<p>I know in storytelling, characters are described to create vivid images... But I'm wondering why it should be in a spec script.. Articles that talk mainly about spec scripts states that, spec script shouldn't be like a shooting script.. There are some stuffs that must be eliminated to be determined by the production team...</p><p>so describing characters in spec scripts, don't you think you are trying to tell the executives the kind of characters should be chosen for the play?</p>
Screenwriting : Character description in spec scripts... by Felix Agyeman Boahen
Character description in spec scripts...
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Character is story. Story is character. That’s what it’s all about! As far as descriptions, just give enough information to paint a vivid picture in the mind of your reader. Create a sense of who these characters are. A spec evokes what could be not what should. But should the spec do its job of inciting interest and if/when it goes further into development/production, then casting, direction, etc, will be decided by others. :)
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The purpose of a spec script is to sell the story. That is where your concentration should be. Character details should only stick out if they are important to the story. A broken leg prevents running, a scar or tattoo for identification later, acid leaking from a mouth proving that they are an alien. Whatever it is, if its not directly necessary to the story, leave it out.
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Character descriptions help to understand a character's voice. You don't want to have use parentheticals constantly. Knowing someone is an angsty, wise cracking teen from the beginning is better than writing (sarcastically) before each line. If it is important to your story that a character is meek or two of your characters have wildly opposite personalities, then include it.
As with any other description, you want to give enough information so that your reader understands the content, but you don't need to go into too much detail. Your script is the sketch that will be used as a foundation for the final masterpiece.
Wow, it sounds interesting... Thanks to everyone.. In my project that I'm working on, i just mention the character's name, his age and if necessary who that person is the movie... Is that good?
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The reader needs a visual - to see & know your character. But don't get overly descriptive or the Casting Director will beat the crap outta you.
<p>This is what I mean</p><p>INT. THRONE ROOM /SPARTA - DAY</p><p>three soldiers appear in a vast room, decorated with many kinds of wealth dragging PLUTAS behind. The soldiers force Plutas to his kneels before CASSIUS, king of Sparta....</p>
Laura Scheiner, you get what I mean?
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I can only speak to what I do and what I've seen done and using your example...
INT. THRONE ROOM /SPARTA - DAY
Three soldiers enter a vast room decorated with wealth of all kinds. They drag between them, PLUTAS (INSERT CHARACTER DESCRIPTION HERE).
They approach a throne occupied by (INSERT CHARACTER DESCRIPTION HERE) CASSIUS King of Sparta (OR INSERT CHARACTER DESCRIPTION HERE). Plutas is forced to his knees.
There's a ton of other ways to write it as well. USUALLY you want to describe the primary characters when they are introduced unless you are intentionally not revealing them as a primary character at that point.
I actually mean who that person is in the movie if necessary...
Thanks very much @Chad Stroman
Craig Mazin says he adds “hair, makeup, wardrobe” to all his descriptions. I add as much as I need to tell the story.
It is a spec, it will have rewrites all the way to production. There is no rules on what needs to be in or out. Production will appreciate the description even if they disregard it.
No one ever gets angry with good story and a well define character.
Character intros are the one place IMHO (and what I've read) where you can get a bit literary in your description.
Google "screenplay character intro" and you should find lots of examples.
Here's a link to an article from John August: https://johnaugust.com/2007/how-to-introduce-characterhttps://johnaugust...
https://thescriptlab.com/features/the-lists/829-top-10-character-introdu...
It's funny but I JUST posted a link to an article earlier today... How 50 Female Characters Were Described In Their Screenplays...
http://www.vulture.com/2018/04/how-50-female-characters-were-described-i...
@dan guardino if their identity is hidden at first. A shadowy figure. A masked person, etc.
@dan guardino I agree. I meant more describing of who they are. Like my kids just watched Pacific Rim Uprising. In it at the beginning there's a shadowed person who John Boyega's character chases and he follows that person to their hideout where it is revealed as a young teen girl who is the second protagonist.
May the Lord bless you guys... Thanks for your contributions, it's good to have you supporting..