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Day 1 Assignments
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Lisa’s Characters – DAY 1: Creating Character Profiles
“What I learned doing this assignment is…” that homing in on personality traits will help later in the process when writing dialogue. And that knowing this information will feed into the characters motivations, actions, and reactions too.
“Mary’s Christmas” (Rom-Com)
Character Name: MARY WINTERS
1. Basic character traits:
What are 3 or 4 traits that this character consistently operates
out of? Usually, one of those traits needs to be unique to keep
the character from being cliche.1. Must do everything herself to prove her worth
2. Never gives up
3. Disillusioned when it comes to love
4. Doesn’t trust easily
5. Big soft spot for children and animals
6. Scared of heights, but became a volunteer firefighter to overcome her fear
2. Want/Need
What does this character want throughout this story? What is the
underlying need that is driving that want?1. Mary’s mom (recently deceased) always took pride in running the IAWL festival and now Mary must follow in her footsteps and make it a success for herself, her daughters, and her mom.
2. Mary wants love but became disillusioned when her marriage ended. They were high school sweethearts and she thought they’d be together forever. She has a tough time trusting men now.
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
What opposite values does this character have that creates an
internal conflict for them?1. Mary loves Joseph but is shy about jumping into another marriage.
2. Mary wants to do everything by herself, but she needs help; she is warring on the inside as to whether to give in and ask for more help.
4. Secret:
What are they hiding that ultimately could keep them from getting
their desire in this story?Mary is planning to move the family to Albany after she pulls off the festival, but she hasn’t told anyone but her best friend, Angel Lee.
5. Flaw:
What weakness or dysfunction does this character have that makes
them human?Being too head strong and not giving in to help or love…for her forever happiness.
6. Special:
The thing that completely separates this character from all others.
It could be the part of them that is odd or intense or cool or profound.Mary believes in conquering her fears head on…at least on the outside. Mary has a wicked sense of humor even though she’s very intense.
Character Name: PETER WINTERS
1. Basic character traits:
What are 3 or 4 traits that this character consistently operates
out of? Usually, one of those traits needs to be unique to keep
the character from being cliche.1. Depressed and feeling a failure after his divorce
2. Suffers from PTSD as a war hero
3. Desperate to get a win in life
4. A kind person at heart
2. Want/Need
What does this character want throughout this story? What is the
underlying need that is driving that want?1. Peter wants to save his life. He must climb out of the hole he’s dug himself into due to circumstances.
2. Peter is driven by his daughters. He wants them to be proud of him.
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
What opposite values does this character have that creates an
internal conflict for them?Peter struggles within between doing what is right versus what he thinks will save his life. Peter is unstable and convinces himself that kidnapping Santa is the only way out of his situation.
4. Secret:
What are they hiding that ultimately could keep them from getting
their desire in this story?Peter knows that Santa is real because he worked for NORAD before being shipped out to war. He threatens to expose Santa as real if he doesn’t cooperate with him.
5. Flaw:
What weakness or dysfunction does this character have that makes
them human?Peter needs help (like Mary) but is a former military man who thinks he must be strong on his own.
6. Special:
The thing that completely separates this character from all others.
It could be the part of them that is odd or intense or cool or profound.Peter loves to laugh. Mary’s humor is what drew him to her in the first place.
Character Name: JOSEPH BISHOP
1. Basic character traits:
What are 3 or 4 traits that this character consistently operates
out of? Usually, one of those traits needs to be unique to keep
the character from being cliche.1. Used to getting what he wants in business
2. Stubborn
3. Annoyingly good disposition
2. Want/Need
What does this character want throughout this story? What is the
underlying need that is driving that want?Joseph wants stability by marrying Mary…he has the business success, now he wants it in his personal life too.
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
What opposite values does this character have that creates an
internal conflict for them?Joseph starts to doubt and wonder if Mary will ever come around. He contemplates how long he can keep asking her before he decides to move on. Is he embarrassing himself?
4. Secret:
What are they hiding that ultimately could keep them from getting
their desire in this story?Joseph always told people that he didn’t want children. He never told Mary this, but plenty of people in town know it, and they could tell her any minute.
5. Flaw:
What weakness or dysfunction does this character have that makes
them human?Joseph is a recovering alcoholic running a winery. He faces temptation every day.
6. Special:
The thing that completely separates this character from all others.
It could be the part of them that is odd or intense or cool or profound.Joseph is tall and handsome, but he has no idea. He is self-deprecating.
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Matthew Frendo’s characters
What I learned doing this assignment was how to create well rounded characters that will fascinate an audience. This will make my scripts more intriguing and emotional for viewers.
CHARACTER PROFILE – ALICIA
1. Basic character traits:Intelligent
Brave
Compassionate
Fearful
2. Want/Need WANT – to survive the punishment games NEED – to feel loved and strong
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements) Selfishness and desire for survival vs. compassion and desire to help and love others
4. Secret: She was part of a group that bullied her best friend from childhood (who was from the less affluent neighborhood), causing that friend to kill herself.
5. Flaw: she is dependent on others and often relies on them too much.
6. What is special about this character? Though she is from the rich part of society, she was born and partially raised in a less affluent section, giving her street knowledge and school knowledge.CHARACTER PROFILE – HOST
1. Basic character traits:Charismatic
Ruthless
Ego-driven
Arrogant
2. Want/Need WANT – to put on a show that people love NEED – to have power over others
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements) He tries to do good by doing horrendous things to people he considers morally wrong.
4. Secret: killed his parent’s murderers himself, which gave him idea for games.
5. Flaw: he will go to any length to win and doesn’t care about the cost
6. What is special about this character? He started this show 30 years ago to get back at criminals, after his drug running parents were killed by other drug runners.CHARACTER PROFILE – NICK
1. Basic character traits:Strong
Iron Willed
Loner
Defiant
2. Want/Need WANT – to win the games and get famous NEED – security
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements) Desire for fame and success vs. the family morals he was taught as a kid by his mother.
