Need some help?

[HailtotheKing]

I have a horror short script that I'm starting to work on. I have pretty much everything planned out. I'm just running into a few snags. Anyone care to help out alittle with rewritting/polishing?

[Waterbug]

Sure, what kind of snags are you running into?

[HailtotheKing]

Just sent you a PM with more info in it.

[michaelvorhees666]

hey guys, do you have any tips, suggestions on developing characters? thanks.

[Doombringer64]

Think up a history for a character. Remember, if your character does something that isn't like him or her just to move the story along then your characters will be underdevolped.

[michaelvorhees666]

thanks, anymore tips for character development? peace out!

[Streetprowler]

When I first started writing, I'd usually base my characters around people I knew, and knew well. The reason being is that when you put your buddy Frank into a certain situation, he's going to react in a way that follows his character traits -- unlike Suzie, who's going to react a different way.

The point being, you know how these people will act and react. Therefore when you transfer to paper, you have life-like, consistent characters. As you write more and more, you'll find it easier to create characters and characterizations, and keep the information in your head.

For the moment, if you have characters in mind, develop them on paper. List them one by one, heading each and citing character traits:

Frank: 6'3" -- 200 lbs of solid muscle -- High school football star -- stronger than he is smart -- rushes in where angels fear to tread -- hates insects -- is uncomfortable around women because of an overbearing mother...

You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you need to. Eventually, you'll get to know the characters so well you won't have to use the crib sheets. Then they'll really come alive! Good luck!

[michaelvorhees666]

thanks street. that's a good idea.

[DAD]

For characters it is important to develope a back story for at least your main characters. This can be everything from a birthday through their entire life right up to where the story starts or as simple as name, age, basic appearance, type of job, fears, likes, dislikes and what drives them (ie: greed, sex, love). One of the most important things to fully develope in a character for a horror film is their fears and likes and dislikes. These are the places they will live while in the film and define how they react to any given situation. Male characters usually start as a part of myself and then I add characteristics of people I know or actors that I visualize in the part. Strange as it may sound (being a guy) my female characters develope much the same way except I tend to bring in more of the characteristics of a close female friend or an actress I picture in the role. Once you have the main characters defined and know "who they are" much of the rest of the story will write itself based on action and reaction. Knowing a character is also important in developing dialog. No two people talk the same or put their words together the same and when you know a character it allows you create more realistic dialog for the character.

[fizzfilms]

Check out the book "Writing The Character-Centered Screenplay" by Andrew Horton (University of California Press, ISBN 0-520-22165-6).
It's a great book for creating and developing characters. The basic gist of the book (which I strongly agree with) is that, no matter how interesting your story is, it will fall a part if you stock it with weak, underdeveloped characters.

[Mike Di Bene]

Street is absolutely right! That's exactly what I do.
The only downfall is once they know you based a character on them, usually they want to portray the character....which is ok unless all of your friends cannot act

[michaelvorhees666]

thanks guys for all the help!!!!!!!!!! ;D

[Thanabol]

michaelvorhees666...

In scriptwriters (available) you placed an inquery to me. Just to let you know, I finally got around to answering. I hope it helps.

Chas