WIM+AI – Module 3 – Lesson 2: Roles that Sell Actors

[LJ (Lawrence John) Seliski]

LJ’s Actor Attractors!
My vision is to write incredible high-concept screenplays that are made into popular, financially successful movies.

What I learned from doing this assignment is using the Actor Attractor Template is very valuable in assisting me in creating characters who are complex and interesting.

Concept: Mia Vance, an eighteen-year-old woman who was abused as a foster child rescues Ariael, a gifted, exiled alien princess who's in the form of a twelve-year-old girl, and agrees to help her avoid capture by Zarael, an alien adversary who wants to misuse her gift and is involved in a conspiracy that threatens both humanity and alienkind.

Lead Character Name: Mia Vance
Role: Co-Protagonist

What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
This role offers a complex character arc with deep emotional depth, providing the opportunity for an actor to showcase their range and talent. Mia's journey from a troubled past to a courageous protector allows an actor to explore themes of redemption, resilience, and empathy, resonating with audiences on a profound level.

What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Mia's blend of vulnerability and strength makes her compelling. Her traumatic past as an abused foster child adds layers to her character, shaping her motivations and actions throughout the story. Her empathy towards the alien princess and her determination to fight against injustice makes her a driving force in the narrative.

What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Mia's most interesting actions could include risking her own safety to protect the alien princess, outsmarting adversaries with her resourcefulness, confronting her own past trauma to find inner strength, and making difficult moral choices that challenge her beliefs.

How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
You could highlight Mia's journey from a vulnerable survivor to a resilient protector, emphasizing the emotional depth and complexity of the character. Emphasize the opportunity for character growth and the chance to portray a relatable yet inspiring figure who overcomes adversity.

What could be this character’s emotional range?
Mia's emotional range could include vulnerability, fear, determination, empathy, anger, and eventually, a sense of empowerment and self-discovery as she confronts her past and finds her place in the world.

What subtext can the actor play?
The actor could play the subtext of Mia's internal struggles with trust, self-worth, and the desire for redemption. Additionally, there could be sub-textual layers to Mia's relationship with the alien princess, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and acceptance.

What are the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Mia's relationship with the alien princess would be central, characterized by a mix of mutual dependence, mentorship, and friendship. Additionally, her interactions with other characters, such as allies who support her and adversaries who challenge her, would add depth to her journey.

How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Mia's unique voice will be presented through her actions, dialogue, and inner monologue, reflecting her resilience, determination, and underlying vulnerability. Her voice will evolve throughout the story as she grows and confronts her past.

What could make this character special and unique?
Mia's blend of trauma, empathy, and courage makes her special and unique. Her past experiences shape her worldview and motivations, driving her to protect others and fight against injustice in a way that feels authentic and compelling.

Lead Character Name: Ariael
Role: Co-Protagonist, An Alien Princess exiled to Earth for her own safety

What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Playing Ariael offers the opportunity for an actor to delve into complex emotional depths while embodying a character with extraordinary abilities and a rich backstory. The role not only allows for the exploration of themes like trauma, resilience, and leadership but also presents the challenge of portraying an otherworldly being navigating the complexities of Earth and intergalactic politics.

What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Ariael's dual nature as both a vulnerable, exiled princess and a powerful, wise leader makes her incredibly compelling. Her ability to shape-shift adds layers to her character, as she grapples with questions of identity and trust. Additionally, her journey from victim to hero, as she overcomes the trauma of her past and fights to protect her people, is a central arc that drives the narrative forward.

What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Ariael could demonstrate her shape-shifting abilities in creative and unexpected ways, such as assuming different identities to gather information or infiltrate enemy territory. Her diplomatic skills could be put to the test as she navigates alliances and betrayals in both human and alien societies. Ultimately, her most significant actions would involve rallying allies to uncover the conspiracy and thwart the plans of those who seek to exploit her people's gifts.

How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Highlighting Ariael's complexity and depth, as well as the opportunity for an actor to portray both vulnerability and strength, would be key in selling the role. Emphasizing the character's pivotal role in the story's overarching conflict and her journey of self-discovery and redemption would appeal to actors seeking challenging and meaningful roles.

What could be this character’s emotional range?
Ariael's emotional range spans from deep-seated trauma and vulnerability to fierce determination and righteous anger. She experiences moments of doubt and insecurity but also demonstrates resilience, compassion, and unwavering loyalty to her people and allies. As she confronts her past and faces the challenges ahead, her emotional journey is complex and multifaceted.

What subtext can the actor play?
The actor portraying Ariael can convey the subtext of internal conflict and hidden strength beneath her outward appearance of innocence and vulnerability. Ariael's interactions with others may be layered with subtext as she navigates the delicate balance between trust and suspicion, concealing her true motives and abilities while seeking allies she can rely on.

What are the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Ariael's relationships with the protagonist, the young woman who rescues her, and other key characters are central to the story's development. Her dynamic with the human protagonist could evolve from mistrust to deep friendship and mutual respect as they work together to uncover the truth and confront their adversaries. Additionally, Ariael's interactions with other aliens and political figures could reveal layers of intrigue and betrayal as she navigates the complexities of her own society and its relationships with other galactic powers.

How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Ariael's unique voice is characterized by a blend of wisdom beyond her years and vulnerability stemming from her traumatic past. She speaks with a sense of authority and gravitas befitting her status as a princess and leader but also exhibits moments of insecurity and self-doubt, particularly when confronted with reminders of her exile and the betrayal that led to it.

What could make this character special and unique?
Ariael's ability to shape-shift, both herself and others, sets her apart as a character with immense power and potential. Her journey of self-discovery and redemption, as she grapples with the trauma of her past and seeks to protect her people, adds depth and complexity to her character, making her a truly unique and compelling protagonist in the sci-fi genre.

Lead Character Name: Zarael
Role: Antagonist, a ruthless, cunning, power-hungry, alien politician from Ariael’s planet

What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Zarael is the epitome of a complex villain. Playing such a character offers an actor the opportunity to delve deep into the psyche of a power-hungry antagonist with a tragic backstory. It's a chance to showcase versatility and depth in portraying a character driven by ambition, resentment, and a relentless pursuit of dominance.

What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Zarael's complexity lies in his multifaceted nature. On the surface, he's a cunning and ruthless politician, but beneath that exterior, there's a wounded soul driven by past trauma. His dynamic with the exiled princess adds layers to his character, showcasing his vulnerabilities and the lengths he'll go to in order to reclaim what he perceives as his rightful place.

What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Zarael's actions are driven by his insatiable thirst for power. From manipulating political alliances to orchestrating covert operations, he stops at nothing to achieve his goals. His clashes with Mia and the princess could involve elaborate schemes, high-stakes confrontations, and morally ambiguous choices that challenge both his adversaries and the audience's perception of him.

How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Picture a gripping opening scene where Zarael makes a grand entrance, exuding charisma and authority as he addresses a crowd of supporters. His magnetic presence, coupled with hints of underlying menace, sets the stage for an antagonist who commands attention and leaves a lasting impression on both the characters and the audience.

What could be this character’s emotional range?
Zarael's emotional range spans from cold calculation to fiery rage, with glimpses of vulnerability in between. Beneath his facade of confidence lies a wounded soul plagued by resentment and longing for validation. An actor portraying Zarael must navigate this spectrum of emotions, showcasing both his ruthless determination and his inner turmoil.

What subtext can the actor play?
Throughout the story, Zarael's actions and dialogue can be laden with subtext, hinting at his deeper motivations and insecurities. His interactions with Mia and the princess could be layered with tension and underlying agendas, adding complexity to his character and keeping the audience guessing about his true intentions.

What are the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Zarael's relationships are fraught with complexity. His rivalry with the exiled princess is central to the plot, rooted in past betrayals and unresolved conflicts. His interactions with Mia could range from manipulative to begrudgingly respectful, as they navigate a delicate balance of power and mutual distrust. Additionally, his dynamic with other alien leaders and political figures could offer insight into his cunning and strategic prowess.

How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Zarael's voice is commanding and persuasive, with a hint of arrogance that reflects his confidence in his own abilities. He speaks with conviction, never wavering in his pursuit of power. His dialogue is sharp and calculated, revealing glimpses of his cunning intellect and underlying menace.

What could make this character special and unique?
Zarael's complexity lies in his multifaceted nature as both a formidable antagonist and a deeply flawed individual driven by past trauma. His journey is one of redemption and reckoning, as he grapples with his own demons while striving for dominance. Portraying Zarael offers an actor the chance to explore the depths of human ambition and the consequences of unchecked power.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  LJ (Lawrence John) Seliski.

[Michael Collado]

Mike’s Actor Attractors!

My Vision is to write original screenplays, make a couple of calls to pitch it, to start a bidding war.

What I learned on this assignment is to take a good look at the characters and turn their emotions up to point at the concept.

I also learned to put the AI Prompt through to see its opinion, which I must say are close to mine but in a more explanatory way and not using actual scene descriptions like I did. Oh yeah, much more poetic and word Smithy. I think I am developing a love-hate relationship with this thing!

Lead Character Name: Jocinda/Coach Jo

Role: Protagonist

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Jocina/Coach Jo is a junior detective with a work-alone ethics, one she developed in the Traffic Unit. Although her half-baked ideas are unique in nature, they could always use some experienced input, although she never seeks it out.

2.What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
During the story, we watch Coach Jo learn more about teamwork and refining ideas and strategies from the strangest places.

3.What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Fights the Police Dept. on the grounds of sexual harassment, takes on coaching her goddaughter’s team of brainiacs in a misogynistic little league, and uncovers one of the corporate sponsors using the little league as a testing ground for nanobot technology.

4.How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
On an unauthorized stakeout that blows up in her face, we see some of her qualities that got her the promotion to Jr. Detective and a lot of her characteristics that just might send her back to the traffic unit or, worse, back in uniform and in a beat car.

5.What could be this character’s emotional range
To start with, there is a high emotion to be seen as an equal in the detective’s division, which is male-dominated. This emotion will be brought in and out until she sees that asking and working with her male counterparts can be very beneficial.

6.What subtext can the actor play?
Faking the knowledge of how to coach baseball – convincing the all-male little league board she is capable of coaching, convincing the team that this is the way to play, trying to get more information on the corporate sponsor aloofly, secret love interest.

7.What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Relationships with the brainiac professor from the park that helps her with the team, corporate sponsor investigation, and teamwork with the team and her PD unit.
8.How will this character’s unique voice be presented? Coach Jo uses her old ways to mess things up until her new, unique ways start to form and show results with the team, family, work, and love interests.

9. What could make this character special and unique?
How her half-baked ideas get better as she learns to think things out further and even bounce them off of other people with more knowledge on the subject than she has.

ACTOR ATTRACTOR TEMPLATE

Lead Character Name: Mr. Black

Role: Antagonist

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Mr. Black is a modern-day mad scientist who uses the local Little League as his private white rat farm to experiment with Nanobots.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
His aloofness in secret experimentation using his vitamin company, a subsidiary of his flagship company Reverie Tech Solutions, as a cover.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Using the kids as lab rats, how far will he go to protect it?

4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
In a confrontation with the president of the local Little League, Mr. Jones. we learn of Mr. Black’s sinister past efforts to advance this technology and that he will stop at nothing this time to succeed. We also learn that Mr. Jones is his henchman.

5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
From corporate Sponsor the defiant mad scientist.

6. What subtext can the actor play?
Secrets, past, present, and future.

7. What’s the most interesting relationship this character can have?
Butting heads with Coach Jo,

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
As a kind and understanding Sponsor for the kids to a raving nut job that will do anything to advance and or protect his secret program.

9. What could make this character special and unique?
He is special because of the technology he is uncovering. The way he can introduce it to human anatomy and have it enhance mind and body function is unique.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Michael Collado.
• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Michael Collado.

[Harry Rankin]

Harry’s Actor Attractors!

My vision for success from this program is:
To create scripts freely when working with producers, directors and cast, and sell award-winning work to create a lifestyle confident of financial freedom.

What I learned from doing this assignment is: It’s great to begin to flesh out my characters.

Lead Character Name: SULI
Role: (Protagonist or Antagonist)
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Ground-breaking role with great challenges for an actor.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
She is the one who, potentially, is going to become the mother of the second coming!
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Becoming the down-to-earth solutions finder. She has the responsibility for plant growth, and neutralises an infestation running rampant. When the disaster happens it is she who saves the two of them.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
By starting with an extreme scene where she dominates the screen. This may be an underwater rescue in a training tank, or similar.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
A reckless personality it the first act, general chaos in the second and third, and mature in the fourth.
What subtext can the actor play?
She is the only person aboard who knows she is pregnant from the start of the mission.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Jon, of course, but also the medic who diagnoses the pregnancy before the take off.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
She could be almost hypnotic in her speech.
What could make this character special and unique?
A mixed-race, unlikely heroine, who survives when thrown it at the deep end.

Lead Character Name: JON
Role: (Protagonist or Antagonist)
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
He is the foil to Suli’s practical nature.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
As a father, he is totally unprepared. Researches the internet, but access is patchy.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Hiding, and losing, a condom in the love scene. Running around like a headless chicken when Suli goes into labour. “Wheres the hot water”?
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
He is going to go on an emotional journey to die for. Maybe he should be a carpenter in his spare time…
What could be this character’s emotional range
Cocky and trite to competent and funny
What subtext can the actor play?
He loves Suli deeply but doesn’t want that to be seen.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Apart from with Suli, he might be tangled up in the politicians machinations?
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
He employs ‘Dad Jokes’ at every turn. He is a quick-witted lampooner, along the lines of Jim Carey, which can get him into trouble.
What could make this character special and unique?
He is a bit of a child himself, but becomes the bedrock that humanity requires to stabilise the world.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Harry Rankin.

[Edward Lusk]

ED'S ACTOR ATTRACTORS
MY VISION is to be a bankable, reputable, and industry go-to writer who’s demonstrated how to entertain and hold an audience’s attention through unforgettable characters and stories that are as enjoyable to write as they are to watch.

What I learned doing this assignment is by answering these questions further develops my characters roles, motivations and actions they will take. It helps give them a voice and uniqueness so they can't just be dropped in any other story.

Lead Character Name: HOWIE BELLAMAY
Role: PROTAGONIST

What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Howie is a gay character role in a Christmas rom-com with a sexualy ambiguous, standed, North Pole Elf. The role blends real-world heartbreak with fantastical elements.

What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?

Howie's journey from a jaded, Christmas-hating individual to someone who embraces love and magic makes him deeply relatable and compelling. Is he a Scrooge? Not necessarily. Maybe more of a gay Grinch.

What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Howie's broke but going home to mom and dad is out of the question. Living with Jesús is a nightmare the man is Christmas personified. He visits his grandparents for Christmas. They are just weird enough to make the holiday tolerable. At Winterberry Manor he meets Jasper, the grandparent’s live in caregiver. Howie is quite taken by him. He has a charm that can only be describe as “magical” which is about what it takes to snap Howie out of his funk.

How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Howie’s working the fragrance counter just before Christmas. The place is more like a commodity pit at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He’s out of his element. Demanding, complaining, impatient customers. Howie’s spraying cologne samples and insults in rapid fire succession. That is until the most sincerest person in the world ask him what cologne is best for finding love. Howie, for the first time in a long time, takes a moment to recognize another’s feelings and is helpful – and then quits on the spot.

What could be this character’s emotional range?
Howie is sad, dejected, even an angry individual. Through meeting Jasper and the events that bond them he finds optimism, tempered by disappointment, met with surprise, regret, frustration, love, and ultimately joy.

What subtext can the actor play?
Howie lives in a life of isolation. Its power impacts his view of reality, not in a positive way.
He knows he’s on the wrong path but can’t find a way out. He fears being alone and miserable.
Howie seeks redemption but knows hope can lead to disappointment.
Howie seeks empathy and understanding he knows can lead to personal transformation. He just doesn’t know how or is afraid to find out.

What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Howie has fallen in love with Jasper, who’s got some sexual ambiguity and true identity issues. Howie’s grandparents are a bit of an enigmas as well. He’s always been to preoccupied with himself to see this until visiting them over Christmas.
Howie’s friend Jesús, tries his hardest to be more than a friend to Howie. Can Howie “settle” for Jesús? Yes but does he really want to? No.

How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
His anti-christmas rhetoric is entertaining, however, it masks the hurt he feels. Howie’s an attention seeker. He plays tricks, and characters, and makes others laugh. He likes the spotlight but for the wrong reasons. Howie’s character gradually shifting to one of hope and warmth, mirrors his internal transformation.

What could make this character special and unique?
Howie is the antithesis of your typical Christmas Rom-Com movie character. He needs help and help does find him in the most unremarkable way through the love he finds in a North Pole Elf named Jasper Frost. This event transitions him from disbelief to a magical believer, paralleling a journey from heartbreak to romantic rejuvenation.

Lead Character Name: JASPER FROST
Role: ANTAGONIST
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Jasper first appears as a human caregiver then comes out as a a sexual ambiguous North Pole Elf. Albeit a stranded one too.

What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?

Jasper roles plays up the idea of how one’s true identity matters in life and in relationships. He’s the most charming, magical, mysterious person/elf you’ve ever met and he needs help to return home.

What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Through Jasper’s need to fix the magical, broken chimney Jasper helps Howie transform from his miserable self to getting back finding joy in life and love.

How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Jasper the only person at the fragrance counter mayhem who’s able to get Howie’s heart skip a beat. He’s vanishes as quickly and mysteriously as he arrives.

What could be this character’s emotional range
Jasper is confused and desperate over his stranded situation but he is never down. He’s joyful, even playful, which annoys Howie to no end.

What subtext can the actor play?
Jasper longs for home and the fear of failing his mission. He’s new to the feeling of helplessness but not never despair. This is juxtapositions with his curiosity and growing affection for Howie.

What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Meeting Howie and his sad state of affairs which compel Jasper to making sacrifices for Howie’s sake. It’s comical and yet sentimental.

How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Magically with innocence and a touch of mischief. He is truly a foreigner in strange land.

What could make this character special and unique?

His ability to help what appears to be the most helpless person ever – Howie. Jasper's blend of elfin magic, vulnerability, and the earnest pursuit of his mission to get home while stuck in the human world make him a uniquely enchanting character.

[Linda Kish]

Linda’s Actor attractors!

My Vision is: I will do whatever it takes to be a sought-after profound writer who has many successful movies produced and an Oscar on the mantel.
What I learned from doing this assignment is my supporting characters are more interesting than my protagonist. Still working on how to make him the most interesting.

ACTOR ATTRACTORS
Lead Character Name: Joaquin Vega
Role: Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Transformation from a reluctant participant in a violent world to a decisive leader driven by familial protection and inner reform. Like a robin hood of the cartel.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
His internal conflict between his peaceful nature and the brutal environment of the cartel. His journey from pacifism to reluctant engagement to eventual leadership adds layers of depth and intrigue.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Navigating the treacherous hierarchy of the cartel, strategizing against competitors, and ultimately taking decisive steps to dismantle the organization from within while protecting his family. Insider exchanges with the kingpin. Being coerced to violence and finding a way out. Blowing up a rival lab. Taking out his competitors.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
In his role as scout for the cartel he alerts the employees at the lab the police are coming then sets the place on fire. While on his way he gets a call from his wife about his son acting out. Introducing Joaquin as a conflicted scout torn between his desire for peace and his familial ties to the cartel would immediately intrigue actors, showcasing the moral complexity and emotional depth of the character.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
Spans from initial reluctance and fear to moments of intense determination, guilt, and ultimately, a sense of grim resolve as he embraces his role as a leader. Fear, horror, confusion, guilt, anger, love, panic, sadness, determination, anxiety, triumph
6. What subtext can the actor play?
He hates the cartel and wants out but has to hide this. He strategizes to take down the cartel. He thwarts his competitors’ actions and misleads and lies to the cartel kingpin. explore the subtext of inner turmoil, moral ambiguity, and the weight of familial obligation versus personal ethics, adding layers of complexity to the character's interactions and decisions.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
His relationship with the cartel kingpin who is also the father of his best friend who was killed when they were kids.
His relationship with Arturo who is manipulating Joaquin into joining the competition so he can steal his wife.
His relationship with Dante who doesn’t trust him and with whom he kills his brother.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Through surveillance speak. Measured speech.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
Journey of transformation and redemption, as he navigates the brutal world of the cartel with a sense of reluctant heroism, driven by a desire to protect his loved ones and effect positive change from within.

Lead Character Name: Arturo
Role: Antagonist
1. Known for Role: Actors would be attracted to Arturo's role for its complexity, portraying a cunning and ruthless antagonist driven by personal vendettas and ambitions within the cartel's hierarchy.
2. Most Interesting Character: Arturo's obsession with Joaquin's wife and his vindictive nature make him a compelling and unpredictable antagonist, adding layers of tension and personal stakes to the story.
3. Interesting Actions: Arturo's most interesting actions include manipulating situations to undermine Joaquin, leveraging his position in the cartel to further his own agenda, and resorting to ruthless tactics to achieve his goals.
4. Introduction: Introducing Arturo as a cunning and resentful third-in-command with a personal vendetta against Joaquin would immediately establish his role as a formidable antagonist, setting the stage for conflict and intrigue.
5. Emotional Range: Arturo's emotional range spans from simmering resentment and envy to moments of intense vindictiveness and manipulation, showcasing his complex motivations and inner turmoil.
6. Subtext: The actor playing Arturo can explore the subtext of his obsession with Joaquin's wife, his deep-seated resentment towards Joaquin, and his ruthless ambition, adding layers of depth to his interactions and motivations.
7. Interesting Relationships: Arturo's most interesting relationships could be with Joaquin, his wife, and other members of the cartel, particularly those he sees as threats to his ambitions.
8. Unique Voice: Arturo's unique voice is presented through his manipulative and vindictive demeanor, exuding a sense of menace and unpredictability that keeps both characters and audience on edge.
9. Special: What makes Arturo special is his personal vendettas and obsessive nature, which drive much of the conflict and tension within the story, elevating him beyond a typical antagonist to a complex and compelling character in his own right.

Lead Character Name: Dante
Role: Triangle
1. Known for Role: Actors would be drawn to Dante's role for its intensity and ambition, portraying a ruthless and determined second-in-command willing to commit any act to secure his path to power within the cartel.
2. Most Interesting Character: Dante's relentless ambition and willingness to go to any lengths make him a formidable player in the cartel's deadly game, providing a stark contrast to Joaquin's reluctant involvement and adding tension to their interactions.
3. Interesting Actions: Dante's most interesting actions include scheming to eliminate rivals, manipulating situations to his advantage, and engaging in brutal acts of violence to assert his dominance within the cartel.
4. Introduction: Introducing Dante as a fiercely determined second-in-command with clear ambitions for leadership would immediately establish his role as a formidable rival to Joaquin, setting the stage for conflict and competition within the story.
5. Emotional Range: Dante's emotional range spans from ruthless determination and ambition to moments of frustration, anger, and desperation as he faces obstacles to his ascent within the cartel.
6. Subtext: The actor playing Dante can explore the subtext of his unyielding ambition, his disdain for weakness, and his underlying insecurity, adding layers of complexity to his interactions and motivations.
7. Interesting Relationships: Dante's most interesting relationships could be with Joaquin, whom he views as a threat to his ambitions, as well as with other members of the cartel vying for power and influence.
8. Unique Voice: Dante's unique voice is presented through his ruthless and ambitious demeanor, exuding a sense of calculated menace and determination that commands attention and respect within the cartel.
9. Special: What makes Dante special is his relentless pursuit of power and dominance within the cartel, driving much of the conflict and tension within the story, and serving as a formidable obstacle for Joaquin on his journey of transformation and redemption.

[Michael Katz]

Michael E. Katz’s Actor Attractors!