4. Secret: Nick saw his step-dad beat his Mom and pushed him out the window, which his mother went to jail for.
5. Flaw: untrusting, won’t accept help and does everything on his own.
6. What is special about this character? Nick made sure he was voted into the games on purpose, because he saw no other way to get the life he wanted. -
Anna Harper Seducing Actors
What I learned from this assignment. I think it will help me stay true to the course of the story and most importantly help me find the voice of the characters.
Protagonist
Dylan
Basic Character Traits
Operates from the perspective of a 13-year-old boy, deeply wounded by the death of his mother.
Dylan chooses elective mutism as his modus operandi, as self-protective yet isolating. as a reaction to his trauma.
He loves his Dad but feels consistently misunderstood.
Want
Dylan wants to stay in his bubble,
Need
He needs friends and more of a life outside of his own head.
Paradoxes
Sometimes Dylan feels the urge to speak, but the words won’t come out.
Dylan wants to stay in his bubble yet would like to be included with school friends.
Secrets
Dylan believes he is close to his mother in his world of silence.
Although he is antisocial and isolated his interests in music and art have him dreaming of singing on stage in the next Britain’s Got Talent contest.
Flaw
Dylan is egocentric. He fails to feel the anguish he is causing his
Dad. All he cares about generally is himself.Special
Although he is antisocial and isolated his interests in music and art have him dreaming of singing on stage in the next Britain’s Got Talent contest. and going to art school.
Antagonist
Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan’s school teacher
Basic Characteristics
Elizabeth is very physically attractive, smooth, charming on the surface.
She is a transplanted city girl, not from the village.
She is deceitful.
Want
She wants a compliant man in her life. There are not many good-looking single men in the village, so she has become obsessed with idea of Steve, Dylan’s Dad. Her version of husband material.
Need
She needs to get Dylan out of the way.
Paradox
Elizabeth is a teacher who detests children but wants the power and the holidays.
Secret
She is divorced, dumped. No one in the village knows,.
Flaw
Overbearing in trying to control and get whatever she wants.
Special
She stands out from the village women as a city glamourous woman, though in her efforts she overdoes it. There is always something out of place, (as in Cruella De Ville 1001 Dalmatians, unaware of her bed head hair.}.
Steve (linking character)
Basic Character Traits
Overall good guy, liked in the village. Also a volunteer fireman.
Stressed by his current life situation. Single Dad, not much money, Dylan acting out. Lonely. Can be insensitive.
Want
Wants his son to speak again more than anything in the world.
Need
Believes no one understands his load. Needs support, is lonely would like a relationship.
Paradox
Feels guilty for wanting a relationship, yet is lonely. Finds great happiness hanging out with his son, and gives up on the idea of a partner.
Wants to be more than a bus driver, too tired stressed broke to afford further training or education.
Secret
When it gets too much, he has a stiff drink. This worries him as his parents were both alcoholics.
Flaw
He can lose his temper with Dylan and be insensitive
Special
He is one of the village’s quirky characters, flamboyant, charming, everybody loves him.
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Kate’s Characters
What I learned doing this is that a few more scenes I need to write! It revealed some holes. I also like each of them better. It is helpful to make each of these somehow relate… and each informs/evolves the others.
Character Name: DARROGH
1. Basic character traits:.
Greedy
Supremely confident
Smooth
Lonely
2. Want/Need
He wants to be the biggest and best.
He needs appreciation/love.
3. Paradoxes:
Avoiding pain and loss, by being independent, strong, in charge VS being a present, caring, loving father.
4. Secret:
Fear that he was responsible for his wife’s death prevents him from accepting his daughter as she is and really letting her into his life.
5. Flaw:
His immense wealth and power gives him no idea he’d ever lose to anyone.
6. Special:
He was always the golden boy, succeeding in everything. He broke the ‘rules’ took a huge risk marrying a black woman and when she was ‘unfaithful’ he flipped out and also abandoned their daughter to focus on making money which he could count on. The ‘failure’ was too much for him to stay with.
Character Name: NIA
1. Basic character traits:
Kind
Hopeful
Passive
Principled
2. Want/Need
She wants the perfect idealized father she never had
She needs to know the truth.
3. Paradoxes:
Family loyalty is everything VS communal social values and behavior
4. Secret:
As a part black child growing up with the Irish American grandparents and no relationship with her Mother’s family she has always felt she owed her very existence to the family she had and was no-one without them.
5. Flaw:
A chronic desire to please and take care of other’s feelings and needs.
6. Special:
Nia holds some precious memories of her Mother so she almost feels her talking to her. Even without contact with that family she always felt she was part of something bigger than her current family with a hidden strength deep within her.
Character Name: LUCIANA
1. Basic character traits:
Determination
Courage
Impatience
Longing
2. Want/Need
She wants her old family home restored to her.
She needs an accepting ‘family’ of some kind.
3. Paradoxes
Justice at any costs VS personal safety
4. Secret:
A secret Lesbian hidden in her hometown and culture, and with Darrogh knowing that secret, she has always been very careful not to take him on in any way.
5. Flaw:
She is impatient and calls a fool a fool.
6. Special:
Luciana was told by fortune teller as a young woman that she’d never have a family of her own but would be one who made homes for others.
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June Fortunato’s characters for Retirement Day 1 seducing Actors
What I learned: I took my time with this and wanted to make sure everything is as accurate and
true as possible. It was a great exercise and worksheet. Thanks.
Roy- lead
Kim- secondary lead
Suzy- the nurse and Roy’s ex
Marilyn- the lady with the house
Brian- Kim’s brother
Ingrid- Brian’s wife/Kim’s sister in law
Roy
1. Basic character traits summary: Roy: explosive side, charming & seductive, humungous
guilt/triggers his PTSD, tender with strays and has a rescuer impulse, quick wit, self-inflicts pain,
fierce rejection of authority of any kind.
2. Want/Need summary: Roy: wants to keep punishing himself, needs to come to terms and let
himself live & love.
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements) summary Roy: Deeply afraid of who he will hurt so he acts
fearless. Eschews love while simultaneously wants & needs it – and yet gives love in spades.
