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Post Your Lesson 4 Assignment Here
Reply and post your assignment here.
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Melanie’s Character Interviews:
What I learned from this assignment is that it’s a great idea to interview your characters! I’d never tried that before and it really opens up the story of “why” they are who they are and what is really going on internally. Awesome exercise!
And here’s what else I learned about the lead characters from the interviews:
Sybil (Protagonist): She has big dreams but she’s secretly scared she won’t succeed. Will she have what it takes? Will she give up halfway through? It’s a huge ask for such a young person to ride 40 miles in the dark in the rain to rally the troops. She talks a big game, but inside is a shrinking violet. An accident happened at the grist mill last year and her youngest brother will now forever walk with a limp. She blames herself for the accident – she should have seen the stone falling…and the guilt eats away at her confidence, especially now in this moment of crisis. It’s her endless optimism, however, that keeps her dreams of doing something important afloat. This opportunity is her big chance to prove to herself and to the world that she is worthy of the challenge and brave enough, she just has to shelve her insecurities and mounting pressure of what will happen if she doesn’t succeed.
Samuel (Antagonist): He grew up on the streets, having to fend for himself. So he’s savvy, street smart and his good looks get him out of tough spots. This is his first job in the army and although he’s low on the totem pole, the money is changing his mindset to the future especially possibility of more financial growth. Secretly, he’s stowing the money away to buy an engagement ring for a girl back in England who is waiting for his return. And maybe he’s not the most loyal patriot in his regiment, but he’s there to rise up the ranks selfishly. Completing this job seems easy but the scrawny messenger girl puts his skills to the test as she out-runs and out-thinks him, throwing a wrench in his plans to capture her. But he’s got an ace up his sleeve, after all he’s got a gun and knows how to use it.
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Becky’s Character Interviews – What I
learned doing this assignment is that I have figured out more of the
background to the story and came up with an idea to
make the conflict work against each character. Again, great and helpful
assignment. I just hope I copied and pasted correctly this time!Protagonist-
My name is Dana. I’m a librarian at a
small town library. I like historical things. Specifically the late
1800s and early 1900s. I love vaudeville and historical theaters. I
was an easier time. People weren’t as stressed out then, not as fast
paced.Is that why you are a librarian?
I like it here. It’s quiet. It’s not
hectic. Nothing scary happens in a library. The books are all here
for good, not leaving anytime. They go out and come back.Why do you think you were called to
this journey?‘Cause I love this time period, I love
vaudeville and all of the people that were a part of it. All of it.
Black and white. It was very segregated then. But it shouldn’t have
been. Some people on the inside where pushing back. Trying to get the
stage to open up to both races. Amazing talent, on both stages. It
should have been one stage, like today.Why you?
I listened. Everyone else Ade tried to
communicate with didn’t listen. That’s what Ade needs is a good
listener and a true friend. Lots of people said they were her friend
in her time but they just wanted something from her. She had good
contacts for black entertainers and was a star.You are up against . What is it about
them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?Ade wants to live but she died already.
How do I help a dead person? She wants in my world, maybe if she was
alive… but then she’d never had found the rift in the dimensions.
She will stop at nothing to come into this world. Even let me die,
she wants it that bad… I think. I’d love to stay in her world, the
live one that is. But I may have never met Ade. In that segregated
world. I hope I would have.In order to survive or accomplish this,
you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes
do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?I’ll have to actually trust people and
my instincts. I don’t go out, I work, read, go home. It’s safe. My
vacations are to historic theaters. I go to the towns, get a hotel,
visit the theaters over and over and read up on them at the local
library. So I visit the site, read, go to hotel… not much different
than when at home but the exciting life of vaudeville is so amazing
to read about, sometimes I believe I’m there. Ade, makes it possible
to be there. When I step into that world it is loud, people bump into
you, you have to dance. I don’t dance… I read about dancing. You
laugh out loud, I don’t laugh out loud, maybe I giggle a bit. It is
very uncomfortable, but I love it, it’s vaudeville. My dream world.What habits or ways of thinking do you
think will be the most difficult to let go of?That its possible to step through
dimensions. This seems like a dream and that I’m going to wake up.
One moment I believe that I can move through dimensions the next I
don’t. And being ushered through by a ghost. That is even more far
fetched. I must be crazy and live in a loony bin and never come out
of my stupor. But this is real, I’m not crazy and I am able to go
through a dimensional time rift. That and I actually may meet people
I’ve always read about and dreamed of seeing on stage.What fears, insecurities and wounds
have held you back?All of them. That it isn’t real, that
how would Ade know me or even like me and when, or if, she does get
to know me, she’ll leave. Walking into her world, all those amazing
talented people. I’m just a nobody. A librarian. A fan from a
different dimension.What skills, background or expertise
makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?My historical background. I know who
killed Ade. I know to stay away from them. Ade’s anger is keeping her
here. I know she suspects people, maybe by my help in getting
justice it will keep her from trying to stay in my dimension. Her
ghost is still a ghost, I have to help her see that. She thinks she
can come back somehow. Now she is hungry for this dimension. Where
black and white entertain together. To the entire world.What are you hiding from the other
characters? What don’t you want them to know?I know that Ade can’t come back. I
can’t tell her that.What do you think of ?
How much better my life would be if I
lived in a different, slower paced time.Tell me your side of this whole
conflict / story.Ade wants to change places with me. I
stay in her dimension she in mine. It has to be an equal exchange or
it won’t stick. But it can never be. Ade is a ghost she doesn’t get
what she wants because she’s dead already.What does it do for your life is you
succeed here?Ade gets closure on her death and I get
the amazing knowledge that the time era I dream of is way more
exciting than I could have imagined and just as chaotic as today,
just different people and different problems. Maybe I could trust
more people.Ask any other questions about their
character profile that will help you. Did you know of Ade before she
contacted you through the rift?Yes, I had read about her. She was in
the midst of being a huge star on the black stage and had been
invited to dance and sing in front of white audiences too. She was
amazingly talented. There are still a few recordings both film and
mostly audio recordings of her that have still survived. She had
untimely death. She was ahead of her time.Antagonist-
I am a star. I was, until I died. I’m
not sure how I died, or why but I have my suspicions. I worked hard
to get where I am. I love entertaining and I love pushing the limits.
I’m the best dancer out there. I sing better than most and best of
all… I can make people laugh so hard. I can wow any audience, any.
I’ve proven it. Someday black and white will be on one stage. I’m
gonna make it happen. Everyone will know the name Ade.Having to do with this journey, what
are your strengths and weaknesses?I don’t really have a weakness except
I’m dead.Why are you committed to making the
Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed
to making them change?Ultimately Dana is weak. She lives in
the past, or wants to. I can give that to her. She is very easy to
manipulate because she lives on every word I say. It’s perfect, It’s
a win-win. I get live in her era, she comes to mine. It’s a one to
one switch. I need this, I need to live my life, it’s unfair that it
was ended before I really got started. Unfair. I deserve this.What do you get out of winning this
fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?I get the rest of my life back.
What drives you toward your mission /
agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?I can’t fear death, it’s already
happened. I fear never having a life again. Dana is my chance, she
listened, she wants my world enough to give up her own. I have needed
that to switch, someone to hear me. What I’m entering may not be my
world but it is a better world. I can get what I deserve in her
world.What secrets must you keep to succeed?
What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?If I don’t let Dana back in her
dimension and the rift closes up, and it will, her being will be
eliminated from ever being. And I know how long it will stay open. If
I let her go I won’t have any hope of living out my life, it need
that chance.The only fear I have is of never coming
back. That I won’t get my life back.Compared to other people like you, what
makes you special? I’m smart and I’m beautiful. That makes me
approachable. I have more to give to this world than I was able to.
It’s unfair and I’m going to get it back.What do you think of ?
I miss entertaining people, the laughter
and applause. I want it back.Tell me your side of this whole
conflict / story.I have been moving through dimensions
visiting the different theaters I performed in trying to get someone
to listen to me. For some reason I can’t move backwards. I just close
my eyes and focus on the place and I’m there. I’ve been trying to be
heard. I finally made that happen. I need someone to switch with me.
My world for theirs. I have seen one person switch with another
through this dimensional rift. I need to make her believe that this
is what’s best for her because it’s whats best for me.<title></title><style type=”text/css”>
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Fred’s Character Interviews
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>What I learned from this exercise is that it is challenging to figure out what old habits will be most DIFFICULT to let go for the protagonist.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Jin and I am 18 years old. I am about to go off to college and be part of a long distance relationship with my girlfriend Emma. I am quite close with the relatives on my dad’s side of the family but not my mom’s.
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
Because I discovered that I was living under the false pretense of a stable marriage and people were actively trying to cover it up. No one else would stand up for my mother so I will.
You are up against . What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
My father has much more power and parental authority over me. He also backs me financially so I might be getting cut off from that support. His side of the family will always love him and support him no matter what because he is family. My mom is an outcast because Korean society relies heavily on patriarchy and she is treated as an inferior in law, who is expected to help out and sacrifice. Everyone can play the who’s suffered more game. They all had to make sacrifices to get where they are now.
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
I will have to go against the very family that has raised me and formed bonds with.
I will also have to fight with my girlfriend who has a positive relationship with my father.
My understanding of love will become more and more cynical which will hurt.
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?***
Spending time with my relatives, father, girlfriend.
The idea that love is internal.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
That I may be just as bad as my dad.
What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?
My American upbringing allows me to challenge his authority in a society where children are utterly subservient to their parents.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
That secretly I may become a cheating bastard just like him.
What do you think of your FATHER?
He is a liar. He doesn’t get to decide what’s best for me. I should have known.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Everyone played along with this lie for my sake. So that I wouldn’t be traumatized at an early age.
What does it do for your life is you succeed here?
I get justice for my mom.
I get to place him further out of my life so that I don’t become like him.
Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST
Tell me about yourself.
I am the father of Jin. I used to work in business but decided to chase my dream and opened up a restaurant where I am the head chef.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
My strength lies in my absolute sense of authority. I am the head of my family and restaurant, so whatever I say goes.
My weakness may be that I have not been faithful in my marriage and I cannot tell my son about it because I am trying to protect him.
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
I don’t want my son to know I cheated on his mom because we share a bond as father and son. I do not want to lose that. A father without respect has no purpose. I want to be his role model. I have to convince him that what I did was a mistake and he had nothing to do with it.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
I get to save face from the rest of the family. I also don’t have to feel guilty. I get to maintain my sense of family which is important to me.
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?
The concept of a happy family is what has been most important to me as a father. I want my son to come from a stable nuclear family with close relatives. I also don’t want something I’m ashamed of to become public knowledge.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?
The multiple women I have had an affair with.
Some are trying to blackmail me.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
I have a respectable profession where I deal with public customers every day. I am the only son so I have to take care of my father.
What do you think of JIN?
Jin is an honest kid that is still growing up. I need to protect him from the harsh reality of life. I am his parent so he owes me respect. Rebellion is something I will not tolerate.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
I married young when I knew no better and his mother and I were just not compatible in the long term. In order to maintain a happy family I sought romance elsewhere. And for everyone’s best interests we acted as if nothing happened. Children growing up in broken homes is a bad omen in our culture.
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Dave Holloway’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment is that these characters do have things to tell me, and it’s important that I make their messages concrete and lasting by taking them down.
Protagonist Interview
Discuss some of the experiences you feel shaped you?
When I was twelve, I got into a fight on the football field with another fellow after he tackled me too roughly. We began to wrestle with each other, but after a few seconds I stopped fighting and ran away out of fear. I took quite a bit of ribbing about it from my schoolmates. I’ve never totally been able to overcome the feeling of shame from the incident. I think the way my parents raised me also influenced me. My father was a very steady bloke, always got his work done and always provided for my mum and me. He was very even-tempered and rarely got mad. Whenever he had a job to do in the house or the yard, he did it. He was very serious about his responsibilities. When I met Roger, I started to feel better about myself. He’s a rough-and-tumble sort, and I’d thought blokes like that wouldn’t think much of me. But he seemed to like me right away, and we became mates. It was exciting being friends with a chap like that, since his life was quite different from mine. And it made me feel good that he saw me as an equal.
What is your biggest secret?
The first time I asked Livia to marry me, she said she wasn’t sure and needed time to think about it. I was taken aback, as we’d gone together for two years and she’d told me she loved me. When she put me off, I saw that I hadn’t seen her feelings accurately. I never told anyone she said that, because it was too embarrassing. I have to admit I feel a bit resentful of her since, because it was such a shock to my system. When she said yes when I asked her the second time, it healed the wound a bit. But I still remember vividly the way she said she wasn’t sure and the way it made me feel.
What are you most afraid will happen on this journey?
I think it’s that a time may come when I’m faced with a situation and can’t find the courage to get through it. If that happened, and it caused me to fail to rescue Livia, I’m not sure I could go on living. It’s easier to think about being killed trying to succeed than to consider myself backing down from a challenge during the journey.
How would it feel to rescue her?
The most wonderful feeling in the world. Marrying her gave me a happiness I’d never known before. But since she was taken prisoner, it’s been an agony to think I might not see her again. I can’t visualize what that would be like, but the thought is with me every waking moment. If I could rescue her, to hold her in my arms again would be the most wonderful feeling I could ever imagine. In that moment, I’d know I was the luckiest bloke in the world.
Antagonist interview
What does being the prison’s warden mean to you?
It means quite a bit. It’s a very important job with a lot of pressure, and a lot depends on it. The most dangerous people in the state are locked up there, and none have ever escaped on my watch. If anyone did escape, it would give encouragement to the people who want to overthrow our government. But if they know imprisonment there is a death sentence, it discourages them from getting too bold. But I also take a lot of pride in running the prison. I have to make sure the guards all do their job, and none of them become susceptible to taking bribes. I have to keep the prisoners from any kind of uprising. I have to make sure that everything goes on as it should each day. And I have to make sure the inmates all know that I’m the boss. It takes a lot of strength to do that, and I’m proud that I can do the job every day.
What’s your deepest fear in your job?
It’s the chance that someone could escape. That would make our whole state look weak and vulnerable. And I’ve promoted the idea that as long as I’m in charge, no escapes will occur. So if there was an escape, I would be embarrassed, and it would give the Rebellion encouragement that they can win. I’m not sure I could live with the reality of an escape.
What is your secret?
When I was 25 and a guard, I raped another guard. I’d asked her out and she turned me down. I was in the office with her late one night, and my anger at her for rejecting me rose up along with my wanting her, and I overpowered her. She reported me to the authorities, and I got a one-year sentence. I did 10 months. As I rose in the prison, I was able to get the record of my crime removed. But there are people still living who remember it, and if one were to speak, it would undermine me. I wouldn’t have the guards’ total respect, and it would increase the chances of some security breach that could lead to an escape.
How would you like people to remember you after you’re gone?
I hope they’d think of me as a strong warden, a strong, courageous man who ran the prison in a tough, uncompromising way, and made sure there was never an escape. Someone who took his job with the utmost seriousness, and was a credit to the steady, safe functioning of the state. Someone who held the line against the Rebellion and never allowed them to gain an advantage over us. Someone who did the hard things that had to be done to ensure security, and never apologized for it, either.
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What I learned from this assignment was that a romantic “antagonist” is looking to change the protagonist. Also, I do see other antagonists in this story (the institution of the university, for example, and a fellow professor), but I imagine there will be other lessons during which we can explore those things.
Dale’s Character Interviews
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST
Tell
me about yourself. My name is Elizabeth Drewer. I am 44 years old and a professor of
philosophy.
Why
do you think you were called to this journey? Why you? Well, I
have standards. Something I think
is more and more rare these days. And I am a feminist – I believe women
can do anything men can.
Who
(and what) are you up against . What is it about them that makes this
journey even more difficult for you?
I was so clear about where I stood regarding sexual misconduct
(consensual or otherwise) and then I met Richard. I have not ever felt
this degree of passion before. I
don’t know what to do with it!
In
order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way
outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them
will be the most difficult? My first inclination is to run! Far away from him and from the feelings
he inspires in me! But I can’t. We are both at the university. We both have our jobs! I am going to have to figure out a way
to handle (or do I just give in??) these feelings.
What
habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let
go of? It is hardest to let go
of certainty. I felt safe knowing
what was what. How do I deal with
not being sure anymore?
What
fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? I will admit since my brother’s suicide,
I have been very careful not to ever get “carried away.” I have this unspoken fear that if I let
an emotion take me over, I won’t be able to come back from it. And now… here I am in just such a
situation!
What
skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this
conflict or antagonist? I do
still have my powers of analysis. I
can still look at this situation rationally. I know, for example, that
Richard is experiencing transference.
Giving it a name makes it feel more manageable.
What
are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to
know? I am hiding that I am falling more and more under Richard’s
spell. I long for him with a
longing I haven’t known before – even with my husband.
Tell
me your side of this whole conflict / story. My side is that I have to decide if I
choose my career or choose him. I’m
not sure I can have both of them! Or…
do I choose to hide this affair, when I have condemned others for the same
behavior?
What
does it do for your life if you succeed here? But what is success? For rationality to finally prevail and
he will go on and fall in love with some student his age? Or for me to
give in, and experience a once-in-a-lifetime passion?<div>QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST
Tell
me about yourself. Soy Richard
Amado, graduate student in philosophy.
Having
to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? My strengths are my intelligence, but
also my ability to charm and persuade.
Why
are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship
movie, why are you committed to making them change? I am committed to Elizabeth seeing that
what we feel for each other is worth the risk to our jobs.
What
do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking
down your competition? I get
the woman I love.
What
drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin,
or death? I know that I may get
kicked out of the university if someone finds out. That risk is better than us having to
report our relationship to the administration – in which case, we would
either have to stop seeing each other – or I would need to find another
prof to work under, another thesis advisor. But it’s a small dept. would this even
be possible?
What
secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out
of fear / insecurity? I have to keep secret from Prof. Philip Monahan and
other professors (and students) my true feelings toward Elizabeth.
Compared
to other people like you, what makes you special? I know how to reach students where they
are – to make philosophy exciting and relevant to today’s world.
Tell
me your side of this whole conflict / story. This kind of love doesn’t come along
that often. Yes, I know she’s 14
years older than me. It doesn’t
matter! I know she thinks it’s all
transference and will fade, but I think it’s here to stay. This is not some passing infatuation,
this is true love. I just have to
convince her it is worth fighting for.
