Lesson 5: Audience Connection to Characters (NEW THREAD)

[Vernall Ritchey]

Assignment : Module 3: Lesson 5

Vision: I want to write a smart, well-written, and blockbuster script which I can then produce and direct.

What I learned from doing this assignment is: how my characters have more depth.

Subject Line: WIM – Vernall Ritchey – Likability/Relatability/Empathy

Protagonist: Kyla

· Likability: Kyla initially presents

as highly likable. She’s a compassionate caregiver, dedicated to her faith, and

possesses a gentle demeanor. This facade makes her possession all the more

shocking and unsettling. As the truth unravels, her likability diminishes, replaced

by a sense of unease and creeping dread.

· Relatability: Audiences may

initially relate to Kyla’s desire to help others and her dedication to her

spiritual path. However, her internal struggle against the demon and the

potential darkness lurking within might resonate with anyone who has grappled

with personal demons or moral ambiguity.

· Empathy: While Kyla appears empathetic towards Father Gill initially and while she’s In distress as

she is terrified of demonic presence. Less so when her true motives are increasingly questionable. As the story progresses, audiences may struggle to find empathy for her as she loses

control and the demonic entity takes hold. However, a flicker of vulnerability in her moments of resistance could offer a glimpse of the person she once was, sparking a sliver of empathy for her plight.

· Likability: Kyla is initially portrayed as highly likable. She is presented as a compassionate caregiver, dedicated to her faith and Father Gill’s well-being. Her attentiveness, gentle demeanor, and unwavering faith in God can evoke sympathy and admiration from the audience.

· Relatability: Kyla’s internal struggle against the demon can be relatable for viewers who have faced inner demons or battles with temptation. Her initial denial, fear, and attempts to control the darkness can resonate with human experiences of grappling with negative impulses or hidden desires.

· Empathy: As the story progresses and Kyla’s true nature is revealed, the audience’s empathy may shift. However, her vulnerability and the internal conflict between her faith and demonic nature can still elicit a sense of empathy for her plight. The audience may even feel conflicted, torn between their initial positive impression and the horrifying reality of her true nature.

Victim: Father Gill

· Likability: Father Gill is portrayed as a kind and wise figure, despite his physical limitations. Even

through his fear and vulnerability, his faith remains strong. This makes him an easy character to root for and sympathize with.

· Relatability: Audiences may connect with Father Gill’s fear of the unknown and his struggle to maintain faith in the face of terrifying circumstances. His dependence on Kyla and his vulnerability also evoke a sense of protectiveness.

· Empathy: As a bedridden stroke victim, Father Gill is the main catalyst for empathy in the story. He is innocent and helpless against Kyla’s deception and the demonic forces threatening him. The audience’s fear and concern for him drive the narrative and fuel the tension.

· Likability: Father Gill is presented as a kind and wise mentor, a man weakened by illness but still clinging to his faith and humanity. His vulnerability and dependence on Kyla’s care can evoke sympathy and protectiveness from the audience.

· Relatability: The audience may find Father Gill relatable in his fear of the unknown and his struggle to maintain his faith in the face of a seemingly demonic threat. His helplessness and dependence on others can resonate with viewers who have faced similar situations of vulnerability or dependence.

· Empathy: As the story unfolds, the audience’s empathy for Father Gill may deepen as they witness him being manipulated and even endangered by Kyla. His fear, confusion, and potential spiritual torment can elicit strong emotional responses from viewers.

· Likability: Father Gill is immediately endearing. Despite his physical limitations, he retains a gentle spirit, radiating warmth and faith. His vulnerability makes him a sympathetic figure, and his trust in Kyla endears him to the audience. However, his role in the story is primarily to serve as a catalyst for Kyla’s internal struggle. His likability remains constant, acting as a counterpoint to Kyla’s descent into darkness.

· Relatability: Father Gill’s struggle with illness and his dependence on Kyla’s care are relatable to anyone who has experienced vulnerability or relied on others for support. His faith and his gentle demeanor further endear him to the audience, making them easily connect with his plight and root for his safety.

· Empathy: The audience’s empathy for Father Gill is central to the story’s emotional impact. His vulnerability, his trust in Kyla, and his fear of the unknown make him a powerful figure of sympathy. The horror of Kyla’s possession is amplified by the contrast between her actions and Father Gill’s innocence. The audience will feel deeply for him and fear the threat she poses to his soul.

· Likability: Father Gill, despite his physical limitations, manages to be highly likable. His gentle spirit, despite the circumstances, his vulnerability, and his trust in Kyla (initially) make him a sympathetic figure. The audience will naturally root for his safety and protection.

· Relatability: Father Gill’s vulnerability and dependence on Kyla’s care are relatable to anyone who has experienced physical limitations or relied on others for support. His gentle disposition and faith further endear him to the audience, making them connect with his plight and fear for his safety.

· Empathy: Father Gill’s role as the potential target of Kyla’s possession and his innocence in the face of evil draw strong empathy from the audience. Witnessing Kyla’s descent into madness and his realization of her true nature evoke a chilling understanding of his situation. The audience will feel deeply for him and fear for his safety as the story unfolds.

· Likability: Despite his limited physical presence, Father Gill is a very likable character. His vulnerability and dependence on Kyla make him a sympathetic figure. The audience will root for his safety and feel protective of him as Kyla’s true nature becomes clear.

· Relatability: Many viewers can relate to Father Gill’s experience of illness and dependence on others. His gentle spirit and unwavering faith further endear him to the audience, making them easily connect with his vulnerability and fear.

· Empathy: The audience’s empathy for Father Gill is crucial to the story’s emotional impact. His witnessing of Kyla’s descent into madness and the revelation of her true nature will evoke a strong sense of horror and empathy. His awareness of the situation adds a layer of tragedy and reinforces the audience’s desire to see him protected.

· Likability: Despite his physical limitations and fear, Father Gill retains a quiet strength and dignity. His vulnerability makes him a sympathetic figure, and his unwavering faith in God inspires admiration. The contrast between his gentle demeanor and Kyla’s growing darkness further enhances his likability.

