Introduction to screenwriting develop character outlines

2.6 An exercise to develop character outlines
When we start the process of character development it helps to create character outlines. Drawing on Michael’s article and the panel discussion, create an outline for a character from a film that you’ve recently seen or use it as an opportunity to develop a character of your own.

• List the character’s major actions. Start from the end and work backwards. (Don’t analyse how or why; just create a list of actions.) Saves a planet, meets his sister, graduates, develops leadership skills, joins military, lands on a planet in a stolen flyer/joyride-takes souvenirs, acting out grief from loss of father
  
• Analyse the list to reveal the character’s wants and needs. Is the character aware of what they want?
  Wants to find his father, wants to prove himself to his absent father, gain his mother’s respect/admiration, regain connection with his siblings.
  
• Describe how the character thinks and look at his or her basic psychology. Intelligent? Intellectually engaged? Cognitive Biases? Impulsive? Cautious? : Physically fit, slender, brown curly hair, dark eyes. Intelligent, impulsive, thoughtless of others -changes to empathy, strong connection to father – changes to respect for mother and uncle, develops leadership and protectiveness of ‘his’ people, friendly.
  
• Describe the character’s superficial affect. How might a casual acquaintance describe them?: Fun but conservative. Party boy with a conscience. Smart without being a showoff.
  
• List any important physical characteristics.
  

This is just an outline, so stick to that format and make lists; avoid long prose descriptions.

Share your outline on your blog, link to it in our comments area so other learners can view and comment on it.

Do also review and comment on other people’s outlines and thoughts on the experience.

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