4. Secret Summary Roy: For his outrageous acts as a pyrotech in Viet Nam, Roy was lauded as a
hero and saved his fellow soldiers many times over- until he followed a questionable order to
blew up a suspected Kong village- which turned out to be children, women, farmers, animals.
This blew his soul and he vowed to forever hurt himself and to never live comfortably. He
expects and almost wants to be shunned because he cannot accept himself.
5. Flaw Roy:
Immediate rejection of any suggestion to make his life easier: it’s a snap reflex. Deeply wounded
so he acts careless and thick skinned. When he confronts, it’s hit and run. A superior moocher
for survival’s sake he feels that he’ll fail disastrously if he really tries. He cannot accept himself
and doesn’t expect much for long.
6. Special Roy:
Despite the wild and reckless exterior, Roy can be thoughtful, tender and can be incredibly
gentle. He’s endearing. He’s generous. He’s funny and crazy/cannot be pinned down. Expert
pyrotech.
———————–
Kim
1. Basic character traits summary: Kim: Loudly self-converses to protect herself, on the edge of a
meltdown, fiercely angry, deeply wounded/betrayed. Fearless behavior despite grave fears,
clever, loves to act and imitate people. Musical. Feels desperately alone. Deep empathy. Wants
to be a good person.
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2. Want/Need Summary Kim: She wants & needs for things to be in balance. This is the opposite
of Roy. She wants her relationship with her brother, Brian, to be happy again- She needs to stand
her ground- to deny his power over her – and to never deal with him thereafter. Very alone, she
needs a solid trustworthy ally.
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements) Kim: wants to believe/can never believe again. She wants to be
settled but can’t sit still. She wants to confront and finish the argument but can’t face her brother.
She wants to be wild but always makes amends what she took. She wants to love deeply but
locks down her heart.
4. Secret summary: Kim
When their parents died, her brother took control of the house including power of attorney. He
remarried to a materialistic, narcissistic bitch, who is determined to take it all and get rid of Kim.
She convinced Kim’s brother to have Kim committed to a psyche ward, pushed Kim down a
flight of stairs, and trashed Kim’s reputation.
5. Flaw summary Kim: her loud self-talk outs herself- but she needs it to think straight. She can’t
find balance. She can’t be the ‘girlie’ that her brother and parents forced on her. She can’t
confront. She can’t trust.
6. Special Kim: she has a ream of artistic talents. She comes from a well off family, and she can
sing and act. She’s handy with tools and can pick a lock in under 30 seconds. She’s a minor thief
but it’s to self prove she can be bold. Like Roy, she also “steps in it “on purpose. She has some
skills with urban medicine/local plants.
She taunts fate by stealing things just to get away with it.
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Suzy the nurse
1. Basic character traits summary: Suzy
Overachiever, devoted to others but ignores herself. Deep empathy and tries to correct every
problem. Quick to laugh. Wants to believe in the goodness of everyone and this makes her
vulnerable to pranks, to scammers, to users. Sturdy, steady and boring.
2. Want/Need summary: Suzy
She wants to fill a hole inside- She needs self-care- to take time for herself in order to find
balance. She wants to do everything for everyone and needs to learn how to say, “No.”
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements) Suzy: She jumps through hoops for others but abuses herself by
ignoring her own needs. She gives life to everyone around her but denies her own.
4. Secret Suzy: She wasn’t there for her mother- a woman who looked and acted a lot like
Marilyn (and every other older lady she nurses.) Suzy was different then: She was off with her
friends- completely self indulgent- parties- gone for days- and didn’t realize that her mother had a
brain tumor and needed her. Her mother fell off of a balcony Suzy came home in the middle of
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the night- high as a kite and found her who’d lain there for hours. She couldn’t save her mother.
That’s when she changed her life.
5. Flaw Suzy: Doesn’t want to hear criticism or advice and can be very snappy and rude when
others try to help her.
6. Special Suzy: Big teeth, big hands, big feet and lots of locomotion. Non-stop energy. Tries to
make people laugh. Overachiever. Dazzling nursing skills such as she can change a bedsheet
under a patient in a blink. A connector of people.
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Marilyn
1. Basic character traits: Feels fragile to herself and becoming insecure about her abilities.
Admiring and encouraging but doubtful others will come through. Has enough money. Super
worrier. Excellent mahjong and card player. Taught music to little kids. Tender hearted with the
less fortunate. She is facing the end and feels it.
2. Want/Need Marilyn: Wants to portray herself as all together and on top of things. Needs to
actually believe that she is.
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements) Marilyn: She’s too quick to give in to a solution/decision and
then wants to take it back. She doubts and worries. She’s civil but sometimes says inappropriate
things. She means well but crosses the line into busybody.
4. Secret Marilyn: She was destitute for quite a while. She starved as a child. She lived on the
streets for a short time.
5. Flaw:Marilyn: She has a buying problem- her closets are filled with triplicates of clothing in 3
sizes- – tags still on. Her house is bursting at the seams with food and looks like a grocery store.
6. Special Marilyn: Incredibly forgiving and generous. Civilized and meticulous. No family.
Deep insights/wise.
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Brian-Kim’s Brother
1. Basic character traits Brian:- a turd. A wimp. Self-serving- not loyal to anyone from his past.
No empathy. Seemingly no memory or warmth for what Kim and he shared in the past. Goes
along with his new wife’s every demand. Easily bullied by her and therefore harsh to Kim.
Threatening. Thinks he’s OK.
2. Want/Need Brian:
Wants whatever his wife tells him he wants.- mostly- happy wife= happy life. Needs to have
some empathy and to think for himself because he’s losing everything that really matters. Has to
come to terms with the damage he’s doing to Kim and ultimately, to himself. He could be next.
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements) Brian:
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Makes promises which can be easily changed by his wife. Used to leave clothes/food outside for
Kim but his wife trashed them and convinced him to show no mercy. Knows Kim goes to ‘his’
house and pretends he doesn’t know. Acts with forcefulness while he is a scurrilous dirtbag
wimp.
4. Secret Brian: He is secretly a crossdresser and Kim knows it. So does his wife. In his position
as a corporate CPA he could be ruined. This is how the wife gets him to bend to his every whim,
and why Kim is such a threat.