Here are the Actor Attractors for each lead character in “I Love What You’ve Done To The Place”:

Kirsten (newly divorced) is the Protagonist
Hallworth (the interior designer) is the Obstacle Character who facilitates change for Kirsten.
Jesse (her ex-husband) is the Antagonist who causes her psychological angst

Kirsten (Protagonist)

1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role?
– A complex, emotionally layered role that showcases a woman’s transformative journey from heartbreak to self-discovery and empowerment.
– The opportunity to portray a relatable, yet unconventional female lead who challenges societal norms and expectations surrounding divorce and personal growth.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the story?
– Kirsten’s unique approach to processing her divorce through the redecoration, renovation, and ultimately, the destruction of her marital home.
– The juxtaposition of her wealthy, put-together exterior with her internal emotional turmoil and the unconventional methods she employs to heal.

3. What are the most interesting actions Kirsten takes in the movie?
– Her decision to redecorate the mansion as a means of reclaiming her identity, despite the unorthodox nature of the solution.
– The cathartic and darkly humorous act of hosting “smashing parties” where she and other divorcees destroy items associated with their past marriages.
– The climactic moment where she decides to sell the mansion and burn it down, symbolizing her ultimate liberation from the past.

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor?
– Kirsten is introduced as a wealthy, seemingly put-together divorcee grappling with the emotional fallout of her failed marriage, setting the stage for a compelling character arc.
– The mansion’s symbolism as a representation of her past and the emotional baggage she must confront is established early on, hinting at the depth and complexity of her journey.

5. What is this character’s emotional range?
– From the deep-seated pain and grief of her divorce to the moments of dark humor and catharsis as she navigates the redecoration process.
– The vulnerability and raw emotion she experiences during her breakthroughs and the ultimate sense of empowerment and self-discovery as she learns to let go.

6. What subtext can the actor play?
– The constant push and pull between her desire to move on and the comfort she finds in clinging to the familiar, even if it’s detrimental to her well-being.
– The unspoken fear and uncertainty that underlies her bold actions, as she grapples with redefining her identity and purpose post-divorce.

7. What’s the most interesting relationship this character has?
– The complex, emotionally charged dynamic with her ex-husband, Jesse, as his presence continues to impact her journey in unexpected ways.
– The evolving friendship and partnership with Hallworth, as he serves as a catalyst for her growth and offers a unique perspective on her situation.

8. How was this character’s unique voice presented?
– Through her witty, self-deprecating humor that serves as a coping mechanism and a way to process her pain.
– The evolution of her dialogue from tentative and guarded to self-assured and determined as she progresses on her journey.

9. What makes this character special and unique?
– Kirsten’s willingness to confront her emotional baggage head-on and her unconventional, yet relatable approach to healing and self-discovery.
– The way in which her story subverts traditional narratives about divorce and showcases the transformative power of letting go and starting anew.

10. (Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.)
– In a scene where Kirsten is alone in the mansion, she walks through the space, touching the walls and reflecting on the memories each room holds. As she enters the bedroom she once shared with Jesse, she is overcome with a mix of grief and anger. In a moment of raw emotion, she begins to tear apart the room, ripping down curtains and smashing a vase against the wall. As she collapses onto the floor amidst the chaos, she starts to laugh through her tears, realizing the absurdity and catharsis of the moment. This scene showcases Kirsten’s emotional range, the subtext of her internal struggle, and the unique way in which she confronts her pain and begins to heal.

Hallworth (Obstacle Character)

1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role?
– The opportunity to play a dynamic, scene-stealing supporting character who serves as both a source of humor and a catalyst for the protagonist’s growth.
– The chance to portray a complex, emotionally layered character whose own backstory and experiences inform his unique perspective and approach.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
– Hallworth’s unconventional methods and philosophical outlook on life and design, which challenge Kirsten’s preconceptions and push her out of her comfort zone.
– The way in which his own personal journey and experiences with heartbreak and self-discovery parallel and inform his role in Kirsten’s story.

3. What are the most interesting actions Hallworth takes in the movie?
– His unorthodox design choices and the way he uses the redecoration process as a tool for Kirsten’s emotional growth and self-discovery.
– The pivotal moment where he intervenes and helps Kirsten realize that true healing requires a change of place, not just a change of space.

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor?
– Hallworth’s introduction immediately establishes his unique personality, charisma, and the transformative role he will play in Kirsten’s journey.
– His own recent experience with a painful breakup creates an instant connection and understanding with Kirsten, setting the stage for their complex and evolving relationship.

5. What is this character’s emotional range?
– From the witty, lighthearted banter that showcases his humor and charm to the moments of genuine empathy and vulnerability as he supports Kirsten through her struggles.
– The underlying depth and wisdom that emerges through his insights and the way he draws upon his own experiences to guide Kirsten.

6. What subtext can the actor play?
– The unspoken understanding and shared experience of navigating heartbreak and the process of self-discovery that informs his interactions with Kirsten.
– The subtle ways in which his own journey and emotional growth parallel and influence his approach to helping Kirsten navigate her own path.

7. What’s the most interesting relationship this character has?
– The dynamic, evolving friendship with Kirsten, as he serves as both a source of support and a catalyst for her growth and self-discovery.
– The potential for a complex, layered relationship with Jesse, as Hallworth’s role in Kirsten’s journey may challenge and redefine the dynamics between all three characters.

8. How was this character’s unique voice presented?
– Through his quick-witted, often irreverent humor and the way he uses design metaphors and philosophies to offer insights and challenge Kirsten’s perspective.
– The evolution of his communication style from lighthearted and playful to profound and empathetic as his relationship with Kirsten deepens and he becomes more invested in her journey.

9. What makes this character special and unique?
– Hallworth’s ability to use his design expertise and life experiences as tools for emotional healing and self-discovery, offering a fresh and unconventional approach to the traditional “therapist” role.
– The way in which his own story and emotional journey are woven into the narrative, adding depth and complexity to his character and his impact on Kirsten’s growth.

10. (Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.)
– In a scene where Kirsten is struggling with the decision to sell the mansion, Hallworth finds her sitting on the floor of the empty living room. He sits down beside her, offering a listening ear and gentle encouragement. Through a heartfelt conversation, Hallworth shares his own story of letting go and starting anew, using humor and honesty to help Kirsten see the possibilities that lie ahead. As they talk, Hallworth’s unique perspective and ability to reframe Kirsten’s challenges become apparent, showcasing the depth and impact of his character. The scene highlights Hallworth’s emotional range, the subtext of his own experiences, and the special role he plays in Kirsten’s journey.

Jesse (Antagonist)

1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role?
– The opportunity to play a nuanced, non-traditional antagonist whose presence and actions drive the emotional conflict and growth of the protagonist.
– The chance to showcase the subtleties and depth of a character who is not overtly villainous, but whose impact on the story is significant and far-reaching.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
– Jesse’s role as a catalyst for Kirsten’s emotional journey and the way in which his presence and their shared history continue to shape her path forward.
– The complexity of his character as a representation of the past Kirsten must confront and the challenges she must overcome to truly move on.

3. What are the most interesting actions Jesse takes in the movie?
– His unexpected visits to the mansion, which serve as emotional triggers for Kirsten and force her to confront the lingering impact of their relationship.
– The subtle, often unintentional ways in which his words and actions remind Kirsten of their shared past and the emotional baggage she carries.
– The potential for a confrontation or moment of closure that highlights the emotional weight of their relationship

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor?
– Jesse’s introduction establishes the weight of his presence in Kirsten’s life and the emotional hold their past continues to have on her.
– The way in which his character is presented hints at the depth and complexity of their shared history and the challenges Kirsten will face in moving forward.

5. What is this character’s emotional range?
– From the moments of nostalgia and reflection on their past relationship to the underlying tension and unresolved emotions that surface through their interactions.
– The potential for moments of vulnerability or self-reflection as he navigates his own post-divorce life and the impact of their shared history.

6. What subtext can the actor play?
– The unspoken weight of their shared past and the emotional baggage that lingers beneath the surface of their interactions.
– The internal struggle between moving on and the pull of familiarity and comfort that their history represents.

7. What’s the most interesting relationship this character has?
– The complex, emotionally charged relationship with Kirsten, as their past continues to influence and shape their present in unexpected ways.
– The potential for a layered, evolving dynamic with Hallworth, as he represents the change and growth that challenges the status quo of Jesse and Kirsten’s relationship.

8. How was this character’s unique voice presented?
– Through the subtle, often unintentional ways in which his words and actions trigger emotional responses in Kirsten and force her to confront their shared past.
– The underlying tension and depth beneath his seemingly casual or innocuous interactions with Kirsten, hinting at the complexity of their history and the impact of their divorce.

9. What makes this character special and unique?
– Jesse’s role as an emotional antagonist, driving Kirsten’s growth and self-discovery through the weight of their shared past and the challenges it presents.
– The nuanced, non-traditional nature of his character, as he represents the complexities and emotional fallout of divorce without falling into stereotypical “villain” archetypes.

10. (Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.)
– In a scene where Jesse unexpectedly visits the newly renovated mansion, he walks through the space, commenting on the changes and reminiscing about their past. As he enters the living room, he notices a familiar painting on the wall, one that he and Kirsten had purchased together on a trip years ago. He remarks on the painting, expressing surprise that she kept it. The comment, though seemingly innocent, strikes a chord with Kirsten, reminding her of the deep emotional ties that still linger. Jesse’s presence and the subtle emotional trigger he provides showcase the complexity of his character and the impact he has on Kirsten’s journey. The scene highlights the emotional range the actor can bring to the role, the subtext of their shared history, and the unique challenge Jesse presents as an antagonist in Kirsten’s story.

[Karen Haas]

Karen's Actor Attractors

My vision: I'm a creative writer who can dream up something great and then write it even better, all the while industry professionals enjoy my work, keeping it always fun and satisfying.

What I learned: Thinking about what actors need from a part helps create a much better character for them to want to play.

Character: Wicked Witch of the East— still looking for a name for her: Karen, maybe

1. Known for Role: What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Iconic witch bad ass, take no prisoners attitude who grows and changes and learns to love but is still a bad ass in every way. She is an opportunity for an actor to reinvent the iconic character of the Wicked Witch of the East in a modern comedic setting, bringing fresh humor and depth to the character.

2. Most Interesting Character: What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? No regrets, acts like a man, all powerful, but without power right now… The Wicked Witch is a complex character who undergoes a transformation from a vengeful antagonist to a sympathetic protagonist, providing a rich and dynamic arc for the actor to explore.

3. Interesting Actions: What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? Sneaking into the Wizard/Con Man’s house to steal the shoes, navigating the challenges of modern-day Kansas, seeking revenge against the Wizard/Con Man, and forming unlikely alliances with unexpected allies.

4. Introduction: How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Introduce the Wicked Witch with a dramatic entrance, perhaps emerging from the wreckage of the twister in Oz and landing in modern Kansas amidst chaos and confusion, setting the stage for her comedic journey. Later we can have a flashback wherein she is rewarding the munchkin coroner and being begged to take control of the flying monkeys when they realize independence doesn’t suit them

5. Emotional Range: What could be this character’s emotional range? Wickedness to forgiveness of others and herself and then redemption…The Wicked Witch's emotional range spans from seething anger and resentment to moments of vulnerability and redemption, offering the actor the opportunity to showcase a wide range of emotions.

6. Subtext: What subtext can the actor play? Shows her softer side, loved her sister-witch and her life in Oz, realization that, for those who are better off, change is seldom for the better,The actor can play the subtext of the Wicked Witch's journey as a quest for self-discovery and redemption, underneath her outward quest for revenge.

7. Interesting Relationships: What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? With Dot the lawyer and Dorothy's descendant, as they navigate their complicated family history and conflicting agendas.

8. Unique Voice: How will this character’s unique voice be presented? Snarky, cynical, irreverent and nasty at times, but always truthful, The Wicked Witch's unique voice should be presented with a blend of menace, wit, and vulnerability, capturing the essence of the iconic character while infusing it with comedic flair.

9. Special: What could make this character special and unique? Compelled to always tell the truth, and her journey from a classic villain to a comedic anti-hero, challenging audience expectations and providing a fresh perspective on a beloved character.

Character: The Wizard/Con Man

1. Known for Role: What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Could be a commentary on a currently powerful personality and on our culture that venerates him. A chance to speak truth to power? Or simply an opportunity for an actor to portray a charismatic and duplicitous character, blending elements of charm and deception to create a memorable performance.

2. Most Interesting Character: What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? He is a narcissist who makes everything about him, who manages to escape all accountability and always winds up on top. He is a master manipulator who uses his charm and wit to exploit others for his own gain, making him a fascinating and morally ambiguous character.

3. Interesting Actions: What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? He sweet talks all the ladies, he buys up the homes of the distressed for a song and then makes gobs of money off them, he likes the finer fancier stuff and shows off all the time to who ever will be impressed by him, he talks about running for president, he foments hate against anyone who opposes him. The Wizard/Con Man's most interesting actions include orchestrating elaborate schemes, manipulating those around him, and ultimately facing the consequences of his deceitful actions.

4. Introduction: How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? He could be looking at drone footage of a tornado damage, and be chuckling that all his competitors sites were wiped out but his big home and developments were untouched. When asked if he wants to donate to the newly homeless, he laughs and ups the rent on all his vacant units. Introduce the Wizard/Con Man with a flashy and charismatic entrance, presenting him as a larger-than-life figure who commands attention and respect, setting the stage for his deceptive machinations.

5. Emotional Range: What could be this character’s emotional range? He can be childlike in a bratty child way, and then angry like a rabid mongoose, He has no ability to ever apologize or be reflective, in fact, any suggestion he should just makes him double down insistently that he’s right and he gets angry. Mostly he ranges from charming and affable to manipulative and deceitful, allowing the actor to explore the complexities of his character and motivations.

6. Subtext: What subtext can the actor play? He can be a great actor and pretender, fooling all around him that he is the victim, not the perpetrator. The actor can play the subtext as a commentary on the nature of deception and manipulation, revealing the consequences of his actions and the facade he presents to the world. People see what they want to see… It’s difficult to get people to believe something when their salary depends on them not believing it.

7. Interesting Relationships: What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? He has the most interesting relationship with Dot, Dorothy’s great granddaughter who he is cheating out of gobs of money. He and Dot form a cunning partnership based on mutual self-interest and manipulation, creating tension and intrigue.

8. Unique Voice: How will this character’s unique voice be presented? He probably sounds a lot like Donald Trump with a blend of charm and deceit, capturing the allure of his character while hinting at the darkness lurking beneath the surface.

9. Special: What could make this character special and unique? He is an opportunist who seems to always win. He charms and manipulates those around him, using his wit and cunning to achieve his goals while leaving a trail of chaos and deception in his wake

Character: Dot, the lawyer

Known for Role: What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? This role offers the opportunity for an actor to portray a modern-day descendant of the iconic Dorothy, blending elements of nostalgia with contemporary humor. She represents an iconic role, and hopefully creates another in the process.

2. Most Interesting Character: What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? She gets the witch to grow and change and grows and changes herself in the process. Dot is a multi-dimensional character who is torn between her allegiance to her family legacy and her own desires, creating internal conflict and tension that make her character compelling and relatable.

3. Interesting Actions: What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? She takes the Wizard Con man, who she calls Uncle Don, on the ride of his life and threatens him until he admits his wrongdoing… she breaks up with her boyfriend because she thinks he’s needy and doesn’t want to be taking care of him, she doesn’t destroy the Wizard because he’s not afraid to go after what he wants, and she’d like to be that way, if only she could ever figure out what it is she wants. Dot becomes good at manipulating situations to her advantage, forming alliances with unexpected allies, and ultimately confronting her own family history and legacy.

4. Introduction: How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? Buying and selling stocks, looking at her stock portfolio, making a small fortune but still quite dissatisfied with her life and very worried about having enough money, despite having more than enough … Indecisive about what drink to order but takes the first step in being decisive by breaking up with her boyfriend because she just doesn’t “feel it” anymore…. Admits she is dependent on a con man. Quotes Upton Sinclair: It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it. Introduce Dot as a seemingly innocent and naive young woman, only to reveal her cunning and manipulative nature as the story unfolds, adding depth and intrigue to her character.

5. Emotional Range: What could be this character’s emotional range? From very kind to very cold when crossed and then back again to sweet when appropriate. Dot's emotional range encompasses a wide spectrum, from charming and affable to calculating and manipulative, allowing the actor to explore the complexities of her character.

6. Subtext: What subtext can the actor play? She has a deep sense of justice that propels her, but little sense of self worth, or purpose.The actor can play the subtext of Dot's character as a quest for identity and autonomy, as she grapples with the expectations placed upon her as Dorothy's descendant.

7. Interesting Relationships: What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? With the witch who she cannot represent because of her conflict; they navigate their complicated family history and conflicting agendas, creating tension and drama.

8. Unique Voice: How will this character’s unique voice be presented? She is half Marilyn Monroe, half Rachel Maddow. Childlike innocence bordering on idealized sex kitten and whip smart, but never trying to be either. Dot's unique voice should be presented with a blend of innocence and cunning, capturing the duality of her character and keeping audiences guessing about her true intentions.

9. Special: What could make this character special and unique? Wants to be known for something other than being the famous Dorothy’s great granddaughter. Tired of living in the shadow of Dorothy. Being a descendant of Dorothy, adds layers of complexity and intrigue to her character, driving the plot forward and keeping audiences engaged.

[Monica Arisman]

Subject: Monica’s Actor Attractors!
VISION: I am a very successful screenwriter who has had multiple movies made.
What I learned from doing this assignment is to get into the characters at the beginning by keeping in mind your concept and title. Using ChatGPT can enhance the actor attractors and help with brainstorming.
Lead Character Name: EMILY DAVIS
Role: Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
• This role is about a struggling writer who decides to end it all but has an NDE and commits to doing God’s work but still struggles with her reason for being here.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
• The transformational journey from an exhausted, desperate writer who questions whether it is really worth it to being a bad-ass writer for God.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
• Drinks a bottle of vodka and takes a bottle of pills which precipitates the NDE.
• Outsmarting the Guardian of God’s library.
• Rids the library of not only the Guardian but his lesser demon friend.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
• Comes home from her dead-end job intent on killing herself. But instead has an NDE and meets God.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
• From desperate, victim mentality to confident, successful writer.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
• When we first meet Emily we know she’s going to try and commit suicide.
• At first, she goes along with the Guardian and the Demon’s plan but she’s already plotting to be the reason for their demise and free the library of their influence.
7. What are the most interesting relationships this character can have?
• Her relationship with God, which she has never cultivated, allows her to overcome her situation.
• The relationships with the Guardian and the Demon by pretending to be on their side and then finding a way to banish them.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
• Through playing both sides until it’s time to take out the Guardian and Demon.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
• Starts to delve into spirituality and finds a way to empower herself to succeed in her writing.
Lead Character Name: GUARDIAN
Role: Antagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
• This role is about the Guardian of God’s Library. Only he’s not all that holy and has been implementing his agenda for millennia.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
• The transformational journey from doing whatever he’s wanted for so long to being challenged by a desperate woman writer who takes God’s side and plays the Guardian’s game to defeat him.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
• Meets Emily during her NDE. Feels he can use her as a tool to further his objectives.
• Plots with the Demon about how to fool Emily and keep God in the dark.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
• Comes home from her dead-end job intent on killing herself. But instead has an NDE and meets God.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
• Schemer, charming to fearful as he’s being deleted.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
• From the beginning we know he’s playing Emily to do his bidding but that is disguised by his helping her with her writing.
7. What are the most interesting relationships this character can have?
• His relationship with God as he’s somehow gotten to be God’s guardian of the library.
• The relationship with the Demon by getting him into “heaven”.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
• Through the contrast between how he treats Emily at the beginning and how he treats the Demon.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
• His ultimate goal is to replace God. He creates chaos whenever he can and can turn from the charmer to the brutalizer in the blink of an eye.
CHATGPT Version:
Actor Attractors for each character:
1. Emily Davis
• Known for Role: Emily’s character arc from struggling writer to confident storyteller offers an actor the chance to showcase a deeply transformative journey, resonating with audiences on a personal and emotional level.
• Most Interesting Character: Emily’s internal struggle with doubt and despair, juxtaposed with her eventual emergence as a beacon of inspiration and hope, makes her one of the most compelling characters in the story.
• Interesting Actions: Emily’s most interesting actions involve her exploration of the hidden library, where she not only discovers forgotten tales but also confronts her own inner demons and insecurities.
• Introduction: Emily is introduced through a montage of her mundane daily life, highlighting her frustration and disillusionment with her current circumstances, setting the stage for her transformative journey.
• Emotional Range: Emily’s emotional range spans from deep despair and hopelessness to exhilarating moments of self-discovery and empowerment.
• Subtext: Beneath Emily’s outward struggle with writer’s block lies a deeper existential crisis, a search for meaning and purpose in a world that often feels disconnected and chaotic.
• Interesting Relationships: Emily’s most interesting relationship is with the Guardian of God’s Library, Donahue, whose enigmatic nature challenges and guides her on her journey of self-discovery.
• Unique Voice: Emily’s unique voice is characterized by a blend of vulnerability and resilience, capturing the essence of a soul searching for its true calling.
• Special: Emily possesses a special gift for storytelling that transcends the ordinary, allowing her to tap into the hidden depths of the human experience and inspire others to do the same.
2. The Guardian of God’s Library, Donahue
• Known for Role: Donahue’s portrayal offers an actor the opportunity to embody a mysterious and morally ambiguous character, shrouded in intrigue and complexity.
• Most Interesting Character: Donahue’s role as the Guardian of God’s Library, with his enigmatic demeanor and ambiguous motives, adds layers of depth and mystery to the story, keeping audiences guessing until the very end.
• Interesting Actions: Donahue’s most interesting actions involve his interactions with Emily, as he serves as both a mentor and a foil to her journey of self-discovery, challenging her perceptions and beliefs at every turn.
• Introduction: Donahue is introduced in a dramatic fashion, appearing unexpectedly to Emily in the midst of her darkest hour, offering her a glimpse into the hidden world of the library and the forgotten tales within.
• Emotional Range: Donahue’s emotional range spans from stoic detachment to moments of profound insight and empathy, revealing glimpses of his own inner turmoil and conflict.
• Subtext: Beneath Donahue’s aloof exterior lies a deep-seated sense of duty and responsibility, as well as a tragic past that haunts him and informs his actions throughout the story.
• Interesting Relationships: Donahue’s most interesting relationship is with Emily, whose arrival at the library forces him to confront his own demons and reevaluate his role as its guardian.
• Unique Voice: Donahue’s unique voice is characterized by a mix of wisdom and mystery, drawing listeners in with his cryptic words and enigmatic presence.
• Special: Donahue possesses a special connection to the library and its ancient secrets, granting him insights and powers beyond mortal comprehension, yet also burdening him with a heavy sense of responsibility and guilt.

[Christopher Confer]

Chris' ACTOR ATTRACTORS
My Vision:
When people watch the trailer for my movie, they have to watch the movie.
What I learned from doing this assignment is that taking a couple hours before editing helped tighten up aspects of the roles I worked on with a fresh mind. It is amazing the little ideas that pop in your head when you have a short break.
RETALIA NATION
Genre: Crime / Thriller
Lead Character Name: Holly Haverstouff
Role: Professional Shoplifter (Protagonist)
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Holly is a cunning sociopath with elegant taste, gregarious and a faux-gracious manipulator who wars with the head of security of Retalia Nation and his minions.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
She pulls off some major thefts, using disguises and outwits Retalia security over and over. She has an arc of ruthlessness all the way to considering going straight when her best friend's daughter is executed.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the script?
Opening scene where she steals a whole tray of diamond rings from a department store by pretending to be an auditor from corporate headquarters.

4. How was the role introduced in a way that sold it to an actor?
She gets to pull off major thefts while manipulating those who work for her to take a lot of the risks and she is smarter than Rodney, the head of Retalia Nation security at a major mall, humiliating him.