· Relatability: Father Gill’s dependence on Kyla’s care and his reliance on his faith in the face of danger can resonate with anyone who has faced vulnerability or found strength in their beliefs. His witness to Kyla’s descent into madness adds a layer of horror and tragedy to his character.

· Empathy: The audience’s empathy for Father Gill is crucial to the emotional impact of the story. His fear, his confusion, and his eventual understanding of Kyla’s true nature all contribute to a powerful sense of connection and concern for his well-being. Witnessing his suffering at the hands of Kyla’s demonic possession can be both terrifying and heartbreaking.

Mentor Priest: Father Moore

· Likability: Initially, Father Moore is highly likable. His compassion, dedication to Sister Kyla, and unwavering faith in God make him appear trustworthy and supportive. This likability strengthens as he bravely confronts the supernatural occurrences, showcasing his commitment to protecting the innocent. However, as the story progresses, and he witnesses the full extent of Kyla’s possession, his likability takes a subtle hit. The trauma and fear visibly affect him, and his unwavering demeanor cracks at times, revealing a vulnerable human beneath the priestly vestments. This shift keeps him relatable but adds a layer of complexity that makes him even more captivating.

· Relatability: Father Moore’s initial calm and composed demeanor is relatable to anyone who has faced fear or uncertainty. His reliance on faith and ritual provides a familiar anchoring point for viewers, especially those with religious backgrounds. As the story progresses, and his fear becomes more apparent, he becomes even more relatable. His emotional journey mirrors the audience’s own as they face the horror of Kyla’s possession.

· Empathy: Father Moore evokes strong empathy. His vulnerability, his unwavering faith in spite of fear, and his determination to protect Father Gill make him a sympathetic figure. The audience will root for him to overcome his fear and ultimately help defeat Kyla. His potential connection with the demon adds a further layer of intrigue and empathy, raising questions about the nature of good and evil within him.

· Likability: Initially very likable. His compassion for Kyla and unwavering faith in God make him a comforting and supportive presence. However, his likability wanes as the supernatural events escalate. His fear and vulnerability become more apparent, shaking his initial composure. This shift in his demeanor adds depth and complexity to his character, keeping the audience invested in his journey.

· Relatability: Many viewers can relate to Father Moore’s struggles with faith and doubt in the face of the unknown. His fear and vulnerability are relatable emotions, especially in a situation involving demonic forces. His reliance on religious rituals and symbols provides a sense of hope and grounding, further connecting him to the audience.

· Empathy: The audience will feel empathy for Father Moore’s emotional and spiritual turmoil. Witnessing his fear and confusion as he confronts the darkness will evoke compassion. His connection to Kyla and his desperation to save Father Gill will further solidify the audience’s emotional investment in his character.

· Likability: Father Moore initially exudes a quiet charisma. His compassion and dedication to his faith are evident in his interactions with Kyla and Father Gill. He serves as a voice of reason and calm amidst the escalating supernatural events. However, as the demonic presence intensifies, his own fear and vulnerability become apparent. This vulnerability can make him both endearing and relatable, but also adds a layer of tension to his interactions with Kyla.

· Relatability: Father Moore’s initial skepticism and eventual acceptance of the supernatural can resonate with viewers who question their own beliefs in the face of the unknown. His reliance on faith and ritual in the face of fear is also relatable to those who find solace in their spiritual beliefs.

· Empathy: The audience’s empathy for Father Moore grows as he becomes increasingly affected by the demonic presence. His fear, his desperation to protect Father Gill, and his potential connection with the demon all contribute to a sense of emotional investment in his character. Witnessing his struggle against Kyla’s hidden darkness can be both terrifying and heartbreaking.

Fellow Priest & Confidante: Father Lyle

· Likability: Father Lyle’s initial likability stems from his role as a fellow priest and Kyla’s confidante. He appears skeptical yet supportive, willing to help her uncover the truth. However, this likability plummets as he encounters Kyla’s possession firsthand. His quick fall to the possessed Kyla’s illness raises sympathy for his suffering, but also casts a shadow on his previous trustworthiness. He becomes a cautionary tale, highlighting the fragility of faith and the vulnerability of good intentions.

· Relatability: Father Lyle’s initial openness and willingness to listen could be relatable to anyone who has experienced doubt or uncertainty within their faith. His shock and fear upon encountering the demonic are also universally relatable, as they mirror the audience’s own reactions to the horror unfolding.

· Empathy: While Father Lyle evokes some initial sympathy due to his suffering, his connection to Kyla’s evil deeds and his quick demise limit the audience’s emotional attachment. However, his fate serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of Kyla’s actions and the fragility of human life in the face of demonic power.

· Likability: Initially presented as a mysterious and intriguing figure. His discovery of Kyla’s secret adds a layer of suspense and intrigue to the story. However, his brief screen time and the nature of his encounter with Kyla make it difficult to fully assess his likability.

· Relatability: The viewers may connect with Father Lyle’s dedication to uncovering the truth and his willingness to face danger to protect others. His quick demise at Kyla’s hands adds a sense of tragedy and raises the stakes of the story.

· Empathy: While Father Lyle’s time in the story is short, his suffering and his connection to Father Moore can still evoke empathy from the audience. The viewers will likely sympathize with his plight and feel a sense of injustice for his fate.

· Likability: Father Lyle’s initial role as a concerned observer and potential witness to Kyla’s secret makes him a somewhat enigmatic figure. His quick demise due to Kyla’s demonic breath adds a layer of mystery and tragedy to his character. However, his actions in uncovering Kyla’s secret and attempting to warn Father Moore demonstrate his courage and devotion to his faith.

· Relatability: Father Lyle’s vulnerability in the face of Kyla’s supernatural power can be relatable to anyone who has felt powerless against a larger force. His role as a victim of Kyla’s hidden evil can also generate sympathy and a desire for justice.

· <b style=”background-color: var(–bb-content-background-color); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color);”>Empathy: While Father Lyle’s screen time might be limited, his suffering and potential connection to Father Gill’s stroke can still evoke empathy from the audience. Witnessing his struggles can add to the overall sense of dread and the urgency to expose Kyla’s true nature.

