short assignment
COM 213-Writing for the Media
Bill Brewer, APR
Clinical Professor
Media, Journalism and Film
Class 3 and 4 Revised
Character :A Start
Which came first? The honey or the bee?
Artistotelian-Poetics
Who cares?
The nature of drama is conflict
Characters differs based on story-telling form
Dramatic action-when characters decide to do something because of or in spite of consequences
Writing real people-snooze time
Tweedle Dee and Dum Problem
Double gesture issue
No two characters should have similar functions, traits, desires since there would be less conflict
The Main (Wo)man (Protagonist)
The central character, hero, Big Enchilada
Greek-the first combatant
Usually introduced early on, but can be later with building anticipation
Occasionally two who work in tandem or even ensemble heroes
Protagonist drives the main conflict even though it might be initiated by others
Might be passive or reactive as well
Audience must identify and have a similar emotional investment
The actions must have consequences and also can be done on behalf of others
The Heavy (Anatgonist)
Stands in opposition to the hero
Can also be an inner conflict or flaw
Common mistake is to not fully develop this character
Often the least like the writer-unless you look at dark places in your life
Right Hand (Wo)man (Supporting Roles)
Support the hero and are intrinsic but not the main focus
Same steps as hero and antagonist but are less complex
Cast of Thousands
Minor and background characters who push the story forward at a given moment and then disappear
Should not be faceless-give a dominant trait or feature—spice up the meal
Crowd scenes-can be thought as one minor character as a group
What’s The Situation? (Character and Context)
Characters must be in a situation where something is at stake and there is more than one option so they can make decisions
Story of Bob
Don’t Just Stand There (Action/Reaction)
Action should cause circumstances to change or another character to take action
Story of Sally
Have characters take action and the more gripping, even visceral, the better.
Turn On the Spotlight (Character Elements)
Celtx profiles
Always include age
Don’t include actors names or compare to movie characters
Don’t identify as our trustworthy hero or nefarious villain—show don’t tell
General, physical, sociology, psychology
Don’t overdo it—if a particular element of the history impacts the action in the two hours fine otherwise its rubbish