5. What is this character’s emotional range?
From ruthless thief to finally having some legitimate remorse when her best friend's daughter gets executed for shoplifting.

6. What subtext did the actor play?
As a child, she grew up poor and got humiliated by being denied even necessities while kids around her had nice things. As an adult, shoplifting gets her everything she wanted even though she has a really good job as a business owner.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character had?
Cat and mouse with Rodney, she outwits him when he thinks he has her cornered, she sneaks out through a tunnel under the mall that even he does not know exists. It was there before the mall was built. Mentoring her protege who works for her, teaching her the tricks of the trade and showing her how to be a better shoplifter. With her best friend's daughter, who admires her for having nice things, she hints at what she does but feels the girl is too young. She gives her nice gifts, so that the girl always has the latest in fashion.

8. How was this character’s unique voice presented?
Holly is always upbeat, making intelligent conversation, creating rapport with people but under the hood, she is always looking for an angle to manipulate people and steal.

9. What made this character special and unique?
Her upbeat attitude makes people like her along with intelligent conversation and jokes. She's smart and well educated and well dressed. She wears disguises sometimes to dress down to blend in better as a shoplifter. She puts a pebble in her shoe to change her gait so that the mall security system can't recognize her from her gait. She's almost always one step ahead of Rodney and his security team.

Lead Character Name: Rodney Shackels
Role: Head of Retalia Nation Security (Antagonist)

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
He's arrogant and thinks he can outsmart any shoplifting crew. He's persistent and is right a lot of the time, but not when it matters for catching Holly.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
He gets up at 3:30 every morning to work out and read the latest techniques on catching shoplifters and other criminals. He wasn't quite good enough to get into the FBI and has a chip on his shoulder.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the script?
He finds a vulnerability in the structure of a back hallway area of the mall and reinforces it with steel plates because it leads to the ceiling over a jewelry store and a bank.

4. How was the role introduced in a way that sold it to an actor?
Rodney is watching the video monitors of the mall and accurately predicting 90% of the time who is going to shoplift. He is baffled when Holly uses a laser to blind his cameras and pull off a theft of a whole tray of diamond rings.

5. What is this character’s emotional range?
Arrogant snob overly confident in his abilities. He kind of has the charisma that some drill sargeants have but it is limited-seems real on the surface but there is nothing there underneath.

6. What subtext did the actor play?
As a child, he was bullied. People stole stuff from him. In high school, some kid would dress and look like him and open his locker when he was not there and take things including money out of his locker. The school never caught who did it.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character had?
He plays cat and mouse with Holly and wants to catch her so badly but he is always two steps behind her.
He tries to mentor his assistant head of security, but the guy does not really respect him.

8. How was this character’s unique voice presented?
He has all of these funny sayings about crime that are stupid because they are so obvious. He works hard but really is no match for Holly.

9. What made this character special and unique?
He's persistent in his work, especially pursuing Holly, but just doesn't quite have the gray matter to catch her even though he has the right tools.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Christopher Confer. Reason: Formatting gets put into one large block of text

[Madeleind Gentinetta]

Madeleine’s Actor attractors for “Dirty Old Secret”.

Vision: I am going to do whatever it takes for me to be a writer of original, emotionally rich stories, recognized for depth, humor, and enduring impact, resulting in financial, critical and audience success.

What I learned from doing this assignment is: I was able to go deep into Mary’s character and I came up with some interesting new insight about who she is and how she acts during the story.

Actor Attractor Template
Movie Title: DIRTY OLD SECRET
Lead Character Name: Mary

1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role?
A seasoned singer who experiences her crumbling façade journey as ultimate life lesson.

2. What makes this character the most interesting character in the movie?
Mary’s journey from a deeply flawed façade-driven celebrity to a self-accepting, life-embracing vulnerable person makes her both relatable and inspirational, providing a deep dive into the challenges of aging in the limelight by revealing the double beauty standard for women in the showbiz.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie?
Mary falls off the stage mimicking a legendary star, escapes from a hospital in a wheelchair, flouts elderly home rules, chooses dancing over prescribed exercises, entertains children by singing, unexpectedly sports purple hair due to a hairdresser's mistake, courageously reveals her age on stage, creatively integrates wardrobe malfunctions into her performance, perseveres through technical glitches during her show, sneaks out to get a hamster for a child, and confronts the impact of a neighbor’s death, and iconic walking chair moment as arguing scene with opponent.

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor?
Introduced as a glamorous yet aging star during a performance, Mary's facade cracks when she physically falls off the stage, reaching for a drink, which is denied from the bar owner, a symbolic start to her unraveling and transformation.

5. What is this character's emotional range?
A dichotomy between her public persona and her private struggles: From being confident on stage to being lost backstage, from arrogant to unsecure, from performing to struggle to move, from defying age in the limelight to being afraid of death at the elderly home. Two persons: one in front and one behind the curtain.

6. What subtext can the actor play?
Underneath her public persona, there's a constant battle between her desire for fame and the reality of aging, as well her fear of dying, which she tries to hide less and less successful. Her stay at the elderly home is a constant Memento Mori, with no way to escape. The subtext theme being the fish out of water in the elderly home, where she has to land in order to get her coming of age.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has?
Mary has to deal with a shy girl who is very unsecure, and acts as a catalyst for Mary’s own insecurity, which she is not even aware about. Only with time Mary discovers that the girl Sophie and her suffer from the same feeling of low self-esteem, just a the two different ends of the age spectrum.
Sophie – The relationship with Sophie is emotionally potent because it highlights the universal struggle with self-esteem that transcends age, making it both relatable and significant for character development.
Mary and Vince have a difficult relationship because Vince and Mary for a long time are not aware of the age biases under which Mary suffers. Only with time, they get aware of it and even then, it’s hard for Vince to accept it.
Vince – The dynamic with Vince offers a complex view of professional and personal interaction clouded by unrecognized biases. Their evolving understanding of these biases adds layers to their relationship, enriching the story's thematic exploration.
Placid is a hidden gem, because he seems rigid but deep down he is a contstraint artist who admires Mary and helps her at the end. He himself wanted to be a dancer. He is a bit like Christopher Walken in the dance video “weapon of choice”.
Placid – Featuring Placid as a character who admires Mary yet appears rigid, adds a twist of irony and depth to his character, mirroring the hidden depths in Mary herself. His backstory as a constrained artist could provide poignant moments of connection and mutual respect that enrich the narrative.

8. How is this character's unique voice presented?
Through sharp wit and biting humor that shields her vulnerabilities (a bit like Will in “About A Boy”, transitioning to heartfelt sincerity as she embraces her true identity The transformation of Mary's use of humor from a defense mechanism to a therapeutic tool highlights her growth.

9. What makes this character special and unique?
Mary embodies the struggle against societal expectations of age and as a woman especially beauty, making a daring public transformation that challenges both herself and societal norms.

Antagonist Character Name: Vince
1. Known for Role
This role offers an actor the challenge of portraying a complex antagonist whose ambition drives both his success and his flaws, offering a rich tapestry of moral ambiguity to explore.
2. Most Interesting Character
Vince stands out as he embodies the modern struggle between personal gain and ethical standards, making him a reflection of the societal pressures that prioritize success over integrity.
3. Interesting Actions
Vince manipulates both personal and professional relationships to secure his ambitions, schemes to replace Mary to freshen the show’s appeal, and grapples with his own moral dilemmas when his plans face unforeseen consequences.
4. Introduction
Introduced as Mary’s trusted piano accompanist, Vince's deeper ambitions are gradually unveiled, revealing his strategic mind and personal insecurities, drawing the actor into a role that balances surface charm with deeper, conflicting motivations.
5. Emotional Range
Vince’s emotional journey spans from charismatic confidence to hidden vulnerability, showcasing his internal battle with fear of failure and desire for recognition.
6. Subtext
The actor can play with the subtext of Vince’s outward charm masking his desperation for success and fear of obsolescence, adding layers to his interactions and decisions.
7. Interesting Relationships
His complex dynamics with Mary, characterized by both genuine care and underlying betrayal, and his interactions with industry insiders, provide a canvas for exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition.
8. Unique Voice
Vince’s dialogue would blend persuasive charm with subtle manipulation, using his eloquence to influence those around him while hiding his true intentions.
9. Special
Vince is special because he personifies the universal theme of the cost of ambition, making him a relatable and cautionary tale of what happens when one’s professional drive overshadows personal integrity.

Actor Attractor Template: Antagonist Character Name: Sophie
1. Known for Role
Sophie’s role would attract an actor looking to portray a deeply meaningful transformation from a shy, overlooked child to a confident young individual who can speak truth to power.
2. Most Interesting Character:
Sophie stands out as she embodies innocence with the power to see and speak the truth, often overlooked by adults, which allows her to influence the main character profoundly.
3. Interesting Actions
Initially, Sophie passively participates in reading sessions, but gradually she starts initiating conversations, asking poignant questions that challenge Mary, and eventually expressing her own views that serve as a reality check for Mary.
4. Introduction
Sophie could be introduced in a scene where she is almost invisible to others at the retirement home, absorbed in her books, hinting at her observant nature and depth, which Mary notices.
5.Emotional Range
From reticent and introspective to assertively honest, Sophie's character could explore a broad spectrum of emotions as she gains the courage to express her thoughts and stands up as Mary’s critic.
6. Subtext
The subtext of Sophie’s character involves her growing realization of her own voice and worth, influenced by her interactions with Mary, but also her internal struggle with being direct and honest in a world that often dismisses the insights of the young.
7. Interesting Relationships
Besides her transformative relationship with Mary, Sophie might develop subtle but significant interactions with other residents, perhaps inspiring them too, or with staff members who underestimate her.
8. Unique Voice
Sophie’s dialogue could start minimal and cautious, but gain in complexity and confidence, showcasing her development and the impact of Mary’s mentorship.
9. Special
What makes Sophie unique is her ability to mirror and then challenge Mary, catalyzing pivotal moments in the story through her newfound courage to speak the truth, making her a key figure in the narrative’s climax and resolution.

Antagonist Character Name: Placid
1. Known for Role
An actor would be drawn to Placid's unique blend of strict administration and his hidden artistic passions, alongside a profound commitment to justice, particularly in defending the elderly against discrimination.
2. Most Interesting Character
Placid intrigues as he balances his disciplined role with his secret life as a dancer and his unexpected fierce advocacy for the elderly, making him a figure of authority, creativity, and moral integrity.
3. Interesting Actions
From enforcing rules with a firm hand to secretly practicing dance moves, and eventually using his position to protect and empower the elderly, Placid's actions reflect his complex character.
4. Introduction
Introduced as a stringent administrator, hints of his deeper artistic passions and protective nature could be subtly revealed, perhaps showing him watching old dance performances or reacting more emotionally to issues affecting the elderly.
5. Emotional Range
Placid shows a wide emotional range, from the controlled exterior of an administrator to passionate outbursts defending his residents or when he engages in dance as a form of expression.
6. Subtext
The subtext of Placid’s actions could be his struggle between his public persona and his internal desires—his love for dance and his drive to act against injustice—highlighting a conflict between duty and passion.
7. Interesting Relationships
His relationships could dynamically show contrasts; professionally stern yet personally warm with Mary, subtly influencing her journey and vice versa, deepening their mutual understanding and respect.
8. Unique Voice
Placid’s dialogue could shift from formal and administrative to moments of eloquent passion about dance and justice, revealing his dual nature and deep convictions.
9. Special
Placid is special because he defies expectations—his role as an administrator and hidden dancer illustrates his complexity, and his advocacy for the elderly showcases his depth of character and commitment to equity.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Madeleind Gentinetta.
• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Madeleind Gentinetta.
• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Madeleind Gentinetta.
• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Madeleind Gentinetta.

[David Wickenden]

Assignment #2 David Wickenden Roles that Sell Actors
Vision: I become a writer that the industry respects and wants to work with and it offers me challenges that helps me to continue to grow and be successful.
“What I learned from doing this assignment is…?”
By following the prompts, one can easily spell out why the character would be attractive to actors.
State: I just love…
Activity: …creating Actor Attractors for my characters!
Attractors for Eliza Blackwood:
Known for Role: Eliza's transformation from a skeptic to a powerful leader in control of supernatural forces would showcase an actor's range and depth.
Most Interesting Character: Eliza's journey from disbelief to empowerment is compelling, offering a complex emotional arc for an actor to explore.
Interesting Actions: Eliza could perform rituals, confront ghosts and the cult, and ultimately wield magical powers against her enemies.
Introduction: Eliza could be introduced as a skeptical and rational character, providing a contrast to the supernatural elements she will later encounter.
Emotional Range: Eliza's emotional range would include skepticism, fear, determination, and ultimately, acceptance and power.
Subtext: Eliza's journey can be played with subtextual layers of trust, betrayal, and the search for identity and belonging.
Interesting Relationships: Eliza's relationships with her siblings and the ghosts of her ancestors would be pivotal, offering opportunities for deep emotional connections and conflicts.
Unique Voice: Eliza's voice could evolve from one of doubt and hesitation to one of authority and conviction, reflecting her transformation.
Special: Eliza's special connection to the supernatural forces and her ancestors would make her a unique and powerful character, offering a blend of horror and empowerment.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  David Wickenden.

[Brandi Hoffman]

Brandi’s actor attractors!

Brandi’s Vision: I want the creative freedom to attract an audience that is passionate about my films, and regularly deliver films that are commercially successful and leave my audience thrilled and eager for the next.

What I learned: Designing people to fit my story is fun! I can pick and choose traits to see if they work and to make the characters interesting and fun.

Mei:
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? She’s a cute and funny know-it-all who lies out of habit (not malice) and gets caught in a web of her own making.

What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? She uses magic/ distraction/ misdirection and charm to get what she wants

What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? Obsessively perfecting her routine, lying out of habit, facing off against Buddy in the ultimate magic showdown.

How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? In a magic show that showcases her humor, her magic abilities and her charm.

What could be this character’s emotional range? The highs and low in a performing career, regretting the choices she’s made regarding her family, the ability to finally accept her judgemental family.

What subtext can the actor play? Her underlying insecurity in her relationships.

What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? Her high achieving, tiger-mom mother, the boyfriend she dumped who she later found in her prop box.

How will this character’s unique voice be presented? Through her self depreciating humor, clever one-liners, and charming personality. She is a quick thinker and resourceful problem-solver, using her wit and charm to navigate the challenges she faces.

What could make this character special and unique? Mei shoots her mouth off first, and figures out consequences later. Because of this, she must continuously run damage control, which is a lot more work than telling the truth in the first place.

[Pat Fitzgerald]

Pat Fitzgerald’s Actor Attractors
My vision is to complete this course with a contest-winning script that will establish me as a courageous and original writer.
What I learned is that I had so much fun answering the actor attractor questions with the first ideas that popped into my head. While doing so I gained unexpected insights on the characters that can possibily be woven into a plot outline. I also give myself the freedom of treating this like a first draft, continuing to let go of perfection. If I remain open-minded I am confident that I will delve deeper into my characters' personalities in the future.

Lead Character’s Actor Attractors
Myra Jenkins – Protag, or as I think of her, the Anti-protagonist. That seems to fit so much better for a dark comedy.
Why would an actor want to be known for this role?
Beneath her oh-so sweet, if not controlling exterior, Myra is a sociopath who seeks thrills by hurting others and her favorite sport becomes murder.
What makes this character the most interesting?
She coerces her friend, Julie Szyzkowpanski, into darker and darker “pranks” on others until they commit murder, but for what Myra deems is a worthy cause – the person no longer had the will to live, so what’s wrong with putting them out of their misery? After learning she has terminal cancer Myra regrets teaching Julie the art of the kill and fears for her own life.
Most interesting actions she could take.
Pushes a ladder over, on which her husband washes second floor windows. Publicly acts horrified over her husband’s “accidental” death. After moving into a retirement home, she becomes a leading force with the residents, all the while plotting who should receive her “angel of mercy benefits.”
Introduce the role to sell it.
Pushes over a latter which causes her husband’s death and then acts hysterical with grief at his funeral, until she enters a ladies’ room where she hysterically laughs over being rid of him.
Characters emotional range.
Loaded with self-confidence, enjoys the thrill of “angel of mercy acts” to living in fear that she will be killed before she wants to die if her friend discovers that she has terminal cancer.
What subtext can the actor play?
Myra’s uber-critical mother never tired of telling her that no matter what she did, she did it wrong. This caused Myra to control others, making sure the others always knew that she was right.
What’s the most interesting relationships?
In the retirement village Myra is reunited with her high school best friend, Julie, with whom they pulled nasty pranks on classmates. Myra thinks she can resume the same type of relationship, not realizing that Julie has long sought revenge on Myra for bullying Julie into submissiveness.
How will her unique voice be presented?
Myra is sugary sweet in public but belittling in private.
What makes her special and unique?
She’s a senior citizen serial killer.

Julie Szyzkowpanski – Antagonist
What would cause an actor to want to be known for this role?
Julie goes from being a passive follower to a woman who secretly is hell-bent on revenge.
What makes this character one of the most interesting in the story?
She comes across as passive, but Julie is cunning, always looking for a chance to take the lead away from her friend, Myra. Eventually she succeeds in a most murderous fashion.
What are the most interesting actions that Julie can take?
She is Myra’s confident, but uses what she learns to turn the tables on Myra. She gleefully commits a “mercy killing” before Myra gives her the okay to do so. After learning that Myra has terminal cancer, Julie plots Myra’s “mercy” death and gets away with it. (Maybe)
How can the role be introduced in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Julie reunites with her high school friend, Myra, at Myra’s husband’s funeral, leads crying Myra into a ladies room, where they both burst into laughter that Myra is finally free of her husband.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
Julie goes from a passive follower to an independent woman who is gleeful over taking the lives of others.
What subtext can the actor play?
Myra may have been best buds with Julie, but Julie resented Myra’s controlling ways and always wanted to get revenge on her.
What’s the most interesting relationships the character can have?
Julie and Myra have a close friendship, but Julie is always under Myra’s thumb. Julie is having a secret affair with Billy Larson.
How will the character’s unique voice be presented?
Julie remains passive toward Myra until her need for revenge breaks wide open. That’s when she starts wreaking havoc on the retirement village.
What could make this character special and unique?
She’s Ms. Prim and Proper to the world but she bubbles with a need to take over a domineering role from her friend, Myra.
Billy Larson – triangle role.
What about this role would cause an actor to be known for it?
Billy’s a comedic letch, out to seduce all the widows in his retirement village. He’s funny and kind of disgusting at the same time.
What makes this character one of the most interesting in the story?
He is surreptitiously controlling and an expert at conniving to get what he wants.
What are the most interesting actions he can take in the script?
A window peeper. Plays Julie against Myra and vice versa.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
He skulks through the retirement village at night, window peeping on all the widows.
What could be the character’s emotional range.
Happy-go-lucky to a thirst for blood.
What subtext can the actor play?
A former high school teacher, Billy orchestrated the death of a school girl with whom he had an affair, so he wouldn’t get caught having sex with a minor.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
He tries to seduce Julie, but when he’s unsuccessful he seduces Julie, which causes Myra to pursue Billy sexually. Billy coerces Julie to “mercy kill” Myra.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
An outward horny doofus who cleverly schemes to get what and who he wants.
What could make this character unique and special?
He gets away with murder.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Pat Fitzgerald.

[Renee Miller]

Renee's Actor Attractors

What I learned from this assignment is how to look at my characters and make decisions that would make them attractive to actors. There is a lot more that goes into creating engaging characters than I originally thought.

Lead Character Name: Dr. Hope Thorn
Known for Role: Playing Dr. Hope Thorn is a deeply complex character who balances the dual identity of a healer and a former killer.

Most Interesting Character: She struggles with her own violent past while trying to guide others toward redemption, embodying a stark contrast between her past and present self.

Interesting Actions: Hope could lead tense group therapy sessions, expose her own past in critical moments to manipulate outcomes, and use her knowledge of criminal psychology to track down the new killer.

Introduction: Introduce Dr. Thorn in a therapy session, calmly handling a volatile confrontation among group members, showcasing her control and deep understanding of the killer's psyche.

Emotional Range: She goes from calm and composed to intensely vulnerable and fearful, which shows her inner turmoil and the weight of her dark secrets.
Subtext: She is hiding her past as a serial killer while trying to help her serial killer clients come to terms with themselves and their past actions.

Interesting Relationships: Her relationships with her patients, who are also potential threats, provide a complex relational dynamic to explore.

Unique Voice: Her voice is both soothing and commanding, reflecting her dual role as therapist and former killer, with occasional slips that hint at her darker side.

Special: Her unique position as a healer who once was a killer offers an unparalleled psychological depth, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the nature of evil.

Lead Character Name: Felix Moray

Known for Role: It gives an actor a chance to delve into the psyche of a deeply scarred individual who seeks vengeance under the facade of needing help.

Most Interesting Character: His dual nature —posing as a victim while meticulously planning revenge, makes him interesting and creates a thrilling and unpredictable character.

Interesting Actions: Felix could ingeniously manipulate group dynamics, set elaborate traps for his targets, and reveal his true intentions in dramatic fashion.

Introduction: Felix is a new, seemingly vulnerable member of the group, gradually unveiling his calculating and vengeful nature as his backstory unfolds.

Emotional Range: Felix would start by showing vulnerability and sorrow, then switching to cold, calculated anger and satisfaction as he enacts his revenge.

Subtext: Felix’s subtext revolves around themes of justice and retribution, often blurring the lines between victimhood and villainy.

Interesting Relationships: His relationships are laced with deception; his dynamic with Dr. Thorn, as both his target and potential confidante, adds layers of tension and intrigue.

Unique Voice: Felix's voice is calm and collected, hiding a sharp, calculating mind. His words often carry double meanings, reflecting his complex motives.

Special: The juxtaposition of his victim status with his role as a methodical avenger makes him a uniquely compelling character, especially as his plans unfold with dramatic irony and suspense.

[Lee Tidball]

Lee's Actor Attractors

ACTOR ATTRACTORS (first draft)

My Vision: I am a writer who is excellent, recognized as such by people in the industry, and has several projects sold for WGA-type fees and some of those produced and successful in the theater and/or on a major streamer.

What I learned doing this lesson is that there’s all kinds of directions to go with main characters, and it’s hard to know the right one for each. Glad that this is just a “first draft.”

First Draft – Main Character Actor Attractors

Lead Character Name: Kellen Hamilton
Role: Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? It’s a female-driven action/thriller with a badass female lead that also has heart and intelligence as well. Much more to do than just kill bad guys, though there’s plenty of that too. Just the kind of role that could prolong the action career of a current female action star or, even better, give a star not known as a badass a chance to become one.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? She’s a former Green Beret who’s struggling with lingering PTSD from action in Afghanistan. Upon discharge, she determines to take on the profession that she hopes would keep her as far away from violence as possible—becoming a teacher. She chooses to become an Outdoor Education teacher because she still likes to be outside and the Army taught her a lot about nature and survival. Then, during her first year, she finds it necessary to get right back into the violent world she thought she’d left, this time to save her class and prevent a national disaster.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? Figuring out what’s up with the “wildcat miners” that have taken over a mining ghost town that she takes her class to, figuring out how to rescue her class once they’re taken hostage without anyone getting hurt. Breaking out her sniper rifle once again, this time to save lives as much as to take them. Reconciling her loathing of her old violent life with the necessity to revisit it again. Rescuing her class, beating up and killing the bad guys, saving the nation. Lots of fighting, in close, from far away, and everything in between.

4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? She’s being interviewed for her Outdoor Education School job and is questioned about her work in the Army. She downplays it all, makes herself sound like a typical soldier, all while having flashbacks of violent, emotional action scenes from her days as a Green Beret.

5. What could be this character’s emotional range. From the joy and fun of working with kids, teaching them, talking with them, etc., heartache over things that happened overseas when she had to leave Afghani friends behind, cold, hard determination to complete her mission, and the nail-biting adrenaline rush of combat.