Antagonist: Demonic Kyla

· Likability: Kyla initially presents as highly likable. Her dedication to her caregiving duties and her unwavering faith in God make her appear compassionate, selfless, and worthy of trust. This likability deepens as she confronts Father Gill’s possession with bravery and determination. However, as cracks in her facade begin to show, her likability takes a sharp turn. Subtle gestures like flickers of darkness in her eyes or a too-long touch on Father Gill’s vulnerable areas create unease and suspicion, gradually shifting her from a sympathetic protagonist to a chilling antagonist.

· Relatability: Kyla’s initial struggle with doubt and fear is relatable. Many viewers can identify with her internal conflict between faith and fear, especially in the face of the supernatural. Her desire to protect Father Gill and do the right thing also taps into universal themes of compassion and selflessness. However, as her true nature is revealed, the audience’s connection shifts to a morbid fascination with the darkness lurking beneath the surface of someone seemingly so relatable.

· Empathy: Initially, Kyla evokes a strong sense of empathy. Her devotion to her calling, her fear of the unknown, and her struggle against a powerful entity all resonate with the audience’s capacity to understand and sympathize. However, as her demonic nature is revealed, empathy shifts into a chilling fascination with the depths of her darkness and the lengths to which she will go to maintain her facade. The audience may still find themselves drawn to her internal conflict, but it is a twisted, dark empathy that borders on horror and morbid curiosity.

· Likability: Initially, Demonic Kyla is the epitome of angelic virtue. Her devotion to Father Gill, her unwavering faith, and her gentle demeanor captivate everyone around her. This manufactured likability is her greatest weapon, a mask that lulls her victims into a false sense of security. As cracks begin to show, her likability plummets, replaced by a chilling aura of veiled malevolence.

· Relatability: Demonic Kyla’s initial facade of goodness allows the audience to relate to her on a surface level. Her anxieties about faith, her struggle against darkness, and her desire to help others can resonate with viewers who have grappled with similar internal conflicts. However, upon revealing her true nature, any semblance of relatability dissipates, replaced by a morbid fascination with the depths of her hidden evil.

· Empathy: While Kyla’s internal conflict might hold a flicker of potential empathy, it’s quickly overshadowed by her manipulative nature and the harm she inflicts. Witnessing her torment of Father Gill and Father Lyle evokes disgust and fear rather than sympathy. However, a twisted form of empathy may arise from understanding the torment she might be enduring within her own possessed consciousness.

· Likability: Initially, Demonic Kyla is the picture of saintly likability. Her gentle demeanor, attentive care for Father Gill, and unwavering faith in God make her instantly endearing. Her dedication to her calling and her pious demeanor add to the illusion of righteousness. However, as the cracks in her facade begin to show, her likability plummets. Subtle hints of malice in her eyes, predatory touches, and chilling pronouncements gradually reveal the darkness beneath the surface, creating a sense of unsettling unease.

· Relatability: While not directly relatable in her demonic nature, Kyla’s initial struggle with faith and fear can resonate with viewers. Her internal conflict between piety and the lure of darkness can be seen as a metaphor for the battle between good and evil within each individual. This creates a sense of fascination and morbid curiosity, even as her actions become increasingly sinister.

· Empathy: Demonic Kyla’s true nature evokes a complex mix of emotions. The audience may feel a twisted empathy for her internal struggle, the fear and desperation that fuel her descent into darkness. However, this empathy is constantly challenged by her manipulative actions and the harm she inflicts on others. The audience may find themselves simultaneously drawn to her hidden darkness and repelled by its destructive consequences.

· Likability:

Initially High: Demonic Kyla is meticulously crafted to appear highly likable at first. Her attentive caregiving for Father Gill, her unwavering faith, and her gentle demeanor disarm suspicion. She may even be seen as a pillar of strength and devotion, earning the audience’s initial trust and admiration.

Cracks Appear: As the story progresses, subtle cracks in her facade emerge. A fleeting flicker of darkness in her eyes, a touch lingering too long on Father Gill’s hand, a hint of cruelty in her voice when speaking of the “demon” within him. These moments, though brief, create a growing sense of unease and suspicion, gradually chipping away at the initial likability.

Full Revelation: When her true nature is revealed, any remaining likability is shattered. The audience witnesses her descent into madness, her fanatical zeal replacing her feigned piety. This transformation can be terrifying and unsettling, showcasing the depths of her darkness and solidifying her as a chilling antagonist.

· Relatability:

Struggle with Faith: Demonic Kyla’s internal conflict between her faith and her demonic urges can be surprisingly relatable. Many viewers may have grappled with their own doubts and struggles within their belief systems, creating a point of connection even with such a monstrous character.

Hidden Darkness: The concept of a hidden darkness, a monster lurking beneath a seemingly normal exterior, can resonate with anyone who has felt conflicted or unsure of their own inner demons. This underlying fear of the unknown within ourselves can make Demonic Kyla a terrifying reflection of our own potential vulnerabilities.

Tragic Deception: The revelation that she has been possessed all along adds a layer of tragedy to her character. The audience may see her not just as a monster, but as a victim herself, manipulated by a powerful entity into becoming a pawn in a larger game. This complexity can elicit a twisted form of empathy, forcing viewers to grapple with the consequences of demonic influence and the loss of innocence.

· Empathy:

Limited Empathy: While Demonic Kyla may evoke some initial empathy due to her struggles and tragic backstory, it is important to maintain a healthy distance from her actions. Her manipulative nature, her willingness to harm others, and her embrace of darkness must not be condoned.

Empathy for the Deception: It is possible to feel empathy for the human Kyla who was possessed, the innocent girl who lost control of her own body and soul. However, this empathy should not overshadow the monstrous acts committed by Demonic Kyla, ensuring a clear distinction between the victim and the perpetrator.

Empathy for the Fallen: The audience may also experience a morbid fascination with Demonic Kyla’s descent into madness. Witnessing her fall from grace, her embrace of darkness, and her ultimate confrontation with Father Moore can be a captivating spectacle, even as it evokes a sense of horror and dread.

[Andre]

Subject: Andre’s Likability/Relatability/Empathy.

My one-sentence vision for my success from this program is:

To learn how to write the best script(s) of my life, so far, by dramatically improving the quality of my writing in the genres of Action, Erotica, and Horror; while having both the Financial and Time resources to travel the world doing so, with colleagues / friends /peers, (the few that I have).

