How Writers Develop Characters with the Defining Moment - Screenwriting Techniques

Overview

Dive into a comprehensive interview with screenwriter Christopher Riley on character development in storytelling. Explore techniques for deeply understanding characters, the emotional work required in writing, and nine key moments that define a character. Learn why generating multiple ideas is crucial, why storytelling can be messy, and gain insights from films like Forrest Gump and Twister. Discover how to channel personal experiences into powerful narratives, understand the artist's role in observation and presentation, and master 20 essential character questions. Grasp the fundamental structure of storytelling, learn to craft compelling antagonists, and understand why every character begins at zero. This in-depth discussion offers valuable insights for writers looking to enhance their character development skills and storytelling techniques.

Syllabus

- How A Writer Can Deeply Understand Their Characters
- The Emotional Work It Takes To Write Great Characters
- 9 Key Moments That Define A Character
- No Writer Is Smart Enough To Come Up With 20 Bad Ideas In A Row
- Why Writing A Story Is Messy
- What Screenwriters Can Learn From Forrest Gump And Twister
- How To Use Your Pain To Write Powerful Stories
- Job Of An Artist Is To See Then Show
- 20 Character Questions Every Writer Should Know
- A Story Is A Hero's Struggle Against An Obstacle To Reach A Goal
- How To Write An Antagonist That Matters
- Every Character You Write Starts At Zero