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Pat’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment is interviewing to your characters can help identify areas to address in your story either for exposition, plot or character.
QUESTIONS FOR IRA:
Tell me about yourself: My name is Ira. I am the son of a Preacher/Farmer. I was born a free man in New York in the 1800s. I was a dutiful son until my creative desires became greater than by desire to obey my father’s wishes for me.
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
You are up against: What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you? Having alluded captivity by a slave trader, being ridiculed by the press because I am black.
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult? I will have to work very hard, practice my diction, but maintain my authentic self and expression, and the most difficult will be managing perceptions and overcoming racists attitudes.
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of? People-pleasing.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? The constant use of violence and brutality to hold back my people.
What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist? Prior to coming to England, I studied in NY at two theaters. I will not give up or fail.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
I’m American.
What do you think of ? I dream of becoming a world-renown Shakespearean thespian.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. Gilbert is a powerful, influential man in England. He can influence the opinions of other publishers and critics, but the audiences reactions and opinions will outshine his hateful reviews of my work. If he doesn’t change, he is a tragic character and I will simply find a way to highlight his racism and pettiness.
What does it do for your life is you succeed here? I can succeed, I will have greater name recognition and greater influence. I will use my influence to help end slavery in America.
Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you:
Why are you unfaithful? I can’t help it, I love women.
QUESTIONS FOR GILBERT
Tell me about yourself. I am a noble a man of outstanding character. I’m married to a successful operate singer and song writer, and we have six children. I began writing since early childhood and have published many books. In early adulthood, I turned my passion into publications. After consulting for the city, my diligence and attention to detail earned me an appointment as a magistrate after I uncovered a scandal. I show mercy to the poor when deciding their fate.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? I am observant and almost always right. I have no weaknesses.
movie, why are you committed to making them change? Ira has no business taking on a white-man’s role. He is lowly and should find a job appropriate for his kind, such as, shining my shoes.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition? Proving my point – he’s not worthy of the position and freeing up an opportunity for white men. If ni***** take up all the jobs, there won’t be any for my white brethren.
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death? Affirmation.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity? Although other critics and audiences love him, I will use whatever excuses I can to run him off the stages.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special? I’m a literary and historical genius, fluent in Roman history.
What do you think of ? Power, prestige and influence.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story: Ira is an unqualified, lowly, phony man whose talent is underserving of opportunities on England’s stage. While he might be able to fool the theater managers, he can’t fool me. I can’t stand to see him in intimate scenes with his white leading ladies. It’s unconscionable.
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Jonathan’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment is by asking questions to your characters in an interview setting you really get a feel of the character’s voice, motivations, and secrets.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST
Jaslyne Liber
Tell me about yourself.
I work for my mom. My mom is Susan Liber. Athena Wine Enterprise. I work on the books and financials. I also help out my with Customer Service, the website, and quality control. And I love to read and watch documentaries and movies. I like to play piano, ukulele, sing a little. And cook. And Wordsworth is my mini-poodle. He’s the man in my life.
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why
you?I know how our business and the wine business in general – how it works. My sisters do a good job but if given the chance I can be almost as good, I think.
What is it about them that makes this journey even more
difficult for you?I’m not used to being on my own. Mom would always guide me. But now that she’s sick, I have to be the responsible one. I have to make her proud.
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going
to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to
make and which of them will be the most difficult?I have to get my sisters to help. I have to get them to work with each other – which is going to be much harder than you’d think as they all hate each other. I’m scared to drop the ball because mom put so much in her company.
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be
the most difficult to let go of?Relying on mom. Not having to make important decisions. Having to represent the company and not on the inside.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
Fear of failure. Fear of the unknown. Men.
What skills, background or expertise makes you
well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?I’m great at math. I’m good at remembering things. I don’t even have to write them down. I see it, hear it, taste it – and I can recall it. I can pick up any instrument and play it – any song really. And I know about all the history of the wine world.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What
don’t you want them to know?
I don’t want to be too bossy, or too competent. My sisters will hate me
even more. I don’t know why.What do you think of men ?
I wouldn’t know. Mom never let me have a boyfriend. And I’m very professional. I won’t go on dates with our clients like Bex…I thought my prince would come for me but I’m fine with Wordsworth.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Mom entrusted me with so much of her company. My sisters don’t care as much. They might even sell it. I can’t let the company leave our family. I have to wine in order to keep the company for mom’s sake. It’s what she would want.
What does it do for your life is you succeed here?
It would give me peace of mind. Just to know that our company is still owned by us – driven by us.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST
Susan Liber
Tell me about yourself.
Seriously? Everyone knows my story….ok fine – I’m the CEO of Athena Wine Enterprise. The largest Female-owned Wine Distributor in North America.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths
and weaknesses?Whatever I want I get. It’s just that there is so much corruption in the wine industry and the authorities are turning a blind eye to it. Whenever we experience huge profits, we get undercut by the big Distributors – they play dirty and have no morals. I wish I could clone myself. 3…no 2 more of me – and I’d rule the wine industry.
Why are you committed to making the Jaslyne or your
other daughters fail?I don’t want them to fail. This is my company that I built from the ground up. I just want the to realize how much it takes to run a company of this magnitude. I want to see who is truly worthy of being my heir in the business. Right now I don’t see any real favorite.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding
in your plan / taking down your competition?When my daughters realize how much of a failure the company will be without me, they will truly listen to all of my orders unquestioningly. But in the event someone does rise up above the others, I may serious new favorite daughter.
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in
the face of danger, ruin, or death?I’M DYING.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other
secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?Well, I’m not truly dying. I’m just telling my daughters this so as to light a fire under their collective over-privileged asses.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you
special?No one loves the business more. No one sacrificed more. No one cares as I do.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
For the past 15 years, ever since Charlie died, the company has been losing money. I can’t live with the idea of my late husband’s company once given to a lady has turned into a failure. Sure our profile has grown being a female owner but that’s just superficial. Many of Charlie’s old partners want to just take advantage of our company and it’s all an old-boys club. I need to do something drastic to shake up the future of my company. So if it lying that I’m dying so that my daughters can finally be useful – so be it.
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EUGENE’S CHARACTER INTERVIEWS
What I learned doing this assignment is that I never received this assignment so I had to go to other’s posts to be able to put the whole thing together. Don’t have time to complain, just thank those who did receive the lesson, and who showed me what to do.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST
Tell me about yourself.
Well, you know a lot about me already, after all, I’m running for Vice President of the United States. I’m a proud Native American Woman who grew-up on the Cherokee Reservation in Oklahoma. I could of been the Chief of Cherokee Nation, but I left Oklahoma in the middle of the campaign to come here to California to help Patrick Lee with his campaign.
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
I always looked up to Wilma Mankiller. She was the first woman chief of the Cherokee Nation, but I had the vision that I could do even more with my life to help my people. I was born to do great things, and I had to follow my vision.
You know what you are up against . What is it about your running mate that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
Patrick has a lot of baggage. Of course, his being legally blind and autistic, makes it hard for him to communicate with people, to get his ideas across. He has great ideas, he always thinks outside the box. In fact, so far outside the box, and he forgets where the box is and what was in it. I am able to help to keep him grounded and put his ideas into action.
In order to accomplish what you want, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
I will have to teach Patrick how to debate the other candidates and come out on top. I have to anticipate what they will throw at him and how he can get in his talking points, his ideas, without being affected by their barbs. I have to get into Patrick’s head and make him react in a way that doesn’t make him seem challenged, but gives him the upper hand, giving the feeling that he can handle any situation.
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
That fact that I will not be able to run for President for another 8 years. You see, I am sure that I can put Patrick Lee in the White House, not for one term, but two. I have to put his success at the forefront of my mind and put my ambitions in check.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
Losing my parents when I was young really hurt. If it wasn’t for the fact that I became a child of the tribe, I wouldn’t be here today. I felt the same weakness and uncontrollable sorrow and pain when we almost lost Patrick. But when he came back, it resurrected my faith that he was destined to be President of the U.S.
What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?
As I told you I was trained to lead the Cherokee Nation, I had a great mentor in Samuel BrightCloud and I know, with my help, Patrick Lee will be able to lead this nation.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
I more than believe in Patrick, that’s enough said. He means a lot to me.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
I think that the opposition is pretending to make changes in their campaigns. And they are only doing this because they think it is the only way to beat Patrick. And to tell you the truth , their right, but I think we will convince the people that they are still playing the political game and that Patrick and I refuse to play that game.
What does it do for your life if you succeed here?
Patrick will be President and after 8 years I will follow in his footsteps.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Patrick Lee. I am Asian American. I am legally blind and autistic. The perfect candidate for President of the United States.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
My strength is that I am blind and autistic, so I can shut out the world around me to be able to concentrate on solving the problems of the world. I guess my main weakness is I often feel dependent on others and I easily fall in love, which can lead to disaster.
Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
To change anything or anyone, you must change them from within. I have learned that in my home, in my nation of Oberoende, my micro-nation, a nation within a nation.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
I will change the U.S. political system and eventually the world.
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?
My purpose in life is to change the world and with Celeste by my side I cannot fail.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?
I still love Barb, my former companion, but she is not good for me. Celeste is fantastic, but I do not think she feels that kind of love for me.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
Besides being blind and autistic, I am also a mathematical genius. That also allows me to find solutions to many problems that escape most people.
What do you think of Celeste?
Like I said before I think she is fantastic and I am so lucky that she is helping me, but I don’t think feels, in the same way, about me
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
I want to change the world and without Celeste I was going nowhere. I am a lucky man and I know it. My competition in the political arena, as long as Celeste is by side, does not have a chance.
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Subject line: (Patricia Towers) Character Interviews
What I learned-To keep Hope and Victory alive within one daily!
There are two sides of me I was vulnerable. innocence and abused at a very young age. The other side of me is an extrovert. Sometimes I would convert back to that child, I m very consciously of it.
My mother gave me a way to this family, that had two children who ended up working me like a mule among other things. My mother had a boyfriend who didn’t want that yellow girl, me in his house. I was illegitimate, my father was white so, she chose her boyfriend.
When I look back on my life and if it didn’t unfold as it did I wouldn’t have had such a wonderful career for myself. That I made happened.
I had to find my way in this world without a map, that’s difficult. All of the changes in my life were met with hope. The most difficult thinking to let go of is not knowing who my father was, not feeling whole if you will.
I observed people a lot growing up. By the time I had an opportunity to dance. I applied those skills in my dance I was free. I didn’t want people to know I was a scared little girl pretending to be braver than I was.
Everybody has a story in life that shapes their life for me hearing someone else’s plight and what they have endured makes one want to live another day. That person shined a spotlight on their own life and won.
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Bob Colley – Character Interviews
What I learned is this is difficult to do whithout having a good idea of what you story will be about.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
Know the back country.
3. You are up against. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
Wilderness, possible booby traps, outnumbered
4. In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
Learn survival skills, drones
5.What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
6. What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
Be seen from the air, blown up, get over being gun shy.
7. What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist/villain?
Know weapons, explosives, FBI training, ride horse.
8. What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
9. What do you think of ?
10. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
11. What does it do for your life is you succeed here?
Regain confidence and self-respect; his ex made a big mistake.
12. What if you fail?
Thousands of people could be killed.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
Military training – weapons/explosives, survival skills, leadership skills
3. Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
Revenge: 1) who killed child, 2) the government
4. What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
Dismantling of the corrupt <st1:place w:st=”on”><st1:country-region w:st=”on”>US</st1:country-region></st1:place> government.
5. What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?
Government is corrupt and must be stopped.
6. What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?
7. Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
8. What do you think of ?
9. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
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Sam Reynolds – this was a wonderful way to stretch myself in terms of thinking about character. I loved it.
Protagonist
Tell me about yourself.
I am a 40-year-old kindergarten teacher. I am married to Johnny and have been for 3 years. Johnny is younger than I am by 9 years. I have always loved children and babies and know that I would be a great mom. The only reason I can come up with for why I want kids is that I have a deep connection with them. They speak to me, open up to me and are attracted to me. Also, I do feel as a woman that I need to have one baby to feel like I have done my duty as a woman. We live in Canada in a small but nice house and have a wonderful marriage. I know time is ticking re having a baby. My cycles have already stopped being regular and my mom’s cycles ended when she was early 40s. I really feel like this is my last chance. We have had 3 miscarriages already and I need this one to work.
I used to play lots of sports and am in good shape for my age. I love the outdoors and spending time there. I also love animals, especially dogs and when our baby is older I plan on buying one for the family.
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
Because I am strong willed when I need to be. I do not give up easily. When I do make up my mind to do something it is hard to convince me otherwise. I am also a survivor. My parents had a nasty divorce when I was a child, moved many times and had to adjust. My need is so strong to make this baby and to be a mom. After my miscarriages, I will not take this baby for granted.
You are up against. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
Johnny is someone who is very pragmatic. He is more risk averse than I am. He is also younger than I am and in an ideal world would have liked to wait longer to have a baby. I had to convince him a bit to try again. He also really wants to focus on his law carer right now so I will be in charge of baby duties mostly on my own. I trust Johnny implicitly and do allow him to persuade me in making decisions I may not always want to do on my own. Johnny is much smarter than I am, book smart that it. Johnny has an image of what his life should be like and his vision and mine conflict sometimes. He wants to travel a lot, believes couples shouldn’t argue and always be happy and has not had to deal with a lot of struggle or sadness in his life so we fight about all of this sometimes. His life growing up was more stable than mine.
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
The most difficult change will be to have to stand up for my convictions and risk not being likes or a people pleaser. I will have to end up in some conflicts which makes me so nervous. Because of my parents fighting so much I am afraid of arguments and will try and stop them even if I do not agree 100 percent. I will risk being make fun and/or being called crazy. I will need to be brave enough to stand on my own. In order to do this and to gain some bravery, I may need to hide what I want to do in the beginning. Johnny won’t agree but I don’t think he understands my need to have this baby. He is a young man whose need to have a child is not there yet or like mine is right now.
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
Thinking everyone else’s opinions are ore valid than mine. To put all of my trust in others and forgo myself. The habit of wanting to be liked all the time.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
The fear that this may be my last chance to have my own biological baby. The fear that this one may end up in another miscarriage. The fear that I may be all alone in the end.
I also have the insecurity that I am the only woman who cannot carry a baby. What is wrong with my body. Why me? Why is it so hard for me to do this and others can have 3 or 4 healthy kids?
What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?
I have such resilience that I mask in a people pleasing body. Having moved so much as a kid and taking care of myself as my mom worked and then taking care of her emotional needs as she went through her men, has equipped me to live and survive. My background gave me the skills to adapt quickly. I can go from one environment and situation quickly – I recover easily from bad news, arguments etc. I also rarely hold a grudge which allows me to move on. Also, as someone who is a bit naïve and acts this way to have people like me, others assume I have no ill intention and I can use this to gain information from others or have others do me favors.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
I don’t want them to know that I have had 3 miscarriages and my fear of not being able to have another baby. I am also hiding my strong desire to be a mom. I don’t think I knew about this desire or the strength of it until after my 2<sup>nd</sup> miscarriage. This is my last chance.
What do you think of?
Being a mom and I am obsessed with researching the newest baby clothes, gadgets and strollers. I have already chosen what stroller I want. I also research everything and anything to ensure I can carry a baby to term – foods, prenatal vitamins, exercise etc. I know it all. Being a family and only being a mom. No more traditional work for me.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Why shouldn’t I have a baby. I have the right to experience this joy too and no one has the right to take that away from me. Yes, it is risky delivering my own baby but people for thoudnads of years have done it and people now who live in remote locations do it all the time. Johnny wants us to be in the hospital but if we do it there then we will have so little time with her. At home, I can have her with me for longer and live my dream of being a mom even for a short while. I know I will always be a mom even if she is dead but this way I am in control of what happens and how long I have. She is with me where she should be.
What does it do for your life is you succeed here?
It brings a closure. I can die knowing I gave birth to a fill term baby. I will be a mom for sure and no one can say it otherwise. I will also be a person who can trust herself and stand up for what she wants and needs. I will no longer care as much about what people think about me and my decisions.
Antagonist
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Johnny. I am 31 and a junior lawyer in a large firm downtown. I grew up in Europe and move to NA when I was 18. First for university then worked for a bit then law school in Toronto. Nadine and I met in Toronto when we were both studying at the university – me law and her teaching.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
My strengths are that I have good instincts about the future, mine and Nadine’s. I have an ability to see what may happen next and can plan accordingly. I am practical and a researcher. I love to do my research about anything. Sometimes, my wanting to be practical can keep me from being a bit adventurous. I like to have a plan and stick to it. I like to feel safe. Nadine, listens and trusts me – she does look up to me. I think because I am a man and she grew up being afraid of men, I have some pull with her. She will almost always do what I want.
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
I don’t want to see Nadine struggle so much. I want her to be happy and I want to take away her sadness. I am afraid that if she has this baby her way, she may die or seriously hurt herself. I want her to go to a hospital because she will be safe there. There really is no way to have a baby at home safely on your own. I also want her to see that a baby is not the end of the world. There’s so much more to life. Without a baby she and I can do so much more – think of all the money we will save for one. I just want her to be happy whether that is with or without a baby.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
I get to have my wife being healthy and hopefully happy. I also get to worry less about her. I take it upon myself sometimes that I need to make sure she is happy. That is from my past. I don’t like to see her sad or for us to be arguing and in conflict. I want life to flow smoothly – as smoothly as possible
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?
Happiness, control, no misery. I have put Nadine’s and mine happiness and relationship as my responsibility.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?
I do not communicate my fears. Communicating about my day or my inner life is a constant struggle and a work in progress for me. My fear is that we will never have our own baby and Nadine will be miserable. I can’t bear to have her miserable. I want to make everything right.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
My world knowledge and love of research. Also, my world travelling. I am also someone who is a swift arguer. I am smarter than most and use my words effectively.
What do you think of?
My career and Nadine. I want to make more money as a lawyer so we can travel and live a life we both will enjoy.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Listen, hospitals are safe and sterile. They know how to deal with birthing a dead baby. They know how to take care of it and what to do. And if there are complications, Nadine will be taken care of.
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Janeen’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment is my characters already have their unique voices, challenges and opinions and by asking them to explain themselves, they’ve given me insights into what the source of the conflicts will be and why they each think they are right which is vital to avoid comic book villains and heroes.