What I learned from doing this assignment is

Likability is Having qualities that bring about a favorable regard. Easily liked; pleasing.

How to: Have them do likable things. Have other characters like them.

Relatability is forming a social or emotional connection. Appealing or sympathetic.

How to: Present the Character through Universal experiences that are emotional in some way. As the Character has experiences, the audience has the experiences also, hence, we “relate” to them.

Empathy is the psychological identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.

How to: By putting the Character through distress! That demands we feel empathy for them. By putting them through misfortune, it causes the audience to worry about them.

Cause the Character to have a major loss, shock, injury, humiliation, or setback. Set it up to be as emotional as possible for the audience. The more damaging the experience, the more the audience will feel for the Character.

Protagonist-

Name: Indigo

Likeability: Just a regular guy who is betrayed by this f*ck*d up world.

Relatability: Trust issues. Father abandonment. When he blows his nose, he somehow misses the tissue leaving snot on his hand. He forgets to flush the toilet leaving floating turd, which disgusts the girlfriend.

Empathy: Her love teaches him to never trust a woman, when she is out of site, or especially when together in public, and his back is to her, for she may proposition another man in the room, for the danger is intoxicating. Besides, what is he going to do? She has numerous horny men that constantly court her. This world has taught him that people abandon you, trust no one!

Antagonists

Name: BBB
BossBitchBaddie.

Likeability: Fun sexy party
girl!

Relatability: Both men and
women find her attractive. Her body, her choice. She sees the potential in
Indigo, especially his network to monkey branch to and from; she knows men are
not loyal when it comes to titties and wet-p*ssy.

Empathy: Her
attractiveness was used against her as a young girl, by everyone she was
supposed to trust (mom, dad and dad’s adult male peers). Indigo is her
boyfriend because she trusts him, he not like the other guys. However, what she
wants is not what she NEEDS! She knows he is not ready to be a father,
therefore she has the abortion without telling him. He’s been abandoned enough.

Name: Asclepius

Likeability: He is a
medical doctor, who at times saves pregnant women from unwanted pregnancies.

Relatability: He doesn’t
want to die again.

Empathy: he was killed by Zeus with bolt of lightning for healing souls and not bringing them over to the other side.

Name: Lucifer / Planetary
Prince-The Devil / Satan.

Likeability: Highest order
of Angels. More powerful than any King, Prince, Queen, Princess, Czar, Ruler,
President etc. Given utmost authority over planet as Planetary Prince.

Relatability: Understands
mankind better than mankind understands itself. His job was to perfect that
which was not perfected, and was blamed by mankind for all evils that are truly
originally manmade.

Empathy: Abandoned by God. Blamed for all evil and sin man commits, the fall guy for humanity.

<u style=”background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color);”>

<u style=”background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color);”>This is the problem:

If freewill Man is endowed with the powers of creativity in the inner man, then must We recognize that freewill creativity embraces the potential of freewill destructivity?

And when creativity is turned to destructivity, you are face to face with the devastation of both Evil and Sin—oppression, war, and destruction.

Evil is a partiality of creativity which tends toward disintegration and eventual destruction.

All conflict is evil in that it inhibits the creative function of the inner life—it is a species of civil war in the personality.

-Urantia Book 111:4.11 (1220.10).

• This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by  Andre Howard.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by  Andre Howard.

[Andre]

Assignment

Start assignment by empowering myself using State-To-Activity empowerment process.

State: I have fun…

Activity: …making my characters likable, relatable, and empathetic!

Subject:
Andre’s Likability/Relatability/Empathy

My
one-sentence vision for my success from this program is:

To learn how to write the best script(s) of my life, so far, by dramatically improving the quality of my writing in the genres of Action, Erotica, and Horror; while having both the Financial and Time resources to travel the world doing so, with colleagues / friends /peers, (the few that I have).

What I learned from doing this assignment is

Likability is Having qualities that bring about a favorable regard. Easily liked; pleasing.

How to: Have them do likable things. Have other characters like them.

Relatability is forming a social or emotional connection. Appealing or sympathetic.

How to: Present the Character through Universal experiences that are emotional in some way. As the Character has experiences, the audience has the experiences also, hence, we “relate” to them.

Empathy is the psychological identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.

How to: By putting the Character through distress! That demands we feel empathy for them. By putting them through misfortune, it causes the audience to worry about them.

Cause the Character to have a major loss, shock, injury, humiliation, or setback. Set it up to be as emotional as possible for the audience. The more damaging the experience, the more the audience will feel for the Character.

<b align=”center”>Protagonist-

Name: Indigo

Likeability: Just a regular
guy who is betrayed by this f*ck*d up world.

Relatability: Trust issues. Father abandonment. When he
blows his nose, he somehow misses the tissue leaving snot on
his hand. He forgets to flush the toilet leaving floating turd, which disgusts
the girlfriend.

Empathy: Her love teaches
him to never trust a woman, when she is out of site, or especially when together
in public, and his back is to her, for she may proposition another man in the
room, for the danger is intoxicating. Besides, what is he going to do? She has
numerous horny men that constantly court her. This world has taught him that
people abandon you, trust no one!

<b align=”center”>Antagonists

Name: BBB BossBitchBaddie.

Likeability: Fun sexy party girl!

Relatability: Both men and women find her attractive. Her
body, her choice. She sees the potential in Indigo, especially his network to
monkey branch to and from; she knows men are not loyal when it comes to titties
and wet-p*ssy.

Empathy: Her attractiveness was used against her as
a young girl, by everyone she was supposed to trust (mom, dad and dad’s adult
male peers). Indigo is her boyfriend because she trusts him, he not like the
other guys. However, what she wants is not what she NEEDS! She knows he is not
ready to be a father, therefore she has the abortion without telling him. He’s
been abandoned enough.

Name: Asclepius

Likeability: He is a medical doctor, who at times saves pregnant women from unwanted pregnancies.

Relatability: He
doesn’t want to die again.

Empathy: He was killed by Zeus with bolt of lightning for healing souls and not
bringing them over to the other side.