6. What subtext can the actor play? She’s always hiding who she really was, both from her bosses, her colleagues, her students, and the right-wing militia group that’s plotting to take down the nation’s power grids.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? There’s a colleague who’s a real ecology nut who’s trying to make it with her, but she’s not interested. There’s three of her Green Beret colleagues that she summons to help her, one of whom was a guy she was really close to, but she wouldn’t commit to. She also has a nephew who adored her before she left for the military who’s bitter about her leaving and never communicating—and is also the high school counselor of her class at the Outdoor School.

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? She finds it hard to get out of military-isms and uses them in situations that are not always appropriate, etc.

9. What could make this character special and unique? She’s finally able to be proud of her service and the ways she’s learned to protect others, but also is very good at being kind, caring, motivational and instructive to the students that she deals with in her job.

Lead Character Name – Gabriel Knox
Role – Antagonist

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? He plays like he’s a true believer in the cause he’s working for, but is really just a mercenary and likes to cause mayhem and “right” personal grievances. He appears to be an evil Batman, but he’s really just The Joker at heart.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? He’s very skilled in covering who he really is, and thus is able to tell that Kellen, the protagonist, is doing just the same thing. He needles her about it in order to get a rise out of her and find out more about who she really is. He’s also very skilled in both fighting, weapons, and tech systems.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? Commandeer an old mining ghost town under the guise of being wildcat miners, taking a class of school kids hostage, struggling with whether to kill them or not, playing off of Kellen to irritate her, get her to lose her cool, reveal her true self, carry out a plan to bring down the nation’s power grids, brag about himself and his evil exploits, fight it out with Kellen at the end, etc.

4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? When he first meets Kellen and her class, he acts all nice and teases the kids, etc., but in a bizarre sort of way. They tour the town. The kids are enthralled, but Kellen sees some suspicious things. Just as they’re being sent on their way by Gabriel, one of the kids screams when she sees an assault rifle. Kellen commands the kids to run. They do, and Kellen surprises Gabriel with how easily she takes him down, but the kids can’t escape. They’re hostages now.

5. What could be this character’s emotional range – Gabriel goes from being serious about his business and what his team’s plan is, to laughing with kids, to acting coldly violent.

6. What subtext can the actor play? He’s hiding the fact that he’s a mercenary. He also feigns who he and his men really are, and delights in irritating Kellen.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? Probably that between he and Kellen. He continually tries to find out who Kellen once was, sure that she’s covering, and he uses various tactics to get her to reveal that.

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? He’s loud, boisterous, and evil, but can also be calm, quiet, and sinister. The changes from these two extremes can come just about any time.

9. What could make this character special and unique? He’s special because of the mission he’s been hired to do, and he has a unique talent for accomplishing it, yet he’s utterly ruthless at the same time.

AI RESPONSES – I really liked some of these and plan to integrate them into the other actor attractors above.
Kellen Hamilton
1. Known for Role: This role offers an actor the opportunity to portray a multifaceted character blending military precision with educational fervor, showcasing her journey from a conflicted soldier to a nurturing mentor.

2. Most Interesting Character: Kellen is intriguing due to her inner conflict and transition from a Green Beret sniper to a protective teacher, highlighting her struggle between her past violent skills and her current nurturing role.

3. Interesting Actions: Kellen could ingeniously use environmental science and survival skills to outwit the militia, turning the natural landscape into her tactical advantage while protecting her students.

4. Introduction: Introduce Kellen during a tranquil yet commanding outdoor class, followed by a sudden shift to her taking decisive action when the threat emerges, highlighting her dual nature.

5. Emotional Range: From moments of serene teaching and heartfelt interactions with students to intense, strategic combat situations and painful flashbacks of her military past.

6. Subtext: Kellen constantly battles with her guilt and her instinct to revert to her military training when faced with threats, providing a rich subtext for an actor to explore.

7. Interesting Relationships: Her protective bond with her nephew, Jesse, and her students, contrasted with her tactical and strained interactions with the militia, offers a complex web of relationships.

8. Unique Voice: Kellen's military background and educational role combine to create a unique authoritative yet empathetic voice, enriched by tactical command and environmental wisdom.

9. Special: Her transition from a life-taking sniper to a life-teaching environmentalist makes her a unique symbol of redemption and transformation, setting her apart in a narrative filled with action and suspense.

Gabriel Knox
1. Known for Role: An actor would be drawn to Gabriel’s role due to the complex portrayal of a villain who sees himself as a hero, providing a deep exploration of misguided patriotism.

2. Most Interesting Character: Gabriel is fascinating due to his charismatic leadership, strategic mind, and the personal vendetta driving his extremist actions, offering a nuanced antagonist.

3. Interesting Actions: Gabriel orchestrating complex strategies and psychological warfare, not just physical confrontations, showcases his strategic genius and ruthlessness.

4. Introduction: Introduce him in a charismatic rally or planning session, showing his influence and radical vision, instantly setting him up as a formidable and persuasive antagonist.

5. Emotional Range: Gabriel’s role spans from calm, persuasive speeches to explosive anger and strategic manipulation, providing a vast emotional landscape.

6. Subtext: His sense of betrayal and loss fuels his actions, giving an actor rich subtext to play with, portraying a man torn between revenge and a warped sense of duty.

7. Interesting Relationships: His adversarial relationship with Kellen, coupled with interactions with his followers, where he shifts between mentor and tyrant, provides dynamic relational dynamics.

8. Unique Voice: Gabriel’s speech patterns mix the fervor of a zealot with the cold precision of a military strategist, making his dialogue captivating and chilling.

9. Special: His portrayal as a villain with a cause, a twisted hero in his own narrative, makes him a particularly compelling character that stands out in a genre filled with clear-cut antagonists.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Lee Tidball.

[Sunil Pappu]

Sunil Pappu’s Actor attractors!

My Vision: I’m a successful produced writer who specializes in female-led thrillers.

“What I learned from doing this assignment is… to create actor attractors for each of my lead characters that are unique and exciting for actors to attach to the project.”

Genre: War Thriller
High Concept: A female radio operator trained as a British spy is enlisted to intercept a top-secret cable between the US and Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Actor Attractors

Movie Title: THE SINKING LINE
Lead Character Name: Ria Sarkar
Role: Protagonist – Radio operator, Former British Spy

1. Actor notoriety
A female radio operator formerly trained as a British Spy who wants to prove herself as she deals with her father’s tarnished legacy and, her phobia of water and closed spaces.

2. Character that is most interesting in the movie
The irony of her fear of water and her mission to tap undersea cables where she has to dive underwater and fight a traitor. She successfully deciphers a top secret message to pinpoint the D-day of the enemy attack and saves countless lives during the Indo-Pak war of 1971.

3. Takes the most interesting actions in the story

She fails to execute a drill and faces the wrath of the misogynistic captain. She decodes the enemy’s plans and finds a traitor on board. She dives underwater to tap a secret enemy cable and fights the traitor in the deep ocean.

4. Outstanding Introduction

A failed spy mission introduces Ria as a skilled but emotionally scarred radio operator, overshadowed by her father's dishonor. She works in the shadows of R&AW, defined by her father's alleged betrayal. She joins a male-dominated Naval crew on a punishment posting no one wants to take for it’s a guaranteed failure and away from the real action as preparations for war are underway.

5. Character's emotional range

From depressed and suicidal to brave and brutal – she navigates a male-dominated world with grace. Her presence on the ship changes the dynamics as the crew is more civilized in her presence and feels obliged to sensor their language around her while she bottles up her emotions to hide her fear and insecurities.

6. Subtext the actor can play
She plays on the tension between her professional demeanor and her internal struggle with her father's legacy while hiding her real mission of exposing the traitor as he underestimates her.

7. Relationships that are interesting

Captain Desai – She has a love-hate relationship with the captain – who thinks his ship is no place for a girl but increasingly starts to admire her resilience and in the end even likes and respects her.

Commander Vikram – she reports to him but has been sent to expose him and he underestimates her and pays with his life.

Lt. Rehman – he respects her and is her only comrade on the crew who helps her overcome her fears and sacrifices his life to protect the mission.

Secy. Varma – he is her mentor and she will do anything for the success of his plan but in the end, she realises he lied about her father’s legacy and feels betrayed.

8. Unique voice expressed through dialogue and action
She is not a talker and chooses her words carefully and the crew feel the need to censor themselves in her presence. She is unafraid to break protocols and stand up to authority and mostly gets away with it.

9. Something truly special about this character
She Is aware of the sexism and misogyny on and off the ship is not afraid to speak her mind despite the consequences. Her ability to notice subtle details others miss, crucial in espionage, sets her apart.

Lead Character Name: Commander Vikram Singh
Role: Antagonist – Tactical Commander of the rebel Naval crew, Traitor

1. Actor notoriety
A charming and intelligent traitor who is ideologically opposed to the independence of Bangladesh but leads the rebel crew on a mission that he sabotages. Playing a charming yet treacherous commander is a chance to explore a complex villain.

2. Character that is most interesting in the movie
A Pakistan Naval Officer deserts his ship and reluctantly joins the rebel crew but secretly plots for their mission to fail. His duplicity and ideological motivations provide a rich, nuanced antagonist.

3. Takes the most interesting actions in the story

His covert sabotages and manipulations create suspense and conflict. He relays secret messages to the enemy. He kills the diver Lt. Rehman and lets Ria take the fall for it. He allows Pakistani frogmen to sabotage the ship and fights Ria to death underwater.

4. Outstanding Introduction
He abandons his ship in France along with his crew to seek passage back to India through Europe to infiltrate the rebel forces trained by Indian Intelligence agency RA&W on a secret mission.

5. Character's emotional range
He can swing from charismatic to sinister, allowing for a compelling portrayal. He is calm and persuasive while he plots against his own crew. He is brutal in his killing and appears trustworthy while carrying out his betrayal.
6. Subtext the actor can play

The contrast between his seeming loyalty and hidden betrayal adds layers of subtext. He wants personal vendetta for his sister and is constantly scheming while trying to gain the captain and crew’s trust.

7. Relationships that are interesting

Ria – she is the only one who can see through his subterfuge and he underestimates her to his own peril.

Lt. Rehman – he represents everything that he hates about the rebel forces and he constantly undermines him until he kills him in a staged accident.

Captain Desai –wins his trust and deceives him by sabotaging his ship and the mission.

8. Unique voice expressed through dialogue and action
Smooth and convincing, masking his true intentions with charm. His ideological differences are apparent when his actions don’t match his words.

9. Something truly special about this character
He is blinded by his vendetta and is used by the Pakistani military in the ultimate betrayal and deception. He believes that the rebel forces executed his family when in reality it is the Pakistani military he’s working for that massacred them in the genocide.

Lead Character Name: Anirudh Desai
Role: Ship's Captain, MV Padma

1. Actor notoriety
A male chauvinistic and charismatic ship captain who believes women are ill-suited for the high seas. He wrestles with his past and prejudices to undergo a genuine transformation.

2. Character that is most interesting in the movie
He is a misogynistic captain who has a change of heart when he encounters a strong female radio operator who challenges him and proves him wrong. His evolution from a stubborn skeptic to a supportive ally forms a compelling redemption arc.

3. Takes the most interesting actions in the story
He makes it his mission to prove that women are not fit to serve in the Navy and puts Ria through the wringer. His decision-making in critical confrontations and how he handles internal ship conflicts with authority.

4. Outstanding Introduction

Eager to go on his much-needed vacation his going away party is cut short when he’s called back into service to captain a ship that was decommissioned. A commanding entrance on the bridge of his ship, barking orders, instantly sets his authoritative tone.

5. Character's emotional range
Driven by ego and his traditional views he lashes out with rage and cruelty when his authority is challenged by a young girl. From dismissive and gruff to introspective and supportive.

6. Subtext the actor can play

He would rather be on a tropical beach than on a decommissioned ship with a crew that seems to be increasingly bordering on mutiny.

7. Relationships that are interesting

Ria – He thinks she’s unfit for the Naval mission but begins to admire her resilience, intelligence and loyalty in the end.

Lt. Rehman – treats him as a diver who he thinks are less than sea cadets and officers.

Commander Vikram – They share a good camaraderie and he gives him a wide berth but in the end, he is tricked by his treachery.

8. Unique voice expressed through dialogue and action
Even as he tries to be charming and sophisticated with his rich taste in rock music and American movies, his traditional views come through his actions and dialogue, especially towards the lower-level staff of the crew and Ria, the only woman on board. A weathered, authoritative tone, seasoned with occasional glimpses of vulnerability.

9. Something truly special about this character
His charisma and theatrics are a foil to his traditional and outdated views but in the end he is able to make a transformation when Ria proves each of his beliefs to be biased and false. His deeply ingrained sense of duty and evolving worldview make him a standout.

Lead Character Name: Lieutenant Rehman Khan
Role: Diver, Rebel Naval Crew

1. Actor notoriety
Lt. Rehman plays the real freedom fighter representing the courageous rebel forces that refused to be controlled by the dictatorial Pakistani military. A daring diver and rebel who's both heroic and impulsive offers an exhilarating, action-packed role.

2. Character that is most interesting in the movie
Rehman wants to be on the right side of this war and fight for a free Bangladesh. His bravery and recklessness make him a thrilling, unpredictable presence.

3. Takes the most interesting actions in the story
He joins the secret mission and gives his life for it. His underwater exploits and risky maneuvers during the mission are visually and dramatically engaging.

4. Outstanding Introduction
First seen in a daring underwater operation, establishing his skill and bravery. Lt. Rehman saves Commander Vikram’s life as they escape through Europe to reach India.

5. Character's emotional range
He is resigned to his position as a second-class seaman and is brave and courageous to fight the good fight. A mix of adrenaline-fueled excitement, deep-seated guilt, and earnest loyalty.
6. Subtext the actor can play
Even if I follow you in my actions I will never follow you in my heart. His internal battle with survivor’s guilt and his need to prove himself to his family.

7. Relationships that are interesting
Commander Vikram – saves his life and in return ends up being killed by him. He is constantly undermined and abused by Vikram but he follows his command unhesitatingly.

Ria – He encourages her to fight her fears and is willing to give his life to save her.

8. Unique voice expressed through dialogue and action

Energetic and slightly reckless, with a tinge of hidden sorrow. He is a dreamer and patriot whose passion for singing is legendary among his crew. What he cannot express in words or actions comes through in his songs.

9. Something truly special about this character

His youthful vigor and fearless approach to combat situations make him magnetic. His passion and belief in his cause are contagious and win over the crew who feel his loss and sacrifice, inspiring them to fight the enemy until the very end even as they are ordered to abandon the sinking ship by the Captain.

Lead Character Name: Secretary Arjun Varma
Role: Mentor/Head of Special Frontier Forces, R&AW

1. Actor notoriety
The RA&W chief whose unconventional methods and an unlikely gamble pay off.

2. Character that is most interesting in the movie
A progressive mentor who believes in Ria more than she herself does. His unlikely plan only works if every single one of the crew that he’s carefully assembled is true to themselves.

3. Takes the most interesting actions in the story

He tasks Commander Vikram with a top-secret mission while only Ria knows the real purpose.

4. Outstanding Introduction

He is given an ultimatum by the Chief Advisor to provide concrete intelligence on the enemy attack on the eastern seafront.

5. Character's emotional range

He holds his cards close to his chest and is an enigma to his colleagues and superiors

6. Subtext the actor can play

He is always a few steps ahead of everyone, constantly playing a game of chess. He believes in his team even if the chances are slim for their mission to succeed.

7. Relationships that are interesting

Commander Vikram – he knows he cannot fully trust him but has no choice but to give him the command based on his rank and pressure from his superiors.

Ria – He trusts her instincts and intelligence and knows he is asking too much from her even while he withholds the truth about her father to motivate her to succeed.
Captain Desai – He is not convinced of his leadership but he has to make it work since the Chief Advisor has selected him based on the low priority given to the success of this mission.

8. Unique voice expressed through dialogue and action

He needs to prove everyone wrong about the importance of this mission and he would rather his actions speak louder than his words.

9. Something truly special about this character

He is a general of generals who knows that wars are not fought on the battlefield but in the war rooms. He knows his plan will give India the political mileage it needs to support the rebel forces for a free and independent nation of Bangladesh.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Sunil Pappu.

[jim ramsay]

RAMSAY-Module 3 – Lesson 6: Character Profiles Part 1 5.5.24
Vision: Creating extraordinary worlds for my characters. Producing my films will be my ultimate gratification.
Protagonist Michaela:
1. Concept: Michaela “Mic” Alverez has been obsessed since she was a teenager with hunting down Carlito, the man who killed her sister.
2. Journey: Also blaming her weakness, vulnerability, and God for letting her sister get killed. Mic denounces God and learns skills that make sure she is never vulnerable again, putting herself in ICE, where she has the resources and dedication to find and kill Carlito. After searching for years, overcoming circumstances and obstacles forced her to change her path.
3. Mic was severely damaged emotionally living through the brutal death of her sister. Obsessed with revenge, her life is miserable; she alienates everyone except a young teenage girl, Hannah, whom she inadvertently puts in danger. Now, her hunt for Carlito and her quest to save Hannah merge, putting her on a path of redemption or destruction. It’s her choice.
Protagonist Michaela:
1. Role: Mic is a determined federal agent driven by past traumas and her compulsion for vengeance. A teenage girl and joining forces with a Godly vigilante derail her goal of revenge.
2. Description: Mic is a 30-year-old Latina who would be beautiful, but she’s disheveled and hard-looking. Her anger is all over her face and body language. Attributing her vulnerability to her sister’s death Mic has learned offensive skills that give her an indestructible presence.
3. Core Traits: Doesn’t give a shit what anyone thinks. Except for Hannah, she needs to protect the innocent and cause severe harm to those who might hurt them. She doesn’t care about herself, just exacting revenge on Carlito. Her obsessive personality makes her a great federal agent. She has to accomplish her mission no matter what boundaries she pushes.
4. Motivation: She wants Revenge. She needs resolution and closure for the pain caused by her sister’s death.
5. Wound: That she could have prevented her sister’s death. That God would let her sister die.
6. Mic’s love and loss of her sister, her kindness and help for the vulnerable, her sense of humor and everyman’s presence, and her own vulnerability, doubts, and flaws.
Antagonist Carlito:
1. Role: Carlito is the primary antagonist of the story. He represents the embodiment of evil, the main impediment to Mic’s journey, and the ruthless leader of a faction with vast criminal operations.
2. Description: Late 30s, Latin, fastidious, always with a condescending look, he has a tick that no one dares mention,
3. Core Traits: He lacks humanity and has no remorse or empathy. Violence and murder are mundane exercises to him; he doesn’t enjoy or dislike committing heinous acts. They are just actions necessary to maintain his authority and control. His unapologetic nature and unwavering commitment to his interests make him a formidable adversary for Mic.
4. Motivation: Carlito’s odyssey is one of insatiable ambition and inculpable brutality. He ascended the Cartel ranks through atrocious barbarity, eliminating all threats to his power without hesitation. At first, he doesn’t recall his encounter with Mic and the death of her sister, but when he understands her motivation for revenge, it fuels his antagonism toward her. Throughout the story, Carlito’s primary goal is to protect his criminal empire and maintain his power at any cost, destroying anyone who stands in his way. So narcissistic Carlito can’t fathom the magnitude of Mic’s threat.
5. Wound: We don’t know yet.

[James Hernandez]

James’ Actor Attractors!
My Vision: I am a great writer who is recognized by the industry as an exceptional collaborator able to elevate any project into production and have maximum success.
What I learned from doing this assignment is…that I still need to find the special and unique for my lead characters. This is an important component of the Actor Attractors as it will inform and complete the characters’ requirements for appealing to name talent. AI gave me a few ideas that I will consider applying to the script.

Lead Character Name: Ethan
Role: Protagonist (aging bachelor)

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
The role expresses what many men advancing in age experience and is showed through comedy.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
This character is most interesting because he confronts and reconciles growing old in courageous manner.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
This character’s interesting actions could include pursuing younger women, testing his manhood, overcoming difficulties due to aging, and improving his masculinity.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
The introduction for this role could show Ethan struggling with being happy at a New Year’s Eve party. Every move he makes has him more desperate in finding a soulmate.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
The emotional range can from depressed to courageous to defeated to humorous to fortitude.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
The subtext played could include not showing the desperate state he’s in to the other characters.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Ethan has a developing love relationship with Lily. And simultaneously, the attraction between him and Joey intensifies causing havoc for everyone.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Ethan’s voice could be presented as witty, calculating, and defeated. His actions could be presented through exaggerated masculinity.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
This character could be the model aging men can emulate to overcome the challenges of growing old. This can present a playbook that aging men draw from to persevere.

Lead Character Name: Lily
Role: Love interest (reconciling past issues)

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
The role for this actress would showcase her range of emotions that will hopefully impact the audience.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
This character is one of the most interesting because there will be humor and heartfelt moments for the actress to play.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
The lead actress’ interesting actions could include holding her emotions inside and conversely, participate in outrageous antics to win over the male lead’s attention.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
I could introduce this role by having her in the middle of an action displaying her traits; more discovery needed here.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
The emotional range could go from elation to trepidation to relief to potential heartbreak to happiness.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
This actress could hide her true feelings for the male lead through being polite. She could also have a hidden agenda as she competes with the other female in the story.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
This actress could have interesting relationships with two men, a past fling and a current flame. Also, she could have a relationship with her mother. And a rivalry with the other female character.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Her voice would be articulate and precise to what she wants to accomplish in the story.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
She could be fluent in many languages, thus having men of various ethnicities find her attractive; more discovery needed here.

Lead Character Name: Joey
Role: Connecting character (unexpected love entanglement)

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
The role would require a comedic and sex appeal qualities fused together.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
This character is most interesting in that she must balance a double life; she presents a façade and covers her real life.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
The most interesting actions she takes could include sabotaging the lead male’s online profile, fighting the other female lead for the aging bachelor’s attention, and hide her real life through eccentric antics.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
This female lead could be introduced as a genius computer geek, yet is perceived to be not what she appears; more discovery needed here.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
The emotional range could go from cordial to meddling to lustful attraction to defensive to friendship.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
The subtext could be hiding her real life from the male lead by being polite. She could plot against the female love interest through underhanded schemes.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
The most interesting relationships could include one with the male lead as there’s a physical attraction. She could have a contentious battle with the other female lead. And, a relationship with her mother who is taking care of the kids.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Her unique voice could be presented as educated but with a scheming sense; more discovery needed here.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
This character could be special and unique as she’s very educated but believes her real life must be hidden to protect her interests; more discovery needed here.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  James Hernandez.

