Screenwriting Heresies
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In my London Character Mapping Workshop on June 21 I will preach several screenwriting heresies– The top five are–
1. Backstory is not character development
What happened (backstory) is simply what happened. It is a story event in the past. How you ascribe meaning to what happened in the past defines who you are based on what you believe. And then what you DO as a result. Character is action.
For example: The character, at a very young age, loses a parent. A Power of Truth character fundamentally believes the world is a potential minefield filled with hidden pitfalls and concealed trip wires that could explode unseen bombs in your way. Losing a parent would confirm that world view and that character would act based on a sense that everything could go all wrong in an instant. Think a Woody Allen pessimist.
A Power of Imagination character, who sees the world as a magical, quixotic place would experience that early death as a tragedy but beyond that remember most all the unexpected kindness and generosity shown by others. That character would act with a sense of wonder and trust in the good of others. Think Phoebe Buffet in Friends
2. NEVER put yourself in your character’s place
You may see the world very differently than your character does. Let’s take, for example, a character finding evidence of a friend’s cheating spouse. If you are a Power of Reason character and your top values are privacy and preventing messy emotional outbursts you very well might avoid disclosing what you saw. It’s none of your business. Think
If you are a Power of Conscience character, who is compelled to do “what is right” you might be more inclined to tell your friend
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Create a visual map for a character’s emotional journey. Pull stories from character rather from rote story structure beats. Some of the largest international media companies, use this in story and character development.
A clear concise guide for writers and producers to have by their side as they embark on a project. It gives a really vital reminder of what is key for story success.
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