Developing the "Main Character"

[Jamison]

After spending some time thinking about what topics I should bring to the Help Center, I've decided to begin with some of the basics of Scripting, which deal with Structure, Plotting, Script Format, and Character Development. For my first post here in The HC, I wanted to touch on "Developing the Main Character," (typically for screenplays and television scripts. But some points may apply for other writing formats).

Please note, that the article below isn't a guideline of any kind, since there is no ONE way of developing characters, or script writing, for that matter. It is just my personal opinions and viewpoints, on the subject matter. Take from it what you can, and feel free to add your own thoughts and styles. Also, feel free to say what you agree and/or disagree on. This should be a learning experience, for you readers, as well as me.

For bucket-loads of writers and readers alike, characters, and more specifically, the central or lead character, is the main focus of a piece of work, whether it be a screenplay, television script, novel, short story, a poem; the list goes on. A well conceived main character can be a determining factor when it all comes down to the question of; "Is your script worth reading?"

Every story has, at least, one character. The process of developing a good main character can be both difficult and time consuming, but if you're serious about your initial concept, and your growing plot, then you should be on your way toward creating a character that readers actually want to follow.

That being said, here are a few nuggets of information, from yours truly, to keep in mind when developing your main character. A checkoff list, of sorts, that I tend to follow when developing a new "main character."

Is your character "perfect?" Or is he/she flawed as a human being?
You want to make sure your character is the latter. No one wants to religiously follow a character without weaknesses, vulnerabilities, or imperfections. Why, you ask? The idea of developing a character only works when that character, at the beginning of your story, starts at one point, then, by facing a number of trials and overcoming constant obstacles, is able to build themselves up from that starting point. If your character is already "the ideal," then that crucial process of development will never occur.

Does your character have plans, targets, or goals?
What does your character want? And how do their goals relate to, and impact your central story? A character should have a clear, superordinate goal, straight away. Don't lag. Make sure your character has something to shoot for; something he/she hopes to accomplish or obtain, and don't be afraid to use those set goals to build your plot, as your character goes to any lengths in order to achieve what he/she has set out to do.

Situation, Reaction, and ACTION. We need all three!
When something physically, mentally, or emotionally, happens to your character, how does he/she react to it? Are they frustrated, saddened, joyous? More importantly, after we understand their initial reaction, what happens next? What is their action? A character that just goes through the motions as the plot unfolds on its own, isn't a character that your story should be focusing on. Your main character should literally drive the story, meaning he or she must act on certain situations, head on, dragging in more plot points as they go along.

Are you REALLY in control?
Some writers claim that they themselves are their characters, since they are in control of what they say, what they do, and how they react to certain situations and outcomes. But don't let this be the case with your main, or any, character you develop. Characters should be able to push you, as a writer, to places you never expected, or planned. This is a great thing; this is proof that your character is both strong, and developed enough to possess a mind of their own, leading you, the writer, to more unique arcs, interactions, and back stories.

We LOVE leads; But don't forget about their support!
In some cases, (mostly when writing a screenplay with 2-3 central characters) your main character should be the most interesting, and dynamic character in your bunch. If not, then why aren't we following the best character, rather than your second rate? However, keep in mind that not everyone will relate to or see your main character in the same way. Quite a handful of readers will relate to your main character's support, more than your main him/herself. So, make sure you give your supporting characters the same care, love, and attention that you gave your lead.

The main character is one of the most crucial aspects of any script. So, make sure you know them, inside out. If you manage to keep them sharp, focused, and most of all, interesting, throughout your story, you're on the right track.