1) Character Functions

Each character has at least one function (or role) in any story, such as:

a) protagonist
b) antagonist
c) best friend
d) love interest
e) confidante
f) partner
g) catalyst
h) mentor
i) comic relief

There are many more, but this is a basic list for you to start with.

2) Character Emotions

Here are the three main character emotions:

a) Sympathy - the audience IDENTIFIES with the character's problems and triumphs
b) Empathy - the audience UNDERSTANDS the emotions that drive the character
c) Antipathy - the audience wants the character to "GET WHAT THEY DESERVE"

3) Character Components

These are the Internal and External factors that shape each character:

a) Interior - form character
b) Exterior - reveal character

4) Character Background

a) where is the character from (background)
b) what was he doing just before this scene
c) what does the writer say about this character
d) what do others say about this character
e) what does the character say about himself

5) Character Objectives (Most Important!)

These are the main needs and wants of a character (what people want out of life)

a) SUPER OBJECTIVE (example: "Power over People")
- what is the primal motivation of the character
- what are the main needs of the character

b) OBJECTIVES (example: "Wants to Dominate Character A")
- what does the character want (motives)
- what are the active choices to achieve the Super Objective

c) MAIN ACTIONS (example: "What they DO to Character A")
- what the character DOES...
- to get what he WANTS...
- to fulfill his NEEDS

6) Character Breakdown

Go through your script and write down all the characters. You should list the main characters first and the secondary characters last and then assign them a function. Your first character should be the main character - or the protagonist.

NOTE: if you are doing a TV Series, the main characters will already be established for you. They are usually numbered "1,2,3..." on any call sheet.

7) Script Breakdown (Per Character)

Answer these question about how each character fits in the story:

a) what is the story function of this Character
b) what is their Super-Objective
c) what is their Main Objective (in the story)

8) Scene Breakdown (Per Character)

Answer these questions about how each character fits in every scene:

a) what is the character objective in this scene
b) what are the character's main actions in this scene
c) what are the results of their actions in this scen
[Peter D. Marshall has worked in the Film and TV Industry for over 32 years. In 2000 he created www.ActionCutPrint.com as an online resource center for Filmmakers where you will find filmmaking tips, articles and directing workshops. Peter also publishes the free monthly ezine, "The Director's Chair."]