5. Flaw Brian: Self serving without empathy for others he hurts. Will not confront.
6. Special Brian: He’s got all of the money. He’s boring as hell and physically spastic. He says
the wrong things so often he’s just silent or says what his wife tells him to say. He refuses to
remember the past.
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Cameron Martin’s Characters
What I learned doing this assignment is… to heavily consider the character’s roll in the story, as it pertains to the plot and theme. Also, I learned to never discount the work that can be put in to a minor character. First of all, reading this assignment initially flew in the face of what I’d learned from reading Robert McKee’s section on dialogue, in his book STORY. Paraphrasing, Robert McKee writes that if you have a line of dialogue that draws attention to itself, then you should cut that line of dialogue. This assignment showed a completely different mindset to take, that screenplays have as much to do with marketing toward potential allies as they do with the actual story itself. In addition, as writing Sully’s and Isaiah‘s character descriptions came swiftly, Markus was much more difficult to figure out. It came to my attention that I didn’t really have an arc or a story planned for Markus, which made it difficult to place any character description down. I would come up with an idea, and then have to scratch it because the character and arc I was writing for Markus seemed out of place with the theme and plot of the rest of the film. Still, the process of figuring out the different character descriptions assisted in brainstorming a more approachable and a tragic story for the Markus character that adds more weight to the themes and world of OPEN WIDE. This has been an eye-opening exercise in constructing characters beyond the “want versus need” component, and I’m looking forward to the next lesson to improve in an area of my writing that has been sorely underperforming.
Character Name: Sully
1. Basic character traits: Inventive, Loving, Controlling, Angry
2. Want/Need: The character wants to regain the control he feels he lost. What he needs is to let go and understand he’s never been in control of his surroundings; he can only work on controlling himself.
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements): Sully wants to raise Isaiah to be his own person, free and loving, but struggles to accept Isaiah’s perceived flaws and mannerisms.
4. Secret: Isaiah was an “Oops Baby,” and Sully blames himself and feels resentment that his wife’s last years alive were spent taking care of a special needs child instead of relaxing and enjoying life.
5. Flaw: Sully believes life would’ve been easier and his wife would be alive without Isaiah, even if he doesn’t want to admit it to himself?
6. Special: Sully manufactures weapons and devices out of scrap. Sully is on the spectrum, just like his son.
Character Name: Isaiah
1. Basic character traits: Obsessive, Focused, Insensitive, Gentle
2. Want/Need: Isaiah wants to help his dad survive; what he needs is for his dad to love him
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements): Isaiah possesses gifted intelligence and awareness of his surroundings, but is often overwhelmed by his surroundings.
4. Secret: He’s observed the aliens and his obsessions with infiltration, stealth, and escape routes are inspired by his obsession with the aliens.
5. Flaw: He struggles with connecting with others, including his own father, because his brain works differently from others.
6. Special: Isaiah has acute Asperger’s, and has become obsessed with the worms.
Character Name: Markus
Basic character traits: Decisive, Innocent, Loyal, Scholarly
2. Want/Need: Markus wants to be protected; what he needs is to protect himself, even from those offering protection
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements): He opposes bullies in his books, but supports bullies in real life
4. Secret: He’s a stowaway that his best friend brought along
5. Flaw: He’s too reluctant to act when the time comes.
6. Special: He’s gay? He’s never seen the stars before? He’s book-smart but not traveled? He’s a draft burner? All of the above?
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What else I learned…This is just a quick and solid way of elevating characters. Didn’t make too many major discoveries with this walk through, but the three characters I worked on between the two concepts became so much richer. I do probably need to make a couple more unique though, as I feel I’ve already seen “The Dad” and “The Boss” in other works, and Janus may need some tweaking or she risks becoming a crybaby-badass, which is a trope I honestly kind of hate.
POSSESSING EDEN
Character Name: Janus
1. Basic character traits: Overconfident, Protective, Convicted, Nervous
2. Want/Need: Janus wants to bring Pan back from the dead/Janus needs redemption
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements): Janus wants to represent her creator while actively fighting against it via her quest.
4. Secret: It felt right to Janus when she erased Pan to create her Copy.
5. Flaw: She’s too hard on herself and too easily accepts criticism
6. Special: She is the creation of a computer virus, and possesses the ability to control any machine in the world.
Character Name: Adam
1. Basic character traits: Manipulative, Self-destructive, god-complex, Ruthless
2. Want/Need: Wants to stop Janus from resurrecting Pan and compromising his world/Needs total capitulation to feel acceptance.
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements): Loves his creation but will ultimately destroy it if it means he can stay in control
4. Secret: He didn’t save mankind, but rather enslaved a small population in a high rise on another planet.
5. Flaw: Believes self criticism is necessary to come out stronger.
6. Special: He’s a self-aware computer virus playing as god.
Character Name: Copy
1. Basic character traits: Underhanded, Perfectionistic, Politically correct, Zealous
2. Want/Need: Wants Janus to face the consequences of her actions/Needs to learn to show mercy and forgiveness
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements): Wants to support Janus on her quest, but only if she can face judgement from a system that led to Pan’s murder in the first place. (Refuses to give up on Adam’s worldview while assisting Janus, for a time, on her quest that threatens it.)
4. Secret: Copy plans to help Adam destroy Janus so that she can take her counterpart’s place.
5. Flaw: Copy’s perfectionism drives her to hurt the ones she wants to be perfect for.
6. Special: She is an alter-ego, a shadow of her creator, Janus.
GRAND THEFT ROAD TRIP
Character Name: The Kid
1. Basic character traits: In denial, Deceitful, Reckless, Loyal
2. Want/Need: Wants to escape from the consequences of her actions/Needs approval
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements): Wants to be free and on the open road, away from her Dad’s expectations, but also wants her Dad’s approval.
4. Secret:
What are they hiding that ultimately could keep them from getting their desire in this story?
5. Flaw:
What weakness or dysfunction does this character have that makes them human?