Name: Lucifer / Planetary
Prince-The Devil / Satan.

Likeability: Highest order of Angels. More
powerful than any King, Prince, Queen, Princess, Czar, Ruler, President etc. Given
utmost authority over planet as Planetary Prince.

Relatability: Understands
mankind better than mankind understands itself. His job was to perfect that
which was not perfected, and was blamed by mankind for all evils that are truly
originally manmade.

Empathy: Abandoned by God.
Blamed for all evil and sin man commits, the fall guy for humanity.

[John P. Hallar]

Subject Line: John P. Hallar’s Likeability, Relatability and Empathy.

My vision: To be a successful, highly sought after, highly paid writer who has had multiple movies produced and optioned.

What I learned from doing this assignment is: How to make my characters more likeable, relatable and have the audience feel more empathy towards my characters.

How to present Melody, the Protagonist.

* Likeability – Melody’s whole life is centered around music. I need to show her excited, her mood changes when she is discussing music, working on music, listening to music, and playing music.
* Relatability – By showing Melody’s softer side through moments of vulnerability. Have Melody reflect on past regrets or openly discuss her fears on aging, her medical condition.
* Empathy – Although later in the story, as part of her arc, Melody becomes generous and more willing to not concentrate solely on herself, but to others.

There really isn’t an Antagonist in this story.

[Margaret Doner]

Mod 3 Lesson 5 – Audience Connection to Characters

Margaret Doner

My Vision: I find the time to create well-written scripts that will sell and be produced

What I learned: I am learning so much about my characters with these exercises! Love that my characters surprise me!

The Knowledge Keeper – TITLE OF SCRIPT

Brainstorm one or more ways you can present your Protagonist through each of these:

Likability: Arthur is kind and caretaking toward his daughter. He wants to do the right thing to make sure she fits into society.

Relatability: Arthur struggles to find meaning in his life and discover a purpose to his life.

Empathy: Arthur longs to have passion and true love in his life. When Arthur falls in love with a woman in the past, and she dies in his arms, we can feel his pain.

Brainstorm one or more ways you can present your Antagonist through each of these:

Likability: Mathilda is caretaking and kind to Arthur’s family.

Relatability: Mathilda wants life to be orderly, safe, and peaceful

Empathy: Mathilda has secret longing at the end of the script. The longing that awakens in her is to be human, not robot.

Brainstorm one or more ways you can present your Triangle Character through each of these:

Likability: The Knowledge Keeper cares for the human race and wants to make a better place on the Earth.

Relatability: The Knowledge Keeper doesn’t want to be alone anymore, and seeks to establish a relationship with another person. In this case, Arthur.

Empathy: The Knowledge Keeper lives alone, cut-off from the rest of the human race. We have empathy for his situation as we have felt cut-off or alone at times.

[Margaret Doner]

I can’t reply to the Lesson 6 Thread. So I am adding my Lesson 6 to my Lesson 5 answers and posting it here until a NEW THREAD opens up for Lesson 6 and it allows us to POST. This has happened before, and I am confused as to why it is happening, but so be it. Here are my Lesson 6 answers.

MOD 3 – Lesson 6 Character Profiles Part 1

My Vision: I find the time to create well-written scripts that will sell and be produced

Margaret Doner: The Knowledge Keeper

A. HIGH CONCEPT: In the future robots and a computer called GOD control the world and allow only goodness; tasking a hermit, known as the Knowledge Keeper to record the true history of the human race.

Actor Attractors:

CHARACTER ONE THE PROTAGONIST: Arthur Pelias

1. What about this role would attract an actor? It is a multi-level emotional range role. The character gets to go from the extreme of bland “goodness” to the other extreme of a “passionate” and deeply feeling individual.

2. What makes the character one of the most interesting? Not only is the emotional range vast, but also the actual worlds the character inhabits. This character will go from the future to the most savage past to uncover the historical truth of the human race.

3. Interesting actions? The interesting actions include participating in battle scenes, falling in love with a woman who dies in his arms, being the apprentice of the Knowledge Keeper, awakening his village to the truth

4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? That’s a tough one….still a little stumped on that. I feel that the opening of the script is good, it opens with a bang, but the opening scenes of Arthur are in the “pleasantville” world and aren’t powerful. I’m still wrestling with that and haven’t come up with the answer.

5. What could be this character’s emotional range? Said earlier.

6. What subtext can the actor play?I think the subtext will be in the fact that Arthur is hiding the truth of his knowledge from the robots who control his world and also from the computer “GOD.”

7. What’s the most interesting relationships the character can have? With the Knowledge Keeper and with the woman who he falls in love with in the past. Although I am working on developing a interesting and conflicted relationship between him and Mathilda, the robot who is in charge of keeping him and his family safe and “in line.”

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? The voice will change as he evolves…from bland to passionate. Soft spoken to loud.

9. What could make this character special and unique? His passion and inability to “fit in” to society. Also I think I am going to have him injured and scarred in the past life, which he will bring into the future life….(present life for him). This scar will be different because everyone else is perfect…and will be why he is “found out.”

CHARACTER TWO: THE KNOWLEDGE KEEPER- THE TRIANGLE CHARACTER

1. What about this role would attract an actor? I believe that the Merlin-like or Dumbledore-like role of the wisdom keeper who awakens a member of the future-world in hope to reignite passion back into the world is deep and rich enough to attract an older actor.

2. What makes the character one of the most interesting? The character is the only one who remembers the true history of the human race. He records the history holographically, and opens portals back in time.

3. Interesting actions? Opening portals back into time, and time-travelling.

4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? The opening scene takes place in Vlad Dracula’s (Vlad Tepes aka Dracula) (a real historical character BTW) Forest of the Impaled. The Knowledge Keeper is recording the horrors of that experience and emerges through a portal from that scene into his “laboratory-like cave.”

5. What could be this character’s emotional range? Although the character is a hermit; we see that he longs for emotional connection with another person and enlists Arthur to be his protégé.

6. What subtext can the actor play? The Knowledge Keeper knows “all,” and so knows secrets that others do not. In the end I am playing with the idea that he is indeed, Merlin, and he and Arthur travel back to create Camelot. A utopia on Earth during the Middle Ages…no robots.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships the character can have? With both Arthur and the robots. After all the robots have almost enslaved him as well; making him hold all the historical records but keeping them away from other humans.