[Robin Fellows]

WIM+AI – Module 3 – Lesson 2
Robin’s Roles that Sell Actors

MY VISION: I aim to make my writing flow naturally, like second nature, crafting stories that resonate globally and leave a mark, backed by a supportive team who really get what I'm about.
I learned using this process unlocks creativity, harnessing powerful leads from the first scene to the last, crafting roles that actors and audiences will remember for years to come.
Lead Character Name: Jake Reynolds
Role: Protagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
This role offers the chance for an actor to showcase their range and depth by portraying a troubled detective battling addiction and corruption while striving for redemption. It's a gritty, complex character that would leave a lasting impression.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Jake Reynolds is compelling because he's a flawed hero with a heart of gold. His journey of redemption and resilience, coupled with his inner demons and addiction struggles, makes him relatable and intriguing to audiences.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Jake gets to delve into the city's dark underbelly, confront his inner demons, and face off against relentless adversaries. His actions are gritty, gutsy, and morally charged, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Jake's introduction could be like a punch in the gut, showcasing his determination and grit from the start. It's a role that grabs you from the get-go and promises plenty of depth and complexity.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
Jake's emotional range spans from despair and self-doubt to determination and redemption. He experiences moments of vulnerability and self-discovery, allowing the actor to showcase a wide range of emotions.
What subtext can the actor play?
Underneath Jake's tough exterior lies a world of inner conflict and turmoil. His struggles with addiction and personal demons add depth to his character and provide plenty of material for the actor to explore.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Jake's dynamic interactions with Veronica and Maya add layers of complexity to the story. His relationships challenge his beliefs and shape his journey, making for intense and intriguing scenes.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Jake has a unique voice characterized by his determination, resilience, and unwavering sense of justice. His dialogue reflects his inner struggles and moral convictions, making him a compelling and memorable protagonist.
What could make this character special and unique?
Jake's resilience and determination to do the right thing, even when it's hard, set him apart. He's a flawed hero with a relatable struggle, making him a character audiences will root for and remember long after the credits roll.
Lead Character Name: Veronica Blackwood
Role: Antagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
This role offers the chance for an actor to portray a cunning and manipulative villain with a complex backstory. Veronica Blackwood's intelligence, charm, and charisma make her a formidable adversary, providing ample opportunity for an actor to showcase their range and depth.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Veronica Blackwood is intriguing because she's not just a typical villain; she's a sly criminal genius with a fierce drive and crafty moves. Her tangled network and ruthless ambition add layers of complexity to her character, making her a compelling antagonist.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Veronica orchestrates intricate schemes to maintain the power of the Dominion Syndicate and further their agenda. Her actions are calculated, manipulative, and morally ambiguous, keeping the audience guessing and engaged throughout the story.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Veronica's introduction could showcase her intelligence and cunning, setting her up as a formidable adversary from the start. It's a role that promises plenty of intrigue, complexity, and opportunities for the actor to shine.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
Despite her outward confidence and control, Veronica harbors inner turmoil and unresolved trauma from her impoverished past. Her emotional range spans from cold and calculating to vulnerable and conflicted, providing depth and nuance to her character.
What subtext can the actor play?
Beneath Veronica's composed exterior lies a world of hidden motivations and vulnerabilities. Her manipulative tactics and ruthless ambition mask a deeper sense of insecurity and fear, allowing the actor to explore complex layers of subtext.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Veronica's dynamic interactions with Jake Reynolds and Maya Chen offer opportunities for intense and compelling scenes. Her complex relationships challenge her beliefs and motivations, driving the conflict forward and adding depth to the narrative.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Veronica has a unique voice characterized by her intelligence, charm, and cunning. Her dialogue reflects her manipulative nature and hidden agendas, making her a formidable and memorable antagonist.
What could make this character special and unique?
Veronica's fierce drive, crafty moves, and tangled network set her apart as a unique and memorable antagonist. Her complex backstory and motivations add depth and nuance to her character, making her a compelling adversary for the protagonist.
Lead Character Name: Maya Chen
Role: Triangle Character
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
This role offers the chance for an actor to portray a skilled and compassionate data analyst with a unique blend of intelligence and heart. Maya Chen's ability to uncover hidden truths and challenge conventional thinking makes her a compelling and relatable character for audiences.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Maya Chen is intriguing because she's not just a typical sidekick; she's a fourth-generation Chinese American data analyst with a tenacious spirit and caring nature. Her unconventional vocation adds complexity to the investigation and challenges the protagonist's beliefs, making her a vital and dynamic member of the team.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Maya leverages her analytical prowess and compassionate drive to uncover crucial information and provide valuable insights into the Syndicate's operations. Her actions are strategic, empathetic, and morally driven, driving the investigation forward and offering alternative perspectives.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Maya's introduction could showcase her intelligence and compassion, setting her up as a skilled and resourceful ally from the start. It's a role that promises plenty of depth, complexity, and opportunities for the actor to shine.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
Despite her outward confidence and analytical nature, Maya harbors deep empathy and compassion for the victims of the Syndicate's crimes. Her emotional range spans from analytical and logical to empathetic and compassionate, providing depth and nuance to her character.
What subtext can the actor play?
Beneath Maya's analytical exterior lies a world of empathy and compassion. Her ability to blend smarts with heart allows her to uncover hidden truths and challenge the status quo, adding depth and complexity to her character.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Maya's dynamic interactions with Jake Reynolds and Veronica Blackwood offer opportunities for intense and compelling scenes. Her unique perspective challenges the beliefs of both characters, driving the narrative forward and adding depth to their relationships.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Maya has a unique voice characterized by her intelligence, empathy, and determination. Her dialogue reflects her analytical nature and compassionate drive, making her a valuable and memorable member of the team.
What could make this character special and unique?
Maya's uniqueness lies in her ability to merge analytical prowess with a compassionate drive, navigating complex datasets with tenacity to unveil hidden truths. Her fourth-generation Chinese American heritage adds cultural richness and depth to her character, offering a unique perspective on the investigation and enriching the overall narrative. Additionally, Maya's unwavering dedication to seeking justice and uncovering the truth, despite facing obstacles and challenges, sets her apart as a special and inspiring character that audiences can root for and empathize with.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Robin Fellows.

[Jan Westbrook]

Jan’s Actor Attractors

My Vision: I am a talented and strong writer with a unique voice, recognized by the movie industry with multiple screenplays produced.

This was a challenging assignment for me. Perfectionism was on display for this assignment. I had a hard time expressing the elements that could represent the characters, coming up with how to answer the questions right, I eventually discovered things that I think could enrich the story, expanding the scope and creating more conflict for the two main characters.

Character: Emberleaf
1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role? Pixie queen journeys across dangerous lands and fend off hideous beasts to regain her magic and reclaim the numinous amulet

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie? As a pixie queen without her magic embarks on a perilous journey knowing her vulnerabilities could lead to her death

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie? Exiles her friend and advisor; battles hideous beasts; survives the mind-twisting haunted forest; kicks a pixie out of their alliance; frees the members of the alliance; battles her former friend and advisor to get her queendom back

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? She is sparring with her friend and advisor, when he uses forbidden dark magic and she entraps him and rules that he should be exiled to the forbidden realm

5. What is this character’s emotional range? Anxious she will make wrong decisions to confidence in guiding the pixie alliance. Finding the strength to carry on when she is at her most vulnerable and despondent

6. What subtext can the actor play? Underlying sense of insecurity; fights for feeling confident; perfectionism keeps her from acting sooner than she should

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has? Strained relationship with M’ranth-Jix. M’ranth-Jix is her friend and advisor in her royal court, who she exiles from Eveandor, having to confront him again to reclaim her queendom and throne; her mentor and oracle, Lightthistle guides her through her perilous journey to restore the numinous amulet

8. How is this character’s unique voice presented? Through her abilities and inabilities to make decisions. Her perfectionism and indecision gets in her way of confidence, paralyzing her

9. What makes this character special and unique? She is the last of her bloodline to be heir to the throne of Eveandor, she needs to remain in power past the halo-moon cycle so she can train a successor since she cannot bear children

10. (Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.)
Emberleaf spars with M’ranth-Jix, exercising her magic abilities when he pulls out some dark magic and beats down Emberleaf. She entraps him in some ancient magic spell unbreakable by dark magic. She takes council with Lightthistle, her mentor and oracle, to come up with a suitable punishment and she must exile her friend and advisor to the realm of the dark forest. She does not want to do this but knows she must to keep her power as queen, with the waning halo-moon ending the growing cycle and signifying the realignment of the queen’s magic

Character: M’ranth-Jix
1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role? Pixie who wants to take away the queen’s magic for absolute power over Eveandor, and to take over the realm one land at a time

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie? He is a schemer who wants to be in power. Manipulates the weaknesses of those around him to achieve his goal of ruling Eveandor and conquering the lands in the realm

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie? Shatters the numinous amulet; leads hideous beasts to capture Emberleaf and her pixie alliance; uses dark magic to bring misery to the land of Eveandor; manipulates one of the pixies, who is practicing dark magic under him to sabotage the quest of the pixie alliance; battles his way out of the forbidden forest after he is exiled there; leads a band to a neighboring land and conquers it

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? Sparring with Emberleaf and uses forbidden dark magic on her to beat her down, exhibiting his power over her, is exiled because of that.

5. What is this character’s emotional range? Vindictiveness over being exiled to ruthless desire to be the king of Eveandor; manipulative and untrustworthy by making promises he has no intention of keeping

6. What subtext can the actor play? There is an underlying feeling of vindictiveness in his actions and what he says, he is embittered by the fact that he is not in power, truly believes that dark magic would make Eveandor stronger against the other forces, over the unity of the lighter lands

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has? With the pixie Nightshade as his acolyte who he uses to sabotage the pixie alliance’s quest to restore the numinous amulet with the promise of being part of his rule of Eveandor; his antagonistic relationship with Emberleaf, wanting to take away her magic and leave her vulnerable in the dark lands of the realm

8. How is this character’s unique voice presented? He undercuts everything with forms of dark magic. He uses the weakness of light magic against those who are easily manipulated or in a vulnerable position

9. What makes this character special and unique? He is a chameleon-like pixie who uses his manipulative characteristics to get people to do his bidding; as one who practices dark magic, has channeled the dark side of the realm’s most feared and exiled pixies

10. (Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.)
M’ranth-Jix has Nightshade in his dark magic bubble, promising him a place in his kingdom if he sabotages the alliance’s quest for the amulet by bringing him a piece so he can complete it, making it powerful over the dark magic for the next halo-moon cycle

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Jan Westbrook.

[Margaret]

Margaret’s Actor Actractors!
My vision: To write profound faith-based scripts that are produced.
What I learned: A.I. prompt to help brainstorm actor attractors.
Actor Attractors:
Protagonist: Jabin Munoz

Known for Role: This role would attract actors who want to portray a deeply human and transformative journey. It offers the opportunity to delve into complex emotions and portray resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
Most Interesting Character: Jabin is compelling because he undergoes a profound internal transformation while battling a terminal illness. His journey from despair to hope, fear to faith, makes him inherently intriguing as audiences witness his emotional evolution.
Interesting Actions: Some of the most interesting actions Jabin could take include moments of introspection where he grapples with his mortality, acts of defiance against his illness by pursuing his dreams, and gestures of love and kindness towards his loved ones despite his own struggles.
Introduction: Introduce Jabin in a vulnerable yet determined moment, perhaps during a medical consultation where he receives his diagnosis but also expresses his determination to fight for his dreams despite the odds. This introduction would highlight the complexity of his character and set the tone for his journey.
Emotional Range: Jabin’s emotional range spans from deep despair and anger to profound moments of joy and acceptance. He experiences the full spectrum of human emotions as he confronts his illness and seeks meaning in his life.
Subtext: The actor playing Jabin can portray the subtext of his inner turmoil and spiritual quest, conveying his inner strength and vulnerability through subtle gestures and expressions even in moments of outward calm.
Interesting Relationships: Jabin’s most interesting relationships could include his bond with Becca, his love interest who provides unwavering support, and his conflicted interactions with Dr. Morgan, his oncologist whose advice challenges his resolve.
Unique Voice: Jabin’s unique voice is characterized by a blend of determination and vulnerability. He speaks with conviction about pursuing his dreams while also grappling with doubts and fears about his future.
Special: What makes Jabin special is his unwavering belief in the power of hope and love to transcend even the most daunting challenges. His ability to find strength and meaning in the face of adversity inspires those around him and resonates deeply with audiences.
Antagonist: Dr. Joel Morgan

Known for Role: This role would attract actors interested in portraying a nuanced antagonist who, while not intentionally malicious, poses a significant obstacle to the protagonist’s goals. It offers the opportunity to explore the complexities of moral ambiguity and professional duty.
Most Interesting Character: Dr. Morgan is compelling because he represents the harsh reality of Jabin’s medical condition while also embodying a sense of professional duty and dedication to his patients. His internal struggle between medical pragmatism and empathy adds depth to his character.
Interesting Actions: Dr. Morgan’s most interesting actions could include moments of ethical dilemma as he grapples with conflicting priorities, interactions with Jabin where he must balance medical advice with emotional support, and moments of self-reflection where he confronts his own limitations as a healer.
Introduction: Introduce Dr. Morgan in a scene where he delivers difficult news to Jabin with a mixture of empathy and clinical detachment. This introduction would establish his role as a caring but pragmatic medical professional and foreshadow the conflict to come.
Emotional Range: Dr. Morgan’s emotional range includes compassion for his patients, frustration at the limitations of medical science, and moments of doubt as he questions the impact of his actions on Jabin’s well-being.
Subtext: The actor playing Dr. Morgan can convey the subtext of his internal conflict and professional burnout through subtle shifts in demeanor and tone, hinting at the emotional weight of his responsibilities as an oncologist.
Interesting Relationships: Dr. Morgan’s most interesting relationships revolve around his interactions with Jabin and Becca, where he must navigate the tension between medical advice and personal ethics. His relationship with his own past patients could also provide insight into his character.
Unique Voice: Dr. Morgan’s unique voice is characterized by a blend of clinical professionalism and underlying empathy. He speaks with authority about medical treatments while also conveying a sense of genuine concern for his patients’ well-being.
Special: What makes Dr. Morgan special is his well-meaning but ultimately flawed approach to patient care. His character serves as a reminder of the limitations of medical science and the importance of balancing medical pragmatism with emotional support.
Triangle Character – Girlfriend: Becca Nowak

Known for Role: This role would attract actors interested in portraying a character who embodies unwavering faith and loyalty. It offers the opportunity to explore themes of love, redemption, and the power of human connection.
Most Interesting Character: Becca is compelling because she provides a counterbalance to both Jabin and Dr. Morgan, offering unwavering support and encouragement to Jabin while also confronting her own past regrets and insecurities. Her journey from doubt to faith adds depth to her character.
Interesting Actions: Becca’s most interesting actions could include moments of reconciliation with Jabin as she confronts her past regrets, gestures of support towards him during his darkest moments, and acts of defiance against societal expectations as she stands by her convictions.
Introduction: Introduce Becca in a scene where she reconnects with Jabin after years apart, expressing regret for past mistakes but also determination to support him in his time of need. This introduction would highlight her empathy and loyalty as well as set the stage for their evolving relationship.
Emotional Range: Becca’s emotional range includes moments of doubt and regret as she confronts her past mistakes, but also moments of joy and optimism as she rediscovers her connection with Jabin and embraces her faith in his potential.
Subtext: The actor playing Becca can convey the subtext of her internal struggle and spiritual journey through subtle expressions of doubt and conviction, hinting at the depth of her emotional transformation.
Interesting Relationships: Becca’s most interesting relationships revolve around her interactions with Jabin and Dr. Morgan, where she must navigate the tension between her faith in Jabin’s potential and Dr. Morgan’s medical advice. Her relationship with her own past regrets could also provide insight into her character.
Unique Voice: Becca’s unique voice is characterized by a blend of empathy and conviction. She speaks with sincerity about her belief in Jabin’s potential while also expressing vulnerability about her own past mistakes.
Special: What makes Becca special is her unwavering faith in Jabin’s ability to overcome his illness and pursue his dreams. Her character serves as a source of inspiration and motivation, reminding both Jabin and the audience of the power of love and redemption.

[Elle Tracy]

ET’s reply
ET’s character – actor attractors
Vision: To be recognized for my best work, including being recognized with money.
What I learned from this lesson is: Even when most of what I’ve already done is suggested by AI, there are still nuggets to be gathered from the response to the AI query.

Lead Character Name: Roberta “Bee” Finch
Role: Protagonist – lead character
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
A secretive, depressed gaming senior grows into a leadership role after being personally wounded by being fired and blackballed?
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
She’s a solo character who reaches out with different approaches to each group she needs to influence; a true chameleon.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Her fighting spirit shows up as she games, wins and punishes people who have wronged her, safely within the realm of the computer games. Then she demonstrates expertise and wisdom in her mechanical engineering approach to the Rube Goldberg machine the community is building.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
The initial view of this character, dressed in her PJ attire but wearing gaming devices, and swearing like a trucker.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
She will move from depressed to engaged, to being debilitated by a stroke, then reaching out to the STEAM students as a coach and helper for their project.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
Everything to do with the differences between how she’s acting and what she’s really feeling.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Her ability to appreciate GiGi’s femininity; accept Doc as a competent leader in her absence and to make it easy for the STEAM student, Tyler Wilson III to work with her on his project, against his grandfather’s wishes.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
In her actions, dialog and a special character trait I haven’t developed yet. Some kind of character tag, recognizable even when she’s not there.
9. What could make this character special and unique
That she becomes a role model for others in her community – and to audience members.
Lead Character Name: Tyler Wilson III
Role: Antagonist, converted to collaborator
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
A young actor could demonstrate natural talent and become known for more than just being photogenic as a teen.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
He’s a smart teen conflicted between loyalty to his grandfather, who fired and blackballed Bee, and Bee, who he knows can teach him and help him win the statewide robotics contest. He’s torn between being an entitled heir apparent with family expectations and his passion for self-discovery.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
3. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
In his early scenes, his teen hormones really test his judgement – a credible teen dilemma. He’s the leader of the STEAM students, because he is a natural born leader.
4. What could be this character’s emotional range
He gets in touch with his self-doubt, learns the price of blind loyalty when adults don’t tell him the truth, he can revel in the enthusiasm of learning and mastering complex engineering concepts, and can feel the confidence of earning a win.
5. What subtext can the actor play?
Some of the time, he bluffs his way through situations with his carriage, able to hide his fear and shame.
6. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
His relationship with GiGi – he adores this older woman who kicks hs hormones into overdrive, and with Bee: their relationship may have the heart of this inspiration.
7. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
His actions and dialog will switch between teen/ child and budding adult. He engages byte his teen peers and the seniors.
8. What could make this character special and unique
That as a teen, he understands his grandfather’s self-protective position regarding Bee and her recommendations, and Bee’s side of the story. So he doesn’t have to choose loyalty t one or the other; he can remain dedicated to both.

Lead Character Name: Gloria “GiGi” Monroe
Role: Entertainer/ comic relief
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
She’s a gem of a role: retired circus performer who lost her partner and all the fingers from her left hand in a performance accident, but who has recovered both physically and mentally to be completely engaging.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
She’s present but not necessarily involved in the main plot line, though she does add color to plot situations. Her world continues to be to perform and entertain.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
She exercises on a trampoline and captures the hormones of many of the STEAM boys. She’s the reason the boys are willing to approach the seniors.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
She has early and likeable visibility early in the script, and offers a twist during the climax of the story.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
Although she’s always upbeat around others, believing it to be her duty to elevate their moods, she does have a few moments of silence, contemplation and consternation about the accident that turned her life in an unknown direction.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
All the tricks a performer uses to boost their spirits before taking the stage.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Her relationship with the STEAM boys, and Doc, whom she pursues.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Through her body language and heavily accented dialog
9. What could make this character special and unique?
She may ‘come down to earth’ and accept some of the mundane aspects of senior living.

Lead Harold “Doc” Jenkins
Role: Common sense/ wise advisor
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Retired NASA Physics PhD with marvelous background stories to tell about how NASA rally works.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Even when his place is firmly in the background, his pithy and spot-on comments/ observations help everybody understand what’s really going on.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Tinkering with the Rube Goldbert machine, to correct elements so they work as required; adjust engineering thinking to practical limitations.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Make him a storyteller, so the actor can discover interactions on the fly, based on who else is cast. We first see him gazing at the night sky through a telescope describing space, to GiGi’s admiration.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
He has a deep sense of empathy for all the people involved, which he can mirror back to other characters, as necessary.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
All his own as he tells NASA stories, and the other reactionary or emotionally sympathetic responses to other characters.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
He works with Bee on the design aspects of the machine, and eneds up taking over the project when Bee has a minor stroke. He’s sorta clueless about GiGi’s play for him.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
In his actions and dialog: he’s never lost that NASA swager.
9. What could make this character special and unique”
He becomes the sounding board for Tyler Wilson III’s dilemma over his grandfather’s and Bee’s fight.

[Deni sher]

DENI B. SHER’S ACTOR ATTRACTORS

I just love being powerful enough as a screenwriter to create lead characters that will attract A-List Actors and I intend to do so by believing in myself and my ability as a screenwriter. I WILL do this!!

LEAD CHARACTER NAME: JOEY BARONE

ROLE: HITMAN

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Joey is a hitman who owns a café called, Cuppa Joey. Everyone in his small town and area knows and loves him. He is a family man. Loves his wife and son and together they run the family business. What nobody knows is that he’s also a hit man for the mafia.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? Because the café’s coffee is a special blend from their own coffee plantation that was gifted to Joey for helping the natives, it happens to have a special ability to bring people back to life if their ashes are mixed into the coffee. Nobody knows this, until Lena accidentally spills Joey’s ashes into her grinder, after he was murdered, drinks the coffee and morphs into Joey the hitman. Joey comes back to life to take revenge on whoever killed him.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the script? Whenever Lena drinks the coffee with Joey’s ashes, she morphs into Joey and each time we see him murder someone in a different way, then he turns back to being Lena who doesn’t remember anything. In the end, Lena has fallen in love with the detective and promises never to drink anymore of the coffee with ashes, but in the end, she does and she stabs the detective to death while making love – but not as Joey… as Lena!

4. How was the role introduced in a way that sold it to an actor? We meet Joey when he is in Brazil, where he “takes care of business” for plantation owners and is rewarded by being given the deed to the plantation… a one-of-a-kind bean. He is there with his loving, sweet, kind wife and their 18-year-old son, Ben. He’s a real family man.

5. What is this character’s emotional range? He’s this burley, loveable man who is kind to children, all his customers love him, he adores his wife and son, attends Catholic Church, but nobody knows, he is a major hit man for the mob. We see him murder after he is actually dead

6. What subtext did the actor play? His subtext is revenge for being murdered.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character had? He is friends with the Catholic Priest, very dedicated to the church and yet, it was the Priest who killed him, because the Priest is also a hitman.

8. How was this character’s unique voice presented? His unique voice is presented through his actions of murder when Lena morphs into him.

9. What made this character special and unique? That he comes back to life when his wife drinks his ashes in her coffee.

LEAD CHARACTER NAME: LENA BARONE

ROLE: VEHICLE FOR HER DECEASED HUSBAND JOEY TO TAKE REVENGE

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Lena is a very sweet, innocent mother and wife when the movie opens. After her husband, Joey is murdered, she accidently spills his ashes in her coffee and morphs into Joey. When the coffee wears off, she morphs back to herself but doesn’t remember doing any killing. She eventually believes she is murdering people because her son lets her know and she confesses to the Priest. Now she realizes the Priest is a hitman and must protect herself, so she drinks the coffee on purpose. In the end Lena has a major character arc from the sweet woman to a woman who kills her lover in bed – as Lena!

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? She has no idea that she is murdering people and once she learns what’s happening, she continues to murder to seek out her husband’s murderer.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the script? She confides in the Priest (who killed her husband). Joey seeks revenge through her, She murders the detective who has stood by her and fallen in love with her.

4. How was the role introduced in a way that sold it to an actor? A sweet woman, mother wife, café owner who didn’t know her husband was a hitman, whose character arcs into a murderer herself as she morphs into Joey, but then murders as Lena.

5. What is this character’s emotional range? From an innocent wife, mother, barista loved by everyone who knows her, to a murderer of her lover.

6. What subtext did the actor play? Innocent, then sly and calculating.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character had? Her relationship with the Detective is very interesting as they knew each other in grade school and he knows she’s not capable of murder and he works hard to solve all the murders. Even when he learns the truth about Lena, he protects her as he’s fallen in love with her.. and then she kills him.

8. How was this character’s unique voice presented? Through the changes in her personality.

9. What made this character special and unique? She transitions from a sweet, innocent woman into a murderer after drinking coffee with her hitman husband’s ashes in the coffee.

LEAD CHARACTER NAME: DETECTIVE PETERSON

ROLE: DETECTIVE/LOVE INTEREST

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? In working to solve the local murders, he falls in love with Lena who is committing the crimes and becomes a victim himself at the end when they become lovers.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? As a detective he works hard to solve the crimes being done and yet, he allows his heart to rule his head and becomes a victim of the woman he loves. The irony that he is trying to solve all the murders and gets murdered.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the script? He falls in love with Lena as they knew one another as kids and allows his feelings to keep him from being the best Detective he can be, then he is murdered while making love.