6. Special:
The thing that completely separates this character from all others. It could be the part of them that is odd or intense or cool or profound.
Character Name: The Dad
1. Basic character traits: Protective, Concealing, Overbearing, Experienced
2. Want/Need: Wants to keep his daughter safe/Needs to connect on his daughter’s need for independence
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements): Is both about as average a suburban dad can be, and a machine behind the wheel and in crime.
4. Secret: Was “The Boss’s” partner with both car thefts and before going into witness protection.
5. Flaw: Micromanages every facet of his and his daughter’s life to hide/prevent his past from resurfacing.
6. Special: He’s a house broken John Wick.
Character Name: The Boss
1. Basic character traits: Vengeful, Modest, Self-Censoring, Entrepreneurial
2. Want/Need: Wants The Kid to learn a lesson for stealing his car, and wants to kill The Dad for his betrayal years ago/Needs to establish a business culture and expectation that drives growth for his organization.
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements): He’s a paragon of professionalism while being particularly murderous and violet.
4. Secret: N/A
5. Flaw: Values his own success over the lives of others
6. Special: Killed his own father to rise in power.
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PS81 Dev Ross- CHARACTERS
What I learned doing this was FANTASTIC! I’ve written paragraphs on characters but breaking it down like this is a game changer. Today I pitched to Scholastic to develop a new show. I pitched the characters just as below and THEY LOVED IT. Said they understood who the characters were loud and clear. Said no one else ever does that!!! THANK YOU!
Character Name: Clay Caine
1. Basic character traits:
– insecure
– intensely religious
– sexually stymied
– wants to feel powerful
2. Want/Need:
– Wants to save his country
– Needs to be respected
– avenge his sister
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements):
– A soft inner core/race hatred.
4. Secret:
– He’s half black
5. Flaw:
– Refuses to accept fundamental truths staring him in the face
6. What is special about this character?
– He believes he’s on a mission from God
CHARACTER PROFILE – LINCOLN ABLE
1. Basic character traits
– Passionate and dedicated in his beliefs
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– Compassionate
– Slightly elite
2. Want/Need
– To better the lives of his community, make a positive difference
– To have a child
– To make his wife proud, deserve her love
– to be a leader
3. Paradoxes
– Wants peaceful change verses a deep-seated loathing of the white man
4. Secret:
– He’s half white but only his wife knows.
FLAW
– His covert anger
Special
-He’s overcome a destructive and hateful father to become a leader in his community
CHARACTER PROFILE – ELIJAH
1. Basic character traits:
– Insecure and lonely
– Open and loving nature
– Hard worker
– Needs to prove himself
2. Want/Need
– to be loved
– to be accepted
– to make Clay proud
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
– To prove himself/to say ‘fuck it.’
4. Secret:
– His dad beat him
5. Flaw:
– too needy
6. Special:
– He is keenly bright and could go far with the right mentoring.
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(Anita Gomez) Character Profiles
Post your work in the Day 1 section of the “Seducing Actors” sub-forum.
What I learned doing this assignment: Excellent exercise to hone in on my characters. It also tells me I will have a challenge to differentiate between these 3 individuals, as Danica and Cyrus are very much alike, and Dianna is the worst product of the both of them combined.
Character Name: Danica
1. Basic character traits:
What are 3 or 4 traits that this character consistently operates out of? Usually, one of those traits needs to be unique to keep the character from being cliche.
Success-oriented
Driven
Pragmatic
Self-sufficient / Independent
2. Want/Need:
What does this character want throughout this story? What is the underlying need that is driving that want?
Wants: Success and recognition
Needs: Love and intimacy
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements):
What opposite values does this character have that creates an internal conflict for them?
Fears failure / judgment of others
Wants respect while pushing others away
4. Secret:
What are they hiding that ultimately could keep them from getting their desire in this story?
Her unwanted pregnancy with Cyrus (married man, and her boss)
5. Flaw:
What weakness or dysfunction does this character have that makes them human?
Driven
Jealous of others – especially her sister’s happy family
6. Special:
The thing that completely separates this character from all others. It could be the part of them that is odd or intense or cool or profound.
Hyper-competitive, not just at work but in sports, and games, and all aspects of life – always needs to be the winner.
Character Name: Cyrus
1. Basic character traits:
Image-Conscious / Narcissistic
Hypocrite
Manipulative
Workaholic
2. Want/Need:
Wants: Attention / affirmation
Needs: To feel valuable / respected
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements):
Wants power and success at any cost (ruthless / relentless)
Willing to be unethical / Hypocritical in his goals while perceived as pure and ethical
4. Secret: Wanted to abort his illegitimate daughter with Danica, while publicly touting anti-abortion stance.
5. Flaw: The more he wants to be perceived as perfect, the more willing he is to do whatever it takes to hide his imperfections.
6. Special:
Super charming / handsome – to the point people overlook his flaws.
Character Name: Dianna
1. Basic character traits:
Dominating
Self-confident
Willful
Bad temper
2. Want/Need
Wants: To be in control
Needs: To be loved
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
Egocentric / hard-hearted
Wants respect but needs others to subjugate themselves to her
4. Secret: Fear of abandonment / rejection while simultaneously seeking out the true identities of her birth parents who abandoned her.
5. Flaw:
Won’t allow vulnerability
No emotional attachments to anyone / Sociopath
Vengeful
Antisocial Personality Disorder
6. Special:
Brilliant and resourceful, but beautiful on the outside only.
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PS81 – Dana’s Characters
What I learned from this assignment:
Creating these profiles gave me a better understanding of my characters, and given that I’m writing a psychological thriller, developing layers to their personalities this way will add depth and suspense to my story I did not consider during the outlining module. These profiles are not complete, and they will certainly change as I learn more about my characters.
