Lesson 4: Discovering Character Depth

[Dean Burkey]

Dean's Character Depth

What I learned doing this assignment is how to turn characters into onions! (Add layers.)

1. Lena

Internal Character Depth:

Motivation: Lena's primary motivation is to bring down the syndicate responsible for widespread corruption and violence. She turned informant after witnessing the syndicate's brutal actions, driven by a desire for justice and to protect innocent lives.

Secret: Lena has a deeper connection to the syndicate than she initially reveals. She was once closely involved in their operations, which gives her valuable inside knowledge.

Wound: Lena carries the emotional scars of losing loved ones to the syndicate's violence. This loss fuels her determination but also her guilt for her past involvement.

Subtext: Lena's interactions often carry an undercurrent of regret and determination. She’s constantly fighting her own guilt while pushing forward to make amends.

Layers: Lena is a mix of strength and vulnerability. She is resourceful, intelligent, and brave, but also haunted by her past and the fear that she might not be able to escape it.

Character to Character Dynamics:

Conflict: Lena struggles with trusting Carter and the other agents, especially after discovering the mole.

Hidden Agenda: Initially, she hides her deeper involvement with the syndicate, fearing judgment and mistrust from the agents.

Conspiracy: Lena is aware that there might be multiple layers of betrayal within the team, adding to her paranoia.

Intrigue: Her extensive knowledge of the syndicate's inner workings makes her a valuable but dangerous asset.

Character Situation:

Dilemma: Lena must decide whether to run away and start a new life or continue her dangerous quest to testify against the syndicate.

Secret Identity: Lena was a high-ranking member of the syndicate before turning informant, a fact she keeps hidden to protect herself and ensure the agents' trust.

2. Agent Carter

Internal Character Depth:

Motivation: Carter is motivated by a complex mix of duty to protect Lena and a personal desire for survival and success. His ulterior motive includes a hidden agenda related to the syndicate.

Secret: Carter has been working with the syndicate to some extent, driven by promises of personal gain and survival.

Wound: Carter has seen many of his colleagues fall prey to corruption or death, making him cynical and pragmatic.

Subtext: Carter's tough exterior hides a conflicted conscience. His interactions often have double meanings, reflecting his hidden loyalty to the syndicate and his sense of duty.

Layers: Carter is a layered character torn between his professional responsibilities, personal ambitions, and hidden affiliations. He presents as dependable and stoic but is internally conflicted and compromised.

Character to Character Dynamics:

Conflict: Carter’s loyalty is split between his duty to protect Lena and his secret dealings with the syndicate.

Hidden Agenda: He aims to gain valuable information from Lena to use as leverage with the syndicate.

Conspiracy: Carter is deeply entangled in the syndicate's web, using his position to serve their interests while maintaining his cover.

Intrigue: His dual role creates a constant tension, making his true intentions a subject of ongoing suspicion and intrigue.

Character Situation:

Dilemma: Carter faces the moral and practical dilemma of whether to fully betray Lena for his gain or to find redemption by truly protecting her.

Secret Identity: While outwardly a loyal federal agent, Carter secretly collaborates with the syndicate, balancing his double life precariously.

3. Agent Miller

Internal Character Depth:

Motivation: Miller is driven by fear and coercion. The syndicate has something on him, forcing his hand.

Secret: Miller has been feeding information to the syndicate, hoping to protect himself and possibly his family.

Wound: Miller is haunted by his inability to protect his loved ones from the syndicate’s influence.

Subtext: His actions are a mix of genuine fear and reluctant betrayal. His every move is calculated to survive without completely losing his integrity.

Layers: Miller is a blend of desperation and cunning. He appears cooperative and loyal but is constantly on edge, hiding his true allegiance.

Character to Character Dynamics:

Conflict: Miller’s duplicity creates tension with other agents, especially as his actions come under scrutiny.

Hidden Agenda: He aims to sabotage the safehouse operations from within while maintaining his cover.

Conspiracy: Miller is a key player in the syndicate's plan to eliminate Lena, working from the inside.

Intrigue: His ability to deceive creates a constant undercurrent of tension and uncertainty.

Character Situation:

Dilemma: Miller is torn between his coerced duty to the syndicate and his fading sense of duty to his colleagues.

Secret Identity: While posing as a loyal federal agent, Miller is secretly compromised and working for the syndicate under duress.

4. The Boss (Syndicate Leader)

Internal Character Depth:

Motivation: The Boss is driven by power and control, seeking to eliminate any threats to his syndicate.

Secret: The Boss has infiltrated many levels of law enforcement, using moles and compromised agents to maintain his grip.

Wound: Despite his power, the Boss is paranoid, always fearing betrayal and losing control.

Subtext: His interactions are laced with menace and manipulation, always seeking to dominate and intimidate.

Layers: The Boss is both charismatic and ruthless, commanding loyalty through fear and rewards.

Character to Character Dynamics:

Conflict: The Boss sees Lena as a significant threat and is determined to eliminate her.

Hidden Agenda: He plans to use compromised agents to ensure his continued dominance and eliminate all opposition.

Conspiracy: The Boss orchestrates a complex web of corruption and betrayal, controlling key players on both sides.

Intrigue: His influence and reach create an ever-present threat, with layers of deception and control.

Character Situation:

Dilemma: The Boss must balance his visible power with the hidden vulnerabilities of his operations being exposed.

Secret Identity: He is the mastermind behind the syndicate, often using aliases and maintaining a low profile to avoid direct exposure.

• This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by  Dean Burkey.