Jym’s Interview:
Tell me about yourself.
I’m self-sufficient and hardworking, but I can never measure up to Doc’s expectations. To him, I’ll always be his helpless little sister who needs direction, guidance, advice, admonishment and “the stare” to make any forward progress. It’s maddening because I’m capable and competent and I make at least as much progress when he isn’t after me as I do when he is — probably more when he just leaves me alone. If I didn’t love and respect him so much I’d tell him to lay off, but I can’t do that. I just can’t. He’s always looked out for me. It’s a part of who I am and a big part of the relationship we’ve had my whole life. I love him, but I feel like he’s holding me back from being my own person.
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
I think I learned to care about this community from my mother and from Doc. We grew up feeling like a part of it and, probably because Doc was always so smart and everyone knew he was going to go far, people expected me to step up too. Our mother always did. Why me? Because I live and work here and I have everyone’s respect and, of course, their expectations.
You are up against Doc’s fixed ideas and the establishment. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
Doc has been my guiding light my whole life and my mother’s respect and pride in him make it seem traitorous for me to go against his wishes or his directions. Logic and experience are guiding me, but I’m fighting him every step of the way.
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
I’m going to need to trust myself more than I trust my brother and that’s going to be very, very difficult. I’m going to have to be an example for the community and come up with ways they can do what I’m doing — ways they can afford both in money and in time — and their families and the whole community will have to come along for the ride for many of them to be able to stick to whatever route I choose. This journey won’t be easy.
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
The idea that food equals love is going to have to go — at least where the traditional foods are concerned. That’s going to be a tough one. In addition, thinking that people will always automatically trust me more than Doc is going to be a tough one to get over because it’s true — they do trust him more. I’ve got a crisis in confidence to master and it won’t be easy.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
I don’t want to be wrong because it will be even harder to ever try to defy Doc again if I’ve failed in this attempt. Others will see that if even I can’t solve these problems, they won’t be able to either and I’m afraid if I don’t succeed, everyone else will never even try. After all, I have a gym, I have a trainer, I have no kids and family to sidetrack me and if I can’t do it, there’s no way they could. I have to set all those doubts aside and go for the win.
What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?
I know my brother better than nearly anyone because I’ve looked up to, observed, noted and followed him blindly for my whole life and an awful lot of his. I’ve seen how hopelessly, helplessly in love he is with Ashley and that if she goes farther downhill, it’s going to kill him. I need to help her and that will help him to be happy.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
I don’t believe Trainer when he says he loves me. How could he? He sees my flaws and my failures every day. Weight, diet, solutions for myself and my clients? All failures. How could he possibly love me? How could my brother possibly trust me when he sees the same failures?
What do you think of Doc?
I think Doc is my brother and my hero and that he knows more than about anyone I know. He’s right so much of the time that I can’t imagine going against his decrees/dictates, but what he’s doing just isn’t working this time and I don’t want Ashley to die because it would kill him.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Like nearly everyone in this neighborhood, I’ve struggled to make a life for myself. I always liked working out and I was strong, but since I opened the gym and have been living on a shoestring, I don’t eat right and I’ve gradually gained 50 pounds. It’s easy to see why. I worry about money all of the time. I worry about the advice and guidance I’m giving since many of my clients are losing ground too. I worry about what will happen to them. Look at Ashley! She was fit and trim all the way through school, but after kids, she just could never lose the weight and now she’s Type II and it’s getting worse every year. Every time I try to help her, Doc overrides what I suggest and the proof that he’s right in doing so is simply anyone taking a look at me. If I can’t help myself, how can I help anyone else. What Doc’s had me (and Ashley) doing isn’t helping at all. It just makes things worse so I have to go around him and find better ways. I have to do that.
What does it do for your life is you succeed here?
My community will get healthier and live happier/longer if I am successful and if I can get Doc’s approval and sanction of what I do. They will follow us because they know and trust us. I may not get rich, but I’ll be a hero if I can help the community overcome this weight/Type II cliff we’re marching toward.
Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you.
What should I have asked about that I haven’t? What about Trainer? He’s such a total hunk, an incredibly nice man and so kind and caring to everyone. How could I not love him? It’s hard that he teases me all of the time by professing his affection, attraction and love for me when I know he’s teasing. No one that cool could love me — not with so much failure at every turn of my life with this gym. Plus, he works for me. We can never be so as much as I love being around him and count on him to boost my spirits and my ego, we can never be more than boss/employee.
Doc’s Interview
Tell me about yourself.
I’m Doc – that’s what they’ve called me since I was a little kid and wanted to be a doctor like my great uncle Jerome. I got myself though medical school, thanks to my connection to Uncle Jerome I got a job at one of the finest practices in the area and I make good money. I have the best wife a man could ask for — she always gets me going — any time we’re in the same room. (Laughs here) I’m a lucky man. I’ve got two great kids and a great family.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
I’ve been the one people turn to for medical advice in the area, especially weight loss and diabetes — you know, things that affect people as they get older — even though some of the kids are getting it now. I wish I could do more, but there isn’t always something I can do.
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
I am committed to helping Jym be successful in life. She’s my little sister. She looks to me for advice and guidance and knowledge. I know she’s skeptical about my methods sometimes, but if she’d just stick with something instead of giving up, she’d see results.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
I don’t get anything. Jym gets better health and weight. My wife gets healthier and gets to live longer. I don’t get anything out of this.
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?
I have the knowledge, the education, the specialist’s I work with as resources. I know what I’m doing in this arena and everyone in the neighborhood expects me to come up with the answers and I’ve got the best ones that medicine can provide.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?
I need to keep Jym believing that I’m still her hero so she can’t know about the beating I took when she was a kid and I saved her from the bullies. She needs to believe so she’ll trust me and do what I tell her and succeed with diet and exercise and be an example for the neighborhood that this science stuff works. I can’t let anyone know how incapable I am of saving my own wife. She’s going downhill and I can’t stop it, but she can’t know that or she’ll give up hope and certainly the folks in the neighborhood can’t know that or they’ll give up hope of being healthy and safe.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
I did this pretty much on my own through sheer willpower and grit. I went after my dream, found the resources, found a job to pay for this and have studied with the best to be the best thing to come out of the neighborhood. Most people have had a lot more help along the way, but I didn’t.
What do you think of Jym’s methods?
Jym is testing her wings, but she’d going to find out that science has the answer, not fads and outrageous notions. She’s still a kid in many ways — especially when it comes to judgment.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Jym really, really wanted to open a gym and I was all for that. She loved fitness and working out. It energized her. So I helped her get the funding for the gym — I cosigned with her — and she got it open. Instead of becoming the model of fitness herself, she seems to have lost her way. She’s fifty pounds overweight. That’s appalling for the owner of a gym and instead of heading in the right direction, her weight is still heading in the wrong one. I’ve given her every diet I can find for people with her problem, but she’s too weak to stay on them — too easily tempted — too prone to binge. I need to find a way to get her to step up and face her weaknesses and get her weight under control so she can be a leader at her gym instead of one of the many overweight people in the neighborhood and, especially, in her gym.
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Clendon’s Character Interviews – Day 4 Homework
[01] What I learned doing this assignment? By interviewing the protagonist and antagonist, I was able to pull traits and learn about attributes and failings that were not on paper but resonating just below the surface. It helped explain some of the actions I had written out for the character without “knowing” exactly why I had that person do what they did. I realize that good writing works on a subconscious level, but recognizing this level and exploring it, allows me to know dig deeper and flesh out my characters at a level not possible before.
[02] Interview Questions for Protagonist:
[a] Tell me about yourself. I live with my mother, by choice. My father and I don’t see the world the same way. In fact, he and I don’t agree on anything.
[b] Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you? Because I’m the only one who will see this through, find my mother’s killer. Her legacy has become mine, literally and figuratively.
[c] You are up against. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you? The journey is as much internal and external. The obstacles I face begin with myself and my complete lack of understanding when it comes to solving crimes. Second, a powerful father who has the mayor in his hip pocket and the governor on speed dial. Third, the death of my mother who was my mentor and idol. She kept me grounded, kept me wanting to do “good” for myself, our community, mankind in general.
[d] In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult? I must move past my grief and anger in order to discover who killed my mother. Removing my feelings from what happened to my mother in order to find the clues will be hard.
[e] What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of? My tendency to be impatient and my habit of jumping head first into a situation have to be tabled as well as thinking that criminals are stupid and always make mistakes. Also, I have to stop thinking of family and friends as being incapable of committing this crime as it is a proven fact that over half of all homicides are perpetrated by acquaintances, neighbors and friends. Worse, a quarter of the victims are slain by family members.
[f] What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? I fear the killer will get away with the crime, that I won’t be able to find the clues and recreate what happened to my mother. The fact that my father thinks that I’m weak, that I’m a failure hurts; it is a wound that has me questioning my beliefs, my way of looking at the world.
[g] What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist? Given my upbringing and my father’s insistence that I become a black-belt by the age of twelve, I have the discipline, the pain tolerance, and perseverance to go after my mother’s killer and see it through.
[h] What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know? That I am to blame for my mother’s death because I moved out of her home so that I could have a place to bring girls to. Second, I am a failure, or will become one like my father says. Worse, that if I find out who killed my mother, I will kill that person and become the thing I hate most, a killer.
[i] What do you think of? The times, vacations and moments I spent with my mother, just the two of us. Also, what I plan on doing to the person who killed my mother. I fantasize about the pain and the torture I will inflict on the man or woman responsible for my mother’s death.
[j] Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. Feeling responsible for my mother’s death, the crime is very personal. I am avenging both my mother and myself. The fact I wasn’t there for my mom when she needed me most drives me. I can’t fail her twice. Or myself for that matter.
[k] What does it do for your life if you succeed here? Bringing my mother’s killer to justice will allow me closure, help me to move past the loss. I have to know “why” the killer did what they did to my mother.
*Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you.
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[03] Interview Questions for Antagonist:
[a] Tell me about yourself. I am a righteous man who does whatever it takes to protect my family. I was once weak, let the bottle tell me how to live my life.
[b] Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? Ridding the world of Clendon’s mother was hard, but it was the right thing to do. She had a strangle hold over me, my family and Clendon. I had to set us free.
[c] Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change? The protagonist, Clendon, is the son I never had. Saving him from his mother will allow him to grow, to change into the man I know him to be.
[d] What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition? Having gotten rid of Clendon’s mother, my competition, the hopes and dreams I have for Clendon have a chance of becoming a reality.
[e] What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death? I’m driven by the fact that throwing off the yoke of oppression for myself and for Clendon is the right thing to do and therefore, worth the risk. Clendon’s mother was manipulative, a woman who used kindness the way a bully uses fear. I was tired of doing her bidding, of being the person she wanted me to be. Living that lie was not something I wanted for Clendon.
[f] What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity? I cannot let Clendon know that I knew his mother, or of the business arrangement we were in. I cannot let my daughter know either. I fear if they learned what I did, I would lose their love forever and in so doing, destroy our family. I’m fearful of losing my daughter and Clendon; they are family. My wife’s infidelity and subsequent divorce has made me distrust women, see marriage for what it is, a gamble, a sanctioned institution where two people profess love, procreate, then raise their children and try to grow old together as a couple.
[g] Compared to other people like you, what makes you special? I’m an ex-Marine, I’ve seen combat, killed people. I know how to kill and will not hesitate to do so when the need arises. Second, I know Clendon’s mother, her habits, her routines, I can come and go unseen.
[h] What do you think of? Building my business into an empire, a franchise so that I can retire and live off the passive income streams.
[i] Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. My hatred for Clendon’s mother started out as gratitude. Years ago, she helped me, helped my family get back on it’s feet financially when I let the bottle do my thinking and talking. Afterwards, her suggestions became intrusive, my life became one of indentured servitude.
[j] What does it do for your life if you succeed here? With Clendon’s mother no longer calling the shots, I am able to breathe, to be a free man. I am no longer beholding and her financial hold over me (albeit under the table) is gone.
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Assignment 4
Aleta Rafton’s Character Interviews
I learned a lot of details about my characters especially their feelings and what is motivating them.
Protagonist Questions Stepdad
Tell me about yourself I am a mid 30’s computer highly skilled programmer, not very athletic, married for 2 years to a widow with an 11 year old boy
Why do you think you were called to this journey? I need to change but also the boy needs to change and we can each lead other to be bigger people
What about the boy makes this journey more difficult for you? He’s still sad over the loss of his firefighter dad, doesn’t want me to get close to him feeling it harms his memories of his dad
What changes do you have to make and what will be most difficult? I need to stop giving up before even trying something or after the first attempt. I must persevere to succeed.
What habits/ways of thinking do you need to let go? I need to let go of my fears of making mistakes and thinking of myself as limited
What fears, insecurities, wounds have held you back? My father was extremely critical of me growing up so I have become obsessed with trying to prevent making mistakes and inhibiting my even trying something if I had doubts that I could succeed
What skills, background, expertise makes you well suited to face conflict/antagonist? Compassionate, intelligent, integrity, tutored kids during college
What are you hiding from others? That I trained to use a whip to be more like Indiana Jones, brave, fearless
What do you think of stepson? I think he’s having a hard time and even though he knows better he can’t control his negative attitude because he’s so conflicted
Tell me your side of this conflict? My goal is to have a good relationship with the boy but am struggling to make that happen and find common ground
What does it do for your life if you succeed here? A good relationship with the boy would make daily life happier for everyone in the family and would affirm I can succeed out of my comfort zone. I’d become a better person
Antagonist Questions Boy
Tell me about yourself I am 11 years and my firefighter dad died 4 years ago during a fire. My mom married a computer nerd 2 years ago
Why do you think you were called to this journey? I’m not happy but am angry, sad, miss my dad and I’m mean to my stepdad. Part of me knows I need to change
What about the stepdad makes this journey more difficult for you? He is just so weird, nerdy and afraid of everything. There’s so little I like about him. I don’t want him to replace my dad. At the same time I want to be a good kid and have a nice happy life
What changes do you have to make and what will be most difficult? I will have to stop saying mean things, talking under breath about him, making fun of him. It will be most difficult to do activities, spend time with him and become friends.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? I need to control my habit of immediately feeling grossed out and embarrassed by him
Why are you committed to making the Stepdad fail? I’m afraid if I get close to my Stepdad it will take away from my memories of my dad so I need to make my mom see what a jerk he is so she will get rid of him
What do you get out of getting rid of the Stepdad If he’s gone I won’t have to feel disloyal to my dad or be embarrassed by him anymore
What drives you toward your mission even in the face of ruining your family life: I feel powerless and want to have control over who is in my life
What secrets must you keep in order to succeed? I don’t want my mom to know how much I want my Stepdad gone and I don’t want anyone, especially my Stepdad, to know I like computers and programming like he does
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special? I’m more determined to get rid of my Stepdad
What do you think of Stepdad? I think my Stepdad is weak, fearful and embarrassing
Tell me your side of this conflict? My mom brought this guy, my Stepdad, into my life when I don’t want another dad so I do everything I can think of to make him look bad especially in my mom’s eyes.
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Mark’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment is…there is a more rounded, full version of the character emerging. People reveal important things about themselves in what they say, even if they don’t answer the question directly.
1. Victoria (protagonist): I’m just a girl from the desert country in California. My parents took us on drives into the desert, sightseeing, we’d have lunch and spend a pleasant day. Sunday drives lots of times. But I haven’t traveled. I’d like to see far away places.
2. I was called to this journey because I know I can do it. If Amelia Earhart can do all those great things, I want a chance to prove myself too. And I really want to see other countries.
3. This is difficult because men usually think small town girls are pushovers, you know, they think we’re dumb or just want to be taken care of.
4. Sure, this is going to change me. But that’s what new experiences are all about. That’s what I want. I just hope I can survive this cold and misery. That’s the hardest thing…and these…men. I don’t know them, and I don’t know what they’ll do when things get worse.
5. The most difficult thing to let go of will be my home and the fun times i’ve enjoyed with my girl friends.
6. What’s held me back? You wouldn’t believe how much boredom can hold you back from changing your life. And, I didn’t know how to get out. Where do you start? This arctic trip is the answer. I knew it the minute I heard about it.
7. Nothing, no skills. But I know I can do it…like Amelia.
8. If I let anyone know how scared I am, it will just make things worse. I don’t have time to think about it, so I help some of the women and keep their spirits up, so I don’t think about it.
9. God. I only think of Tony. I imagine him coming over the horizon in his plane and taking me out of this horrid situation.
10. Poor Captain Jensen. What an awful job he has, to try and keep these people sane and safe. I really want to help him, because that ugly man is supposed to be helping. That’s his job. But he seems to be causing more trouble. I don’t trust him a bit. He’s sort of nice to me, but still…
11. If I get out of this alive…god willing…I may never take another trip. If I don’t die, and Tony doesn’t die…I’m gonna marry him for sure.
12. My family? Only my dad. I hope he isn’t worrying too much.
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Renee’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment is that asking questions of your characters can give you a better idea of who they are and why they do what they do. While my protagonist was very open and honest, my Antagonist was kind of a jerk and I had to pull the answers out of him.
Protagonist
Tell me about yourself.
I’m Mia, a 19-year-old art student studying painting at the San Francisco Art Institute. I came here from a small town in the Midwest. I live in a one-bedroom apartment with my roommate Breanna, who is a model, which doesn’t help my insecurity. Luckily, she’s really nice and we get along fine. I work in a small café/coffee house near the school. I tend to keep to myself and don’t have many friends.
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
I think I was called to this journey to help me believe in myself and let finally let my guard down and let people into my life. I’m dealing with the trauma of my childhood where I saw my dad, a cop, kill my mom before turning the gun on himself. Because of this, I bounced around the foster care system until I was able to move here for school.
You are up against Lonnie. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
This is really difficult because Lonnie was one of my only friends. When things started to get scary and people around me started to die, I ran to Lonnie for comfort, not knowing that he was the one behind it all. This really made it hard given my past. I really thought he was someone I could trust.
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
I’m going to have to learn not only to trust myself and my abilities, but I’m going to have to ask for help from the few other people in my life, which means opening up about my past.
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
It will be really tough for me to start trusting people.
What fears, insecurities, and wounds have held you back?
I’m afraid that I’m going to let the wrong person into my life and end up just like my mother. This has kept me from having real, honest relationships with anyone.