Character Name: Ellen Landry
1. Basic character traits:
· caring
· ambitious
· vulnerable
· fearful
2. Want/Need
· wants to rescue her family
· needs confidence as a psychiatrist
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
· academic excellence, but struggles in real world applications
4. Secret:
· her mother was diagnosed schizophrenic and institutionalized
5. Flaw:
· the guilt she feels about not saving her mother
6. Special:
Unknown at this time
Character Name: Jason/Ryan
1. Basic character traits:
– Jason personality
· frightened
· childlike
· trusting
– Ryan personality
· calculating
· violent
· sinister
2. Want/Need
– Jason
· wants to be at peace
· needs to excise his violent personality
– Ryan
· wants to torment Ellen on her radio show
· needs to satiate his sociopathic appetite
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
· one personality likes Ellen Landry
· the other personality wants to kill her family
4. Secret:
· Ryan is a separate person
5. Flaw:
· suffers from dissociative identity disorder (DID)
6. Special:
· homeless, living on the street for years, was a genius student
Character Name: Det. Sorenson
1. Basic character traits:
· over-confident
· cynical
· controlling
· compassionate
2. Want/Need
· wants to find Jason
· needs to relinquish control
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
· tough as nails but emotional in private
4. Secret:
Unknown at this time
5. Flaw:
· Impatient with other’s failure and incompetence
6. Special:
· empathy toward victims
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Antonio Flores’ characters
What I learned doing this assignment is…
That when the assignment’s tension is building up and getting… pretty high, reading the instruction “RELAX” is such an enjoyable “aaah…” breathe out moment! Then it is possible to explore the characters and build up a better understanding of the narrative.
ASSIGNMENT:
Create Character Profiles for THREE characters you’ll use throughout the program. Then post them to the forums.
PROTAGONIST
Character Name: Parisa
1. Basic character traits:
- highly principled
- a perfectionist
- very emotional… when nobody is looking
- fearful / withdrawn
2. Want/Need
- Want: To get her fiancé back
- Need: Love
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
- highly principled: inflexible, appears as highly predictable in the eyes of her opponents
- external confidence, but insecure inside, too aware of her weaknesses
- fearful: pushes herself to take risks just to avoid feeling guilt for having failed
- very emotional, yet, repressed, unable to express tender feelings
4. Secret:
<font size=”3″>She saw her sister die in an accident. When Sandy gets killed in front of her eyes, it opens a wound.</font>
5. Flaw:
Rules put lots of pressure on her and when she is under pressure, she gets angry. Rules challenge her ability to achieve perfection. Rules make her feel guilty for having failed even before failing.
6. Special:
Parisa is stronger than what she looks.
ANTAGONIST
Character Name: The Ruler
1. Basic character traits:
- Cunning
- Narcissistic<font size=”3″>: Image is everything</font>
- Power-thirst
- Greedy
2. Want/Need
- Want: Winning in the ONLY thing
- Need: Power
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
Cunning, yet “authentic” shrewd
4. Secret:
TBD
5. Flaw:
Narcissistic: Image is everything
6. Special:
He is a genius, a leader
SUPPORT
Character Name: Sandy Estrella
1. Basic character traits:
What are 3 or 4 traits that this character consistently operates out of? Usually, one of those traits needs to be unique to keep the character from being cliche.
- Adventurous
- Impulsive — Not afraid of confrontation
- Greedy
2. Want/Need
- Wants: Material things
- Needs: Respect, to be somebody
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
What opposite values does this character have that creates an internal conflict for them?
TBD
4. Secret:
Sandy envies Parisa. She believes that she can be a winner fighter, too.
5. Flaw:
Greedy: pushes others aside and even ignore laws to get what she wants.
6. Special:
TBD
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This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by Antonio Flores.
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Alice’s characters
What I learned doing this assignment is
I always was terrible describing people, for this reason I am afraid of doing this assignment
Character Name: THANAKH
1. Basic character traits:
Thanakh is a scientist, working as Head of the Lab at Research Institute, talented, honest, reserved, and refined.
2. Want/Need
Wants to bring this event to conclusion, if possible to justice
Needs to uncover who is behind missing cases
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
That he, such a refined person, ended up in a pile of carnal bodies construction.
4. Secret:
He hides, how much he went wounded by it.
5. Flaw:
Idea that secret police might be behind it weakens him.
6. Special:
He’s different, being consciouss
Character Name: WARD
1. Basic character traits:
Ward who is supposed to bring qualified out of restricted reservations. He has military and martial arts training, is even-tempered and self-controlled, has a keen, and is good at deciphering people.
2. Want/Need
Wants to love LENA
Needs to send her safely out of reservation
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
He is so trained, but lets himself be shot point-blank
4. Secret:
They have been using weapon prior at reservations, to bring qualified out. This discredits him as a ward, and who he would recommend.
5. Flaw:
He weakens, meeting LENA, as she becomes also his lover, not just another better specimen to be brought outside. He stops to be impartial, and puts himself under fire.
6. Special:
He reappears in a spirit after he is shot, and guides LENA.
Character Name: Son of Main Commander
1. Basic character traits:
Son of Main Commander, is a rank, is high rank military, intelligent, independent, has no illusion, good with observations, and predicting, lives dramatic life.
2. Want/Need
Want: Higher Aspirations
Need: pass via civil war
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
He SEPARATES though there are no external reasons for that
4. Secret:
He himself?
5. Flaw:
Is incapable to step ahead as a ward
6. Special:
Is a visionary
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Michael Katz Characters
What I learned doing this assignment is…that I had pretty much already instinctually done this first basic level of character development, but just not properly broken it down, organized it, and labeled the distinctions. I like ensuring the characters have issues, flaws, and inconsistencies to make them human, and give them depth. I also liked giving the characters opposing characterizations, and I’m wondering if that is to come in another exercise as a way to create conflict.
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WALDO / VICTORINO’S CHARACTER PROFILE
PROTAGONIST
Dr. Waldo Katz/Victorino Royce:
Scientist/Tycoon/Villain/Megalomaniac
40 years old
1. Basic character traits:
– metrosexual debonair
– psychologically obsessed/strong-willed (megalomaniac)
– brilliant/clever/esoteric
– immature/peculiar/unique humor
2. Want/Need:
– Waldo WANTS to take over the world to prove his technology is great.
– Waldo NEEDS to be worshipped (needs adulation).
– He’d say that adulation isn’t driving his desire to take over the world, even though it is.