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? I think I will write him speaking as though he were Merlin from Camelot. Not “modern” English, but an old-fashioned edge.

9. What could make this character special and unique? His hidden fear: Although he seems “all-powerful” I think he needs a fear…the God-like computer cube also “knows all,” and is his rival. He must trick the cube in order to accomplish his goal. In otherwards, trick God, to accomplish his aim. His is afraid of the robot-computer power in that cube.

CHARACTER THREE: MATHILDA THE ROBOT NANNY: ANTAGONIST

1. What in this role would attract and actor? It will be a challenge to play this character as both “flat” and robot-like, but also with an undertone of humanity.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting?

This character undergoes the most intense transformation. Going from dead pan to angry at Arthur when she sets out to capture him, to emotional at the end when humanity begins to present.

3. Interesting Action: I think the interesting action will be in the subtext emotional states.

4. How could you sell this role to an actor? That’s an interesting question. I think the thing that would sell this role is the emotional range in the end. This character goes from being a “nanny” to a “fighter” to a being who feels genuine emotion.

5. What could be this character’s emotional range? Just stated that.

6. What subtext could actor play? Show slight bursts of humanity through robot exterior.

7. What’s the most interesting relationship the character can have? Not sure yet, but I think it will be between Mathilda and Arthur.

8. Unique voice? Not sure yet…but I suspect it will be going from robot blandness to emotional anger.

9. What could make this character unique? I think although the character turns from helper to antagonist the fact that the character joins Arthur in the end gives the character something unique.

PART 2 OF LESSON 6:

1.ROLE IN STORY

Arthur Pelias: Protagonist: This is a man who is micro-chipped into a perfect world where bland pleasantness is the only expression allowed. He longs to feel emotion, and this longing opens him to the whispers of the Knowledge Keeper, who entices him to explore the past and come to a greater understanding of the true history of the human race.

Mathilda: Antagonist: This is a robot who follows the dictates of the Central Computer System known as GOD. GREATEST OPERATOR OF DIVINITY. (GREATEST OPERATOR OF DECEPTION). This robot is assigned to Arthur’s family and overseas their life; making sure that everything follows the mandates she is programmed to follow. In order to make her interesting I am giving her some emotional foibles…which end up in the longing to be human.

The Knowledge Keeper: The Triangle Character. The Knowledge Keeper is an ancient wizard known as Merlin whose job is to keep the true history of humanity recorded and away from Arthur’s world. The Knowledge Keeper longs to have human contact and entices Arthur to join him and become his protégé.

2. AGE RANGE AND DESCRIPTION

Arthur Pelias: In his thirties. Good looking in a mild-mannered way. The only thing that stands out about him are his eyes. Compared to everyone else, Arthur’s eyes are “alive.”

Mathilda: A female robot who looks like “nanny.” She is middle-aged and dresses like all the robots dress who are in this role: Dark shirt and pants with a light pink apron. Hair pulled back in a bun. (Robots are told apart by their dress, and faces. All robots have the same look for their specific tasks)

The Knowledge Keeper: A wizard. Old man. Long hair and beard. Wears the robes of a medieval monk which contrasts with his scientifically advanced holograms and portals.

3. CORE TRAITS:

Arthur Pelias: Brave, Intelligent, Adventurous, Passionate

Mathilda: Programmed to be: Kind, Unemotional, Soft-spoken, Caring. After Arthur Challenges GOD she becomes: Cold, Unfeeling, Ruthless

The Knowledge Keeper: Wise, Proud, Brave, Sneaky

4. MOTIVATION WANT/NEED:

Arthur Pelias: Want: To be free to express himself and his emotions. Need: To free himself from the computer known as GOD.

Mathilda: Want: To keep Arthur in line and his family organized and happy. Need: To please GOD.

The Knowledge Keeper: Want: To make a world where people can be free to express themselves. Need: To awaken Arthur so that he will help him accomplish this.

5. WOUND. WHAT THEY CAN’T FACE:

Arthur Pelias: That he wants to leave his world behind and abandon his family to find another world where he can be free.

Mathilda: That she has emotions and wants to be free of GOD.

The Knowledge Keeper: That he has been captured by the robots and GOD and that he really isn’t a free man at all. He is doing their bidding.

6. LIKABILITY, RELATABILITY, EMPATHY:

Likability: Arthur is kind and caretaking toward his daughter. He wants to do the right thing to make sure she fits into society.

Relatability: Arthur struggles to find meaning in his life and discover a purpose to his life.

Empathy: Arthur longs to have passion and true love in his life. When Arthur falls in love with a woman in the past, and she dies in his arms, we can feel his pain.

Likability: Mathilda is caretaking and kind to Arthur’s family.

Relatability: Mathilda wants life to be orderly, safe, and peaceful

Empathy: Mathilda has secret longing at the end of the script. The longing that awakens in her is to be human, not robot.

Likability: The Knowledge Keeper cares for the human race and wants to make a better place on the Earth.

Relatability: The Knowledge Keeper doesn’t want to be alone anymore, and seeks to establish a relationship with another person. In this case, Arthur.

Empathy: The Knowledge Keeper lives alone, cut-off from the rest of the human race. We have empathy for his situation as we have felt cut-off or alone at times.

[Margaret Doner]

I am unable to post anything on the forums after this LESSON 5. I have noticed that people are not posting and I suspect others are having the same problem I am. So I will continue to post my lessons on Lesson 5 until the problem is fixed. Here is my Lesson 7.

Module 3 – Lesson 7

Character Profiles Part 2

The Knowledge Keeper – Margaret Doner

My Vision: I find the time to create well-written scripts that will sell and be produced

What I learned: To deep and expand my character profiles

From Lessons 3, 4, 6: Adding Lesson 7

A. HIGH CONCEPT: In the future robots and a computer called GOD control the world and allow only goodness; tasking a hermit, known as the Knowledge Keeper to record the true history of the human race.