What skills, background, or expertise make you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?
My dad was a cop, so I picked up a lot of useful information regarding how to protect myself and how to find important information about others. It also helps that I’m a very creative person. Being creative makes me more adaptable to changing situations and helps me solve problems in a creative way. These skills can help me not only discover who is tormenting me, but also how to get out of sticky situations.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
I’m hiding the trauma of watching both my parents die and their own hands.
What does it do for your life if you succeed here?
If I succeed in escaping Lonnie, I will be more confident in myself. I will also be more willing to let my guard down and allow more people into my life.
Antagonist
Tell me about yourself.
I’m Lonnie. I’m a 22-year-old San Francisco native. I work at the café/coffee bar with Mia. I don’t have many friends and have difficulty with social interactions. Because of my social difficulties, I’ve never had a girlfriend. Heck, I’ve never even been on a date or kissed a girl. I’m also constantly being bullied, even now because I’m not good at reading social cues.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
My strengths are my high intelligence and affinity for technology that allows me to get past any security system. Even though I have social difficulties I am very courteous to everyone that helps to get people to let down their guard. My biggest weakness is my obsessive personality that tends to cloud my judgment, especially when it comes to Mia leaving me open to making careless mistakes.
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
I don’t want Mia to fail, I want her to be mine forever. I don’t like seeing her with anyone else.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
If I win then my dream of having a family with Mia will come true. I have to take down the competition because if I don’t, she won’t see me as more than a friend.
What drives you toward your mission/agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?
I can’t stop thinking about Mia and the life we could have together. She is everything I’ve ever wanted and will stop at nothing to get her.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear/insecurity?
I grew up in a cult.
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Brandi’s Character Interviews
What I doing this assignment is…it is fun to have perspective evolve out of conversation. My character’s unique voices are already starting to emerge. Honestly–this was a lot of fun to do.
Violet (Protagonist)
1. Tell me about yourself: I have always had a love for books. I have always wanted those sort of fantastical adventures for myself, but been afraid to truly live and seek them. When I was a teenager I went through an Arthurian legend phase. And I am not entirely sure I ever out grew it. I have always been fascinated by the occult, but this is probably the first time that I have ever admitted that. I grew up in New York but finished my studies in Chicago. And just never left, even though I have always wanted to.
2. Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
Why not me I suppose? I always feel like I am walking this very thin line, high up on the cliffs, right near the precipice of this great change. But for some reason, I always take a step back. I never liked heights. Yet here I am, watching all of these people around me fall over the edge into this great unknown. I feel ready. I feel like I have nothing left to lose. I feel like if I wait any longer to take a chance, I will die.
3. Samuel is really beautiful. He is exactly the type of person with whom I am not qualified to be. He is so very beyond me. I cannot for the life of me understand whatever it is that he sees in me. I spend half of our time together wondering why he is wasting his time with a hideous disaster such as myself. It’s getting over myself that it is the problem. Its impossible to believe that this mythical creature could want me.
4/5. Oh god I don’t know. I feel like I won’t make it through to the other side sometimes. I am uncomfortable even thinking about having to accept the seemingly sincerely affections, of a known insincere man. But I want to. I know that I should not. I know it is is wrong. I know that every knows that he has a girlfriend. But I need to stop knowing. I need to step outside of the internal and external judgement, and accept that wrong is only in the eye of the beholder. It is ok to put yourself first. Truly this goes against everything I believe. But I just want him so badly. I just need to not think about this too much.
6. Ooooooo. I cannot shake my own securities. Why? Why does he want me? He could be with anyone. I see the way other women look at him. I have heard the stories. And I half suspect this is one very bad man in my midst. I really don’t want to do this again. I don’t want to be humiliated by this very gorgeous and enchanting man. I don’t want to be crushed. I carry this sense of inferiority around with me. I need to let this go.
7. I can rationalize his behavior. Just not my own. I am a closeted sentimentalist. To be that way, you have to be open to some form of continued heartache. Persistence. Logic. Ability to hide things deep down inside and keep a secret.
8. I know that Samuel has a girlfriend. And I am ok with it. I willingly hurt hurt to help myself.
9/10/11/12. The conflict goes beyond my willingness to overlook and ignore the fact that I am inflicting very real hurt on someone else. I am pregnant. And it is Sam’s. Of course. I know that I need to tell him. I know that he has a right to know. I know that this could disrupt his plans, his life, whatever it his that he has going on with this other woman. I also know that I cannot give this child up. Don’t want to. I am just really scared of what he will do and say when he finds out. When I tell him. I am truly afraid that that will be it. That he will not want either of us. I can support myself and do things alone. Nothing new there. But I do not know whether or not I can let go of Sam.
Antagonist: Samuel
1: I grew up in Chicago. Both of my parents are lawyers. Successful. My father is quite a bit older than my mother. Truth be told, I spent a lot of time with my mom–we do not make the best roommates. Things were smoother living with my father. I have a lot of older half siblings. But definitely am the light of my mother’s life. My parents have pretty much afforded my life style until know. I am a bout to make the move to LA. This girl and I have been together for the past 5 years. Its dead. Or dying. She knows I am planning on moving. I did not ask her to come with me. There is no need.
2. I am game for a good time. Women are great. I am not opposed to feeling deeply for them. I am, however, wary of being tied down at this point. I have the kind of personality and face that people love to love. I am not used to rejection.
3. Listen. Violet is great. She scares me. Smart, sometimes I am not even sure what she is talking about. And she doesn’t fall at my feet. I want her to. I feel like she wants to. That scares me, too. She falls…and then what? I just got out of five years of hell. Am I ready for more? Would it be hell or something else? Violet does know how much damn fun she is missing out on. I would like to show her.
4. If I win, truly win, I get one amazing attachment free good time before I move. Add that one to the experience bag and move on to the next great thing.
5. My career is just about to start. I am desperately attracted to this woman–physically, sexually, emotionally even, but I cannot let even the glimmer of strings form round my heart and mind. I need to feel free from distraction when I move.
6. Violet cannot know that I moving and that technically, Jess and I are still together. But she also cannot know, that I do have real feelings forming for her.
7/8/9. We met at a party. Mutual friend. She looked familiar but I couldn’t place how I knew her. She told me some story about going to see a tarot reader who told her that she was about to fall madly, deeply, in illicit love with the “devil.” She laughed. I kissed her. I don’t know why. She seemed so lonely standing there against the wall. I just wanted her in that moment and many times afterwards. So I took her for myself. I can’t keep her obviously. I am moving soon. But I cannot seem to let her go either. She needs to know about….things. I need to break this off. I am not ok with the way I think about her often or the way that she looks at or how she immediately pushes me away. Lately, she seems like there is something that she wants to tell me. I am not sure that I really want to know.
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Chris’ Character Interviews
What I learned from doing this assignment is that it was sort of freeing to just answer the questions from the characters perspective without putting anything on it and just ad libbing off the top of my head what and how they would answer. I mean, my Protagonist is a pathological liar, so that’s kind of fun as well.
PROTAGONIST:
-My name’s Cora, I’m a cocktail waitress at a bar in Venice Beach that decided to take some sketchy guys up on an offer to deliver a package to Lake Arrowhead. It’s only an hour and a half away. What could go wrong?
-Because I’m clearly someone who will go along with something in order to make easy money without asking too many questions. I’m of questionable moral fiber.
-I don’t really know what I’m up against. There’s a few things going on and I’m just trying to figure shit out and not die.
-I suppose that I’m going to need to double down and commit to finding answers, I don’t really have an option to half ass it or quit, like I normally do.
-I don’t have habits that I want to let go of.
-Fears, insecurities and wounds are for small people.
-I’m pretty confident in my ability to adapt and ingratiate myself into new situations and with different groups of people. I’m almost, hmmm.. Reptilian, if you will.
-What am I not hiding? They can and will know exactly what I want them to and when I deem it necessary.
-I think of lot’s of things. Mostly sex. Well, that’s not entirely true, mostly I think about baking cookies.
-My side is that I’m caught up in a bunch of bullshit that doesn’t even concern me and now people are trying to kill me. What’s new?
-If I succeed here, it will allow me to continue living my life, and or just have one. So, that’s sort of a bonus.
-No other questions, we’re finished here.
ANTAGONIST:
-I’m Brooke, I’m directing the porn movie that is at the center of all this.
-My strengths are that I’m pulling all the strings and in control of the situation. I’m the boss bitch. My weakness, I suppose, if I were to have one could be that I will end up in prison for the rest of eternity if certain things come to light.
-I don’t have anything personal against her, I actually kind of like her, but for me to complete my project she can’t be in my way or, do her job, if that’s more to your point.
-What I get is knowing that I’ve accomplished a thing of beauty, a masterpiece if you will, I will have undoubtably and inarguably created the most pure “Giallo Film” ever made. Hands down. End of story. I win.
-I’m driven by the motivation that I have an opportunity to create one great thing, undeniably, that nobody can ever make go away. If you had an opportunity to do something like that and didn’t take it then you’re a fucking loser.
-Secrets? Quite literally, where the bodies are buried. There’s a lot of secrets that I’m harboring in this whole thing. Do you think my friends and family even know that I’m working in porn? Jesus, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
-That I’m actually willing to put my money where my mouth is and follow through on something and sacrifice in order to achieve my objective. Most people just talk a bunch of shit and lack drive. I’m not one of those people.
-The Rabbits? We all know how that story ends.
-My side is that I win. I sacrifice. I make the art. I finish the project. At any and all costs. End of story. What else is there, who cares? You’re boring me.
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Sandra’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment is how to gain a better understanding of my characters.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST
Tell
me about yourself. My name is Lucy. I
grew up on a farm in Iowa with my mother, brother and sister. I am the
youngest, my sister is 16 years older and my brother is 18 years older. I
love science. I am finishing my Ph.D. and need to defend my dissertation.
I discovered a natural treatment for cancer in mice. The next step will be
to test it on humans. <div><div>
Why
do you think you were called to this journey? Why you? I’ve always been
curious and analytical. I want to find natural, less harmful ways to help
people.You
are up against. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult
for you? Funding. Big Pharma. IRB approval. I have to defend my
dissertation to graduate and continue my project and work. What if my
project doesn’t work with humans?In
order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside
of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be
the most difficult? Confronting others. Public speaking in front of a
large group.What
habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let
go of? Empowering myself. Distorted thinking – jumping to conclusions. Verify not assume.What
fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? Fear of making
mistakes, public speaking, and abandonment. Don’t know who my father is. </div><div>What
skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this
conflict or antagonist? Analytical. Look for a solution and go deeper.
Investigate.What
are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to
know? Possible pregnancy. Afraid it will ruin my career or my husband will
leave.What
do you think of? I think of a lot of things. Sometimes my mind shifts from
one thing to another. I dread giving my dissertation. I’m very nervous.
Why can’t it be in a small room with a couple people?Tell
me your side of this whole conflict / story. I don’t understand why or who
wants to poison my mice and falsify results. What do they want?What
does it do for your life if you succeed here? All my hard work has paid
off. Feeling that I can do anything. I’ll have time to relax and have a
more balanced life.Ask
any other questions about their character profile that will help you. None
at this time.QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST
Tell
me about yourself. I am a well-known and respected researcher and
university professor with many years of experience and high credibility. I
expanded this department by winning grants and securing funding. </div>Having
to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? Strengths
include research and business, and convincing others, including students
to follow my direction. Weakness is being dedicated to my work and not
having a family.Why
are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship
movie, why are you committed to making them change? Her research
discredits my research. Natural treatments don’t make money and do not
draw funding. Her research will jeopardize future funding.What
do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking
down your competition? I gain
prestige, and more funding for bigger projects.What
drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin,
or death? Competition. Must win at all costs. Obtain a large grant to
support my research project.What
secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of
fear / insecurity? Killed a colleague in the past, changed my identity and
became a top researcher and university professor. Set up a murder to look
like a suicide.Compared
to other people like you, what makes you special? That I am brilliant as
an expert in research and business. Most people are only good at one side
and not both.What
do you think of? The next big project, power and prestige.Tell
me your side of this whole conflict / story. If Lucy had picked a
different research project like I instructed her, we wouldn’t be in this
situation. Stopping her is for the benefit of the university and the department,
so they don’t lose accreditation and credibility. She needs to learn about
the dangers of bucking the system.</div>
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Brendan Williams Character Interviews
In this assignment, I learned why they are who they are. Also, I started discovering their voice and how they sound which will end up being helpful when writing dialogue. I felt like a news reporter asking questions and if the characters thought the questions were silly, I made sure it was answered in a way they would actually answer that question. Great exercise to help discover how your character’s sound.
Protagonist:
Anita Pearson.Tell
me about yourself. My name is
Anita and I’m 17-years-old. I live in Orland, Maine and was born and
raised in the same house for the past twenty years. I have a job as
a waitress at a small diner where we get a lot of truckers traveling
up and down from Canada. My hobbies are listening to old records and
writing. My goal in life is to be a best selling novelist.Why
do you think you were called to this journey? Why you? I
have no idea why me. I’ve never ask to be in this situation. A
situation where I lost my dad to cancer, my brother to suicide, and
my mother to schizophrenia. I feel like I’m all alone and this is
exactly why I want to leave the country and move to Ireland. I just
want to press a restart button on my life.You
are up against your own mother. What is it about them that makes
this journey even more difficult for you? The
biggest obstacle I face is my mother. I love her dearly, however
she’s been in denial about my brother’s death for the past year. She
refuses to accept that he’s gone and acts as if he’s still alive and
living in the house.In
order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step
way outside of the box. What changes do you expect to make and which
of them will be the most difficult? Survive
what? Dealing with my mother? Why do I have to change? I didn’t do
anything wrong. If anyone needs to change, it’s my mother. She needs
to accept the fact that her son is gone and move on. She doesn’t
seem to understand that I’m grieving as well and that she shouldn’t
be acting like she’s the only person affected by his death.What
habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult
to let go? The habit of having
Sam around. The habit of hearing his corny jokes, his laughter, just
his presence of being around the house. He was the one that put life
in that house and now it’s all gone. It’s just my mom and I and we
barley ever say a word to each other. I say when I also lost my
brother, I also lost my mom. We should’ve gotten through his death
together and instead I have to deal with it on my own. The habit of
going to Sam whenever I need something, even if it’s to laugh or a
shoulder to cry on, he was there.What
fears, insecurities and wounds have you held back? I
have a co-worker at Ruby’s Diner, the place where I work, who gives
me opioids because it helps with my depression. When Sam also
started to develop mental problems, he asked me to share my pills
with him and I did. However, I believe it only made him worse and
not better. I feel so guilty. I may have caused my brother’s
suicide.What
skills, background, or expertise makes you well-suited to face this
conflict? Throughout my life,
because Sam was older than me, I felt like he was the father-figure
in my life since my dad died just right after I was born. Sam was
not only my brother, but my best friend and mentor figure. He was
the one who protected me and was really the one who raised me
because god knows my mother didn’t. Now, with him gone and no one to
take care of my mother, I believe that job lands on me. I hope she
will appreciate that and not continue to push me away.What
are you hiding from your mother? My
mother doesn’t know that Sam left a suicide note behind. His body
was never found and a witness did see him jump off the bridge, but
wasn’t sure if he slipped or intentionally jumped, so I would like
my mom to believe that Sam fell off that bridge and didn’t plan to
end his life. I’ve actually kept the suicide note because it’s the
last piece I have of him, but I’ve decided to not show my mother.What
do you think of your mother? I
love her. I adore her. However, I have no idea why she doesn’t
return that love back. I’m her daughter. I’m her only daughter and
yet she doesn’t treat me as such. She treats me as a complete
stranger and I can never understand why.What
is your side of the story? Sam
committed suicide on a rainy night while getting off from school.
Instead of coming home, he rode his bike to the Penobscot Bridge and
jumped off. It appeared to look like an accident at first, until I
went into my room and found a suicide note where he explains he
decided to end his life because he was scared what his mental
illness would do and that he believed that it would lead him to harm
the people he loved. It’s funny, some people think Sam committed
suicide to hurt us, but he did it to protect us or at least he
thought he was.What
does it mean to you if you succeed? If
I succeed in trying to help my mother overcome her grief and denial,
than it could mean that we have a good chance of us having a
meaningful mother-daughter relationship and to me that would
complete my world.Antagonist:
Valerie Pearson.Tell
me about yourself. I’m a woman
in her early-50’s who is the mother of two children. Sam and Anita.
I live in Orland, Maine and I currently work as a piano player for a
small local church in the area. I’m also a farmer and I grow all my
own vegetables in the backyard and then on weekends, I sell them at
the Farmer’s Market.Having
to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? My
strength is I know to always depend on God when I need something. I
believe he’s always watching us and he will never give us any
situation that we can’t handle. If I’m ever scared or worried, I
always pray to him knowing he’ll answer. My weakness is that I have
schizophrenia and I often can’t control it. I was diagnosed with
schizophrenia in the last couple years, but I’m glad I have my son
by my side.Why
are you committed to making your daughter to fail? Excuse
me. I don’t want to fail. Fail at what? Look, she’s a strong woman.
