Building a character
- 1. BUILDING A CHARACTER When researching methods of building characters, I watched videos from youtube called “Lessons from the Screenplay” as we'll as screenplay writer, Aaron Sorkin. I made notes on their views about characters in film as well as their own ways on creating their own characters. Aaron Sorkin’s Notes: ● Rather than telling the audience who the character is, show them what they want. (Desire > Intention) ● Present an obstacle. The way in which the character goes about overcoming the obstacle define the characters true nature. ● Creating a motivated character can create empathy between the audience and the character ● A sympathetic character has a great bond with the audience. With qualities such as humility, generosity, honesty, gratitude and commitment, it can make the character more likeable.
- 2. ● In order to present these character traits visually, the desire of the characters can be shown on screen and the audience can use this in order to interpret their personality. ● As a film progresses, the characters personality is presented through their decisions in order to obtain their desire. Their opportunity costs are also shown throughout the narrative (sacrifices and risks). ● The end result is not as important as the audience understand the decisions made by character in order to reach the end result. ● Opposing character can make it clear to distinguish who the protagonist and antagonist are. ● I brainstormed opposing character traits that could be used in my narrative.
- 3. LESSONS FROM THE SCREENPLAY NOTES: ● Limited point of view: The audience can only see what the protagonist/antagonist sees and learns what they learn. The audience progresses through the narrative with the character. (Example > Fight club) ● Omniscient point of view: The audience looks through other characters’ perspectives so they witness all events unfolding (Example > The Dark Knight) The characters with opposing personalities can be very one dimensional, a relationship between the characters can be created in order to create hesitation. It adds another element to the narrative. PROTAGONIST ANTAGONIST
- 5. CONSTRUCTING OUR PROTAGONIST ● Emily will be the main character in my short film. I plan to use a limited point of view for the narrative so that the audience are able to follow through Emily’s perspective. By doing this I will be encouraging enigma codes for the audience. ● Emily will be a young innocent girl with an opposing character who may be the antagonist. ● She will be texting another guy which will allow me to add iphone animation like my target audience suggested in my survey. ● Possible differences : Nice vs Evil, innocent vs rebellious, young vs old.