Actor Attractors:

CHARACTER ONE THE PROTAGONIST: Arthur Pelias

1. What about this role would attract an actor? It is a multi-level emotional range role. The character gets to go from the extreme of bland “goodness” to the other extreme of a “passionate” and deeply feeling individual.

2. What makes the character one of the most interesting? Not only is the emotional range vast, but also the actual worlds the character inhabits. This character will go from the future to the most savage past to uncover the historical truth of the human race.

3. Interesting actions? The interesting actions include participating in battle scenes, falling in love with a woman who dies in his arms, being the apprentice of the Knowledge Keeper, awakening his village to the truth

4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? That’s a tough one….still a little stumped on that. I feel that the opening of the script is good, it opens with a bang, but the opening scenes of Arthur are in the “pleasantville” world and aren’t powerful. I’m still wrestling with that and haven’t come up with the answer.

5. What could be this character’s emotional range? Said earlier.

6. What subtext can the actor play? I think the subtext will be in the fact that Arthur is hiding the truth of his knowledge from the robots who control his world and also from the computer “GOD.”

7. What’s the most interesting relationships the character can have? With the Knowledge Keeper and with the woman who he falls in love with in the past. Although I am working on developing a interesting and conflicted relationship between him and Mathilda, the robot who is in charge of keeping him and his family safe and “in line.”

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? The voice will change as he evolves…from bland to passionate. Soft spoken to loud.

9. What could make this character special and unique? His passion and inability to “fit in” to society. Also I think I am going to have him injured and scarred in the past life, which he will bring into the future life….(present life for him). This scar will be different because everyone else is perfect…and will be why he is “found out.”

CHARACTER SUBTEXT:

Character 1 Name: Arthur Pelias

Subtext Identity: Only shows happiness and goodness, but isn’t really happy.

Subtext Trait: Secretive, sneaky

Subtext Logline: Arthur must be well-behaved at all times, but secretly wants to express passionate emotions.

Possible areas of Subtext:

Act I: Arthur looks outside the borders of his world and hears voices calling him to explore.

Act 2: Arthur answers the call of the Knowledge Keeper and discovers a world of violence.

Act 3: Arthur falls in love with a woman other than his wife and experiences love and loss.

Act 4: Arthur chooses to return to Earth in a previous time when the world was filled with passion and emotional extremes.

CHARACTER INTRIGUE: Hidden agendas: Conspiracies, secrets, deception, unspoken wound, secret identity.

Arthur has all of these hidden agendas. Conspiracy with The Knowledge Keeper to bring passion back to his world. Secrets and deception as he pretends that he is still “normal.” His unspoken wound is the love he feels for the woman in the past, who dies in his arms. His secret identity becomes revealed at the end he is shown to be King Arthur of Camelot.

FLAW: He sabotages himself by Overdoing things and Poor decision-making.

VALUES: Family, duty, loyalty

CHARCTER DILEMMA: Stay in the “matrix” of the robot-controlled Pleasantville and shut down all his feelings and emotions or breaking out of the mold and awakening himself and others.

CHARACTER TWO: THE KNOWLEDGE KEEPER- THE TRIANGLE CHARACTER

1. What about this role would attract an actor? I believe that the Merlin-like or Dumbledore-like role of the wisdom keeper who awakens a member of the future-world in hope to reignite passion back into the world is deep and rich enough to attract an older actor.

2. What makes the character one of the most interesting? The character is the only one who remembers the true history of the human race. He records the history holographically, and opens portals back in time.

3. Interesting actions? Opening portals back into time, and time-travelling.

4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? The opening scene takes place in Vlad Dracula’s (Vlad Tepes aka Dracula) (a real historical character BTW) Forest of the Impaled. The Knowledge Keeper is recording the horrors of that experience and emerges through a portal from that scene into his “laboratory-like cave.”

5. What could be this character’s emotional range? Although the character is a hermit; we see that he longs for emotional connection with another person and enlists Arthur to be his protégé.

6. What subtext can the actor play? The Knowledge Keeper knows “all,” and so knows secrets that others do not. In the end I am playing with the idea that he is indeed, Merlin, and he and Arthur travel back to create Camelot. A utopia on Earth during the Middle Ages…no robots.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships the character can have? With both Arthur and the robots. After all the robots have almost enslaved him as well; making him hold all the historical records but keeping them away from other humans.

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? I think I will write him speaking as though he were Merlin from Camelot. Not “modern” English, but an old-fashioned edge.

9. What could make this character special and unique? His hidden fear: Although he seems “all-powerful” I think he needs a fear…the God-like computer cube also “knows all,” and is his rival. He must trick the cube in order to accomplish his goal. In otherwards, trick God, to accomplish his aim. His is afraid of the robot-computer power in that cube.

CHARACTER SUBTEXT:

Character 2 Name: The Knowledge Keeper

Subtext Identity: Appears to be happy as a loner, but longs to join his life with another for a purposeful mission.

Subtext Trait: Secretive, Vulnerable

Subtext Logline: The Knowledge Keeper must pretend to be completely independent and without emotion when he wants to express love and concern.

Possible areas of Subtext:

Act 1: The Knowledge Keeper is deeply impacted by the violence he witnesses in Vlad’s Forest of the Impaled.

Act 2: The Knowledge Keeper calls Arthur to him and send him back in time. He has a secret plan, in the end he wants to join forces with Arthur to set up a utopia called Camelot.

Act 3: The Knowledge Keeper knows he is endangering Arthur, but he realizes the only way to free them is to get caught.

Act 4: The Knowledge Keeper hatches a plan to separate Arthur from his world permanently and take him back in time to start a new world on the Earth. One that allows passion but also fairness.

CHARACTER INTRIGUE:

Hidden Agendas: Conspiracies, secrets, deception, unspoken wound, secret identity.

The Knowledge Keeper also has all of these hidden agendas. He conspires with Arthur to create a new world on Earth. He keeps secrets from both the robots, the Computer God, and even Arthur. His unspoken wound is that he is lonely. His secret identity is that he is the wizard known as Merlin.

FLAW: Doesn’t fully understand what he is up against. Pins all his hopes on one man: Arthur.

VALUES: Justice, Duty, Intelligence

INTERNAL DILEMMA: Being a loner and staying safe versus breaking out of his safety to give humanity another option…the option of true feelings and emotion.