– He’d say he just wants to prove his technology works and is beneficial.
– Waldo WANTS to change/elevate his status in the world in order to feel worshipped – his NEED.
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements):
– Not empathetic vs. loves Imelyna
– Brutal tactics vs. delicate constitution
– not afraid of conflict but is paranoid
– big picture thinker vs. attention to smallest detail
– worried about place in history vs. worried about his hair
– refined demeanor vs. visceral impulses
– beneficial technology/ends vs. detrimental tactics/means
– altruistic vs. wants credit
4. Secret:
– When Waldo was a teenager, he became fascinated with magnifying lenses, and from ants…he graduated to arson, and purposefully burned down his house with his parents inside.
5. Flaw:
– Waldo’s flaw: He thinks he is greater than he actually is. He is self-absorbed. He is prideful.
6. What is special about this character?
– Extreme: He’s a megalomaniac.
– Cool: He’s the greatest inventor of all time.
– Profound: He has a heart of gold.
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EVANS’ CHARACTER PROFILE
ANTAGONIST
Derek Evans
Government spy
35 years old
1. Basic character traits:
– man’s man debonair
– mindlessly dutiful/psychologically un-conflicted (spy)
– physical violence
– smug one-liners
2. Want/Need:
– Evans WANTS to stop Waldo.
– Evans NEEDS to be psychologically un-conflicted about his dangerous homicidal job.
– He’d say that mindless dutiful physical violence isn’t driving his desire to stop Waldo, even though it is.
– He’d say he just wants to stop a bad guy.
– Evans WANTS to change/finish the job in order to feel psychologically un-conflicted – his NEED
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements):
– Debonair/Smug one-liners vs. violent/homicidal
– Works for the good guys vs. womanizer/misogynistic
4. Secret:
– Evans doesn’t always agree with his mission.
– He likes killing.
5. Flaw:
– Evans doesn’t care.
6. What is special about EVANS?
– Extreme: Evans is a secret agent with a license to kill.
– Intense: Evans is resourceful, quick thinking, and undefeatable.
– Cool: Evans is cool and confident. Evans likes fast cars and fast women.
———————————————
———————————————
IMELYNA’S CHARACTER PROFILE
Love interest in Dramatic Triangle
Imelyna Michaels
30 years old
A-list movie star
Environmental activist
1. Basic character traits:
– bleeding heart/dangerously softhearted
– moral/ethical
– business savvy
– sassy
2. Want/Need:
– Imelyna WANTS to help Waldo end global warming.
– Imelyna NEEDS to be morally/ethically working toward saving the planet.
– Imelyna WANTS to help Waldo end global warming in order to feel connected and serving the planet – her NEED.
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements):
– Environmental activist vs. lavish lifestyle
– Actress vs. wears heart on sleeve
4. Secret:
– Imelyna had an affair during her last movie with her married director.
5. Flaw:
– Imelyna cares too much.
6. What is special about Imelyna?
– Extreme: A-List actor
– Profound: Some experience sets Imelyna on the path of environmental activism.
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Justina Mitchell’s Characters
What I learned doing this assignment is that the protagonist and antagonist are deeper characters than the others in the story. I also learned that by asking the right questions I can bring more depth to my characters.
FIRST CHARACTER NAME:
Richard G. Fulton alias Edward Gray
1. BASIC CHARACTER TRAITS:
Self-confident
Adventurous
Shrewd
Self-absorbed
2. WANT/NEED:
Wants to find an heir to leave his money to so that he’ll have done good for someone.
Needs to be loved for himself not his money.
3. PARADOXES (WARRING ELEMENTS):
Self-absorbed but Cares About How Others Will Remember Him
4. SECRET:
The false persona that he has willingly taken on so as to spy on his cousins.
5. FLAW:
He doesn’t see the need for personal relationships unless they serve a business purpose.
6. SPECIAL:
He is one of the wealthiest men in the United States.
******************************************
SECOND CHARACTER NAME:
Margaret “Maggie” Hill
1. BASIC CHARACTER TRAITS:
Nurturing
Wise
Positive
Hard-Working but also Fun-Loving
2. WANT/NEED:
She wants to help everyone else with their troubles.
She needs to have someone take care of her as much as she takes care of everyone else.
3. PARADOXES (WARRING ELEMENTS):
– Self-sacrificing for others but Wants her own success.
4. SECRET:
– She has inherited money that she doesn’t want Edward to know about because he may be intimidated by a wealthy woman because he is so poor.
5. FLAW:
– She secretly resents that she has always had to give up her dreams to help her family.
6. SPECIAL:
– She is extremely adept at manipulating people to do what she wants them to do, but she only uses it for good.
**********************************************
THIRD CHARACTER NAME:
Cynthia Moody
1. BASIC CHARACTER TRAITS:
Flirtatious
Naive
Obedient
2. WANT/NEED:
She wants to have things when she wants to have them.
She needs to get out from under her mother’s dominance.
3. PARADOXES (WARRING ELEMENTS):
She longs for freedom but She is obedient and submissive
4. SECRET:
She is secretly in love with someone her mother doesn’t approve of.
5. FLAW:
She is self-absorbed.
6. SPECIAL:
She has remarkable musical talent.
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DAY ONE: Creating Character Profiles – Assignment
Mike O – Characters
Assignment: Create Character Profiles for THREE characters you’ll use throughout the program. Then post them to the forums. Recommended characters: (1)Protagonist, (2) antagonist, (3) a third character that connects the two in some way.
(1) Brooklyn Murray (protagonist)
(2) Richard Feldman (antagonist)
(3) Tarek (love interest & friend of Richard’s)
=================================================================
Character Name: Brooklyn Murray
1. Basic character traits: What are 3 or 4 traits that this character consistently operates out of? Usually, one of those traits needs to be unique to keep the character from being cliche.
1. Workaholic – obsessed with her work
2. Romantic
3. Indecisive and struggles with OCD
4. yearns to be a successful artist
===========================================
2. Want/Need What does this character want throughout this story? What is the underlying need that is driving that want?
Wants – her paintings, her work, to be recognized and valued Needs – Love and to be valued for who she is
============================================
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements) What opposite values does this character have that creates an internal conflict for them?
