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Week 1 Day 3: The “Right Characters” for this story! – THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANC
1. Please watch this scene and provide your insights/breakthroughs into what makes this character great from a writing perspective.
2. Read the other writers comments and make notes of any insights/breakthroughs you like.
3. Rethink or create a scene for your script using your new insights and rewrite that scene/character.
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2 Replies
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These two characters fit the concept and conflict since it’s about healing the wounds that war did to Junahs psyche. When Bagger shows up he’s got the answers to Junahs journey, he needs a mentor to show him how to go after his dreams again. By Bagger calling out Junah’s future win in the future this is a set up for what will be fulfilled in the story. The drama in this scene is built on the darkness of nighttime and all of the mysteries that will be revealed in the light that is to come for Junah. There are many unknowns as he takes his swings in the dark. The traits of the characters will move the story forward.
Bagger: Champion, mysterious, knowing-wise, mentor
Junah: angry, stubborn, hides true feelings, open to correction
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Junah is coming from a place of defeat and desperation. He has spent years watching his friends die on the battlefield and it wounded him so much that he lost his golf swing. On a physical level he’s coming from a secure and well-to-do home with a loving wife. He understands not having what’s necessary for life though from the war and is generous in his utterly non-racist offer for Bagger to go into his house for food. He doesn’t see the color of anyone’s skin. He looks for the person inside.
Bagger Vance is coming from a place of peace, and a deep knowledge of human nature and golf. He appears to be an extremely well dressed vagabond who frequents the circuit, but most likely is unable to play due to the color of his skin, so he is a caddy instead. He has had to come to terms with this and sees people for who they are individually. He’s a philosopher. He also appears to be there purposefully to help Junah. He’s obviously heard about the match and also knows what Junah was capable of in golf previously. He also uses biblical references like, “The harmony of all that is, all that was, and all that will be,” a take on God who is, was and will be. It’s like he’s an angel.The drama the scene was built around…
The tension of Junah wanting to play and being lost, and then being startled by an unknown who suddenly is everything he needs to become himself again. Bagger even knows exactly what’s wrong… Junah lost his swing, and who Junah is and what he accomplished in golf in the past.Traits that showed up in the characters’ words and actions in this scene…
Junah: Kind/Considerate, Insecure, Paralyzed, Frustrated, Adaptable, Determined,
Bagger Vance: Serene, Philosophical, All-knowing, Sarcastic, Instigator/Provoker/Catalyst/Pathfinder, Coach/Guide,
What makes the characters great from a writing perspective…
Junah: Junah is open to becoming his BEST self, and again as with Sarah in Terminator, it gives him a far distance to go with many layers and levels of change. He is a good person, but is lacking in aspects of self-love and acceptance and is beaten down by the reality of war. He has the ability to love himself again and to love life again which is a great path to take him through.
Bagger Vance: Since Bagger has the skill to know exactly what is going on and to see into the future, he can constantly be a surprise as well as a comfort.
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