to have a plot that makes sense and has a through line that takes us from beginning to end in a compelling way. But in order for us to emotionally accept the script’s character choices, the plot should move and change because of who are they.
The best way to do this is to make sure you give your script a role respect They deserve it. This goes for your protagonists and antagonists, stakes characters and secondary characters.
How well do you know your character in the script?
Here’s a great way to start giving all screenplay characters more respect:
Whenever they have a story choice or a character decision to make – whether it’s good or bad – always make sure it always feels like the right thing for them.
The best scripted roles are the ones we remember Real people. We think of them as if we have met them or actually know them.
if you real Know your script characters and this is how you should feel about them. And understand how they would react in any given situation at any given moment. Then you will respect them more because you know them.
Scripted Character Example: Cal Hockley.
A character that illustrates this well is Caledon Hockley Starting with the 1997 movie, Titanic. This is a guy who is seen as a bad guy—a villain in a movie. But to him, he’s just a guy trying to live up to a certain expectation.
He lived in an era where class and money made the difference between success and failure, which is part of the reason why he became who he was.
He is respected by people and has a lot of pressure on his shoulders. He has a beautiful girlfriend he wants to marry – a woman with a different body shape than him. He just really loved her. So, he is stepping out of his comfort zone and marrying her.
Then a poor, smart kid shows up and steals the woman he worked so hard to make her fall in love with. So he plans to frame him as a thief so he can get his woman back.
Kind of a shady move, right? Yes, but only from the protagonist’s perspective.
if you look at it from his angle Respect his character, what he wants, and what he’s losing, and it’s hard not to respect the choices he makes.
Everything he does—even if writers and audiences think his every move is terrible—is right Give it to him. These are his choices as a character – because of who he is, he has become a child of his environment – it feels like The right thing to do.
See things from the perspective of each script character.
It’s not enough to categorize a scripted character like Carl as a sociopath with no feelings for anyone but himself, or a spoiled rich guy who must have everything he wants.
Must have morefirst of all, fully respect your script character Know them inside and out.. Regardless they may or may not turn your stomach.
Really understanding the characters in your script and respecting them from their perspective is a great way to create a three-dimensional character that your audience can relate to. No matter which side of the coin, their choice fell on one side.
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We hope you enjoy these character writing tips and learn how to write great screenplay characters. How do you develop characters in your script? Let us know in the comments below.
Like this article? Read more about scripting roles and how to write a script…
How to Write a Screenplay: Secrets to Beyond the Ordinary
16 Essential Screenwriting Tips to Make Your Screenplay Stand Out
Scripted Dialogue: If Your Characters Are Just Talking, You’re Doing It Wrong
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