August 27, 2021 by Atika Greene
If we think about it, for all our favorite shows we come for the story and stay for the characters. The story might attract us and peak our interest, but those characters keep us wanting more! These characters keep us invested in the story and rooting for them to get what they want.
What makes a character Dynamic? A dynamic character is one who goes through significant internal change throughout the course of a story. When writing your script make sure your characters are relatable and filled with layers. As we watch these characters live on screen it makes us think of our lives and the internal changes we face daily, and how we can overcome these circumstances.
Art imitates life!
Take a look at the popular character Aladdin. He is a dynamic character because at the beginning of the story he starts out as a thief, then he becomes an untrustworthy prince, and ends as an honest hero. He experienced an internal change throughout the story.
As we continue to build these characters, keep the following formula in mind:
Internal Battle + External Conflict = Dynamic Characters.
The Internal Conflict is the struggle occurring in a characters mind and the character is faced with a life alternating decision. While the External Conflict places characters at odds with forces outside themselves. Creating tension and preventing a character's motivation. Thus, a Dynamic Character is born!
When developing dynamic characters try rewatching a few classic films and TV shows that you really fell in love with the characters storyline. Ask yourself, What attracted you to these characters?
Now, let's take a look at a few examples of conflicts that some iconic Disney characters have experienced.
Disney's, 'Aladdin,' Animated Musical Fantasy Comedy - 1992
Disney's, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,' Animated Musical Fantasy Film - 1937
Disney's, 'Mulan,' Animated Musical Adventure Film - 1998
These examples are helpful when considering conflicts for your characters.
Some other technical things to consider when developing these characters is their Global Drive.
Here are a few questions to consider when thinking of their Global Drive:
What do they want more than anything?
What extreme measures will they take to get it?
What fuels them?
What are they passionate about?
Who/ What is stopping them from getting what they want?
Ultimately, if you develop characters based on real people who are fighting for something, but can't seem to get 'that thing.' The more development work you do on the characters helps when it comes to writing your actual script. These characters begin to live and breathe in this fictional world that your audience can't get enough of. Once you identify your characters flaws, global drive, internal and external conflicts, and create the journey for these characters to experience it will open up a whole new world of your show. The characters tend to grow as circumstances change as we do in life. Use these resources and tools to develop your characters and introduce them into the world of your show.
Bassett House Pictures is always looking for new and original content. Develop your character, write your story and share it with us.
Stay focused! The world needs your story!
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