1. Her work is sensual, erotic and complex. 2. Her life is sheltered, G-rated and the opposite of her paintings.
2. Her work studio is eclectic, paints, paintings and ideas everywhere. 2. Her home is OCD perfect. Two completely different living spaces.
3. She finds small children wonderful, loves to babysit for friends with small children. 2. She is put off by babies, hates crying and trying to guess what they need or want.
============================================
4. Secret: What are they hiding that ultimately could keep them from getting their desire in this story?
Brooklyn is a virgin. She saw her step-dad and her mom having rough/violent sex as a little girl.
============================================
5. Flaw: What weakness or dysfunction does this character have that makes them human?
Brooklyn is indecisive, fearful of change, and will walk away from men at first sign of danger.
============================================
6. Special: The thing that completely separates this character from all others. It could be the part of them that is odd or intense or cool or profound.
She respects her talent, she is the opposite of self-destructive and she’s turned her life of loneliness into a pursuit of artistic perfection.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Character Name: Richard Feldman
1. Basic character traits: What are 3 or 4 traits that this character consistently operates out of? Usually, one of those traits needs to be unique to keep the character from being cliche.
1. Womanizer – women are a means to an end only
2. Manipulative
3. Sociopath
4. Wants to be rich
===========================================
2. Want/Need What does this character want throughout this story? What is the underlying need that is driving that want?
Wants – to be rich and have the freedom it provides a person
Needs – to learn choices have consequence; you reap what you sow
============================================
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements) What opposite values does this character have that creates an internal conflict for them?
1. He is manipulative, gracious and can charm people easily. 2. He has dozens of acquaintances, but no true friends.
2. He has a great eye for artistic talent and has ‘discovered’ a number of artists. 2. Richard has no innate talent himself; he has tried drawing, painting, it’s awful.
============================================
4. Secret: What are they hiding that ultimately could keep them from getting their desire in this story?
Richard is hiding his addiction to collecting paintings he knows are great and will be recognized later on. Before the Babbling Brook Gallery, Richard used to be an art thief… Never caught, never even suspected.
============================================
5. Flaw: What weakness or dysfunction does this character have that makes them human?
He fights his self-centered and self-absorbed mannerisms in order to foster his love-of-people persona.
In truth, he finds anyone who isn’t artistically talented inconsequential and could care less about them.
============================================
6. Special: The thing that completely separates this character from all others. It could be the part of them that is odd or intense or cool or profound.
He realizes exactly what he is, monologues with himself when stressed or wanting something.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Character Name: Tarek
1. Basic character traits: What are 3 or 4 traits that this character consistently operates out of? Usually, one of those traits needs to be unique to keep the character from being cliche.
1. Overprotective, single father
2. Pragmatic, even pessimistic
3. Wants to find true love
===========================================
2. Want/Need What does this character want throughout this story? What is the underlying need that is driving that want?
Wants – to start a new life, in a new town away from everything that reminds him of his dead wife.
Needs – to find a wife, someone who will complete him and his family
============================================
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements) What opposite values does this character have that creates an internal conflict for them?
1. He loves being a father, loves his two boys with all his heart 2. After his wife died, he couldn’t keep up the demanding pace at work, was laid off. Resents Corp. America. The life insurance policy on his wife keeps him from worrying about $
2. Adrift emotionally and professionally, he makes his boys his whole life. 2. At the same time: grief and loneliness have taken his confidence, his desire to date.
============================================
4. Secret: What are they hiding that ultimately could keep them from getting their desire in this story?
He wants to have a daughter. He grew up with two brothers; there are no daughters in his family.
============================================
5. Flaw: What weakness or dysfunction does this character have that makes them human?
Tarek puts his sons needs, wants and future before all else: over-compensating and reliving boyhood vicariously
============================================
6. Special: The thing that completely separates this character from all others. It could be the part of them that is odd or intense or cool or profound.
He believes in a nuclear family, he hasn’t completely given up on the idea of finding ‘someone’ to share his life with. And he refuses to left grief and loss change him or turn him jaded.
===================================================================
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Nancy Kates seducing actors Day 1 Character traits
What I learned from this: I don’t know certain details of my characters, even after spending a lot of time on them
1. Basic character traits: Zoe
What are 3 or 4 traits that this character consistently operates
out of? Usually, one of those traits needs to be unique to keep
the character from being cliche.Smart
Tidy
Loving
realistic
2. Want/Need
What does this character want throughout this story? What is the
underlying need that is driving that want?She wants to be closer to Heidi
3. Paradoxes (Warring elements)
What opposite values does this character have that creates an
internal conflict for them?She wants to be good but is highly judgemental, ie pushes people away
4. Secret:
What are they hiding that ultimately could keep them from getting
their desire in this story?Disdain for a lot of people around her
5. Flaw:
What weakness or dysfunction does this character have that makes
them human?Super controlling, and not always empathetic enough
6. Special:
She’s a professor, good at reading texts and signs (but not necessarily people)
Highly logical
The thing that completely separates this character from all others.
It could be the part of them that is odd or intense or cool or profound.Marilyn character traits
–kind
–smart
–good at reading people
–spiritually inclined/more open to growth than Zoe is
Want: to escape from her family/ freedom
Need: real partnership, or less stressful and conflicted partnership
Paradox: she either wants what she can’t have, or she doesn’t realize the good parts of what she has
Secret: she’s more interested in women than she will admit,
Flaw: is willing to act out, even if it hurts others (especially as she goes along, is a doormat at the beginning)
Special skills: herding children, compassion for others
Heidi
–a good businesswoman
–adventurous
–more playful than Zoe
Want: deeper connection, and also freedom to have casual connections
Need: greater intimacy and connection with Zoe
Secret: not sure. Maybe she has had an affair already, or done something outside the bounds of their agreements with each other
Flaw: selfishness—if she wants it, that’s justification enough
Special skills: managing people and projects
Seeing through Zoe’s defense mechanisms
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