Objectives
One great techiniqe for writers is to use methods from acting classes to develop characters. The best method by far is called 'Method Acting' . This style of acting gets to the core of a character, delving into a character's deep psychological truth. Discovering a character's emotions and motivations are key here just as they are key for writers when developing these characters.
While taking a directing course for writers at UCLA I studied method directing and found it very helpful as a writer! There are 7 Secrets to this type of character creation but the number one is to create 'Action Objectives' To know what a character WANTS to do. This is where you will find a character's true motivation.
With every chapter you write, know what it is the characters want to accomplish in each scene. What are their desires?
Once you know this you will be able to write dialogue and conflict that will ring true to the characters and the story.
Does one character want to leave the store as fast as possible while the other one wants to stay?
Does one character want to be the center of attention and the other characters couldn't care less about her?
Is one character bored and trying to liven things up when the other characters are tired?
Is one character stuck all alone in a building and wants to get out to do xxxx?
Does the charcter want to be left alone?
Now other things can be happening in the scene. The purpose of the scene may be to convey information as to where the bad guys are but at the same time each main character will have his or her own wants and desires at work in the background. Perhaps as they talk about finding the bad guys one character is checking out another character he is in love with and wants to ask out. Or another character is checking his watch because he has tickets to a game that night with his father.
A character's wants and desires do not have to be directly related to the plotline or the conflict of the moment, but they should be specific. If you want a car you usually have in mind the exact type of car you are looking for - so should your character.
Next time you are re-writing a scene or chapter go through and underline where you have put in the character's desires to see if you are using this technique to full advantage. It really can make scenes seem more alive and entertaining when we know what characters want and desire in each scene.
While taking a directing course for writers at UCLA I studied method directing and found it very helpful as a writer! There are 7 Secrets to this type of character creation but the number one is to create 'Action Objectives' To know what a character WANTS to do. This is where you will find a character's true motivation.
With every chapter you write, know what it is the characters want to accomplish in each scene. What are their desires?
Once you know this you will be able to write dialogue and conflict that will ring true to the characters and the story.
Does one character want to leave the store as fast as possible while the other one wants to stay?
Does one character want to be the center of attention and the other characters couldn't care less about her?
Is one character bored and trying to liven things up when the other characters are tired?
Is one character stuck all alone in a building and wants to get out to do xxxx?
Does the charcter want to be left alone?
Now other things can be happening in the scene. The purpose of the scene may be to convey information as to where the bad guys are but at the same time each main character will have his or her own wants and desires at work in the background. Perhaps as they talk about finding the bad guys one character is checking out another character he is in love with and wants to ask out. Or another character is checking his watch because he has tickets to a game that night with his father.
A character's wants and desires do not have to be directly related to the plotline or the conflict of the moment, but they should be specific. If you want a car you usually have in mind the exact type of car you are looking for - so should your character.
Next time you are re-writing a scene or chapter go through and underline where you have put in the character's desires to see if you are using this technique to full advantage. It really can make scenes seem more alive and entertaining when we know what characters want and desire in each scene.
posted by Victoria at 2:24 PM
1 Comments:
Great advice Victoria. Even the most mundane of desires such as an irresistable pull towards the bathroom can create realism in a scene.
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