Читать книгу How to Write a Screenplay to Earn Money - Ashok Kumawat - Страница 6

Great characters are the heart and soul of any screenplay. They’re the ones audiences connect with, root for, or even love to hate. To write a screenplay that has the potential to earn money and captivate viewers, you must master the art of creating engaging characters. In this chapter, we’ll explore the principles and techniques behind crafting characters that come to life on the screen.

Character Development: Beyond Surface Traits

Character development is about creating well-rounded, multi-dimensional characters that feel real to the audience. It’s more than just assigning names, ages, and physical appearances – it’s about delving deep into their personalities, motivations, and backstories.

Begin by asking fundamental questions about your characters:

What are their strengths and weaknesses? Every character should have a mix of both, making them relatable and human.

What are their goals and desires? Characters should have clear, driving motivations that influence their actions throughout the story.

What are their fears and insecurities? Understanding what your characters are afraid of can add depth to their personalities and drive their decisions.

What are their values and beliefs? These shape a character’s moral compass and guide their choices.

What is their backstory? A character’s past experiences can provide insight into their present behavior.

For example, in «Forrest Gump,» Forrest is a character with a unique mix of innocence, honesty, and loyalty, driven by his love for Jenny and the experiences he’s had throughout his life. His backstory, including his relationship with his mother and his experiences in Vietnam, plays a crucial role in shaping who he becomes.

Complexity and Contradictions

Engaging characters are often complex and contain contradictions. Real people aren’t one-dimensional, and neither should your characters be. They might possess qualities that seemingly contradict each other, which can add depth and authenticity to their portrayal.

Consider the character of Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He’s a genius inventor and billionaire playboy who also grapples with guilt, insecurity, and a strong sense of responsibility as Iron Man. These contradictions make him a compelling and relatable character.

Character Arcs

Character arcs are the journeys your characters undergo throughout the screenplay. Most characters experience growth, change, or transformation as they confront obstacles and make choices. Character arcs provide emotional depth and resonance for both the characters and the audience.

There are different types of character arcs:

Positive Change Arc: The character starts in a negative state and experiences growth or change, ultimately achieving a positive outcome. This is a common arc in many coming-of-age stories.

Negative Change Arc: The character starts in a positive state but undergoes a transformation that leads to a negative outcome. Tragedies often feature this type of arc.

Flat Arc: In a flat arc, the character’s core beliefs and values remain unchanged, but they inspire change or growth in others or in the world around them. This is often seen in mentor figures or heroes who remain steadfast.

Antihero Arc: Antiheroes are complex characters who may not change in a traditional sense but undergo significant personal development. They often challenge traditional moral norms.

For example, in «The Godfather,» Michael Corleone experiences a dramatic negative change arc, starting as a reluctant outsider to the mafia world and ultimately becoming a ruthless and calculating crime boss.

Dialogue and Voice

A character’s voice is not just about what they say but how they say it. Dialogue is a powerful tool for revealing a character’s personality, beliefs, and emotions. Each character should have a distinct voice that reflects their individuality.

Pay attention to:

Speech patterns: Does the character speak formally or informally? Are they verbose or concise?

Tone: Is the character sarcastic, optimistic, pessimistic, or cynical? How do they express their emotions?

Idiosyncrasies: Do they have catchphrases, habits, or quirks that make them memorable?

Subtext: Often, what characters don’t say is as important as what they do say. Subtext adds depth to their interactions and relationships.