Developing a Character

Characterisation VS Character

Characterisation is the total of qualities observed by a human. All knowledge gained goes through scrutiny: age, sex, home life, attire, values, sexuality and speech style. Each trait makes a character unique. However, beneath characterisation, regardless of knowledge we think we know, there is another heart to them.

"True character is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure - the greater the pressure, the deeper the revelation, the truer the choice to the character's essential nature" - Quote from Story by Robert McKee.

Is the character's true personality loving or cruel? Truthful or deceitful? Strong or weak?
Pressure made is essential to see what the character to chooses to do. If they tell the truth in a situation where a lie would gain nothing, then the truth is trivial, however, if the truth is told when a lie could save a life then we sense that he has an honest nature.

Character Revelation

Good storytelling relies on the contradiction of the revelation of the true character. If the introduction to a character has not changed by the end of the story then the audience will be disappointed. For example - a loving wife who does not express secrets, unfulfilled dreams or hidden passions will be very boring. The revelation of a characters true nature is fundamental in major roles, but in minor roles this is not necessary, however the principal of a hidden personality should still be expressed.

Character Arc

"Taking the principle further yet: The finest writing not only reveals true characters, arcs or changes that inner nature, for better or worse, over the course of the telling."

A story will have points that spread over time, each point is the evolution and revelation of the true character. For example at A we are introduced to a character and gain knowledge at the next points. By point Z, the climax of the story, we see the transition that pressure has turned the character into, this will most likely be the true nature of the character.

Structure and Character Functions

Structure is to provide building pressures that force characters into difficult dilemmas where they must make risk taking decisions, which then ends up revealing their true natures, even if unconscious to them.
The function of character is to bring the story to life through characterisation. It has to be credible, so that the audience believes every move the character makes.

Climax and Character

"Movies are about the last 20 minutes" says a Hollywood axiom. What they are saying is that the climax of the film must be satisfying for all.
A finished screenplay represents 100% of the authors creative labour, 75% of this has gone into the climax of the last act.  If this scene fails, then the whole film fails. Until its creation there is no story.