She doesn’t need me. She knows what she’s doing. She’s doing well in
school, has a part time job, and knows what she wants to do with her
life. What can a schizophrenic woman add to her life that will help
her? She’s all set. She doesn’t need her mother butting in her life.What
do you get out of winning this fight? What
fight? I’m not fighting with my daughter. We barley ever talk. Of
course, as much as I love her, she just has to make every situation
about her, but that’s what teenage girls do.What
drives you towards your mission? My
mission is to somehow find a way to deal with my son’s death and the
best way for me to deal with it is deny it ever happened. I can’t
even bury my son because his body fell into the bottom of a river
and it was never found. Most parents who lose a child, have a
gravestone they can visit. I don’t. I refuse to enter his room,
because I don’t want to be reminded that he’s gone. I want to keep
my life going as if he’s still alive.What
secrets must you keep out of fear? Anita
doesn’t know that she’s actually Sam’s half-sister. They have
different fathers. Her biological father is some trucker who I got
drunk with one night and slept with. Obviously we didn’t use
protection, but I was dealing with my husband being on his death bed
and having cancer. I just needed a night to myself and feel loved
and find some way to let it all out and then nine months later,
Anita arrives.Compared
to other people like you, what makes you so special? I’m
far from special. Yes, I’m a war veteran and people often thank me
for my service, but the biggest battle I fought wasn’t the war in
the Middle East, but back home. My battle with my husband having
cancer, my battle with my daughter when we would fight, and my
battle with schizophrenia. That’s the battle that I’m suffering
through and no one wants to talk about that? If I felt special,
people would care when I told them what I’ve been through.What
do you think of your daughter, Anita? I
love her. She’s my only daughter and she’s an amazing human being,
but she’s a constant reminder of the mistake I made years ago. No
fault of her own, but I never asked for a second child. The family
was supposed to Sam, my husband, and I and I feel like Anita
arriving is like me trying to replace my husband. I may not be an
affectionate person and express my love for her out loud, but I do
love her.Tell
me your side of this whole conflict. Sam
may have committed suicide or fell off the bridge by accident, but
either way, I’m not responsible. Anita may blame me, but what mother
would lead their kid to commit suicide? I really don’t think he
jumped off the bridge on purpose. Maybe he was going there to take
pictures or on his way to a friend’s house, who knows, but we need
to stop talking about my son as if he jumped on purpose and maybe
talk about the fact that it was an accident and no one should be
blaming me for this.<title></title><style type=”text/css”>
</style> -
DeRuve’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment is the sound of my character’s voice. This was a really fun assignment. I learned a lot about my characters, and felt their attitudes, especially in my antagonist.
Interview with Rhino:
Tell me about yourself…
I’m Sev, people call me Rhino. I’m from Hill Street in South Troy, New York, some people call it Little Italy. My Grandparents immigrated to the states in the twenties. My Grandfathah’s were construction workers, my Fathah was a construction worker, my brother’s are construction workers, and in my teenage years I worked on site with them. Most of the people in my neighborhood are Italians, but over the years things have changed. The culture been watered down, and stereo-typed as Mafia affiliates. What people don’t realize is most of the Italians see the mob as a disgrace. Especially the hard working ones. I dropped out of high school before my senior year when I started fightin’. I was always a big guy, and hittin’ people came natural to me. Around that time I started doin’ jobs for Joey’s family. Joey been my best friend since grade school, his Fathah is Giuseppe Paone, the Godfather. The Paone’s are good people, people talk and say what they say, but they always been good to me. My family don’t like me hangin’ around Joey, but what they don’t know won’t hurt ‘em. My first few fights went real good, but fightin’ didn’t pay much. About that time Joey approached me with a more lucrative opportunity. If I could carry a fighter a few rounds and knock ‘em out when Joey wanted me to, I’d get a big pay day. I was undefeated for a while when the bets started changing. I started takin’ dives and all that, and you know, it was what it was. I didn’t feel too good about it at first, but I knew a working class kid from Troy was never gonna get a shot at bein’ somebody. Once I was in on the fix, the Godfather trusted me, and I made the omerta. I became a bagman for Mr. Paone. Most of the time I got what I was lookin’ for by intimidation, now and then I had to rough somebody up, but nothin’ too serious. I didn’t feel no guilt about it, ‘cause these people were makin’ bets they’re pockets couldn’t cash. Paone had no problem takin’ bets or movin’ product on the arm ‘cause he knew he could have control over anyone in debt to him. Half the city was in debt to him by the mid-eighties, even the Pigs, so he ran everything.
Why do you think you were called on this journey? Why You?
I was born with a big body and an iron fist. I never took much to laboring the way my family done. I ain’t too smart either, schoolin’ for me was a waste of time. I ain’t got much of a brain, so I figure I use my body to get where I want to go. I was lucky to be Joey’s best friend growin’ up, and it’s given me a way to provide for my family.
Who you are up against, what is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
After fifteen years of fixed fights I wondered what kinda fighter I woulda been if I gave it my best shot. I think the problem growing up in a house of immigrants and laborers is that nobody has dreams. They think they can’t be nothin’ more. Including me. I never thought I coulda been somebody. Joey and Mr. Paone gave me a chance to be somethin’. Maybe not to the world, but to the Paone’s I was important to the business, even if it was a small piece. But the truth is, they were holdin’ me back and I didn’t realize it. I was nothin’ more than a thug, and a bum fighter who never reached his potential. But the worst of it was, I been alone most my life. I got my family, but no one to come home to. If I want any type of normal life, I gotta break free of the collecting job, and fight how I know how to fight, with everything I got. But if I do that, I won’t be able to provide for my family.
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
It’s a fragile situation. You can’t just up and leave the mob. You know too much. You seen too much. If I want out I’m going to have to disappear, but they got eyes everywhere.
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
I been solvin’ problems with my fists since I was a kid. Violence is ingrained in me. I don’t trust nobody, and I don’t talk to nobody. The only people in my life are the Paone’s and my family. If I fail the Paone’s, my family’s safety is in jeopardy.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
When I was seventeen I was seeing a girl I loved with all my heart. She seemed to love me too, but eventually started dating Joey. They ended up getting married and having a family, so I guess they were meant to be. I’ve never had a relationship since, hardly even a friendship. I guess I always felt like, why would anyone love me? I’m a Rhino. A big dumb animal. I try not to think about it, but everytime I’m home in my apartment alone, I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever have someone to pour my love into.
What skills, background or expertise makes you well-studied to face this conflict or antagonist?
I know Joey inside and out. I know the Paone business, and I am their most reliable collector.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
I don’t want nobody to know how big my heart is. How much love I have to give. I am sensitive, and I am caring. I have to hide all of this to maintain my status.
What do you think of?
I think about my family. My parents. And them having a good life. I think about how different things would be if I never knew Joey.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict/story…
I know I have been used by Joey, but it also made me important. It gave me a place in the world. I resent him for taking my girl, but I bury it. What good would it do me by saying anything? My boxing career is a joke, I’m a .500 fighter, when I coulda been somebody. I handle any fighter I face, and I know I coulda been more than a puppet in the ring.
What does it do for your life if you succeed here?
If I can break free of the mob, and start over, I might be able to find a good girl. I might be able to have a family and some sort of normal life.
Interview with Joey Paone:
Tell me about yourself…
I’m Joey Paone, the President of Paone Waste Management. My Father started the company thirty years ago as a front for our real business. Racketeering, gambling, drugs. Waste Management is sort of a saying that my Father made literal. Waste Management means organized crime. I don’t know the first thing about garbage, but I know how to take out the trash. I run the sportsbook exclusively, everything else runs through my Father, but the sportsbook was my idea, and has been very lucrative for us. I want what I like and I get what I want, and if it’s someone else, I take it.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
Weaknesses? I don’t have no fuckin’ weaknesses? What kind of fuckin’ question is that? How ‘bout I show you my strengths by bustin’ your head open.
Why are you committed to making the protagonist fail?
I love Rhino, I’ve known him since we was kids. He used to get picked on and all that. It was embarrassing. The biggest fuckin’ kid in school, and he’d be gettin’ picked on. I stood up for him and he started hangin’ around. I’ve helped him out a lot. Funded his boxing career. Got him a respectable made position. Yes, I may have took his girl, but he don’t know what to do with no woman. I mean look at him, he’s a fuckin’ rhino, not ol’ blue eyes. He don’t got the wits to manage his career, and I been takin’ care of it for him. I don’t want him to fail, I just want to keep him in line.
What do you get out of winning this fight/succeeding in your plan/taking down your competition?
People know me. People know Rhino. If I control Rhino, people will fear me the most.
What drives you towards your mission/agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, death?
Power.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear/insecurity?
Truth is, I never clipped nobody. I said I did, but I didn’t. If I play my cards right, I’ll never have to.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
I’m the boss’ son. The heir to the throne.
What do you think of?
Money. Power. What people think of me.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict/story…
Didn’t I already do that? Go fuck yourself.
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Aline’s Character Interviews
What I learned:
These characters know exactly who they are and there are crazy details to their perception of the environment and story.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST
My name is Lucy, I’m 17. My dad is married to three women. My mom Eliza, Judy and Charlotte. Since Charlotte came along the dynamic has been off and I am feeling very unhappy to see my mother so depressed. Char tries to be my best friend because she’s only 5 years older than me, but bothers me. I Feel guilty that it bothers me … I am supped to be supportive of my family. But I want to run away.
I started questioning my faith because things started to feel wrong. I saw that my mom really wasn’t happy with the one thing that they say is god’s will, against mainstream mormonism and against the law even. I am seeing a different angle of the life I am living and for some reason I am seeing things differently than I did just a year ago. Ithink Tori Amos’ music has something to do with it. I feel guilty sometimes listening to it, but it also makes me feel the same as when I “ feel the spirit”- I feel inspired . I feel like the thoughts I am having are for my personal growth and I can’t stop.
– They are all I have ever known. I am going to lose all the blessings if I betray my family and my faith.
I got these tickets for a Tori Amos concert. And I coulndt ask anyone if I Could go. I knew what the answer would be. I tried to tell Charlotte but she nearly ruined my plan … so I took her car and decided that they would either think I was kidnapped or whatever. I thought maybe they wouldn’t even notice I was gone… I figured I could get a job in LA and live in the car for a while then ask help from the mormon church… I know they would help me… they are good people- even if they don’t accept the full gospel…. What am I saying. I don’t accept it either. I am a sinner. Like them.
**What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
The one I jus mentioned… I don’t know if I can fully let go of my faith. I feel like God is watching me. I feel very bad after I masturbate. I am not supposed to. I confess to the bishop every time after I do.
**What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
I have had to be an adult helping raise my siblings. I am the first of 14 and Charlotte is pregnant- so soon to be 15. I am wondering what my life will be like. My mother is suffering I can tell. She doesn’t open up but I have seen her crying alone – I walked away before she could see me. I have no one to talk about this.
**What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?
I am up against myself even because I have been molded to fit into this- the fact that I am rebelling against should come as a surprise, and in a way it does… but it also makes sense because I feel like I am chosen. At first chosen to be FLDS- above the mormons. Now. I feel like one more layer of lies has been peeled off my eyes. And I am above my own family. I am still in tune with my Chosen one beliefs.
**What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
When I meet Lucien I am crazy attracted to him– but then I find out he’s a girl and I am still attracted to him but also repulsed by liking a girl. How is that possible? I am going to hell and I am afraid — but it’s also exhilarating.
**What does it do for your life is you succeed here? I will heal and learn to life in a world where my opinion matters and I can decide what happiness means.
** What were your thoughts when Lucien betrayed you?
I felt stupid and alone. I thought I would never learn how to be in the world and outside of my family bubble. Lucien sent me right back to them — I trusted Lucien and I was horribly mistaken about his character– how could I trust my own instincts and feelings if I had been so wrong about him? I feel like I was broken and could never mend and function in a society outside of the FLDS Church. It was just as well that I was being sent back. I was broken before I left and broken by betrayal as I was being dragged back to salt lake city.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST
*Tell me about yourself.
I am a faithful member of the true church of Jesus Christ.
*Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
I am close to Lucy in age and I can communicate with her better. I know that she responds to me.
*Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
Don’t be ridiculous. My intention is for her to succeed. I will never let her father know that she ran away for one, so she won’t be disowned or questioned about her virginity. I will do everything to protect her to make sure she can have a celestial marriage like mine. Like ours.
*What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
Keeping my family together and ready to be together forever.
**What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?
Lucy won’t know of my personal misery as I share my husband with other wives. The ones with the seniority… I feel out of place. I feel inadequate… I need to be better and try harder. I won’t let Lucy or anything know of my weakness as I question whether I am truly happy with this arrangement. I shouldn’t question. The very existence of questioning shows my personal unworthiness.
**Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
I am kind and generous. I go above and beyond. I am close in age to Lucy. I feel blessed to be her mother as well.
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Adam’s character interviews
What I learned: Letting the mind go while answering the questions was really fun and insightful. While trying to write the answers in the character’s voice I discovered new things about them, even their thought process and how they talk started to take shape. Also, past events came to light.
Protagonist: Les Beamington
1. Tell me about yourself.
Well, I’m a teacher… married with two children, 6 and 14, yea that happened. We meant to have one, but things happen… a little vino and pop! You’re one kid richer. He’s a real firecracker though, so it’s okay… I mean, it would be okay anyway. So I teach middle school grade 7 kids. They’re a strange lot, hitting the whole puberty thing, puts a twist on things in the hormonal soup of the classroom. Not much to say really, I really like teaching the kids, helping them to learn and hopefully turn into upstanding citizens. I grew up not too far from where we live now, haven’t traveled too much. I like traveling, but just never quite got around to doing a lot of it. I mean, we vacation a bit, but real travel you know… My parents are well and kicking. Quite active really, with social groups, light sports activities, you know. My mom’s only semi-retired. You know, sometimes I do dream of other things, being an adventurer in the amazon, fighting tigers… do they have tigers there? Shoot, I can’t remember, my subject is math… anyway, I think that would be neat. I guess it would make me feel manly. I don’t feel very manly at the moment. I should take up camping or something.
Why do you
think you were called to this journey? Why you?Well that’s a tough one, why me? For this? I guess it’s ironic as I’m in a bad position to say anything against authority. I have a lot at stake… loss of job, shunned from society… but I also have a deep love and concern for my kids… I get nightmares thinking of what their future could be.. but I don’t know, what if I’m wrong? It’s hard to decipher all the potential motivations of the others. Maybe I could inspire others like me, maybe that’s it, maybe if I do it… you know stand up and speak out… then maybe that will give others courage to do the same. People like me, you know… or they’ll just think I’m a lunatic.
You are up
against . What is it about them that makes this journey even more
difficult for you?Well, I’m basically up against a whole system. Yea it’s one person controlling it, but it goes way deeper than that… it’s like going against the whole of society… and it really make you question yourself, your thoughts, even your sanity at points. So I almost feel like I’m going up against myself on one level, then a prominent, powerful person in control on another. And it feels very lonely and scary. It’s very seductive to just hide like everyone else… but the thoughts never go away and eat you inside. You can unsee what you’ve uncovered.
In order to
survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of
your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the
most difficult?I think I’m going to lose my job probably… maybe even lose my wife, ya, she doesn’t see it yet like I do. It’s crazy, the cognitive dissonance that occurs… and not being able to connect the dots that are in plain sight. I’m going to risk being ridiculed, persecuted… I don’t, jailed? Will it go that far? I hope not, obviously. I really hope that I find support, I know it’s out there, we just have to find each other somehow. But essentially I could lose my life as I know it, but that’s gone now anyway.
What habits
or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?Hmm, ya, I’ll have to trust myself more. I’ve really realized that I have a lot of self doubt… and fear of speaking out, of being ridiculed.
What fears,
insecurities and wounds have held you back?Well as I just said, self-doubt for sure and that fear of being ridiculed and exposed. I guess that’s why I have that self-deprecating humour going. Knock myself down before anyone else. I guess that comes from when I was younger… I got picked on as a kid a bit… well more than that. It stopped after a while, once I figured out how to navigate the social waters in high school, but before that I would stammer in front of the class from nerves and it would just.. well be awful. So I really tried hard to fit in after that.
What skills,
background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or
antagonist?I honestly don’t know, I am pretty smart – I know that, and I’ve always been good about putting two seemingly unconnected things together. I think if I can do that and somehow get others to see it that will help. I also love research and history. I can spend hours going into researching things that no one else even wants to touch.
What are you
hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?Well, I’m hiding what I know from my wife and kids. I’m afraid to tell them and not only disrupt their world more than it already is, but I don’t think my wife is going to see it the same way. I’ll have to tell her at some point, but… well, we’ll see how that goes. I just want my kids to feel as normal as possible. Nothing’s normal now though, so I don’t know.
What do you
think of ?I flip between horrible atrocities and a better world for the future.
Tell me your
side of this whole conflict / story.Well in a nutshell, I think the people who are running this city are corrupt and using a public emergency to push their backroom dealings and agendas to make more money, take more control and gain more power.
What does it
do for your life is you succeed here?Freedom.
Ask any
other questions about their character profile that will help you.Antagonist: Mayor Elizabeth Donaldson
Tell me
about yourself.From an early age I was always very ambitious. Top of my class in almost every subject… my parents would fume if I wasn’t winning everything. I didn’t have too many relationships at a young age. I found personal relationships… difficult. Not until later, when I learned that having ‘friends’ was a valuable tool did I start practicing in the art of persuasion. I graduated top of my class in high school, had sex for the first time at the prom and went off to an Ivy League school. It was there that I was chosen to be groomed. They were specifically looking for women… who had certain qualities. Leadership I guess it was… or strength and power. Anyway, I’m now the Mayor of the biggest city in the country and I have long way up to go, but I’ve been assured as long as I follow the rules and do the right thing for my supporters, I’ll see the top one day. I don’t have a family, I have others endeavours to focus on at the moment. Although, I’m told I should get a family as it would make me look more trustworthy.
Why do you
think you were called to this journey? Why you?I’m very loyal and trustworthy to those that support me. I think that’s why.
You are up
against . What is it about them that makes this journey even more
difficult for you?Well I’m not really worried about the varmin that try to spread the truth and try to thwart our plans. The problem is that they don’t know what’s good for them. They don’t understand the we do this for them, to give those that follow blindly a really good life. Really, they won’t have to think about a thing. So yes, these truth spreaders will make it more difficult, but we’ll take care of it.
In order to
survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of
your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the
most difficult?I’m sure as this gets more difficult, I might start having more challenges. I might even start to get emotional… and no one wants that. I might have to start making some examples of people to keep the rest in line. I mean, I don’t want to do that, but I will if I have to. It won’t be pretty, but fear is the best weapon we have.
What habits
or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?I really like order and sticking to a plan. If I’m forced off that plan it’s really going to piss me off. The trick will be to not get over emotional about going out of my way to do things I don’t want to do – if I get emotional or angry I could get sloppy. That can lead to mistakes and getting exposed.
What fears,
insecurities and wounds have held you back?If I had to pick something – I would say I’m afraid to lose. I can’t lose. As some say, that can be a fault – I don’t see it, but I’ll take their word for it.
What skills,
background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or
antagonist?My whole life has been a battle to stay on top and in control. That makes me the perfect person to lead this.
What are you
hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?I’m secretly very afraid of people knowing who I really am. That I don’t have any feelings and I’m a freak.
What do you
think of ?I think of when I can finally have full control and then relax.