4. How was the role introduced in a way that sold it to an actor? A top Detective who is blinded by love and becomes another victim.

5. What is this character’s emotional range? From very professional and almost cold hearted when dealing with the crimes to falling in love with Lena, defending her actions and believing she is innocent.

6. What subtext did the actor play? That he is going to find the murderer if it’s the last thing he does.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character had? His relationship with Lena, who is committing all the murders. And his relationship with the Priest, who he doesn’t even suspect to be who killed Joey.

8. How was this character’s unique voice presented? Through his love for Lena which affected his job as a Detective.

9. What made this character special and unique? Though he considered one of the top Detectives in the area, he defends Lena, who is committing the crimes, makes excuses for her and loses his life because of it.

When I ran this through AI, this is the result… which I believe is way better than what I wrote.
Joey Barone
1. Known for Role: Playing Joey offers an actor the chance to embody a character who leads a dual life as a café owner and a secret hitman, adding layers of intrigue and depth.
2. Most Interesting Character: Joey is interesting because of his dual identity—his outwardly ordinary life clashing with his dark profession, offering a rich character study.
3. Interesting Actions: Joey’s actions range from serving coffee to executing hits, providing a stark contrast that highlights his complexity.
4. Introduction: Introduce Joey charming customers at his café, then cut to him completing a hit, juxtaposing his warmth with his ruthlessness to capture the actor’s interest.
5. Emotional Range: Joey's emotional range spans from loving husband and community member to cold, calculating killer, demanding versatility and depth from the actor.
6. Subtext: The actor can explore subtext related to Joey’s internal conflict about his life choices and the morality of his actions.
7. Interesting Relationships: His relationship with Lena, filled with love but built on secrets, and his rivalry with the priest hitman, offer dynamic interaction opportunities.
8. Unique Voice: Joey’s voice is calm and soothing in public but shifts to a stern, commanding tone during his clandestine activities.
9. Special: What makes Joey special is his transformation from a likable café owner to a feared hitman, a character arc that promises a memorable portrayal.
Lena Barone
1. Known for Role: Lena's role as a woman who unintentionally becomes a killer through supernatural means offers an actor a unique and standout character in their career.
2. Most Interesting Character: Lena becomes compelling as she transitions from a grieving widow to embodying her husband’s killer instincts, challenging perceptions of identity and control.
3. Interesting Actions: Lena's transformation after drinking the coffee, her confused and horrified realization of her actions, and her eventual embrace of her new identity provide key moments.
4. Introduction: Lena is first shown as a warm, loving wife in her community-centered café, setting up a stark contrast to her later murderous actions, which would intrigue any actor.
5. Emotional Range: Her range spans from deep grief and confusion to intense rage and calculated cruelty, requiring significant emotional depth.
6. Subtext: The actor can delve into the subtext of Lena grappling with loss, identity, and the horror of her actions versus her husband’s hidden life.
7. Interesting Relationships: Her complex relationships with Joey, her son Ben, and Detective Peterson, who becomes her lover, offer rich emotional landscapes to explore.
8. Unique Voice: Lena's voice starts as gentle and supportive but morphs into a harsh, cold tone mirroring Joey's as she takes on his persona.
9. Special: Lena is special because of the supernatural aspect of her transformation and the psychological depth it requires, exploring themes of identity and legacy in dramatic ways.
These attractors aim to highlight the complexity and depth of the characters in your dark comedy thriller, making them appealing roles for actors looking for challenging and distinctive opportunities.
Priest (Father O'Connell)
1. Known for Role: Portraying Father O'Connell offers an actor the chance to play a deeply conflicted character who juxtaposes his role as a spiritual leader with his secret life as a hitman. This complex duality is a rare and enticing challenge for any actor.
2. Most Interesting Character: The Priest is fascinating because he represents the ultimate hypocrisy and moral paradox: a man of God who commits murder. This contradiction makes him one of the most compelling characters in the story.
3. Interesting Actions: His actions include performing religious duties, secretly planning and executing hits, and eventually confronting Lena to control his territory. These actions showcase a character who strategically maneuvers between piety and violence.
4. Introduction: Introduce him in a confessional, offering solace to a parishioner, followed by a scene where he coldly plans a hit. This stark contrast sets up his intriguing dual nature.
5. Emotional Range: The Priest's emotional range includes serene guidance, manipulative anger, cold-blooded decisiveness, and possibly fear or regret as he confronts the consequences of his actions. This range allows for a layered, dynamic performance.
6. Subtext: An actor can play with the subtext of the Priest's internal struggle with his dual identity, possibly exploring themes of justification, denial, or inner conflict about his contrasting roles.
7. Interesting Relationships: His relationships with his parishioners, whom he guides spiritually but may also view as potential threats or targets, and his adversarial relationship with Lena, where he tries to outmaneuver her to maintain control, are deeply engaging.
8. Unique Voice: The Priest's voice is soothing and authoritative in public, offering comfort and wisdom, but it becomes calculating and menacing when he discusses his darker deeds. This duality in vocal expression can be particularly intriguing for an actor.
9. Special: What makes the Priest unique is his position of power and trust within the community, which he exploits to carry out his criminal activities. This betrayal of trust, coupled with his religious facade, adds a chilling layer to his character.
This character analysis for the Priest should provide a strong foundation for crafting a compelling, multi-dimensional antagonist whose moral complexities and secretive life offer a rich vein of drama and conflict in your screenplay.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Deni sher.

[Mary Spiers]

Mary’s Actor attractors!
My vision is to be a leading creator of family-friendly stories that use psychological insights to develop diverse, dimensional characters who entertain and transform perspectives.

Doing this assignment again confirmed the breakthrough that it’s most helpful for me to do the assignment first and then when I use ChatGpt I can see where Ai’s suggestions resonate and may expand my ideas…and where they may be off. If I didn’t do this I think I might be more swayed by ChatGpt’s suggestions. Also, often the suggestions are more general that what I’m thinking about character.

Lead Character Name: Ava Reynard
Role: Protagonist.
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Transformation: Ava undergoes a powerful personal transformation from a skeptical, disconnected musician to a deeply connected and intuitive healer, demonstrating significant character growth that an actor would be proud to embody.
Synesthetic Journey: Ava's journey into the wilderness and exploration of her synesthetic perception allow an actor to showcase a unique blend of physical and emotional challenges. Her synesthetic journey goes from seeing this as a disability to seeing this as a gift.

What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Emotional Complexity: Her internal conflicts regarding her abilities, and her relationship with Diana, She is dimensional and full of contradictions. Ava has attachment issues, she is very dimensional in that she longs for family, she fantasizes about a family and closeness yet has no idea how to form close relationships, so she’s often avoidant. She is both very resilient and very fragile.
Visual Storytelling: Ava's ability to perceive sounds as colors makes her story particularly captivating, as her experience is expressed visually, offering an unusual but intriguing challenge for an actor.

What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
She sneaks around, she’s very secretive and always wants to have a way out. This culminates in her Rescue Mission: Ava’s stealthy, high-stakes rescue mission to save Diana showcases her newfound survival skills and cunning, while also demonstrating her resilience and courage.
Synesthetic Performance: Performing synesthetic healing rituals, Ava brings music and colors together in a dance of sound and sight.

How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Show her Dimensionality from the beginning. Show that she is very good at music, but avoids social interactions, Ava is introduced through an emotionally charged concert scene, emphasizing her detachment from the audience while highlighting her musical skill and inner turmoil. She also makes impulsive decisions that can get her in trouble in her personal life.
Then: Synesthetic Awakening: Her lightning-strike incident visually portrays the awakening of her synesthetic perception, establishing the transformative journey ahead.
Then: Wilderness Arrival: Ava’s first steps into the wilderness, utterly out of her element, reveal both her skepticism and determination to confront her family’s mysteries.

What could be this character’s emotional range?
Secretive to oversharing: At times she can be very revealing, over sharing, and at other times completely non-trusting of others.
Kindness to Anger: Ava tries to be very kind as she is scared to death of anger and conflict but then must deal with this. She is angry at her family’s past and what it did to her so she also has to go on a path to resolution and maybe forgiveness.
Fear to Confidence: She is fearful of her own powers and the unknown wilderness, Ava gains confidence as she masters her abilities and overcomes the external and internal threats.

What subtext can the actor play?
Her need for human connection contrasts with her instinct to protect herself. She wants but doesn’t trust others so usually deflects or avoids others questions while she tries to keep the conversation on them. Many people do not see through this. She tries to control the situation with very subtle and passive aggressive means.

What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
A mother or grandmother figure that she desperately wants….someone to nurture her. Ava and Diana’s relationship evolves from mentor-mentee to one of familial connection,
A love or friendship relationship…. Not thought out yet.
A relationship that causes conflict.Rivalry with Thorn: Thorn’s twisted manipulation of the family legacy pits him against Ava, creating a tense rivalry that reflects internal struggles and unresolved traumas.

How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Musical Metaphors: Ava often describes her emotions and perceptions through musical metaphors and imagery, painting her worldview through unique language.
Synesthetic Descriptions: She uses vivid descriptions of colors, shapes, and sounds to express her perception..
Evolving Tone: Ava’s tone evolves from sarcastic skepticism and passive/ broken language to thoughtful introspection and, eventually, to a more confident, healing-oriented perspective.

What could make this character special and unique?
Synesthetic Healing Powers: Her ability to perceive music as colors and shapes makes Ava a uniquely visual protagonist, turning her performances into multisensory experiences.
We question her inner strength.Despite her early insecurities and isolation, and her problems with making attachments to others, Ava demonstrates unwavering perseverance, and compassion, which make her a memorable character.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Mary Spiers.

[Bob Creager]

WIM+AI – Module 3 – Lesson 2: Roles that Sell Actors
Lead Character Name: Nicholas Samichlaus (aka Santa Claus)
Role: Initially Antagonist become anti-hero
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Who wouldn’t want to play the loved by all Jolly Ole’ St. Nick who is also the terrifying vampire of everyone’s dreams?
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? The contrast between making children happy and killing those who grew up to be naughty.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? We could see how he chooses his victims, watch him fall in love, see him angry, see him forgiving.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? He could be delivering toys to all the “nice” kids and veer off and attack a “naughty” teen.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range. Hungry and uncaring with his need to feed; loving; a killer; the hero to some; the vengeful master to others.
6. What subtext can the actor play? The struggle between his love of making children happy and his need to feed. Always plotting one or the other.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? With his love interest who is tasked with killing him; relationship from his friend and advisor, the elf Eirlys Snowbind; the relationship with his rival Vladimir Kozlov who wants the Santa gig.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? Mysterious, quiet.
9. What could make this character special and unique? Vampire. Santa. Friend. Enemy. Lover. What else?

Lead Character Name: Agent Isabella Clarke
Role: Initially Protagonist becomes love interest)
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Tasked with taking down Santa.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? A loner; an international crime fighter; never been in love.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? Following the clues leading to the vampire; distracted by a love interest; possible interest by Vladimir who turns on her; going against orders and her lifetime training and motivation and save the vampire.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? (possible teaser) She fights and kills a vampire.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range? Dedicated to the job; distracted by an interesting man (or two); falling in love; finding out Nick’s true nature – shattered; comes to terms with the problem; chooses love.
6. What subtext can the actor play? Childhood wonder as she learns that Santa is real mixed with her obsessive determination to eliminate all vampires.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? With her target and future love interest. She learns from Vladimir that Santa was the one that killed her parents, burnt the house down, caused it to unknowingly collapse of her, causing the inability to have children (maybe deformed).
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? With her ability to get to the truth while questioning.
9. What could make this character special and unique? Biting/sarcastic wit; shares with Santa a soft spot for kids; a mature Buffy.

AI Version of the Actor Attractors
Character 1: Nicholas Samichlaus (Santa/Vampiric Protagonist)
1. Known for Role: Playing Nicholas would allow an actor to portray a complex, tortured soul grappling with his monstrous nature while yearning for redemption. It's a compelling, multi-layered role that could showcase an actor's range and depth.
2. Most Interesting Character: Nicholas is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating characters in the story. As a centuries-old vampire struggling to suppress his bloodlust, he represents the internal battle between good and evil, humanity and monstrosity, making him a richly layered and compelling protagonist.
3. Interesting Actions: Some of the most intriguing actions Nicholas could take include sacrificing his own desires for the greater good, using his vampiric abilities in unexpected and ingenious ways, or ultimately choosing to embrace his humanity, even at the cost of his immortal life.
4. Introduction: Nicholas could be introduced as a mysterious, charismatic figure, perhaps seen performing acts of kindness or charity, only to have his true vampiric nature gradually revealed, creating an engaging sense of mystery and duality for the actor to portray.
5. Emotional Range: Nicholas' emotional range could span from brooding melancholy and tormented guilt to bursts of rage and primal hunger, as well as moments of genuine warmth, tenderness, and vulnerability when he connects with Isabella or his allies.
6. Subtext: The actor could play on the subtext of Nicholas' constant internal struggle, the weight of his centuries-old existence, and the longing for redemption and acceptance lurking beneath his outward charm and composure.
7. Interesting Relationships: Nicholas' most compelling relationships could be his forbidden romance with Isabella, his complex dynamic with his vampire rival Vladimir, and his mentor-like bond with Eirlys, the elven advisor.
8. Unique Voice: Nicholas' unique voice could be a blend of old-world sophistication, reflecting his centuries of existence, and a more modern, relatable charm, allowing him to seamlessly navigate both the human and supernatural realms.
9. Special: What could make Nicholas truly special is his determination to break free from the curse of vampirism and embrace his humanity, even in the face of overwhelming odds and temptations, making him a symbol of hope and redemption in a dark, supernatural world.
Character 2: Agent Isabella Clarke (Interpol Agent/Love Interest)
1. Known for Role: Playing Isabella would allow an actress to portray a strong, determined woman at the forefront of a supernatural thriller. It's a role that could showcase her range as both a capable investigator and a vulnerable, emotionally complex character.
2. Most Interesting Character: Isabella is one of the most intriguing characters due to her personal vendetta against the supernatural, stemming from a tragic past. This motivation adds depth and complexity to her character, making her more than just a love interest or a one-dimensional protagonist.
3. Interesting Actions: Some of Isabella's most compelling actions could include uncovering shocking truths about Nicholas' vampiric nature, risking her own life to protect innocent victims, or ultimately choosing to embrace the supernatural world she once resented in order to find true happiness.
4. Introduction: Isabella could be introduced as a brilliant, no-nonsense Interpol agent, relentlessly pursuing the "12 Days of Christmas" case. Her determination and intelligence could be immediately established, only to be gradually juxtaposed with her more vulnerable side as her tragic past is revealed.
5. Emotional Range: Isabella's emotional range could span from steely determination and unwavering professionalism to moments of raw vulnerability and grief over her past trauma. Her growing feelings for Nicholas could also introduce a softer, more romantic side to her character.
6. Subtext: The actress could play on the subtext of Isabella's inner turmoil, the conflict between her personal vendetta and her growing feelings for Nicholas, as well as the lingering pain and guilt she carries from her family's tragedy.
7. Interesting Relationships: Isabella's most compelling relationships could be her forbidden romance with Nicholas, her dynamic with her Interpol colleagues (who may not approve of her involvement with a suspect), and her interactions with Eirlys, who could offer her a new perspective on the supernatural world.
8. Unique Voice: Isabella's unique voice could be a blend of no-nonsense professionalism and an underlying vulnerability, reflecting her strength as an investigator and her emotional depth as a woman haunted by her past.
9. Special: What could make Isabella truly special is her ability to overcome her personal traumas and biases, ultimately embracing the supernatural world she once resented in order to find happiness and redemption alongside Nicholas.
Character 3: Vladimir Kozlov (Antagonist/Rival Vampire)
1. Known for Role: Playing Vladimir would allow an actor to portray a deliciously menacing and charismatic villain, one who revels in his power and sadistic tendencies. It's a role that could showcase an actor's ability to command the screen and captivate audiences with a sense of danger and allure.
2. Most Interesting Character: Vladimir is one of the most intriguing characters due to his age-old rivalry with Nicholas and his unwavering commitment to maintaining his dominance in the supernatural world. His ruthless pursuit of power and disdain for Nicholas' quest for redemption make him a formidable and compelling antagonist.
3. Interesting Actions: Some of Vladimir's most compelling actions could include orchestrating elaborate schemes to undermine Nicholas, using his vampiric powers in unexpected and terrifying ways, or ultimately facing off against Nicholas in a climactic battle of wits and strength.
4. Introduction: Vladimir could be introduced as a powerful, enigmatic figure within the vampire community, perhaps seen holding court or exerting his influence over others. His charisma and cunning could be immediately established, creating an air of mystery and intrigue for the actor to explore.
5. Emotional Range: Vladimir's emotional range could span from calm, calculated menace to outbursts of unbridled rage and sadistic glee. The actor could also explore moments of vulnerability or even brief glimpses of humanity, adding depth to the character's overall villainy.
6. Subtext: The actor could play on the subtext of Vladimir's deep-seated resentment towards Nicholas, his jealousy over Nicholas' attempts at redemption, and his unwavering belief in the superiority of vampires over humans.
7. Interesting Relationships: Vladimir's most compelling relationships could be his adversarial dynamic with Nicholas, his manipulative relationships with other vampires or supernatural beings he seeks to control, and his potential involvement with a human character, perhaps as a means of toying with or exploiting them.
8. Unique Voice: Vladimir's unique voice could be a blend of cultured sophistication and menacing undertones, reflecting his centuries of existence and his status as a powerful figure within the supernatural world.
9. Special: What could make Vladimir truly special is his ability to simultaneously captivate and terrify audiences, becoming a truly iconic and memorable villain. His unwavering commitment to his own twisted ideals and his willingness to go to any lengths to achieve his goals could make him a force to be reckoned with.
Character 4: Eirlys Snowbind (Elven Advisor/Supernatural Ally)
1. Known for Role: Playing Eirlys would allow an actress to portray a wise, enigmatic figure with a deep connection to the magical realms. It's a role that could showcase her ability to convey a sense of mystery and ancient knowledge, while also exploring the character's more compassionate and nurturing side.
2. Most Interesting Character: Eirlys is one of the most intriguing characters due to her unique perspective as an elf from the enchanted realms, as well as her deep understanding of magic and the supernatural world. Her role as a mentor and ally to Nicholas adds an intriguing dynamic to the story.
3. Interesting Actions: Some of Eirlys' most compelling actions could include performing powerful acts of magic to aid Nicholas or thwart their enemies, imparting ancient wisdom and guidance, or even risking her own safety to protect those she cares about.
4. Introduction: Eirlys could be introduced in a way that immediately establishes her otherworldly nature and connection to magic, perhaps through a stunning display of her abilities or a glimpse into the enchanted realms she hails from. This could create a sense of intrigue and wonder for the actress to explore.
5. Emotional Range: Eirlys' emotional range could span from a serene, almost ethereal calm to moments of fierce determination and protective instincts, especially when it comes to her bond with Nicholas. The actress could also explore moments of vulnerability or even fear, as Eirlys grapples with the consequences of misusing magic.
6. Subtext: The actress could play on the subtext of Eirlys' deep connection to the mystical realms, her wisdom born from centuries of experience, and her unwavering commitment to guiding Nicholas on his path to redemption.
7. Interesting Relationships: Eirlys' most compelling relationships could be her mentor-like bond with Nicholas, her interactions with other supernatural beings or magical creatures, and her potential connections to characters from the human world who may be drawn into the supernatural realm.
8. Unique Voice: Eirlys' unique voice could be a blend of ancient, almost otherworldly qualities, reflecting her elven heritage and connection to magic, while also conveying a sense of warmth and compassion when interacting with those she cares for.
9. Special: What could make Eirlys truly special is her ability to serve as a bridge between the human and supernatural worlds, using her knowledge and magical abilities to guide others on a path of understanding and enlightenment. Her unwavering belief in the potential for redemption and her willingness to fight for those she cares about could make her a powerful and inspiring presence in the story.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Bob Creager.

[Kathryn Gould]

Kathryn’s Actor Attractors

I choose to be a highly creative and energized writer who makes big movies and loves her life working with the most creative people in the world.

What I learned – there are lots of things that make my characters unique and its fun to play around with their characteristics to make them really fascinating and memorable. As an actor I am having fun designing characters I would like to play as well!

Lead Character Name: Japheth Bridges

Role: Protagonist

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? He starts out as an immature rebel who just wants to “stick it to the man” and ends up choosing to save millions of lives – the lives of people who hated him. He’s got skills and he’s a bit quiet and brooding, but behind it all he’s a good person who wants to do the right thing. He’s a morally complex, innovative genius whose journey is marked by the difficult choice between moral principles and survival.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? This character will find himself torn between his mentor’s radical actions which would benefit him and doing what he knows is right, even though he knows he’ll be punished for it – and that his sister will lose the ability to walk if he does “the right thing”.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? He gives himself and his friends superpowers. He chooses to risk his own freedom and his sister’s ability to walk in order to save the lives of people who hate him. He risks his own safety to hack into the sleeper agent network, rallies his team to find a non-lethal solution against Dr. Bennett's virus, and directly confronts his mentor despite their emotional bond.

4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? I’ll introduce Japheth as a brilliant yet frustrated young hacker amidst the bleak landscape of "The Dregs," showcasing his skill by outmaneuvering the security systems of the "uppers" to scavenge advanced medical supplies for his community. He will be doing something so risky and ridiculous it will seem like he’s going to die – then we’ll find out he has enhanced himself to enable him to do these crazy things. I think I might even have him break a leg or something, and then heal himself. Still have to work on the tech. I see an interesting way to discuss theme in this – maybe he is trying to make his bones stronger and stronger, and his sister reminds him that actually he needs to make them flexible – to bend a little instead of breaking. “Bend don’t break” could be one of those lines that gets repeated.

5. What could be this character’s emotional range? He can go from sullen and angry to sweet and loving to self-sacrificing and heroic. He experiences frustration, determination, hope, betrayal, fear, and ultimately a heartbreaking resolution that combines sadness with a grim sense of victory.

6. What subtext can the actor play? He has a chip on his shoulder and seriously considers letting his mentor’s plan unfold without stopping it. Sometimes he just wants to be a kid instead of being like a parent to Nell. He’s the one constantly making decisions, so it’s tempting to just let his mentor make a decision like this for him. Japheth has insecurity stemming from growing up in "The Dregs" while yearning to prove his value as a biohacker. His bond with Dr. Bennett speaks to his need for validation and parental guidance.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? The two main relationships are with his sister and his mentor. His mentor betrays him, but she’s doing it to make his life better; he admires her and part of him believes that her solution may be the only way to make life better for all the people in the Dregs. His relationship with his sister is interesting because he learned how to biohack in order to give her a better life, but in the end he chooses to help the people who want to take away her ability to walk, and she helps him make that decision.

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? Through a series of increasingly difficult decisions that go against his personal best interests. Japheth is earnest yet sarcastic, with a blend of analytical curiosity and streetwise wit. He often masks his insecurities with humor and challenges authority with unyielding persistence.
9. What could make this character special and unique? I think because he’s so conflicted and really understandably tempted to do the wrong and easy thing. His willingness to stand up for the oppressed also makes him a hero for those in the "Dregs" and enables him to affect the people in the Uppers and get them on his side.

