PLAYWRITING

WEEK 8
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
 LESSON GOALS

❑ To understand the process of creating characters

❑ To learn about different sections in character bio

❑ To apply the information and details from the

character bio sheet into the script
 INTRODUCTION

Characters must be developed in a

story. He/she must go through a
certain hardship, a series of events or
obstacles in order to help the
character grows (read: DEVELOP).
 CHARACTERS
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS IN A CHARACTER:
❑ Specific

❑ Placeable (recognisable)
❑ Social background
❑ Educational background

❑ Economic background
❑ Cultural environment
BUILDING A CHARACTER

•Selected

•Created

•Changed

•Brought to life
•Extended

•Modified
 CHARACTER BIO SHEET
A character bio sheet is great in assisting you in
developing your characters. It is not just a simple way
to create characters, but a great way to keep track of
the characters you develop. When you write a lengthy
stage play script, it is easy to forget minor character
details. If you aren’t careful, the blue eyes you
described on page five can turn to brown eyes by
the end of page eighty.
 SECTIONS OF
A CHARACTER BIO

Basic information Physical appearance

Psychological
Social background background
 CHARACTER BIO DETAILS
Character Name Eye Color Worst Qualities
Nickname / Alias Handedness Key Childhood Experiences
Date of Birth Jewelry Key Teenage Experiences
Place of Birth Tattoos / Marks Key Adult Experiences
Residence Role in the Story Sexual Background
General Appearance Key Relationships Favorites (food, clothing,
Height Education art, music, TV show, movie,
Weight Work History book)
Measurements Skills Goals and Motivations
Clothing Sizes Phobias / Fears Morality / Ethics
Clothing Choices Bad Habits / Vices Style of Speech
Hair Color Quirks Words/Slang/Jargon
Hair Length Best Qualities Additional Information
HOW DOES CHARACTER BIO
WORK IN SCRIPTS?

Basic info Physical

Danny, 24 Skinny, curly hair

Social Psychological
Nerdy Timid, introvert
 SCRIPT SAMPLE
10. THE REVELATION

Danny walks into the room. He sees Alan who is busy playing games on his PC. Danny
sits by the bed and watches Alan in silence.

Alan: (without looking) Sheesh, Danny! When did you get here?
Danny: Just a second ago… (beat) Alan, we need to talk.
Alan: What about? Can’t you see I’m busy here?
Danny: Dude, just hear me out for a sec. Did you talk to Emma today?
Alan: I sure did. What’s up?
Danny: I… I need your help. Just this once.
Alan: Come on, man. Just say it.
Danny: (sighs) I wanted to ask Emma out on a date.
Alan: And…?
Danny: Gosh, Alan… Don’t you get it? I can’t do it!
Alan: Oh my god, if you like her just ask her out already! It’s so simple–
Danny: (shout) I’m not like you, Alan!

Alan stops playing and turns around. Danny starts crying.

Alan: Look… Let’s talk about this now. Okay?