Tell me your
side of this whole conflict / story.I’ve been groomed to lead this battle to control the world. To be a part of a great thing where we the leader will take care of everyone. We’ll make the world a better place for everyone to live happily and not worry about anything. We’ll make all the decisions for you. Yes, we’ll have more freedoms and wealth. But isn’t that a just balance? We’re taking care of you and anyone who stops that is a denier and must be removed for the good of all. So that’s what I do. I remove those that stops us from achieving a sort of heaven on earth.
What does it
do for your life is you succeed here?Endless riches and power.
Ask any
other questions about their character profile that will help you. -
LESSON 4 30 DAY SCREENPLAY
I learned a bit about how to embody a character and be them. It is liberating to be them instead of trying to logic out what they do.
Protagonist George.
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF. It’s about time I give myself a chance.
WHY DO YOU THINK YOU WERE CALLED TO THIS JOURNEY? WHY YOU? I have been so much to so many productions, in support, I want to be at the helm and see how that goes.
YOU ARE UP AGAINST . WHAT IS IT ABOUT THEM THAT MAKES THIS JOURNEY EVEN MORE DIFFICULT FOR YOU? They have always like me as a contributor to their achievement. It’s hard for them to let that go, loose me, and re-think who I am.
IN ORDER TO SURVIVE OR ACCOMPLISH THIS, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO STEP WAY OUTSIDE OF YOUR BOX. WHAT CHANGES DO YOU EXPECT TO MAKE AND WHICH OF THEM WILL BE THE MOST DIFFICULT? I have to come to grips and navigate the treacherous waters where in those I’ve supported so faithfully feel abandon.
WHAT HABITS OR WAYS OF THINKING DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE MOST DIFFICULT TO LET GO OF? I feel like a slave who has been promoted to captain of the ship..briefly. And that soon, if I fail, I will be back to slavery. And I will be beaten for all of my hopes and arrogance.
WHAT FEARS, INSECURITIES AND WOUNDS HAVE HELD YOU BACK? Fear of failure of course. As long as I think I could but don’t really try my self proclaimed titles have some credibility, things are in-work.
WHAT SKILLS, BACKGROUND OR EXPERTISE MAKES YOU WELL-SUITED TO FACE THIS CONFLICT OR ANTAGONIST? Having been the right hand man to a long list of great creators of great acclaim.
WHAT ARE YOU HIDING FROM THE OTHER CHARACTERS? WHAT DON’T YOU WANT THEM TO KNOW? That I don’t know that I could live with failure. All my little projects were so well received. It makes it even harder to step up to something…well, face it….commercial. That’s a bad word. Ooh.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ? Of Elaine? I’m smart enough to not tell. I did mention it to Will when we were drunk and I think he told her… And I live in fear of her ever since.
TELL ME YOUR SIDE OF THIS WHOLE CONFLICT / STORY. Elaine is smart but she doesn’t get my humor. She doesn’t like jokes that are dark. She only likes happy funny stuff. And yes maybe I did have that in my audition piece. And that’s what she was looking for.
WHAT DOES IT DO FOR YOUR LIFE IS YOU SUCCEED HERE? Well first of all … it means I have squandered all my life staying in the shadows. …. and secondly…it means I get tickets to the dance. I would love to attend without having someone who snuck me in running around worried that I would make an ass of myself.
ASK ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR CHARACTER PROFILE THAT WILL HELP YOU. Do you really think you have a chance to succeed? That question boils my blood and pisses me off. And the answer is YES! If just to be contrary. I know I’m not suppose to win.
ANTAGONIST Elaine
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF. I am here to make sure this theater stays in the black. I’ve worked very hard. When I say something I mean it.
HAVING TO DO WITH THIS JOURNEY, WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES? My strength is knowing what people like. People you pay money. Not just tickets. Contributors. It’s how we survive.
WHY ARE YOU COMMITTED TO MAKING THE PROTAGONIST FAIL? The short answer is…to teach him a lesson.
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF WINNING THIS FIGHT / SUCCEEDING IN YOUR PLAN / TAKING DOWN YOUR COMPETITION? It will show everybody that I mean business. And business is mean.
WHAT DRIVES YOU TOWARD YOUR MISSION / AGENDA, EVEN IN THE FACE OF DANGER, RUIN, OR DEATH? My life’s work is making examples of people who don’t listen to me. It helps the others figure out their true callings.
WHAT SECRETS MUST YOU KEEP TO SUCCEED? WHAT OTHER SECRETS DO YOU KEEP OUT OF FEAR / INSECURITY? I used to want to write, till I found out… I’m not that funny. And funny is money. I know funny but I’m not funny, I’m just money. Honey.
COMPARED TO OTHER PEOPLE LIKE YOU, WHAT MAKES YOU SPECIAL? There is nobody like me.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ? George had a lucky moment. He will never hold up to the test of time. He’s too impressed at his own footwork. He eventually turns everyone against him. They just love him now. But you will see… I’m not wrong. He is a worm. And I will feed him to the robins. And watch them eat him.
TELL ME YOUR SIDE OF THIS WHOLE CONFLICT / STORY. I have made my decision. I have made the announcement. He will fail. Now all we have to do is sit back and watch how right I am. It’s not because I think he doesn’t like me. It’s because he let me know.
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Pam’s Character Interviews
PROTAGONIST: <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Henri Berger
Tell me about yourself. I was living the good life in California. I had everything a guy could ask for. My career was on a rocket ship. Was gonna be the headliner for the NYC International Hair Show! And my Papi lived close by, so I got to spend time a lot of time with him. But everything went to hell once I witnessed Bradley’s murder.
Why do you think you were called
to this journey? Why you? Not to toot my own horn, but who else could be thrust in this world and do as well as me? Sure, it sucked at first. But I’m safe, and hoping it’s only temporary. And it turns out I’m not half bad at dog grooming.You are up against _____ (a
hitman and whoever hired him). What is it about them that makes this
journey even more difficult for you? They could kill me! If I let my guard
down and try to feel normal… I risk them finding me.In order to survive or accomplish
this, you are going to have to step <i style=”font-weight: bold;”>way
outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them
will be the most difficult?
I have to give up everything that makes me, well… Me. No more nice car, clothes — and my <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Salvatore Ferragamo shoes! History. Cam is making me wear a hat, for chrissake. That’s gotta be some kinda sin, covering up a mane like mine. But truth be told, I’m going to miss Papi most of all. Thank God Jared promised to check in on him until the Bad Guys are caught and I can go back home.What habits or ways of thinking do
you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
I was a star back in Beverly Hills… “The Hair-gician,” in fact. (VANITY magazine said so!)
Now I’m just some schmuck doing everything from doggie skunk baths to anal purges. So gross! And such a waste of my talent.I want that feeling of being on top of my game again. That creative high when everything connects from my brain down to my fingers.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? In some ways, my insecurities hav<i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>e propelled me… rather than <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>holding me back. But they’ve also kept me a kind of prisoner in “their” world. Part of me is still that 10-year old kid in grade school, with the big wad of gum some snooty jerk sneezed into my hair. I remember all those smart-ass kids laughing at me as I walked down the hall.
I’m still proving myself, right? Even though I got the last laugh when I cut out the gum and styled my own hair… and looked freakin’ awesome, BTW.
What skills, background or
expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist? My creativity has served me well over the years. I can use it to adapt in this new world. My life depends on blending in. There must be some hairstyling skills that I can transfer over to dog grooming, right?What are you hiding from the other
characters? What don’t you want them to know? I don’t want anyone in Vermont to know I’m not really Henry Shepherd, dog groomer. Or that I’m actually Henri Berger, stylist to the stars.Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. It feels so unfair. I was going places… did I mention I was on a rocket ship? Now I’m on a bus to Dogsville. All because I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
As long as I’m here, might as well make the best of things. I think I’m falling for Acadia, the woman who runs the dog adoption shelter. So weird, right? She’s so not my type. And I think the dogs are starting to get me.
What does it do for your life if
you succeed here? For starters, a major career change. If I want it. And a chance to break out of the mold I’ve set up for myself. Oh, yeah. The chance at true love. Acadia really sees me.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –ANTAGONIST: <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Marc Riche
Tell me about yourself. I’m Marc Riche, Hairstylist to the Stars… “As seen on TV” and in countless style magazines. Think of me when you’re watching the Oscars — I’m the guy that did their hair.
Why are you committed to making
the Protagonist fail? He was never supposed to make it as far as he did. He was an intern, answering phones and doing shampoos. Now he’s replacing me at the International Hair Show! He’ll be sorry he didn’t stay in his lane.What do you get out of winning
this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition? I get my throne back, I get out of Henri’s shadow. The complete respect of my clients back.What drives you toward your
mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?
I feel betrayed by Henri. It’s time to take some extreme measures.What secrets must you keep to
succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity? Well, there’s the Big Secret: that I hired a hitman to kill Henri. And then that idiot killed the wrong guy! Poor Bradley.As long as you’re sworn to secrecy: I was a little jealous of Henri. If you ever repeat that… well, I’ve got a hitman on speed dial. Skills I spent years trying to perfect came so naturally to him.
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Seana’s Character Interviews
What I learned is that I have a pretty good sense of my protagonist, who spoke up quite clearly. My protagonist didn’t open up that much, partly because it isn’t human, but also because it’s a bit more mysterious and I don’t think I really gave myself permission to delve. Maybe I will in another later pass.
Protagonist
Tell me about yourself:
I’m Amelia Stanhope. I live just outside of New York City in a commuter suburb. I’m in my senior year and my friends and I are all starting to apply to colleges and getting our parents on our backs to get our college applications done and prep for the SATs and stuff like that. My brother went through this last year and he really sweated it out, but I’m good at this stuff and I’m more disciplined than he is. Frankly, I’m more worried about leaving home and friends and everything I’ve known. I’ve lived here my whole life. I mean, sure, we’ve traveled and stuff like that, but I’ve never really been on my own.
Why do you think you were called on this journey? Why you?
I don’t think it’s just about me. I think it’s about everybody. But I think for me, maybe it’s all been a little too easy. I heard Gwyneth Paltrow say once that once she became a star, it was like all the doors were opened for her. I’m not a star, but maybe that’s a little how it’s been for me too. It’s all been plotted out in advance. I’m on a path that someone else made for me.
You are up against the pandemic. What is it about that that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
Well, I guess that’s pretty obvious. It’s more difficult for everyone. Everyone. But maybe it’s harder in one way when you had your route as planned out as I have. Some people are used to things not going their way. But I’ve had no preparation. It’s more abrupt. Me and my friends, we all were good at visualizing the future because we knew people who had walked that path before us. But no one’s walked this path before. Not exactly, anyway.
You’re going to have to step way outside your comfort zone on this journey. What changes do you
expect to make. And which of tem will be the most difficult?
It’s funny, because I think for a lot of people it’s going to be about learning to adapt—like mom will have to work from home, and my sibs won’t be able to go to school and see their friends. But on this kind of stuff, I think I’ll be okay, because I’m good at adapting. What I think will be the hardest for me is just learning to accept what is. Like, I’ll keep wanting to stay on the course I was already on. It will be really hard for me to accept that that’s not what’s going to happen
What habits or ways of thinking will be difficult to let go of?
I guess I’ve partly already answered that. But I think the biggest jolt will be that whatever I was trying to do before, I was supported. Like the resources would be there. If I needed tutoring or materials or just emotional support, it would be there. I could take it for granted. But in my new situation, that isn’t going to be the case. I’m going to have to find the workarounds on my own. I’m not sure where the emotional support will come from either.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
I think that up till this point in life, I have coped with these things by making a kind of pact with life—if I play by the rules and do what’s expected of me, I’ll be taken care of. I’ll be all right. My parents are both kind of alpha types, and in a lot of ways it’s easier to just do what they want. They have a clear vision of my future and it’s just easier to accede to that. But now the rules have been broken. They aren’t going to be with me and I am going to have to fend for myself. I won’t owe them the same allegiance. The bargain has been broken.
What skills, background or expertise will make you well-suited to face this conflict?
Well, first of all, I’m young. I may be a little stuck on my old path, but I’m not set in my ways. I pick things up quickly and most tasks I pick up quite easily. Plus, I’m curious and I like to learn. In fact, there have been some things in my life that I’ve wanted to learn more about but have been discouraged from pursuing because they don’t contribute to the over all plan. They aren’t things that will look good on my college application.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know about?
It’s mostly the kind of stuff I just mentioned. But it’s also, anything that doesn’t have the approval of my family, friends and larger community, I don’t show. So, though I don’t have a secret life like a spy would, in a way, I do. I have a secret identity which is just all the things that don’t fit in the world I’ve been living in. It’s not like the real me is so different from what I present, but it’s more like it’s clipped.
What do you think of the antagonist?
In my small, everyday self, I was just in a complete rage and/or sulk about it? Why is this happening to ME? Why is it MY senior year that this is happening? I thought of it as personal, which I guess means I thought of it as a person. But I’ve slowly come to realize that it’s not personal at all, and that’s the most devastating part. It’s not trying to hurt me, because it doesn’t even know that there is an I to hurt. It’s more like a machine. Except that it has a drive to live too. It wants its species—if you can call it that, to thrive just like we do. And we mow things through without thinking about it all the time.
But sometimes I think of it as though it really was a great teacher. Like it’s come to show us all something different about ourselves, both individually and collectively. To stop us from going on the way we were. To give us one last chance. Or maybe I should say that it’s the agent of whatever that is.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict/story.
I think I’ve said enough on that. The rest remains to be discovered.
What does it do for your life if you succeed?
I become a richer, more authentic and individuated person.
Antagonist
Tell me about yourself.
I am not conscious of myself, at least not yet.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses
My strength is that I am something new, something that the humans haven’t wrestled with yet, and so harder to fight. I can turn their best impulses, like courage and compassion against them.
Why are you committed to making the protagonist fail?
I am not committed to making them, any of them, fail. In fact, if I’m too successful, I can kill them off and I need them as a host. Although probably I will find other organisms to inhabit, but the human being is exceptionally suited to my purposes, especially now. Because it moves around so much. Without human locomotion, I’d be nowhere.
What do you get out of succeeding at your plan?
I take over the world, not to put too fine a point on it.
What drives you on your mission?
My only goal is mindless replication. I don’t even know that I’m trying to achieve something.
What secrets must you keep?
If I’m to answer as if I had a personality, it would be that I can be vanquished. I have caused much harm, but I am not as powerful as I look. And at my smallest level, as the individual virus unit, I am eminently squashable. But the scientists are prying apart my every little secret. Soon, I will have no mysteries left.
What secrets do you keep?
My secrets are what are known as my mutations to humans. I can change form, I can become something new, something harder to pin down, more elusive.
What makes you special?
My particularly awesome spikes. Also, looked at objectively, I am beautiful and mysterious.
What do you think of the protagonist?
As I keep saying, I do not think of her. I am not evil. I am amoral. There’s a difference.
What is your side of the story?
I am part of this world just like humans and other organisms are. From the perspective of the universe, I have as much right to be here as you do.
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Gayle’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment is neither of my main characters are villains. They are in a relationship where they are at cross-purposes and have to unite to fight a common threat then defeat an even more deadly threat. I prefer these complex characters rather than purely hero or villain.
RICK COFFEY – PROTAGONIST
Tell
me about yourself.I am New York’s premier paranormal investigator. You can read about the sorts of experiences my wife and I had in our book: Until The Reckoning now a major motion picture.
Why
do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?I am the only one who can destroy the evil that is about to be unleashed.
You
are up against . What is it about them that makes this journey even more
difficult for you?Okay, I admit my wife does most of the work, but I am important, too. Without me coming up with the plan we wouldn’t have succeeded as well as we have. My wife is very strong, intelligent and secure in herself, her career and her goals which forces me to play catch up. It takes me longer to get things that come so easily to her. I am jealous and that gets in the way of my success and our relationship.
In
order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way
outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them
will be the most difficult?I need to step back and listen before acting. I need to follow my wife’s plans and hear her instead of worrying about whether she hears me.
What
habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let
go of?I brag about accomplishments and skills I do not have. Admitting I am not the wily ghost hunter I present myself to be will be tough.
What
fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?My fear that no one will love or respect me if I am not a famous and wealthy investigator with the suave lethal swagger of James Bond and the adventurous bravery and knowledge of Indiana Jones.
What
skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this
conflict or antagonist?I know every nook and cranny of the house and I am not afraid of ghosts. I can also decipher the ancient texts required to help in the final battle.
What
are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to
know?I am a coward and not as intelligent, suave or debonair as I claim.
What
do you think of Caroline?I think Caroline is a busy body who should not meddle in my marriage. And I am secretly grateful but will never tell her.
Tell
me your side of this whole conflict / story.We are paranormal investigators. That’s how we earn a living. But with sales slipping and the movie not doing we, we need something to put us back in the money with more success. But the producers only want me with Samantha. Why not just me? I can do a reality show on my own. It makes me feel worthless, but if they want her I’ll get her. I will make her love me the way she used to.
What
does it do for your life if you succeed here?If I can get rid of the ghosts, I can show Samantha I have skills and talent to succeed in the industry and we can tell our story and receive the acclaim and money we deserve then we can start the family she wants.
What
will you do if Sam doesn’t change her mind?I will go on alone with a solo reality show project and win her back with my success.
CAROLINE THE GHOST – ANTAGONIST
Tell
me about yourself.I was a governess in 1820 during the Regency and traveled with the family from London to Massachusetts in 1825 where I died during from cholera in 1829. I was 32.
Having
to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?I am a hopeful romantic. Versed in all the ways of love in which a suitor may claim his intended. My tenacity for seeing the correct result in the pursuit of carnal pleasures is unmatched among my peers.
Why
are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship
movie, why are you committed to making them change?I love Mr. Rick, but as a ghost hunter, he is hopeless without his wife. The mistress is the dominant player in their business and personal relationship and the sooner Mr. Rick can understand and appreciate that fact, the sooner they can get to their happily ever after and have several small ones for me to watch over.
What
do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking
down your competition?I get to stay in my home – with the family and making sure the mistress has a child is my next project.
What
drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin,
or death?If Rick and Samantha go through with their divorce I will lose my home, such as it is and who knows where I will be in what ghastly situation. That is untenable.
What
secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of
fear / insecurity?I have not told anyone of my personal history in l’affaire de Coeur. My love was sent away by his family and I never saw him again. This informs my need to keep lovers together.
