Lesson 3

[Deb Johnson]

Deb’s Characters for Horror

What I learned: There are specific rules we can use to shape our survivors and victims. They represent the different ways a person might respond to real horror, and they must always match the concept.

Concept: A cursed typewriter writes the last words of the living before they perish.

Group: SINNERS: Approximately 8 people who are strangers. They are all prideful people who have lied to either promote themselves or to gain wealth. To escape they must face their falsehoods and admit their guilt, or they will die.

DYING PATTERN: Put 6 to 8 characters together and kill them off one by one.

The Potential Characters:

Gabriel (Leader/Protagonist):

Role: Investigative Journalist

Story Role: Gabriel reluctantly leads the group in uncovering the typewriter’s mystery and surviving its curse. He hates journalism and only does it for the money. He really wants to write books, but he’s too fearful to make the change and try.

Isa” (Love Interest):

Role: Paranormal Expert

Story Role: Isa assists the group with her knowledge of the supernatural, – she has a past romantic connection to Gabriel – but they haven’t seen each other in years. This “horror” brings them together again. Gabriel is hurt by Isa’s past disloyalty and lies that ended their relationship.

Ella (seemingly Innocent):

Role: Curious Teenager

Story Role: Ella’s youthful curiosity leads to her involvement with the group. She secretly cyber-bullies and spreads lies to hurt others and make herself more important.

Aaron (Rebel / Rule Breaker):

Role: Local Historian

Story Role: Aaron’s determination to uncover the typewriter’s secrets and disregard for warnings challenge the group’s choices. The local history book he’s published skews facts and paints prominent people in a bad light. He misinforms about the origins of the typewriter and leads them in the wrong direction.

Mamma Lee (Complainer):

Role: Paranormal Skeptic

Story Role: Lena’s skepticism creates friction in the group, but her presence adds a sense of normalcy. She has alienated her children because she refuses to acknowledge the abuse of her husband – and how he hurt his own kids.

Tunney (Out of Control / Obnoxious):

Role: Thrill-Seeking Adventurer

Story Role: Tunney’s reckless behavior adds tension and risks to the group’s predicament. He killed someone in a hit-and-run and never owned up to face the consequences.

Cassie (Red Herring):

Role: Paranormal Blogger

Story Role: Cassandra’s misdirection and misleading theories divert the group’s focus from the true source of horror. She misleads her audience with false/sensational stories to make more money.