Film 210: Week 4

This lesson covers:

• Character introductions with ALL CAPS rule
• Understanding character essence
• Examples of character descriptions

As a screenwriter, your ability to craft impactful descriptions can elevate your script, captivate readers, and provide clear direction for the entire production team. The key lies in striking a balance: conveying vivid imagery while adhering to the screenwriter's golden rule of brevity.

In the following sections, we'll explore this principle of concise yet powerful descriptions by describing characters, and learning about essence to paint strong images with your words.

The Golden Rule: Brevity

When it comes to description, the golden rule should be brevity. Think of each word as precious screen time—use them wisely to maximize impact.

Concise writing allows readers to glide through your script effortlessly, maintaining momentum and engagement.

Sometimes, we must tailor our story descriptions to their story significance, but overall, when crafting descriptions:

• Aim for one-sentence descriptions when possible
• If more detail is crucial, never exceed 3-4 lines

Character

Most characters need an introduction when they first appear in the script.

Use ALL CAPS, but only when they are first introduced. If there is a group or a character that isn't important to the story, you do not capitalize them.

Describe their essence with a few vivid details.

Focus less on the physical details of a character and more on their distinguishing personality (boring, angry, ruthless, etc.).

It can be helpful to take a characteristic and create a mental picture, either through a metaphor or comparison.

For example:

• NELSON CONRAD, 68, waddles like a deflated beanbag chair.
• ELENA CAMBRIDGE, 34, a predator dressed in Giorgio Armani.
• TIFFANY ARCHER, 25, is as emotional as a piece of paper.

Notice how we focus on their essence, not physical details. Physical details (e.g. blonde, tall, thin) can limit the selection of actors that can play them. The ideal actor may be a person who doesn't fit the physical characteristics.

Also, don't focus too much on what they wear. That's the role of the costume department. (Yes, I mentioned Giorgio Armani above but that is to suggest someone wearing expensive clothes and not on the colours or particular pieces she's wearing.)

Names are important. First names and last names identify a complete identity.

Age is also important. “Sandy, 28” is different from “Sandy, 94.” Be specific. A person in their mid-20s could be 23 or 27. That's a big range of growth for some people.

Use words that describe how they move, stand, and present themselves.

Consider giving your characters a job, especially notable characters.

Character Do’s

• Use ALL CAPS for important characters' first appearance.
• Describe their essence with vivid details.
• Focus on distinguishing personality over physical details.
• Use metaphors or comparisons to qualify characteristics.

Focus on

• Full name
• Specific age
• Descriptive movement or presentation
• Occupation (for notable characters)

Character Don'ts

• Using limiting physical characteristics.
• Using actors’ names.
• Comparing them to other characters in books or movies.
• Identify them as the protagonist or villain.

More Examples of Character Descriptions

• MAX, 17, is a pirate in ripped jeans.
• MARK ZUCKERBERG is a sweet-looking 19-year-old whose lack of any physically intimidating attributes masks a complicated and dangerous anger.
• WARDEN SAMUEL NORTON strolls forth, a colorless man in a gray suit and a church pin in his lapel. He looks like he could piss ice water.
• In the center of a mess of quills, paper, and books, JEAN, 24, sits and enjoys a small feast at his desk. He is a portly man, the third son of a noble, and his chin is stained with wine and pig grease.
• FIONA, 23, whose usually unruly hair has been tamed just this once, sits on her living room couch.
• GWEN, 23, stands in the open doorway with her bags under her arms. Organized to the extreme, the apartment is her nightmare.
• RICK, 22, leans against the kitchen counter. He wears the hollow smile of a man who hasn’t had enough sleep.
• EVELYN COLLINS, 17, who exudes confidence and carries herself like the CEO of her own destiny, walks into the cafe.
• JEELA (17), who could tell why you were wrong before you even finished the sentence, packs a suitcase filled with more books than clothes.
• TOM (35), wears a shark tooth necklace proudly and walks a fine line between arrogance and confidence.
• MARIA (25) braids the young girl's hair. Her heavy makeup does little to disguise the exhaustion on her face.
• WILLIAM (38), sits in one of the chairs. He is a shark in blood-infested water, perfect for a defence lawyer.

Remember

• Brevity and vividness are your allies in description
• Focus on the essence of what you're describing
• Introduce characters only as they appear in the story
• Don't over-direct or over-explain; allow room for cast and crew creativity