Compared
to other people like you, what makes you special?I am happy with the Coffeys and intend to stay with them to watch over them and be part of the family like a good governess.
What
do you think of Samantha’s filing for divorce?I understand why the mistress thinks she needs to move forward with her plan to have a child, it is a woman’s prerogative, but without her husband, I think her decision is misguided and she needs to see that and agree to reconcile.
Tell
me your side of this whole conflict / story.Rick and Samantha are a great match and experiencing a problem in their marriage that can be solved. They have chosen to go to the extreme measure of divorce that would negatively impact my very existence. I must stop this divorce action in order to survive.
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Veleka’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment was how extraordinary this interview process is. Not only did I get a comprehensive report about my protagonist and antagonist, but I got their whole histories, too, and some of their future. It was more than a character interview. It was like turning on the TV and watching a program that was already in full swing.
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Kristin’s Character Interviews
Learned: These characters do know what motivates them and what their challenges are… my only stumbling block was whether the answers should represent “before” or “after” the story has undergone its arc. That is, are the characters aware of their futures? However, I allowed them to chat about that, too—what is going to happen and how that will change them. A fun exercise.
QUESTIONS FOR PROTAGONIST<div>
Tell me about yourself.
I’ve been in love with science my entire life; from childhood, picked up rocks and studied with mentors who are at the top of their field. I don’t believe anyone deserves a handout—we’re all supposed to take care of ourselves. When I was young, I was an Ayn Rand fan, and a fiscal/social conservative. But as this story unfolded, I saw things differently. I started to put humanity into the equation. I grew up on a ranch in a Scandinavian family with fundamentalist religious views. I was the only one who didn’t see things the way everyone else did—and I wanted more from the world. My problem is that I just want what I want. I don’t mean to be selfish, but I think I started out that way—I am, at heart, self-oriented, and have had to teach myself how to care more about others. I want to have fun and indulge my brain and body in my work. In the process, I leave others behind. I don’t mean to, but I do. I also don’t think that my “footprint” was really that big. I didn’t think anyone should really care what I was doing—as long as I wasn’t breaking the law, which I wasn’t. But that’s not how life goes. I needed to grow up.
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
Because I had the mixture of personality traits and skills to see the story through to the end. You have to mentally understand the science and technology of the situation—while also being callous enough “not to care” what someone is saying about you. I did care, but I had been trained my whole life. Nobody ever understood me in my family, and I was constantly criticized; I had to make my own moral and ethical decisions. I just took that experience into the wider world. I also had to learn the legal system—and scientists can do that. It’s a logical system. My challenge was getting past my naivete to fight in the dirt.
You are up against <the Antagonist>. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
Because he’s a snake. He’s not a fair dealer. He lies when he thinks it will get him where he needs to go; he manipulates and preens in front of the public. He loves a news camera. People like that make it impossible to have a real conversation, a true, honest conversation. I learned to get past what was best for me and fight for what was best for the resource—I don’t think he can see past what’s best for him. Not for the public. Not for the state. For him.
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
To incorporate and respect the views of others. Even if I care about someone—even if that person is smarter than I am—I am stubborn. My instruction to staff is, “If you want me to do something, make me think it’s my idea.” So, to save myself, to save my friends and family, to save my business, to help my industry, I have to get outside of my own assumption that “I know best about all things.”
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
Talking over people, taking over any project, collaborating, and—most importantly—admitting I’m scared, don’t know the answers, and that I have to take advice from experts. The worst part is, legal cases are crap shoots. Even the experts can be wrong.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
I try to appear bullet-proof. I’m so used to being criticized and denigrated in my family, to laughing off or brushing aside really hurtful comments. In order to walk through this hideous process, I’ll need to bare my soul a little. I’ll need to admit that I want someone to love me. I’ll need to admit that I need help.
What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?
Discussed above.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
I don’t want anyone to know I’m scared. They rely on me, and I can’t let them down.
What do you think of <the Antagonist>?
I think he’s an insecure, lying prick.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Competitors in my business got annoyed that I was doing so well, and put a bug in the ear of the Antagonist, the Acting US Attorney. I don’t know if he believed what they said or just saw an opportunity, but he lied to the judge (because what he said didn’t match the evidence), and got a seizure warrant. He wrongly took a famous find of mine and made worldwide news doing it—and I sued the government for wrongful seizure. This brought the weight of the US court system right down on my back, which started a process that both made me famous and nearly ruined me.
What does it do for your life if you succeed here?
It might change the law. It might save my company. It might keep me from being wrongly convicted. It might save my marriage and my family’s well-being. The stakes are very high for me.
Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you.
Do you wish you’d done something different, early on?
Yes, I wish I had been more savvy and less naïve, less “eye on what I want” and more protective. I might have been able to get what I wanted without putting myself at risk. But I didn’t. I was brazen and stupid.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST</div><div>
Tell me about yourself.
I have worked hard to get where I am, and somehow people still don’t appreciate my contributions. Others in the office are more respected, but I have better contacts—I used to clerk for the reigning judge in this district, didn’t I? I think that sometimes the ends justify the means, and if you know in your gut that something’s wrong, then something’s wrong. I wish people who were caught red-handed would be more contrite. I really want to show them who’s boss.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
My strengths are that I know procedure and the law. I’m good at persuasion. My weaknesses are that I sometimes go too fast and miss details—and I have what you might call an abrasive personality. I mean, I don’t think I have that, but I’ve been told.
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
Because he’s cocky.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
I get recognized, promoted, get the full-time position of US Attorney. Finally, I’ll get the respect I’m due. I need a high-profile case for this to happen.
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?
It’s a contest. Trial law is a contest and I want to win.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?
Sometimes I know I’m spinning facts to make them look worse. But I need the edge, especially when the public loves the Protagonist. I need every edge I can get.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
Well, I wouldn’t say this to just anyone, but I’m smarter than anyone else in the room. They might not realize it, but I can run rings around them. Sometimes, I stumble and look like a goober, and that makes them think I’m dumb. But I’m NOT. I’m telling you, I’M SMARTER THAN YOU.
What do you think of <the Protagonist>?
He’s self-satisfied and thinks he has the world by the tail. I’ll show him.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
I know that some of the information I got was probably tainted or spun, but it’s too good a story to walk away from. I know I could have approached it differently, but it’s better to play offense. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And when the Protagonist shows all these notes and facts and figures to prove that he’s innocent, I just know he must be lying. He has to be. It’s too good an opportunity for me.
</div>
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Steve’s Character Interviews:
What I learned from this assignment: This has been great! I tried to answer in the “voice” of my characters, and it really helped! This has been the best assignment so far! I think I worked out more details about my character, which are helping to shape the overall story in my head.
Protagonist / Stacey
Question: Tell me about yourself.
Answer: Well … I’m 35 years old. Still single. I’m hoping to find someone who cares about the “me” inside. I have cerebral palsy and my speech is affected and some people can’t see beyond my CP. I’ve been called “retarded” because of my speech problems, and that both infuriates me and makes me want to cry. I’m me. I’m in here.
Question: Why do you think you were drawn to this journey? Why you?
Answer: I think anyone who has the physical issues I have struggle with independence. I don’t want to depend on others my whole life. I want to be my own person …. I’m just not sure how to make that happen.
Question: You are up against your father, Harry. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
Answer: I love my dad. He does everything for me. The problem is – HE DOES EVERYTHING FOR ME. How can I ever have any independence at all if he refuses to allow me to live my own life?
Question: In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
Answer: I don’t know. I just don’t know. I’ve never had any independence. I’m terrified. I guess I have to learn as I go. I hope the people I love who have been taking care of me don’t just abandon me completely.
Question: What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
Answer: I have to give up the idea that someone will always be there to catch me if I fall – literally and figuratively. I have to learn to take care of myself.
Question: What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
Answer: I’m so afraid to do this. I want independence, but I’ve never had it.
Question: What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?
Answer: I don’t think I have any. But I know I’m smart and I can learn.
Question: What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
Answer: How afraid I am.
Question: What do you think of your father, Harry?
Answer: I love my dad. I owe him my life and everything I have. I just have to find a way to make him see I need to be my own person.
Question: Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Answer: It’s all I’ve ever known. I have no privacy. I can’t make any decisions for my own life. But I need to take control of my life.
Question: What does it do for your life if you succeed here?
Answer: Hopefully it’ll be a brand new life – where I have independence and make my own decisions … but the loved ones who have helped me are still there for me. I don’t want to lose them.
Antagonist / Harry
Question: Tell me about yourself.
Answer: I’m a salesman – I was, anyhow. I retired from that about ten years ago. I sold medical diagnostic equipment. I was the highest earner in the company every year I worked there except for one. But more importantly I’m Stacey’s dad. She has had cerebral palsy since birth. She is basically helpless from a physical standpoint. She needs help with all of her ADLs. Oh, that means “Activities of Daily Living,” by the way. I got licensed as a caregiver five years ago so I now I get paid for it. I’d do it for free, of course, but the extra money helps.
Question: Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
Answer: I take care of myself and my family. I’m dependable and steadfast. I work hard. I’d do anything for my daughter.
Question: Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
Answer: I’m not trying to make my daughter fail – or change. I want to make sure she stays safe and healthy and well, the way I always have. I don’t want anything to change.
Question: What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
Answer: I “win” by keeping my daughter healthy and safe. That’s a stupid question.
Question: What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?
Answer: Look, my daughter has had cerebral palsy since birth. She has had to endure a lot. I want to help her, take care of her, and give her the best life possible. I’d give my life for her.
Question: What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?
Answer: Well. The only thing I’m afraid of … is … what is Stacey going to do when I’m too old and feeble to care for her?
Question: Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
Answer: I really care. Some of these other caregivers are just in it for the money. They’re irresponsible. They don’t show up. They fall asleep when they’re supposed to be working. It drives me nuts.
Question: What do you think of Stacey?
Answer: I am so proud of her. I think she’s a miracle.
Question: Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Answer: There’s no conflict! These are stupid questions! I take care of my daughter, she depends on me, and she appreciates it! End of story!
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Subject line: (Mary Ellevold) Character Interviews , Lesson 4
“What I learned doing this assignment is the story actually has 3 plot lines.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST
<div>
Tell me about yourself.
NAME IS JON JOHNSON, OWNER OF DOA, DOGS & OTHER ANIMALS; (TOWN
DOGCATCHER) I AM OUT TO SAVE THE WORLD, ONE PET AT A TIME
</div><div>Why do you think you were called to this journey? AS A
KID I RESCUED MY GERBIL. Why you?MY FATHER AND GRANDFATHER WERE THE TOWN
DOG CATCHERS BEFORE ME. You are up against <the Antagonist, KAT DEBOUGAR>.
What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you? SHE’S MY EX-CHILDHOOD SWEETHEART, I’VE
FELT SO BAD ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO HER, HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO REFUSE HER
ANYTHINGL
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going
to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to
make and which of them will be the most difficult? GOING TO THE PHOBIA
DOCTOR TO CONQUER MY FEAR OF ANIMALS,
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be
the most difficult to let go of? CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING TO ME;
GIVE UP LAZY (EASY-GOING) WAYS AND FACE THE FEARS.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? FEAR OF ANIMALS AFTER ALL THE ANIMAL
ATTACKS, LOST MY JOB AS DOGCATCHER.
What skills, background or expertise makes you
well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist? DETERMINED NOT TO LOSE FAMILY BUSINESS
What are you hiding from the other characters? I’M WORRIED THAT I’LL LOSE MY JOB, MY
HOME, MY WAY OF LIFE. What don’t you want them to know? AFRAID TO STEP UP
TO THE PLATE & GO THRU THE TREATMENT.
What do you think of <the Antagonist, KAT DEBOUGAR>?
SHE WAS MY CHILDHOOD SWEETHEART, BUT SHE CAN BE SCARY.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. I WAS MINDING MY OWN BUSINESS, THINGS
WERE GOING WELL WHEN I STARTED GETTING ATTACKED BY BIRDS, CATS, DOGS, YOU
NAME IT. THEN I HAD TO GO TO THE
PHOBIA DOCTOR TO FACE IT, AND THINGS WENT DOWNHILL FROM THERE.
What does it do for your life is you succeed here? GET
MY JOB BACK, LIFE BACK, SAVE THE COUNTRY, ONE PET AT A TIME.
Ask any other questions about their character profile
that will help you.</div>
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST
Tell me about yourself.
I OWN PET PERFUME, AM RICH, LOVE SCIENCE & EXPERIMENTS, CRAVE
TO OWN DOA, AND DESTROY JON-PAYBACK FOR HIM DESTROYING MY LIFE
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths
and weaknesses? STRENGTHS -SMART, STRATEGIC, DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS,
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail?
PAYBACK FOR HIM DESTROYING MY DREAMS -KAT’S WRATH. Or for a relationship movie, why are you
committed to making them change?
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding
in your plan / taking down your competition? THE DOA COMPANY- SO I CAN
EXPERIMENT ON CATS, RATS, AND OTHER ANIMALS…TO SAVE MY COMPANY
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in
the face of danger, ruin, or death? REVENGE
What secrets must you keep to succeed? JUST GOT OUT OF
THE INSANE ASSYLUM. What other secrets do you keep out of fear /
insecurity? SECRET WEAPON #7.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you
special? I HAVE NEVER LOST A FIGHT.
What do you think of <the Protagonist>? HE’S A
LOSER
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. AT 10 YRS OLD, WE AGREED TO SHARE
COMPANIES, I WANTED TO EXPERIMENT ON HIM AND HIS GERBIL, AND HE RAN, I FOLLOWED
TO THE TREE FORT, AND HE PUSHED ME, I FELL, HIT MY HEAD…AND WHAT FOLLOWS
IS TOO PAINFUL TO TALK ABOUT. I
COULD NEVER BE THE POSTER CHILD FOR THE PERFUME COMPANY. -
Anna’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment: this really helped me flesh out some plot bunnies and twists for BOTH main characters.
NOTE: I hand-wrote this assignment … 11 pages … too much to retype, so I’ll just list a few breakthroughs.
Mikhail (protagonist): both his childhood, and also his Cherubim training, admonished him to never use his dark gift because it can’t be controlled, will war with the “legend of archangels” his mother once told him, that someday his species would evolve enough to responsibly wield the power. When he brings someone back from the dead, he realizes he might be able to use the power for good … if he doesn’t lose control and destroy half the galaxy.
Moloch (antagonist): His body parts are scattered on Earth which exists in every universe created by his devoured children. If he can find them, he can regain his full power.
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Jon’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment is… that Chance and Barry have very similar qualities and traits. That both characters humor will lighten the drama a bit. That the things they have in common may very well create a bond between them. That Barry may save Chance in the end. Also, the background stories are coming together and weaving through the various characters journeysk well. I can see the story much clearer now. Lastly this format has shown me how to control my brainstorming…little notes and save the details for the assignments.
PROAGONIST INTERVIEW CHANCE ADAMS
Tell me about yourself.
I am not a bad person
I love my kids more than anything
I grew up in a happy family and I want that for my kids
I love my fiancé and absolutely planned to pop the question before my dad’s situation
I love pistaccios, but the shells I leave around pisses everyone off
I love to cook and see people happy eating
I have developed a temper recently with all that is going on
I would have never thought id see myself transform in the way I have in such a short time
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
My kids, fiancé and mom need someone to be strong
I was the only choice available
Life is like that sometimes
You are up against <the Antagonist>. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
He seems very smart and cunning when I see him on tv
He seems very capable of catching me
I can feel him watching and following me, but I can’t see him doing it
I feel I can’t avoid him with each day that passes
Maybe I’m just paranoid knowing the bad things I’ve done
I cannot afford to be caught…I cannot imagine what my kids would go through…look at how I ended up under the stress and pressure of my dads demise.
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
I have to amass as much cash as I can quickly and get out and disappear from his trail
The truth is…I don’t see an out for me. Theres never enough money to get anywhere doing this…there’s always only enough to get by…then the cycle starts over
When I look at my kids smile with a belly full of food and a roof over their head it makes me think of how my father was able to provide all of that legitimately…That makes me feel terrible
With no degree and being a self taught mechanic, the most difficult change would be giving a regular job a shot. It would never provide what they are accustomed to
It makes me realize just how successful my dad was and I want to be that too
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
Dropping those damned pistaccio shells!
No…the quick and easy money would be the hardest to let go of. I really never had to work for things in life…just be good, go to school and try to achieve…that’s all dad and mom required
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
Fear of failing…again, because I feel I wasted a degree in criminology trying to follow and please my dad
Being a bit spoiled left me insecure about being able to be successful in a job. I knew I always had my parents to fall back on…one of the reasons I still live in their house
What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?
Im good at getting people to trust me before I drop the scam on them
I can hot wire and steal any vehicle in 2 seconds…
I can pose as a Good Samaritan with tools coming to your aid before jacking you for cash
I also work with lots of metal parts so I am able to remove a serial number from a gun, build a custom silencer and customize just about anything…I’m fuckin brilliant at that shit
I’m also pretty disciplined at planning my side jobs as a mechanic. You have to be able to change how you are building things when your original plan hits the brick wall
If I do my part right…there will be no face to face with the antagonist
I am pretty disciplined at planning my side jobs as a mechanic. You have to be able to change how you are building things when your original plan hits the brick wall
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
I don’t want anyone to know that I’m grifting.
It would break my mom’s heart
End my relationship with my fiancé
And just kill my dad
I also don’t want them to know how weak I am
What a loser I am
How lazy I am doing the easy hustle instead of hunkering down on a job
What do you think of <the Antagonist>?
Just that he seems smart
He seems friendly too…like someone id be friends with
I think he’s crazy if he thinks I’m gonna let him catch me
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
My dad followed the law all his like and taught us to do the same.
Then the law turned on him
It scared me and shook me to my core
I swear I am suffering mentally from it right now
But I’m not a doctor…I’m not anything really
I was a good son, a so so father to my kids
I really have never given my fiancé the reason to say yes if I did pop the question
When I look at her I see mostly my fear of growing up and being responsible
Its easier to play video games with my kids to escape spending time and opening up to her
What does it do for your life is you succeed here?
Probably hold off the inevitable of going to jail just a little longer
Its not a win win
I have to figure out a way to be successful and prosperous soon
ANTAGONIST INTERVIEW BARRY JONES
Tell me about yourself.
