Create Unforgettable Characters

In any successful screenplay, characters are the driving force. Without compelling, multidimensional characters, even the most intricate plot will fall flat. Characters provide the emotional core of the story and are often what audiences remember most. To help you craft characters that captivate and resonate, here are some essential tips:

1. Prioritise Character Over Plot

While plot and setting matter, your main focus should be on developing fully realised characters first. A well-drawn character will naturally guide the story forward, making the plot feel more organic. When a character's actions are driven by their desires, flaws, and emotions, the narrative unfolds in unpredictable, yet believable, ways. For example, in Breaking Bad, Walter White’s descent into darkness propels the plot more than any external force—his choices define the entire series.

2. Characters Don’t Have to Be Realistic

Memorable characters often possess exaggerated or heightened traits that make them stand out. They don’t need to be realistic; they just need to feel real within the world you’ve created. Take Doc Brown from Back to the Future or Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean. These characters are larger-than-life, but their quirks, motivations, and emotional truths make them unforgettable. Audiences connect with them not because they’re realistic, but because they’re consistent and compelling.

3. Give Characters a Clear Purpose and Inner Conflict

Understanding what your character wants and what drives them is essential to building a meaningful arc. A strong character will have a clear goal or purpose, but they should also struggle with inner conflict. Consider Michael Corleone in The Godfather, torn between loyalty to his family and his desire to live an honourable life. Or think of Walter White, whose need to provide for his family is constantly at odds with his burgeoning pride and hunger for power. These inner struggles create depth and make characters more human.

4. Use Archetypes, Not Stereotypes

Archetypes, such as the mentor, the rebel, or the hero, can quickly establish a character's role in the story. However, be mindful not to reduce characters to flat stereotypes, which are often oversimplified and misleading. Instead, use archetypes as starting points and then add layers to subvert audience expectations. The Breakfast Club is a perfect example of this—each character begins as a stereotype, but as the story unfolds, we see the complexity and humanity beneath the surface.

5. Balance Flat and Three-Dimensional Characters

Not every character in your screenplay needs to be three-dimensional. While your protagonist should always have complexity and experience growth, secondary characters can remain flat. Flat characters serve specific narrative functions without undergoing significant change, often acting as a contrast to your protagonist’s journey. For instance, Skyler White in Breaking Bad is a more static character compared to Walter, but her steady moral compass highlights his drastic transformation.

6. Craft Meaningful Character Arcs

A character arc—the journey of personal transformation—is what turns a good character into a great one. By the end of your story, your protagonist should have evolved in some way. Whether they rise to the occasion or fall from grace, the arc is what keeps the audience emotionally invested. In Forrest Gump, we see an ordinary man face extraordinary events, while in Breaking Bad, Walter White’s arc is the opposite—he starts as a mild-mannered teacher and transforms into a ruthless kingpin. The key is to show clear evolution, whether for better or worse.

7. Make Character Introductions Unforgettable

How you introduce a character is crucial in setting the tone for who they are. Their entrance should make an impact. Consider building their reputation before they even appear on screen. When they finally do, their first scene should be memorable, showcasing their personality and role. Hannibal Lecter’s introduction in The Silence of the Lambs perfectly exemplifies this—his reputation precedes him, and his eerie calmness in the face of extreme danger sets the tone for his character throughout the film.

8. Dialogue Should Reveal Character

Dialogue is more than just a tool to move the plot forward—it’s a window into who your characters are. Each character should have a distinct voice, shaped by their background, beliefs, and worldview. Walter White’s transformation is marked by how his dialogue changes—from a meek, hesitant teacher to a man who declares, “I am the one who knocks.” Well-crafted dialogue should reflect this kind of evolution, revealing key traits and internal shifts.

9. Show Rather Than Tell

A key aspect of building character is to show, not tell. Instead of having a character announce their flaws or desires, let their actions, body language, and subtle dialogue cues reveal these aspects. The slow breakdown of Walter White’s morality is reflected in his increasingly violent decisions, not just in what he says. Showing transformation through action is far more powerful than explaining it outright.

By applying these principles, you’ll create characters that are more than just vehicles for the plot—they’ll be complex, compelling, and unforgettable. Audiences will connect with your characters emotionally, driving engagement and leaving a lasting impression long after the final scene fades to black.