CHARACTER THREE: MATHILDA THE ROBOT NANNY: ANTAGONIST

1. What in this role would attract and actor? It will be a challenge to play this character as both “flat” and robot-like, but also with an undertone of humanity.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting?

This character undergoes the most intense transformation. Going from dead pan to angry at Arthur when she sets out to capture him, to emotional at the end when humanity begins to present.

3. Interesting Action: I think the interesting action will be in the subtext emotional states.

4. How could you sell this role to an actor? That’s an interesting question. I think the thing that would sell this role is the emotional range in the end. This character goes from being a “nanny” to a “fighter” to a being who feels genuine emotion.

5. What could be this character’s emotional range? Just stated that.

6. What subtext could actor play? Show slight bursts of humanity through robot exterior.

7. What’s the most interesting relationship the character can have? Not sure yet, but I think it will be between Mathilda and Arthur.

8. Unique voice? Not sure yet…but I suspect it will be going from robot blandness to emotional anger.

9. What could make this character unique? I think although the character turns from helper to antagonist the fact that the character joins Arthur in the end gives the character something unique.

CHARACTER SUBTEXT:

Subtext Identity: Serves the computer GOD, has no mind of her own, but underneath is becoming self-aware and having emotion.

Subtext Trait: Secretive

Subtext Logline: Mathilda must pretend to be a typical robot yet she actually is becoming self-aware and developing emotion.

Possible areas of Subtext:

Act 1: Mathilda notices that Arthur is making some “mistakes” of behavior.

Act 2: Mathilda follows Arthur as he journeys to the Knowledge Keeper.

Act 3: Mathilda begins a revolution by exposing Arthur.

Act 4: Mathilda chooses to go back in time and become human with emotions.

CHAR Role: Antagonist

Hidden Agendas: Secrets, competition.

Mathilda is a robot who is designed to watch over Arthur Pelias’ family and keep them in line. She goes against Arthur and The Knowledge Keeper all the time and spies on Arthur when she begins to wonder if he is up to something. She mobilizes the army of robots against them and eventually has Arthur captured.

In the end however, a bit of humanity will awaken in this character….I am toying with the idea that Mathilda will be the only one who chooses to join Arthur and go through the portal and become fully human. That is the secret, that Mathilda begins to long for something more than to be a programmed robot.

FLAW: Can’t behave like a proper robot in the Pleasantville world

VALUES: Duty

INTERNAL DILEMMA: Being a robot versus being a human with emotions.

1.ROLE IN STORY

Arthur Pelias: Protagonist: This is a man who is micro-chipped into a perfect world where bland pleasantness is the only expression allowed. He longs to feel emotion, and this longing opens him to the whispers of the Knowledge Keeper, who entices him to explore the past and come to a greater understanding of the true history of the human race.

Mathilda: Antagonist: This is a robot who follows the dictates of the Central Computer System known as GOD. GREATEST OPERATOR OF DIVINITY. (GREATEST OPERATOR OF DECEPTION). This robot is assigned to Arthur’s family and overseas their life; making sure that everything follows the mandates she is programmed to follow. In order to make her interesting I am giving her some emotional foibles…which end up in the longing to be human.

The Knowledge Keeper: The Triangle Character. The Knowledge Keeper is an ancient wizard known as Merlin whose job is to keep the true history of humanity recorded and away from Arthur’s world. The Knowledge Keeper longs to have human contact and entices Arthur to join him and become his protégé.

2. AGE RANGE AND DESCRIPTION

Arthur Pelias: In his thirties. Good looking in a mild-mannered way. The only thing that stands out about him are his eyes. Compared to everyone else, Arthur’s eyes are “alive.”

Mathilda: A female robot who looks like “nanny.” She is middle-aged and dresses like all the robots dress who are in this role: Dark shirt and pants with a light pink apron. Hair pulled back in a bun. (Robots are told apart by their dress, and faces. All robots have the same look for their specific tasks)

The Knowledge Keeper: A wizard. Old man. Long hair and beard. Wears the robes of a medieval monk which contrasts with his scientifically advanced holograms and portals.

3. CORE TRAITS:

Arthur Pelias: Brave, Intelligent, Adventurous, Passionate

Mathilda: Programmed to be: Kind, Unemotional, Soft-spoken, Caring. After Arthur Challenges GOD she becomes: Cold, Unfeeling, Ruthless

The Knowledge Keeper: Wise, Proud, Brave, Sneaky

4. MOTIVATION WANT/NEED:

Arthur Pelias: Want: To be free to express himself and his emotions. Need: To free himself from the computer known as GOD.

Mathilda: Want: To keep Arthur in line and his family organized and happy. Need: To please GOD.

The Knowledge Keeper: Want: To make a world where people can be free to express themselves. Need: To awaken Arthur so that he will help him accomplish this.

5. WOUND. WHAT THEY CAN’T FACE:

Arthur Pelias: That he wants to leave his world behind and abandon his family to find another world where he can be free.

Mathilda: That she has emotions and wants to be free of GOD.

The Knowledge Keeper: That he has been captured by the robots and GOD and that he really isn’t a free man at all. He is doing their bidding.

6. LIKABILITY, RELATABILITY, EMPATHY:

Likability: Arthur is kind and caretaking toward his daughter. He wants to do the right thing to make sure she fits into society.

Relatability: Arthur struggles to find meaning in his life and discover a purpose to his life.

Empathy: Arthur longs to have passion and true love in his life. When Arthur falls in love with a woman in the past, and she dies in his arms, we can feel his pain.

Likability: Mathilda is caretaking and kind to Arthur’s family.

Relatability: Mathilda wants life to be orderly, safe, and peaceful

Empathy: Mathilda has secret longing at the end of the script. The longing that awakens in her is to be human, not robot.

Likability: The Knowledge Keeper cares for the human race and wants to make a better place on the Earth.

Relatability: The Knowledge Keeper doesn’t want to be alone anymore, and seeks to establish a relationship with another person. In this case, Arthur.

Empathy: The Knowledge Keeper lives alone, cut-off from the rest of the human race. We have empathy for his situation as we have felt cut-off or alone at times.