Lead Character Name: Dr. Alice Bennett

Role: Antagonist

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Everyone loves playing a villain who so strongly believes in her cause that she will try to accomplish it by any means necessary. The actor would be able to convey a multifaceted performance that straddles the line between noble idealism and ruthless pragmatism, while exploring a morally complex antagonist with a deeply rooted conviction to upend injustice.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? She is planning to do horrible things but believes she is absolutely morally justified. She is a tragic visionary and a sympathetic yet terrifying antagonist.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? She manipulates her team, including Japheth, to carry out her ultimate plan. She covertly tests the virus on smaller targets while using her mentorship role to steer Japheth toward revealing valuable information. Her charisma and calculated ruthlessness push her team toward a drastic solution while she remains hidden. She eventually betrays the people she cares about because she knows they won’t go along with her plans.

4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? I think I will have her look like this saving angel who is helping all these poor people and risking her own freedom to do it. She will look incredibly heroic in her opening scene, then we’ll start to suspect she’s working for the big biotech company, and then find out she’s a radical terrorist.

5. What could be this character’s emotional range? She will go from kind and caring to absolutely ruthless, and we will see hints of her remorse, but she never lets it take over. She expresses bitterness, disillusionment, and resolute determination, as well as betrayal and anger when her plans are thwarted. She maintains a maternal affection for Japheth that devolves into bitter disappointment when he won’t go along with her plans.

6. What subtext can the actor play? At first she is hiding who she is – a radical terrorist. Tons of subtext. Then after we find out, we’ll see that even though she totally believes in her cause, there will be cracks.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? Her relationship with Japheth will be very interesting because she sees him as a son and wants to protect him, but also is willing to sacrifice him if she has to for what she sees as “the greater good”.

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? As someone who seems like a saint but then we find out she’s ruthless and almost remorseless. She displays intense passion combined with a detached, scientific rationality. Her tone can swiftly shift from caring and empathetic to commanding and severe.

9. What could make this character special and unique? I think it’s that tiny bit of remorse that will make her unique. We’ll continually hope that she changes her mind and that she’s redeemable. I think the remorseless crusader has been done – Julianne Moore in the Hunger Games among others – so I think giving her just that tiny hint of remorse will make her really interesting. Dr. Bennett’s unique mix of medical genius and radical activism makes her both sympathetic and fearsome. She is willing to push moral boundaries while challenging unjust societal norms.

[Kristin Donnan]

KRISTIN’S ACTOR ATTRACTORS!

VISION: “I envision writing so well and consistently that I’m in demand, cherry-picking projects, selling beyond my wildest dreams, collaborating with people I admire and truly care about, and speaking my soul—on a big scale—so that I enjoy professional freedom, financial freedom, and joy.”

WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT: When answering the various questions (which ask some things I haven’t figured out yet, like what actions people take), I used too many words. The AI process was very helpful, because it provided some “summary” languaging what came from my own previous work and helped me “see what I was trying to say.” In the end, sometimes I used my originals without edits; sometimes I combined; and sometimes, when I was “writing around the answer, but not getting there,” I relied more heavily on AI’s summaries.
I also realized by doing this assignment that I am more “in relationship” with my protagonist than my antagonist. The AI summaries were more helpful for the antagonist, and allowed me to see him more clearly.
This exercise was especially useful when it might come to pitching. I realized that concise summaries that build on the characteristics of the story, are going to help me pound into my head the themes and layers of intrigue. I’m going to keep this exercise handy for future reference.

JOHN—PROTAGONIST
1. Known for Role: What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
He’s contrary, cantankerous, witty, strangely well-spoken for a redneck, and incredibly earnest. He lives by a code, believes that he is part of a clan that also lives by the code, and is willing to die for his siblings. He’s like an old-fashioned Western fiction character, but he finds no irony or humor in it. He’s holding onto the past; he’s for real in a very flighty, modern world.

2. Most Interesting Character: What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
John’s journey from a reclusive loner to a reluctant detective, forced to confront his family's secrets and navigate a murder investigation—all the while living by an antiquated “family code”—makes him a compelling and dynamic character.

3. Interesting Actions: What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
My longer answer: At the murder location (which is on his family’s property), he openly volunteers to law enforcement that he held the deceased in very low esteem, and that she posed a threat to his family. He runs the ranch with confidence, makes hard livestock decisions with clarity, and makes it known exactly what he thinks of everyone in his presence. As he begins to understand what happened (re: recent murder and old coverups), he automatically and unapologetically hides the truth to protect his family. As he goes about his ranching duties, he does a dance with nature that is pure and beautiful. He displays great love and sweetness toward his sister.

AI’s shorter answer, which is also good: John could engage in unconventional investigative methods, such as using his knowledge of the ranch and its secrets to uncover clues, or confronting suspects with his trademark no-nonsense attitude.

4. Introduction: How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
The introduction has three beats: first is John’s interaction with a particular cow, who is having difficulty with her birthing process; second is the unexpected arrival of Zeke, one of his younger brothers. In both of these, we see the charming mixture of witty crudeness and love. The third is the immediate discovery of the dead woman on their property, and his transparent, rude way of dealing with law enforcement, the public, and the situation in general. No propriety. No need for social grace. No ass kissing.

5. Emotional Range: What could be this character’s emotional range?
This character will range from tender and deep to explosive and deadly.

6. Subtext: What subtext can the actor play?
The heartfelt commitment to family, honor, and “the code” that have defined his every breath—eventually followed by the depth of despair when he realizes that there was no honor. He has a moment of hopelessness when he realizes that some of the people for whom he sacrificed did not live by the code, and will sacrifice him again if necessary.

7. Interesting Relationships: What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
His fraught, complex relationships with his siblings stem from their shared abuse by their father; his tender relationship with his sister and a couple of friends show a corner of his huge heart; his willingness to pitch in for neighbors when needed (“shoot, shovel, and shut up”) will show his depth of connection to the culture and place.

8. Unique Voice: How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
John’s unique voice is characterized by his blunt honesty, dry wit, and a hint of vulnerability beneath his tough exterior. He’s as smart as his family’s lawyers and as crass as a construction worker.

9. Special: What could make this character special and unique?
What sets John apart is his unwavering loyalty to his family and his willingness to sacrifice everything to uphold their unbreakable code, even if it means risking his own life.

ZEKE — ANTAGONIST / JOHN’S BROTHER
1. Known for Role: What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
This role offers an actor the opportunity to portray a charismatic yet morally ambiguous character who is driven by greed and betrayal, providing a chance to explore complex motivations and conflicts. He’s also schooled in the family party line, and grew up with the same “code” that John still lives by—so he knows exactly how to violate it.

2. Most Interesting Character: What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Zeke’s transformation from a seemingly harmless schemer to a ruthless antagonist, willing to betray his own brother for personal gain, makes him a captivating and unpredictable character.

3. Interesting Actions: What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Zeke could engage in manipulative tactics to undermine John’s authority and sabotage his efforts to uncover the truth, all while maintaining a facade of innocence and charm. For example, he’ll murder one of his many girlfriends—because she’s learned too much and is in a position to blow his cover. He’ll try to cover up his past indiscretions—which he conducted on his father’s orders years ago. And he’ll betray his closest brother, John.

4. Introduction: How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Zeke is introduced as the charming yet manipulative brother who returns to the family ranch with ulterior motives, immediately casting doubt on his true intentions and setting the stage for conflict.

5. Emotional Range: What could be this character’s emotional range?
When dealing with the public or his siblings, Zeke is charming on the outside, a pool of anxiety on the inside. But as the investigation continues and his plans unravel, Zeke’s actions become more desperate; his veneer of casual banter eventually implodes.

6. Subtext: What subtext can the actor play?
Beneath Zeke’s charming facade lies a deep-seated resentment toward his family, the fruitless childhood pursuit of acceptance from a Borderline father, and an adult’s ruthless ambition to secure his own financial independence.

7. Interesting Relationships: What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
The most interesting is with John; it’s a battle of wits and one-upmanship and history and old habits. He’ll also have a cat-and-mouse relationship with the friend / former law enforcement / best friend of John’s, who will be in the background, investigating. With members of the community, he’ll have another face, one of smarmy smoke and mirrors.

8. Unique Voice: How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Zeke’s unique voice is characterized by his smooth-talking charm, manipulative charisma, and a hint of underlying menace, making him both captivating and chilling.

9. Special: What could make this character special and unique?
What sets Zeke apart is his willingness to betray his own brother—and the one person in his life who knows him best—and manipulate those closest to him for personal gain, demonstrating a ruthless ambition that drives the central conflict of the story.

SIS — TRIANGLE CHARACTER / THEIR SISTER
1. Known for Role: What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Sis is the moral compass of this film, demonstrating the same strength and power as her siblings, but also the empathy and kindness that they have pushed away. She is resilient yet vulnerable, fiercely loyal, and strong, allowing an actor to display compassion in the face of adversity.

2. Most Interesting Character: What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Sis’s unwavering loyalty to John, “inside access” to the horror of their past, and natural curiosity to uncover the historical truths—even at personal risk—make her compelling and sympathetic.

3. Interesting Actions: What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Sis could engage in daring acts of investigation and deception to assist John in unraveling the truth, all while navigating the delicate balance of loyalty and betrayal within their family.

4. Introduction: How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
There will be a lot of chaos in this family, a lot of bombastic one-upmanship. Sis will calmly part the seas. To the public, she seems rational and reasonable; to her brothers, she’s the sort of person who carries a gun to a knife fight—but never has to draw.

5. Emotional Range: What could be this character’s emotional range?
On the surface, she’s even-keeled, cerebral. But underneath, she pains for her brothers and sisters, realizing how and why they’ve carried their father’s wounds. When needed, she’ll put the hammer down; when no one is looking, she’ll be soft. She’s the family’s primary source of true compassion.

6. Subtext: What subtext can the actor play?
Beneath Sis’s calm and composed exterior lies a deep-seated fear of losing her family and a fierce determination to protect those she loves. She’s as much a trauma survivor as the others. She’s just got more EQ to handle it.

7. Interesting Relationships: What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Sis’s close bond with John and her conflicted feelings towards Zeke add layers of depth and complexity to her character, as she grapples with the complexities of family loyalty and betrayal.

8. Unique Voice: How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Sis is the story’s source of empathy, and her warring brothers’ source of understanding. She personifies quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, depth, nuance, and subtle vulnerability. She’s also the voice of truth. Calm, clear truth.

9. Special: What could make this character special and unique?
What sets Sis apart is her unwavering belief in the inherent goodness of her brother John, even in the face of possible evidence to the contrary, demonstrating a loyalty and resilience that defines her character throughout the story.

• This reply was modified 12 months ago by  Kristin Donnan.

[Kelly Joseph]

Kelly’s ACTOR Attractors

I want to be an empowered writer who consistently produces salable scripts.

What did I learn? I learned to think through the actor attractors and create characters with that in mind. I will have to revisit this as I progress through the script building.

Actor Attractors for Avery:

1.Known for Role: Avery’s role as a brilliant hacker on a mission to uncover the truth behind a dangerous AI program would appeal to actors seeking complex, multi-dimensional characters with a strong sense of purpose.

2.Most Interesting Character: Avery is a reclusive hacker with a traumatic past, battling her own demons while navigating the treacherous world of cybercrime. Her journey from isolation to empowerment makes her one of the most compelling characters in the story.
3.Interesting Actions: Avery’s most interesting actions include hacking into the AI program, confronting powerful adversaries, and facing her fears to uncover the truth.

Introduction: Avery is introduced as a brilliant but reclusive hacker, consumed by her isolation and haunted by her past trauma. Her unique skills and determination to uncover the truth immediately establish her as a formidable protagonist.

Emotional Range: Avery’s emotional range spans from vulnerability and fear to determination and courage as she confronts the dangers of the AI program and confronts her own inner demons.

4.Subtext: Underneath her stoic exterior, Avery grapples with deep-seated insecurities and a fear of the outside world, stemming from her traumatic past. Her journey to overcome these obstacles adds layers of complexity to her character.
5.Interesting Relationships: Avery’s most interesting relationship is with her sister, whose arrest sets the events of the story in motion. Their bond is tested as Avery races to uncover the truth and save her sister from the clutches of the AI program.

6. Unique Voice: Avery’s unique voice is portrayed through her exceptional hacking skills, sharp intellect, and unwavering determination to seek justice. Her dialogue is concise, calculated, and reflects her analytical mindset.
7.Special: What makes Avery special is her ability to navigate the digital realm with ease, using her hacking skills to outsmart her adversaries and uncover the truth hidden within the depths of cyberspace.

Actor Attractors for Bennet:

Known for Role: Bennet’s role as the enigmatic mastermind behind the AI program

Known for Role: Bennet’s role as the enigmatic mastermind behind the AI program would attract actors looking for complex, morally ambiguous characters with a sinister edge.

Most Interesting Character: Bennet is a dangerous and calculating villain, manipulating the digital landscape to achieve his sinister goals. His mysterious persona and hidden agenda make him one of the most intriguing characters in the story.

Interesting Actions: Bennet’s most interesting actions include orchestrating the AI program’s manipulation of social media users, engaging in clandestine dealings, and ruthlessly eliminating anyone who threatens his plans.
Introduction: Bennet is introduced as a powerful and influential figure, whose true motives are shrouded in secrecy. His charisma and charm mask a darker side, hinting at the depths of his villainy.

Emotional Range: Bennet’s emotional range ranges from cold and calculating to manipulative and charismatic, as he uses his charm to ensnare his victims and further his agenda.

Subtext: Beneath Bennet’s suave exterior lies a ruthless ambition and a thirst for power. His actions are driven by a desire to control and manipulate others, and his true intentions are revealed through his subtle manipulations and deceptions.
Interesting

Relationships: Bennet’s most interesting relationship is with Avery, whom he sees as a formidable adversary and a threat to his plans. Their cat-and-mouse dynamic adds tension and intrigue to their interactions.

Unique Voice: Bennet’s unique voice is characterized by his smooth and persuasive demeanor, which belies his sinister intentions. He speaks with confidence and authority, drawing others into his web

[Charles Jessen]

Chuck’s Actor Attractors

My Vision: I am a writer/director known for a particular brand of storytelling, in both comedies and dramas, that greatly appeal to their respective markets. I have Studios, Producers, and Actors wanting to work with me.

What I learned from this assignment: How AI can help give my characters more color and dimension that might help attract name actors to the role.
Movie Title: “Cat Town”
Genre: Comedy, Rom-Com

Dr. Tom Walker
1. Known for Role: Tom is the cool, laid-back small-town veterinarian who becomes an unlikely hero in a crisis. Actors will be drawn to the role for its transformation from underdog to savior, with a touch of comedic flair.
2. Most Interesting Character: Tom is interesting because he combines professional Vet acumen with a whimsical, common-sense understanding of animal behavior, providing comic relief and grounded wisdom, as he wins and saves humanity from the cat virus.
3. Interesting Actions: Comes up with MacGyver-like solutions based on his commonsense knowledge of cats which usurps Kathryn’s more scientific approaches, blending comedy with heroism.
4. Introduction: Introduced as he reluctantly rescues a cat from a tree, mumbling comedic quips about his ‘real’ job, highlighting his humor and reluctant hero persona. Cool character, drives a vintage van with his Vet service name on it, respected by the residents of this small town.
5. Emotional Range: Tom’s emotional journey from comedic disbelief and vindictive passive-aggressiveness over past hurt, to an inspired hero in love once again.
6. Subtext: Passive aggressive comments and jabs at Kathryn, masked in a comedic exterior, shield the wounds of his broken heart and his unresolved feelings for her.
7. Interesting Relationships: His dynamic with Kathryn, filled with witty banter and unresolved romantic tension, provides depth. His mentor-student relationship with the eccentric Dr. Klaus Von Furbol, full of admiration and betrayal, adds complexity. His professional relationship with “Cleo the cat whisperer” adds humor.
8. Unique Voice: Veterinary jargon humorously misapplied to humans; his no-nonsense, intuitive actions executed in a cool, laid-back way.
9. Special: Though a small-town average Joe, his common sense allows him to win and save humanity from the cat virus. He enjoys badgering and teasing Kathryn who is a fish out of water in this small town environment, though he secretly still loves her.

Tom’s ability to apply veterinary solutions to human problems in humorous ways makes him uniquely special, bridging science with slapstick comedy.

Dr. Kathryn Wells
1. Known for Role: A role that showcases Kathryn as a brilliant, ego-driven, celebrity-seeking but emotionally stunted virologist who must confront her faults as she works with Tom to stop the virus offers an actor a chance to explore a complex, evolving character.
2. Most Interesting Character: Kathryn is compelling due to her journey from scientific rigidity to embracing unconventional wisdom, mirroring her personal thawing towards Tom.
3. Interesting Actions: Her actions include breaking into secret labs, concocting antidotes under pressure, and navigating cat-like human mobs, providing a blend of action and intellect.
4. Introduction: Stylish, big-city look, stepping off a private jet with a TV reporter wanting to interview her.
5. Emotional Range: Kathryn’s range spans from arrogance, intense concentration and a dismissiveness in anything not scientific to vulnerable moments of reconciliation and romantic rekindling with Tom.
6. Subtext: Her professional demeanor often masks her fear of failure and intimacy, allowing an actor to play with layers of guardedness revealing underlying vulnerabilities.
7. Interesting Relationships: Her relationship with Tom provides a mix of conflict and chemistry, while her nostalgic respect for Dr. Klaus Von Furbol sets up his ultimate betrayal, inviting intrigue.
8. Unique Voice: Kathryn’s dialogue would be sharp, confident, intellectual, condescending, and often laced with scientific metaphors.
9. Special: What makes Kathryn special is her journey from a purely logical scientist to someone who becomes open to the irrational, both in science and in love, making her character arc profoundly relatable.

Dr. Klaus Von Furbol
1. Known for Role: Klaus is a once respected scientist now fallen from grace in disgrace; a villain with a twist, providing a complex character study of brilliance gone awry. His role offers an actor the chance to explore a morally ambiguous, multifaceted antagonist.
2. Most Interesting Character: Klaus is fascinating due to his transition from a respected scientist to a disgraced outcast and then to a diabolical mastermind behind the virus, blending intelligence with madness.
3. Interesting Actions: His actions involve orchestrating a covert operation, manipulating genetic experiments, and participating in a secret society will il intent, all while maintaining a facade of a reclusive, harmless old professor.
4. Introduction: He’s first seen in a dimly lit room, surrounded by ancient artifacts and cat paraphernalia, hinting at his obsession and depth.
5. Emotional Range: Klaus exhibits a range from charismatic charm to chilling malevolence, displaying a wide emotional spectrum that can be both enticing and terrifying.
6. Subtext: His dialogue and actions carry the subtext of a deep-seated need to be revered and feared, stemming from past humiliations and a desire for power.
7. Interesting Relationships: His past mentorship with both Tom and Kathryn adds depth, revealing a betrayed trust and a manipulative nature, leading to a dramatic confrontation.
8. Unique Voice: Klaus speaks with a refined, almost theatrical cadence, reflecting his grandiose self-image and delusions of grandeur, often quoting historical figures or scientific principles.
9. Special: Klaus is special because of his intellectual hubris and his ability to rationalize his extreme actions, making him a compelling and memorable antagonist in a darkly comedic setting.

[Terrie Shaft]

Terrie’s Actor Attractors
Vision: Vision: I am paid to write screenplays that become successful movies. My process is so solid I can enjoy my equestrian hobby while exceeding expectations with my writing.
Concept: An alien crashes into an off-the-grid hippie’s house and they accidentally swap bodies.
What I learned from this assignment is that I need both leads to experience love, that emotion is missing but was in the 3 movies that I watched in my subgenre. It is not necessarily romantic love but love shows up in all three. I also learned that it’s tough to keep the character’s straight as I’ve got them in two bodies!
Misa
1. Known for Role: This an opportunity to play two characters – Misa an angry, reclusive hippie and when Bill swaps into her body Misa’s a hapless alien. This role showcases an actor’s range from anger and reclusive to openness and compassion, confused, scared, highlighting their ability to portray a complex character arcs.
2. Most Interesting Character: She helps an alien! Misa is a character full of contradictions—angry yet vulnerable, reclusive yet longing for connection. Her journey from a distrustful hippie to a compassionate catalyst is a captivating arc that actors would find intriguing to explore. Of course, this actor is also going to have their body taken over by an alien and experience Earth for the first time.
3. Interesting Actions: Help fix the ship. Learns to work with others. When Bill is in her body, must hide being an alien and learn human customs, causing unintentional chaos and develop a unique relationship with Bill.
4. Introduction: Looks like a chill hippie girl but ends up in a verbal fight with most of the farmer’s market and gets thrown out of the farmer’s market.
5. Emotional Range: Fear, anger, Happy, Shock, Disbelief, Kindness, Love
6. Subtext: She’s angry at humans secretly hopes that aliens will show up and save the planet or at least all the assholes (most of the planet) flies away. As she evolves she learns to value her planet and even the humans. When Bill is in Misa’s body the subtext revolves around themes of self-worth, acceptance, and the universal desire for connection, offering the actor opportunities to convey vulnerability and resilience beneath the comedic surface.
7. Interesting Relationships: Her friendship with Bill the alien, which grows to platonic love through shared experiences. Her relationship with Deputy Rhoades evolves from distrust to appreciating his commitment to their community.
8. Unique Voice: Her chill off the grid lifestyle espousing peace and love philosophy via hippie slang but not getting along with anyone.
9. Special: Her deep love of the earth and her kindness to Bill the alien. Skills: making healing salves and lotions.

Bill
1. Known for Role: Comedic opportunity to play two characters in one –Bill a loveable hapless alien whose body gets taken over by Misa an angry hippie chick. Many opportunities for physical comedy. Bill is a scared alien, then Misa takes over his body.
2. Most Interesting Character: He’s an alien! His body gets taken over by a human. He’s not a very capable being in the beginning. Bill’s evolution from a clumsy outsider to a courageous and understanding being is compelling, providing the actor with opportunities for physical comedy, emotional depth, and heartfelt moments.
Interesting Actions: Bill crashes his ship and must find a way fix his ship. When Misa is in this body he needs to be hidden so no one detects him. Eventually develops a bond with Misa.
4. Introduction: Bill is flying along, needs the toilet, breaks it, which causes a chain reaction and a crash. Bill’s chaotic introduction, sets up the comedic tone and the character’s incompetence in alien skills.
5. Emotional Range: Scared, Confident, Shock, Kindness, Love, Empathy
6. Subtext: Bill is terrified of being found out – we know what earthlings do to aliens right? This is true for when Bill is Bill and when Misa is in Bill’s body. When Misa is in Bill’s body themes of escapism, fear of connection, and personal growth, allowing the actor to subtly convey internal conflicts and motivations.
7. Interesting Relationships: His friendship with Misa, which evolves to platonic love. Respect for Deputy Rhoades.
8. Unique Voice: His fear, confusion, and alien innocence while attempting to navigate earth customs. Alien mannerisms and quirks.
9. Special: Bill’s uniqueness is tied to his dual-identity. Bill’s special quality lies in his ability to bring chaos and humor to every situation.

 
Deputy Rhoades
1. Known for Role: This role offers an actor the opportunity to portray a complex antagonist with a mix of suspicion, personal struggles, and a moral compass. It’s not a typical “villain” but a character with depth and conflicting motivations.
2. Most Interesting Character: Deputy Rhoades’ journey of uncovering the truth while battling his own demons adds depth to the antagonist role.
3. Interesting Actions: Rhoades’ actions involve investigating the body swap, dealing with personal challenges, and confronting ethical dilemmas. His journey intersects with the protagonists, leading to confrontations and revelations.
4. Introduction: Deputy Rhoades is introduced as a determined, by the book law enforcement officer at the farmer’s market when Misa gets in a fight with, well, everyone. He starts out tough, the chides himself for the behavior, gets everyone to engage in breathing exercises to deescalate. Convinces everyone to not press charges against Misa, calms her and sends her home.
5. Emotional Range: Confusion, Shock, Kindness, introspection, redemption, self-doubt
6. Subtext: The actor can play on the subtext of authority versus personal integrity, exploring the character’s internal conflicts and motivations.
7. Interesting Relationships: His kindness and concern for the community stoner who seems to be possessed.
8. Unique Voice: He adopts a tough guy look and attitude but actually abhors violence. Maybe cites Ghandi frequently.
9. Special: Deputy Rhoades’ special quality lies in his role as a catalyst for change, driving the narrative forward through conflict and resolution in the midst of his inner conflicts and moral dilemmas.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 4 weeks ago by  Terrie Shaft.