I am pretty type A
Something deep inside seems to alway rise up and kill my relationships
Haven’t figured that out yet
I am expert marksman
I am like Clint Eastwood when it comes to confrontation and conflict
I never have a lack of confidence or courage
Sometimes I just want something to happen so that I can fight my way through my frustration
My temper get the best of me sometimes
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
I am a relentless professional
I have lots of experience at detective work
I have lots of solved cases under my belt
I have people in high places when I need them
I do not have the ability to give up or lose gracefully
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
I am consumed by justice
I want everyone accountable
The Protagonist winning would reflect badly on my career and reputation
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
I feel better…safer…a since of accomplishment
My neighbors will be ecstatic
I get my dad back
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?
I cannot fail my dad, my community
It would tear at the fabric of who I am
My dad is always happy to see me on tv doing the perp walk
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?
Nobody can know he’s my dad
Until the time is right
That id rather build a house than solve a crime
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
Nothing that I know of
What do you think of <the Protagonist>?
He is damned cunning and careful
We both like pistachios
He’s a damn fool if he thinks he’ll be free much longer
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
I am the illegitimate child of my dad and my mom’s secret relationship
My dads wife does not allow hime to see me or accept me
My mom was a powerful DA when they had the affair
I know of my brother but don’t know him
He doesn’t know me… yet
I am trying behind the scenes of an investigation to help my dad
I am trying to be there for him in prison as well
I believe he is technically guilty
But also not guilty in terms of his intent during the home invasion
Dad got caught up in the momen
I keep telling him LAWYER UP AND SHUT UP
Of course the brilliant one won’t listen
What does it do for your life is you succeed here?
I would be reunited with my dad/brother
My neighborhood would be safe
My reputation would be in tact
Id be on a new road to a more rewarding life as a builder
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Ivy’s characters:
I learn to develop my characters and listen to my characters by doing this assignment.
PROTAGONIST:
Tell me about yourself.
I was a foreign student. After I graduated with two college degrees. I failed to get a job without a green card. I needed a green card to get a job but I needed a job in order to apply for a green card. It’s a catch 22.
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
As a foreigner, it’s very challenging to obtain my rights and freedom to live in the US. On my journey to get what I wanted, I lost who I was. I met a stranger who helped me through the journey unconditionally. And why me? It’s a story based on true events, I went through the challenges & conflicts myself.
You are up against . What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
I’m hiding the truth from everyone, but in order for me to succeed, I needed to let someone in, to care for someone else, and be truthful to myself.
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
I’m afraid of letting someone in my life, especially the antagonist. However, I needed to be emotionally connected with him and my own self in order to do the journey and complete the mission.
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of? Letting go of my old self, my old way of thinking, and being able to trust others, and to build relationships with others and myself. It’s okay to be myself.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? Abandonment, loss of loved ones, rejections, failures.
What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist? Cultural, social status, education, freedom, value, security, laws, and POV.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know? My private life, broken relationship, failure experiences, her insecurity, and not being good enough.
What do you think of ? I was struggling with secrets internally for so long. It moulds me into someone else, now there is someone to bring them out, like bring the truth out.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. I didn’t want people to know about me. I’m unattached, not good at building human connections. I also kept a distance from Mike, but we needed to know each other to make the journey work. What does it do for your life if you succeed here? I will be happy, and free. It takes more than that, I needed to follow my deepest desires, let go of my old self, and be true to myself.
ANTAGONIST:
Tell me about yourself.
I’m Mike, a Texan, a veteran with an invisible disability and some minor mental issues. I’m physically fit, exercise is important to me. I live a simple life, well read, very frugal. I talk to my therapist. I’m a dog lover, natural lover.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
He is an American Veteran, I have certain values and I’m strong willed. I’m not a booksmart, I like to share my knowledge with others. I’m helpful, good hearted, but also disable. I have a quick temper, easily frustrated and changed my mind the last min. I don’t like rules. I think lots of rules are very inefficient and get in people’s way. I don’t like the city, traffic and work.
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
I’m working with her, to get her to where she wants to be. Along the journey together, we both faced our inner demons, and challenges. When we both did this journey together, it sort of against our wills. It was good timing.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition? I can see her succeed before I’m gone.
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death? I’m not afraid of helping her or anyone. I’m not afraid of the unknown or if we failed, but I don’t want to screw up her plans and my plan either.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?
She didn’t know why I was doing it for her, so willingly and voluntarily. She found out later while we were already on the mission. I’m willing to help her to get her freedom, but I also don’t want her to stop my plan.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special? Most people want to live, I want free will. I don’t live by the books, or in a box.
What do you think of ? Just hang in there a little bit longer to see her succeed.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. I don’t know if I can actually help her, I think I could. I don’t know if I will live to see the outcome.
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John T’s Character Interviews.
What I learned doing this assignment is that interviewing your characters is like administering truth serum – they spill their guts with their innermost secrets.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST, CLARE
1. Tell me about yourself.
Well, I’m 26 and single and live with my boyfriend, Rod. I come from a dysfunctional family – my mother was frequently on the receiving end of harsh treatment from my father, a drinker. I’m an only child and have always felt out of place with my family since my cousins are all older than me. I carry a dark secret of what my uncle Henry did to me when he used to babysit. I’ve buried the worst of it deep inside repressed memory.
2. Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
I’m perhaps the unlikeliest to volunteer to attend a self-encounter weekend on some far away island with a twin robot since the one person I do not like to talk about is myself. Honestly, the only reason I’m going is because Rod is forcing me to. I must admit, although it scares the bejesus out of me, I guess I should explore why I’m so afraid of being on my own, that is, being independent. I lean heavily on Rod for just about everything, even though that means enduring his derisive comments and domineering attitude. He’s whacked me a couple times when I make him angry, like when I forget to buy his favorite coffee. In a strange sort of way, I feel protected not having to make a lot of decisions. I work in an office doing a lot of filing. I love to read history and look up trivia and solve puzzles. Guess you could say I have a very analytic mind and enjoy solving math problems and logic conundrums.
3. You are up against Rod, obviously. What is it about him that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
The thing about Rod is that he always very sure of himself and never at a loss for words when criticizing. He’s constantly telling me how to do things better so I’m worried that when we go on this trip he won’t miss an opportunity to embarrass me in front of strangers. He’s always making fun of the way I look or the way I dress or whatever comes up. I don’t know why he’s so anxious for us to go on this trip. It’s quite expensive and we’ll both miss a few days of work. He says he’s doing this for me because I’m the one who needs to examine myself and that it might improve my dorky attitude. Rod’s says he’s just going for the fun of it. I don’t think talking to robots that look like you can be much fun.
4. In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
Well, if it involves standing up to Rod, it’s not going to be easy, even if the counselor wants me to speak up for myself, I know there will be hell to pay back in the hotel room. I guess I better watch myself, no pun intended. Seeing a cyborg double of me is going to be very weird – and now Rod will have two Clares to make fun of!
5. What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
Well, I’m not sure. Standing up for myself with Rod is hard enough but doing it front of complete strangers seems terrifying to me.
6.What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
Well, like I said, my family background is nothing to brag about – and I don’t want to talk about Uncle Henry, ever.
7. What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?
I’m not at all sure. I have great analytic skills since that’s my job title – I can look at data or patterns and spot things that are likely to happen in the future which is why I recently got a promotion. Rod thinks it was just dumb luck, as he like to put it, whenever I’m good at something.
8. What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
I don’t feel comfortable discussing my background with anyone, especially strangers, and really especially with silly robots.
9. What do you think of vacationing on a tropical island?
Oh, now that part I am looking forward to, you know, relaxing on the beach with a good book and not having to cook when I get home from work.
10. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Nothing really to tell – Rod is the better half. If you don’t believe me, just ask him! Shit, please don’t tell him I said that, please.
11. What does it do for your life is you succeed here?
Well, I suppose if the self encounter is what they claim, I might come away with a little more self-confidence and ability to step outside my comfort zone, as my boss would say. Rod would call it putting on man pants.
12. Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you.
Clare, what’s your biggest fear about your future?
Oh, I’m absolutely terrified of being on my own. You know, buying car insurance, dealing with salesmen, paying the bills, all the things that Rod handles. Like he says, if I did that stuff, I’d probably just screw it up.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST
1. Tell me about yourself.
I’m Rod McClane III, of the McClane line of original explorers, you familiar? I have a bachelor’s degree in foreign affairs and a Master’s degree in art history from Barrister’s College in New Hampshire. You heard of it? My father’s family is extremely wealthy which is why some people call me a trustafarian, you know, the dreadlocks and all. I work at a think tank where we solve the world’s problems and receive funds from the government to bring art to the world.
2. Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths? Oh, I might teach my robot a thing or two about culture and manners, that sort of thing. And I’m hoping it will do Clare some good – darned waste of capital if she doesn’t come away not understanding where her clumsiness comes from.
3. Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail?
Oh, I’m not. Clare does that all by herself, but thanks for the insult, buddy.
Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
You kidding? I’ve been trying to change Clare for six years, not even so much as a kitten’s purr. She’s so set in her ways, she wears concrete slippers!
4. What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
Well, hopefully, Clare will show her gratitude by asserting herself, that is, when she has genuine insight, not the usual inconsequential pap she thinks passes for adult discussion. Maybe she’ll grow up a little.
5. What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?
Oh, I’ve yet to meet the challenge that can best me. Bring on all the island adventure and I’ll chew it up and spit it out over our penthouse balcony.
6. What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity? Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
Well, if you must know, I’m sometimes as unsure of myself as Clare. I just don’t broadcast it to the world and make an ass out of myself. What makes me special? Well, I suppose it’s because I have the money to pay for this very expensive and generous use of capital and because I’m doing it for Clare. Her childish behavior is not as sexually appealing as it used to be. It’s time for Clare to grow up. Otherwise, I might have to drop her like a bad habit. It’s not an exaggeration to say that I could do a lot better but it’s okay for now. I just wish Clare wouldn’t depend on my expertise so much. Hopefully this island encounter will drum some common sense into that girl’s head.
7. What do you think of when you think of Clare? Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
She’s okay in bed and with being around – but she’s such a wallflower and so damn quiet. Don’t get me wrong, I like to watch my TV shows without being pestered. She needs to work on her cooking skills. And I hope she appreciates the effort and money I’m putting into this little island adventure.
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Lesson 4: Randy Weaver: Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment is…by interviewing my characters, I saw more of the depth of their being.
· ADELLE
· Traits: Vulnerable, intelligent, likable, determined, intuitive
· Subtext: Amicable, charming, uses friendliness to thwart questions.
· Flaw: Wants to be needed
· Values: Caring, responsible, truth, animal rescue
· Irony: Dedicated to her adopted family, yet in discovering a cover up, she discovers who her real family is.
· What makes this the right character for this role? In animal rescue work she’s able to distinguish between truth, partial truth, and lies. She takes risks to help animals to have better lives. She privately does research and background checks on animal abusers.
· What draws us to this character? She’s a warm, likable 20 something woman
· Tell me about yourself:
· Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you? I sense that I had more of a family than what my adopted family is telling me. I’ve always felt I had a sibling. I have dreams where I remember my father and sister. I sometimes feel like I get signs from a sibling.
· What is it about the antagonist that makes this journey more difficult: They are an unknown relative out to destroy my family.
· Stepping way outside your box, what changes are you going to make? I usually listen to others advice. Now, I’m going to go with my gut instincts.
· What habits will be most hard to let go of? Trusting others
· What wounds have you held back? Not knowing where I come from
· What skills do you have to face this conflict? I know how to read people. My intuition is very good. I feel like I have a guardian angel.
· What are you hiding from others that you don’t want them to know? I have dreams of people that seem to guide me. I can sense when something is not right. I want to know my past but am afraid to find out about it.
· What do you think of Emory? He’s businesslike, curt, distant
· My side of the story? I was adopted when I was 2 years old. My adopted family has always been vague about how I came to them or any mention of my past. My life changes when I meet Emory at the bird sanctuary.
· What does it do for your life if you succeed? I will finally know who I am.
· What are you curious about? Why did my parents adopt me? They don’t seem to be the loving, caretaker types.
· EMORY JONES
· Tell me about you: There were just my brother and I and my parents. My father did well in real estate and taught my brother everything. As the real estate business grew, my brother became his favorite. He was destined to take over a very lucrative business. My father purchased an island with a bird sanctuary as a family getaway. Our visits to the island were horrible for me. My father and brother went fishing while I strolled among the seagulls by myself. I hated it and soon began to hate them as well. I was envious of their talent and closeness.
· My strengths and weaknesses: I watch people and learn from them. What I can’t do, I fake, including my image of success. I’m a schemer. After Adelle’s father died, I persuaded cousins to adopt Adele in return for yearly payments. My weakness is not thinking far enough ahead. I never thought Adelle would try to find out about her past.
· I want Adelle to fail so that she doesn’t find out that part of the business is hers. I want total control.
· If I get rid of Adelle too, then I keep my money and my secrets are still unknown.
· I’m driven by greed. Money is the only thing that gives me self worth.
· No one must find out that I supposedly killed my brother.
· I’ve become narcissistic. I have no empathy for others.
· Adelle is a mistake in my well laid out plan of control. She needs to be eliminated.
· After my father died, the control of our Real Estate business went to my brother along with a majority of the income. I planned a Holiday on the island with my brother and his two daughters when they were young. One evening I got my brother drunk and pushed him off the end of the dock. He drowned. His oldest daughter Susan was 6 years old and saw what happened. I chased her back to the lodge and forced her to crawl into the old house duct work for punishment. To stifle her cries, I pushed an old upright antique Radio in front of the vent. The next day I took Adelle to a distant relative and told them a lie. I said my brother got drunk and forced Susan to go rowing on the Lake. The boat capsized and they both drowned. I told the relatives that if they kept Adelle, then I would be the sole inheritor of the business and I would pay them continually. I would tell the police that my brother took both children out on the Lake and that they all drowned.
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ASSIGNMENT 3
5. Answer the question “What I learned doing this assignment is that there is always more to learn about your characters and what makes them tick. Be open to the concept of always improving your script.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PROTAGONIST – Patricia
Tell me about yourself. – I’m an intelligent, hard-working woman, with a sense of right and wrong and I care very deeply for her mother.<div>
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you? Because I lover my mother and none of my siblings had the balls to step up to the plate and do what they should have done.You are up against <Jesse – the Antagonist>.
What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you? Jesse is my father and has always been domineering. In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box.
What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult? I have to overcome my fear of him and what he could do to either my or my mum. To do this I will need the support of my husband, Blake and my work colleagues. But mostly, I will need my inner resilience to do what I know is right.
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of? That I should obey my parents. During this journey I will need to disobey both of them in order to protect my mother.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? I am deeply hurt that my own father refused to recognise me when I was a teenager.
What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist? My health professional training and the support of my husband, who is a Minister.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know? I’m initially hiding from Uncle Drew that I borrowed dad’s keys to get them cut. Later I’m hiding from Dad that I know about his secret family and hiding from Mum that Dad’s having affairs dad that I’m never going to let mum go home with him ever again.
What do you think of <the Antagonist>? I hate him.Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. I found out dad was cheating and supporting a secret family. Later on I suspect something is wrong with mum and when it’s diagnosed as Alzheimers, I can’t sit by and watch Dad abuse or neglect her.
What does it do for your life is you succeed here? For Mum to be safe and for Dad to admit he was wrong, and ask for our forgiveness for all the hurt he’s caused us.Ask any other questions about their character profile that will help you. Will you marry Blake? If I don’t I’ll die trying.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST – Jesse
Tell me about yourself. I’m the man of the house and the head of the household, so I do as I damn well please.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? I can whip anyone’s ass. Weakness – A pretty lady.
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change? Because Pearl’s my wife, so she should live with me.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition? I get my way. I get my wife back and the retirement that I had planned.
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death? We’re married, I’m the man, I’m the head of the household, Patricia’s my daughter – she should do as I say.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity? Secret – the hidden family. I don’t want them meeting.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special? If you looked at me you, you wouldn’t need to ask that question.
What do you think of <the Protagonist>? She needs to respect her father and watch her damn mouth, and kick that church do-gooder she’s dating to the sidewalk.Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. My daughter’s gone crazy and trying to create conflict between me and my wife.
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I have learned from this assignment hw to learn more form the character and I almost hear a voice from the antagonist and protagonist
Tell me about yourself.
I’m kind of a big talker and can do many things ,well I’m not actually I’m very quiet and like to be by myself a lot and relax
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why
you?There is no one like me I am intimidating there is no one like me in this outer shell
You are up against . What is it about them that makes
this journey even more difficult for you?They try to find everything about me that’s vulnerable that’s weak and go for it
Eating away
I feel tired with this constant gnawing eating eating constantly eating away
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going
to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to
make and which of them will be the most difficult?Enduring the strength for the longhaul, believing in myself in mycapability
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be
the most difficult to let go of?I’m not enough
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
Wounds reg race low confidence I can’t do it
What skills, background or expertise makes you
well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?Millionaire survivior beauty
What are you hiding from the other characters? What
don’t you want them to know?My weaknesses picking on my weaknesses
I get really hurt easily my other peoples comments mostly from women they can be cutting
I put on a shell to survive so they won’t fuck with me
What do you think of ?
Winning being the best
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
This girl lied and pretended that she had done everything she said and then complaine when things didn’t work out
She got eleven complaints and pretends she doesnt know anything about them
What does it do for your life is you succeed here?
I will always know I fight for what is right and that will always succeed
I have impacted the world insome way towards being better
Ask any other questions about their character profile
that will help you.QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ANTAGONIST
Tell me about yourself.
I pretend to be innocent so innocent it wins me everything
I will kill anyone who gets in my way if I see a weakness ill get them
I’m so innocent
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths
and weaknesses?Strengths
Innocence projection
Young girl frame
My beauty
My survivor instincts
Weakness
Uninformed
Not thorough
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail?
Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?How dare they challenge me
Ill lie to get my point over
I am better than them
They are weak
I always show the weak who is the boss
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding
in your plan / taking down your competition?I am better than you
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in
the face of danger, ruin, or death?I am a winner no matter what
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other
secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?I have eleven complaints
I am guilty
don’t let the LDC know the whole truth
Compared to other people like you, what makes you
special?I am a fighter
I am fierce
What do you think of ?
A world of domination
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
I didn’t do anything I am innocent hahaha
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