So, I managed to hand in three-quarters of the completed script (my lecturer had asked for the lot but it had been a little too much work). I gave it to him and then spent a nail-biting week waiting for the verdict…
I shouldn’t have worried. The verdict was – clumsy in some areas but generally okay. I’ve got to remove one scene that is totally out-of-place, but apart from that it was a thumbs up! Excellent.
Then I got the outline on what to hand in. I’d like to say it’s going to be a breeze now that the script is almost complete… but it isn’t. Luckily though I have a month to do it in.
They have asked for character biographies, which I though would be okay. The characters’ name and a brief description. But then I went onto the BBC and in particular their screenwriting software, Celtx (it’s free – just download it), and there is more to a biography than I thought.
There’s the character’s name and a description. That’s simple and I know that much about them. In fact, I realised I’d created a complete profile for my characters. They are as well-known to me as myself. I just hadn’t written it down. I was carrying these little people with me in my head.
Anyway I looked up what an ‘official’ character biography would include and it is:
- character name
- description
- scenes they are in – this I understand. It make finding the characters dialogue easy
- age
- distinguishing features – I’m guessing a scar or patch over one eye
- hair colour
- eye colour
- height
- weight
- key character traits – like being sadistic
- Principle function of the character – you are then given options. – protagonist, antagonist, best friend, love interest, confidante, partner, catalyst, mentor, comic relief, other.
- What is the goal of the character?
- How will the character achieve this goal?
- Family background
- Habits/vices
- Education
- Personality
- likes
- dislikes
It’s a list! A big list. But, and this is huge, I filled it out for my three main characters and I suddenly understood why they were doing what they were doing. I understood why my protagonist had reacted in that way when confronting the antagonist. It made sense.
So I’ve moved the biography exercise onto the dissertation, which is a novel. As my characters make themselves known I am going to write a biography. Not only will I be able to keep track of them but I’ll also understand them rather than running on instinct.
As far as the screen writing is concerned, the biographies should be ready for my lecturer next week. At least the main ones will. 🙂
Kate Murray - Cleaver 