[David Zelitzky]

David Z’s Actor attractors!
Vision:
I am an interesting, dependable, successful writer that people love to work with.
What I learned from doing this assignment is to always create character with depth and complexity that I know their unique character before I even start on the script.
Role: Tessa: Protagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
she’s a fighter when her back is up against the wall. Action in the face of insurmountable odds.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
she’s sensitive, she’s a fighter and she won’t take bullshit from anyone when her family is threatened.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
she’s a runner, she knows martial arts, she will overdose to save her brother and fight demons risking her life to help
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
she’s at her mother’s funeral, running in a hoodie through deserted streets, sensing danger, fighting through her suspicions, making her brother drink a protein shake to take care of him
What could be this character’s emotional range
She goes from silent and unexpressed to being a fighter, seeing reality of who her real friends are and destroying those who would harm her or her brother
What subtext can the actor play?
she misses her mom… feels responsible for her brother and is trying to figure out a way to leave this town and the people holding her back
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
she totally accepts her brother and is motherly to him… is blind to her boyfriend’s faults because she only sees the good in people… until she doesn’t
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
She plays a lot of subtext with her eyes and body language because she doesn’t stand up for herself verbally. When she talks you better listen.
What could make this character special and unique?
No one would expect that she knows martial arts. She has a personality that isn’t found in this dying town…
Role: Chris: Co-Protagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
He’s sensitive and flamboyant and wants to be loved… stands out in this middle American town.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
He’s colorful and articulate and calls people out on their bullshit.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
He can dance and dress up… wear some makeup… sensitive to supernatural occurrences and can control them.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
He’s the most colorful personality in the story. He has a sixth sense and is unapologetically himself
What could be this character’s emotional range
He’s scared of his visions – gets high to numb them… can get very angry and very loving
What subtext can the actor play?
He’s used to being bullied and has internalized it and learned to fight back by being even more flamboyant
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
He has a loving, complex, and unique relationship with his sister.. they can talk about anything and be brutally honest
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Through his dress and mannerisms.
What could make this character special and unique?
There are no strong, gay, flamboyant, sensitives being portrayed in the media

[Pam Ewing]

Pam’s Actor Attractors

Vision: Become a Writing Athlete

What I've learned: This stumped me. But eventually I got myself to just move on and believe that they characters will blossom with a little more plot and tending.

Lead Character Name: Maia

Role: Protagonist

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Embraces life and death issues with comedy, action, problem solving, coming out on top

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
She has the longest journey from success to utter humiliation to recovery through facing off against evil and even being tempted to change her world views

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Risking more humiliation she investigates a perfectly serene situation

4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
After showing her expertise and announcing the acquisition of her biggest competitor, during the announcement the roles reverse and she’s ousted by an angel investor who backs her vanquished competitor

5. What could be this character’s emotional range
Major leader and power player to defeated and confused to trying to support her friend to trying to embrace rebuilding herself then investigating mystery and regaining confidence by trying to take down the evil antagonist who even offers a quick way to get back on top through compromises she’s accused of accepting before

6. What subtext can the actor play?
Making hard choices for self-serving vs other-serving reasons. Living out the humor of the situation without seeing it. Exploring the challenges of life vs giving up.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With Villian, Dr. Kari. With best friend, Ollie. With romantic potential in Dr. Jeremy. Confronting herself – her goals vs reality vs best intentions vs expediency and profit

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Through work – when relaxing she is a fake self. She find new comfort in physical confrontation. She is forced to ask new questions and not take pat answers.

9. What could make this character special and unique?
She clings to her reputation which was based on the PR needs of the company more than reality. She finds something real in herself that allows her to drop the façade and be comfortable and successful on her own terms in her own skin with her own north star.

Lead Character Name: Dr. Kari

Role: Antagonist

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Dr. Kari presents one face to the world but is something completely frightening born of wickedness. She has faced the functional answers to questions most people don’t consider because she has had to overcome death and decided life is only worth living for your own profit. She would like to have a legacy by finding disciples, like Maia.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
She has justification for her actions from her painful backstory and taking the wrong lessons from it.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
She is a manipulator making people choose death over live. She is trying to seduce Dr. Jeremy. When she discovers that Maia has learned part of her secrets she campaigns to get Maia on her side when she could have killed her.

4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Dr. Kari is smart and innovative but secretive because the world just doesn’t understand her.

5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
The appearance of modesty and graciousness hiding ruthless intelligence. Ultimately she won’t even let someone else defeat her, preferring to engineer her own demise. Magnanimous in death or is it a trap?

6. What subtext can the actor play?
She always a step ahead in understanding a situation and nearly invisible control. She is likeable and intelligent without needing to draw attention to herself – subtle.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With Maia she feels that she has met a disciple who is in a weakened state. She pushes but she tries not to control because she wants a follower not a slave.
With Dr. Jeremy she sees love potential but she does not see it as a relationship of equals.

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
As she explains her philosophies, she betrays her deeper agenda. Her true vanity is exposed in her treatments.

9. What could make this character special and unique?
She is a consumed evil genius and yet her evil work actually serves some good purposes and profitable medical needs. She is a match to Maia’s ambitions and success but in a different way. She has embraced the need to be involved in the grubby tissue business to serve higher purposes, her own first and also her clients’.

Lead Character Name: Dr. Jeremy

Role: Love interest with his own secrets

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Two women desire him. The character is smart and thinks his secret background will protect him. He gets distracted but is perhaps overly confident in his ability to overcome.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
He prefers Maia but succumbs to Dr. Kari and pushes both women second to his research. His reality is in the shadows so no one knows if he is trustworthy

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
He is found researching Dr. Kari and putting of Maia though they really seem to click. In the in final confrontation of Maia and Dr. Kari, his FBI credentials are revealed to Maia needs to rescue him as well as Ollie.

4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
He has a meet cute with Maia and rejects her even though Dr. Kari is not involved.

5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
Over confident, intelligent, expert in things he seems to fumble, capable of leading or following, lacking the depth of understanding of the nuances of life vs death preferring more black and white.

6. What subtext can the actor play?
Who does he really like? What is his real objective? Is he law enforcement or a tissue competitor or the researcher he claims? How can his true intentions be revealed?

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With Maia they connect yet he continues to reject him.
With Dr. Kari he plays the dutiful researcher who hints that he could be interested in her.

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
His actions are contained and his actions appear contrary so he seems duplicitous.

9. What could make this character special and unique?
He sees the rejection of Maia as her protection. His anger at her is because he doesn’t want to be exposed. His actions to push Maia away actually leads her to uncover secrets he’s been trying to uncover. Hence, he follows her trying not to let Dr. Kari know.

Lead Character Name: Ollie

Role: Maia’s best friend

Ollie is comic relief who often states the truth in a way that seems ridiculous or is resourceful only because she thinks so differently than others. Even though Maia must rescue her in the end, it is only because she rushes to defend Maia and ends up in a trap set for Dr. Kari.

[jamie handley]

ACTOR ATTRACTOR TEMPLATE

Lead Character Name: Lindsey Turner
Role: = Protagonist

What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
This character is very complex to begin with. On the surface she comes with a lot of baggage which at times could look like she is bipolar. She is resilient, creative, controlling, clever and embodies several roles: as caretaker, leader within her family, and the family’s next matriarch. But who is she really? That’s what she is trying to discover since the death of her mother. She can be ostentatious, on the brazen side when needed. She tends to be judgmental towards others, especially those who don’t meet her high standards or conform to her expectations. She is still beautiful but is ageing. She has chronic pain from a horrific auto accident and several failed surgeries leaving her medically dependent on opioids. This woman’s life has been more than colorful. She has done things throughout her life that no one could imagine. Colorful and Complex!
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Because she remains the heart of the family which she often resents. She holds the closest bond to Sadie, her older sister and antagonist. There is a lot of dramatic irony in their relationship.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
She has the balls to take Sadie to court for custody of her niece, Brooke, and is granted guardianship. She involves herself with the help of hospice letting them know all the things they are doing are wrong. She also confronts the medical doctors.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Lindsey’s introductions show her deeply grieving for the loss of her mother. With her daughter, Gracie, living with her (and her significant other) she can’t seem to focus on what matters and what to do next. Gracie slowly starts helping. She is also lost and burdened with all the tasks that need accomplished on behalf of their mother’s death with no help from her sisters. Her rage and anger begin to surface.
This story takes you on an emotional roller-coaster ride.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
From being kind and compassionate to ruthless and aggressive. Deeply hidden pain which she hides from to the physical pain she lives with. Physically, she must wear a body brace from the various failed back surgeries, she hides that well too. It changes drastically when issues arise in the family.
What subtext can the actor play?
When issues arise, she will pause and reflect before she answers but might hint about it or change the subject. She cleans the house, works in the yard when she’s angry, excited or confronted with a problem. She’s afraid to live alone, something she’s never done before.
What’s the most interesting relationship this character can have?
Lindsey’s relationship with Sadie is so very deep. They loved each other once upon a time for a very long time until Sadie became a widow and their mother decided to move to Arizona and live with Lindsey. They were everything to each other.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Lindsey’s voice evolves throughout the film, mirroring her journey from a controlling and somewhat judgmental matriarch to a more understanding and open figure, reflecting her growth and the themes of the film. When she allows herself to be vulnerable or heartbroken she opens. In her conversations with her lifelong friend, Annie. Annie is the only one that knows her the most. Later she learns to talk with daughter, Gracie.
What could make this character special and unique?
She’s gone through all the horrible lessons imaginable, raped by her stepson, abandoned by her father, cared for and watched her mother die and took care of her ex-husband when he got Alzheimer’s until his death. Raised her sister’s daughter. She never gives up, always searching for a better and brighter day. She turns to her faith in her daily readings.

[Andrew Foerster]

Drew Foerster’s Actor attractors!
My Vision: I am doing all that is needed to create a future where I am a well-respected Hollywood writer and have the freedom to choose the projects I put my time towards as well as working with amazing producers, directors actors, and agents/managers.
What I learned from doing this assignment is… Researching great characters and how they show these traits really helped me shape how I thought about my characters and the possibilities of who they could be.
Lead Character Name: Emma Taylor
Role: Protagonist / Love Interest
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? – Emma is a complex character. She is serious and talented. She starts tough-as-nails boss but through the story we begin to see layers of vulnerability and self-doubt.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? – Her transformation from a seemingly heartless and ambitious professional to a vulnerable and emotionally connected individual adds depth and intrigue to the character. Her journey allows for exploration of themes such as love, identity, and personal growth.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? – She could confront her own fears and insecurities as she realizes her true feelings for Matthew and learns more about her abduction. And her boldness can pay off at the end when tough decisions need to be made to save their relationship.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? – Showing what a bad-ass Emma is from the get go but that there is also a human side. She’s damaged and scared and covers it with a tough exterior. We meet Emma in a high-stakes business meeting where she effortlessly dismantles her opponents' arguments with sharp wit and intelligence, only to reveal her vulnerability in a quiet moment afterward, hinting at her inner struggles.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range –
Her emotional range spans from icy determination and sarcasm to vulnerability, love, and self-discovery. She experiences moments of anger, sadness, joy, and everything in between as she navigates the complexities of her relationships and her own desires.
6. What subtext can the actor play? – Beneath Emma's tough exterior lies a deep-seated fear of rejection and loneliness, stemming from her troubled past (being abducted by aliens as a child).
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? – The relationship between Emma and Matthew, is central to the story. Their dynamic evolves from being abducted together to a complex romantic entanglement, fraught with tension, humor, and genuine affection. With her casual boyfriend: A dynamic showcasing her fear of commitment and the eventual realization of her worth. With a female colleague: A potential friendship that highlights her professional struggles and personal growth.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? – Emma’s unique voice is characterized by sharp wit, confidence, and a commanding presence. However, as the story progresses, her voice softens, revealing vulnerability and sincerity.
9. What could make this character special and unique? – Emma stands out as a strong, independent woman in a male-dominated corporate world. Her journey of self-discovery and transformation sets her apart. And because of her intellect, she is able to outsmart the aliens to get to her final goal. Emma’s psychic connection with Matthew makes her special and unique. This connection forces her to confront her vulnerabilities and opens her up to the possibility of genuine emotional intimacy, which she has been avoiding for years.

Lead Character Name: Matthew Barnes
Role: Protagonist / Love Interest
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? – Matthew is a loveable loser who is wicked smart and a bit nerdy. He is a multi-dimensional character that allows for both comedic and dramatic performances. It combines humor, heart, and social commentary. He’s a genuinely kind and empathetic man who is searching for meaning and connection. It’s a chance to play a character who is both humorous and deeply emotional.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? – Matthew undervalues himself but has a strong moral compass, which often puts him at odds with the people around him. His journey from an underdog to a self-assured romantic partner creates a compelling narrative arc full of personal growth.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? – He could quit his job on principle. He travels across the country to show his love. He never loses faith in true love. He stands up to aliens.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? –He is faced with a moral crisis at work and he stands up for what’s right and gets fired.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range – His range spans from self doubt to sardonic humor and sharp indignation to tender vulnerability and deep introspection. He experiences frustration, hope, love, and a sense of purpose, requiring an actor to navigate a spectrum of emotions seamlessly.
6. What subtext can the actor play? – subtext revolves around Matthew’s internal struggles of self-doubt and impostor syndrome. His humor often masks a deep-seated fear of inadequacy and a longing for validation, both personally and professionally.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? – With Emma, who he has been romantically connected to by the aliens. With his buddy Marc: A friendship that provides comic relief and grounding but also highlights Matthew's struggle between his dream and societal expectations. With Shelby his fiancée: A relationship that challenges his sense of self and ultimately helps him realize what he truly wants.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? – sharp, irreverent humor and insightful observations. His dialogue is peppered with witty repartee and earnest, heartfelt moments, reflecting his complex personality and his journey towards self-acceptance and understanding of the strange situation our leads are in.
9. What could make this character special and unique? – He embodies the archetype of the principled underdog who believe in true love. His unique combination of humor, intelligence, and vulnerability makes him relatable and endearing. His unwavering commitment to his values, despite the personal cost, sets him apart as a character with depth and authenticity.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  Andrew Foerster.

[Hope McPherson]

Hope’s Actor attractors!

My Vison: To be a full-time respected screenwriter whose work brings joy to viewers and creates work for others in the industry, including actors and crew.

What I learned: That I need to make sure, absolutely sure, that my antagonist doesn’t have all the fun in this script. Without this lesson front and center in my head, that would have been a distinct possibility. I’m now considering ways that my protagonist can quickly go on the offensive rather than playing defense.

Title: Novel Nuptials

Genre: Comedy

Role: Protagonist Marta Jordan

What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?

Marta Jordan, an up-and-coming author and bride, becomes her own protagonist to save her wedding and fiancé after her fictional characters revolt to rewrite her wedding — and life. Her journey is a relatable transformation from a stressed control freak to a liberated creative force.

What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?

Marta must untangle every bit of wedding chaos and mess her fictional characters throw at her while trying to uncover what’s behind the chaos and who’s pulling the strings. Her journey from the brink of a nervous breakdown to embracing the chaos around her is filled with humor, vulnerability, and ultimate triumph.

What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?

She must go from being a type-A personality with unyielding ideas of a proper wedding to the woman who can use chaos and more chaos – including remake her wedding dress on the day of, put out a fire by fighting fire with fire, redo decorations, find a new officiant, rescue the groom, and more. She must ultimately devise a creative solution to save her fiancé and her wedding day.

How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?

Marta can be introduced in a high-energy scene where she’s juggling wedding planning and last-minute edits to her book, demonstrating her multitasking chops and hinting at the chaos to come. This sets up her initial state and the impending upheaval.

What could be this character’s emotional range?

Marta’s emotional range spans from high-strung anxiety and frustration to moments of introspection and vulnerability, and finally to joy and creative inspiration as she learns to embrace the unpredictability of her life.

What subtext can the actor play?

Primarily she will carefully spar with her frenemy and she will challenge her “fictional” characters as she tries to trip them up.

What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?

Marta needs to have an interesting relationship with her fiancé. Her dynamic with Royal Brighton is filled with rivalry and tension, while her interactions with Vincent Darkwood are layered with confusion and intrigue.

How will this character’s unique voice be presented?

Marta’s unique voice is a blend of sharp wit, literary references, and a touch of vulnerability. Her dialogue can oscillate between high-strung demands and moments of poetic insight, reflecting her dual life as a bride and an author.

What could make this character special and unique?

Marta is forced to confront her own insecurities and doubts as both a writer and a bride-to-be. She must embrace the unexpected and find inspiration in chaos to find a deeper understanding of herself and her creative process. Marta’s special quality is her creativity, which initially feels like a burden but ultimately becomes her superpower. Her ability to think like an author allows her to navigate and outwit the chaos that unfolds.

Role: Royal Brighton (Antagonist)

What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?

Royal is a slick, established author who’s a charismatic master manipulator committed to causing chaos in Marta’s life for his own gain. He is a sophisticated villain.

What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?

An author and rival to Marta, Royal realizes he can use her fictional characters to sabotage her wedding and boost his own career.

What are the most interesting actions the character could take in the script?

Royal seizes the wedding as an opportunity to become the true puppet master, controlling the “fictional” characters and pushing all of Marta’s buttons.

How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?

Royal can be introduced in a scene where he’s charming a crowd at a book signing, subtly hinting at his competitive nature and disdain for Marta. This sets up his suave exterior and underlying menace. He’ll then swoop in full of concern, hiding his real intent to destroy his rival in the eyes of her readers and publisher.

What could be this character’s emotional range.

Royal is smooth and smart. His emotional range includes smug satisfaction, cunning, frustration when things don’t go as planned, and eventual vulnerability when his scheme unravels.

What subtext can the actor play?

Royal manipulates the events of the wedding from behind the scenes while maintaining his facade as a supportive friend and colleague. His actions are driven by a deep-seated fear of being overshadowed, which he masks with confidence and charm.

What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?

Royal and Marta, as sparring competitors; Royal and Vincent, as puppet master and puppet; and Royal and the publisher, as author and purse strings behind the author.

How will this character’s unique voice be presented?

Royal is cunning and manipulative, but a smooth operator, too. Everything he says has a layer of subtext. Royal’s unique voice is suave, articulate, and laced with sarcasm. His dialogue often includes literary allusions and double entendres, reflecting his intellectual arrogance and sharp mind.

What could make this character special and unique?

Royal must balance his ambitions with the consequences of his actions. His journey highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition. His eventual comeuppance is both satisfying and dramatic.

Vincent Darkwood (Triangle Character)

What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?

Vincent is a complex character caught between conflicting loyalties and his own ambitions.

What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?

Vincent is intriguing because he’s an out-of-work actor thrust into a bizarre situation where he must blend reality with fiction.

What are the most interesting actions the character could take in the script?

Vincent must adopt the persona of Marta’s fictional antagonist, switching between his real self and the character, and ultimately choosing sides when the stakes are high.

How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?

Vincent’s true identity as an out-of-work actor won’t be revealed until the second or third act. He’ll have Marta and viewers convinced he’s the “real” fictional deal.

What could be this character’s emotional range.

Vincent’s emotional range includes frustration with his career, the excitement of playing a new role, confusion and guilt over deceiving Marta, and eventual resolve as he decides to do the right thing.

What subtext can the actor play?

Vincent’s subtext involves his internal conflict between ambition and integrity. He initially sees the job as a break but gradually realizes the moral implications of his actions, leading to a personal reckoning.

What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?

Vincent’s most interesting relationships are with Marta, as he begins to care for her and questions his role in the sabotage, and with Royal, who represents the temptation of easy success.

How will this character’s unique voice be presented?

Vincent’s unique voice blends theatrical flair with moments of genuine vulnerability. His dialogue can switch between the dramatic lines of Marta’s fictional world and his own more grounded, earnest speech.

What could make this character special and unique?

Vincent’s special quality is his adaptability and underlying good nature. Despite being hired to cause chaos, his inherent decency and empathy make him a compelling and ultimately redemptive character.

[Diane Denham]

Bonnie’s Vision: I want to become 200% better as a writer and have at least one script produced within the year 2024-2025.
What I learned from doing this assignment is that I know my characters so well that answering the questions all just flowed.
Genre = Sci-Fi Comedy
Concept = Xiola, a secret agent time traveler from future Earth is sent back to the present to the moment of a mysterious event to investigate the cause: When three ET travel agents compete fiercely for dominance in the multidimensional vacations market on their distant planet a malfunction occurs. During a critical demonstration of their latest technologies, time travel, teleportation, and multidimensional holidays, a malfunction occurs, propelling them and their three tourists into a commercial airline mid-flight over present-day U.S.A.

Characters = Xiola – Zartuuf – Quarky

Lead Character Name: Xiola
Role: Protagonist – Secret Agent/Time Traveler from Future Earth
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? She’s an arrogant, passionate operative with a hidden agenda.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? She’s witty yet insensitive.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? Her actions are bold, surprising and unpredictable.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? When she lands on the plane, she sniffs out the Air Marshal, seduces him, straps a parachute on him, snatches his shield and gun before pushing him out of the plane.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range? Arrogant, insensitive to passionate to compassionate and self-sacrificing.
6. What subtext can the actor play? She assumes the role of U.S. Marshal and takes command in the chaos.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? She’s an expert on time travel, multidimensional travel and martial arts.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? She knows how to talk her way out of a tricky situation.
9. What could make this character special and unique? Calm in the face of danger, thinks on her feet.

Lead Character Name: Zartuuf
Role: Antagonist – Love Interest for Xiola/ET Travel Agent
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? He’s charismatic, clever and manipulative.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? He has a tiny ET pet that stings him when he lies.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? Sabotaging other travel agents for top travel agency position.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? Show him stealing a vital part of his rival’s translocation device before the launch. Desperate to succeed, after bungling numerous relationships and shady careers.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range be? From charming to raging maniac to abject regret and remorse.
6. What subtext can the actor play? Innocent victim.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? Secretly in love with Xiola but he doesn’t know how to love.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? Almost every word is a self-serving lie.
9. What could make this character special and unique? His ET pet, a gift from his ex, acts as an external conscience.
Lead Character Name: Quarky
Role: Triangle Character – ET Tourist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Androgenous, quirky and inappropriate.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? It’s the source of many embarrassing and humorous situations.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? Being the source of misunderstandings and faux pas.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? Quarky goes into full panic mode upon arriving on the plane, causing chaos and confusion.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range? Friendly to panic-stricken and cowardly to courageous.
6. What subtext can the actor play? Talented at mimicking others and predicting how they’ll react in any situation.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? Loyal and protective of Xiola.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? Quarky’s voice is contradictory and illusive, and enigmatic.
9. What could make this character special and unique? This quirky ET detects people’s strengths and weaknesses, which proves to be of great value in an emergency.

[Farrin Rosenthal]

Farrin Rosenthal’s Actor Attractors!

Farrin’s Vision: To do what it takes to become a highly paid A-List Hollywood writer whose produced movies will entertain audiences around the world.

What I learned doing this assignment is how to create main characters for actors using nine actor attractors.

Lead Character Name: Eleanor “Rose” Turner

Role: Protagonist

What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
The transformational journey of the character from a sheltered college co-ed to a leader and killer.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
She undergoes the biggest change, goes from a fish-out-of-water to learning to “swim” and survive while seeking revenge and justice.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Facing things that constantly threaten her life and learning to survive and lead.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
She will be introduced in action, riding a horse fast, late for class, then trying to sneak into the classroom undetected so as to not get in trouble.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
From innocent young woman to killer. Expressing great sadness learning of her father’s murder to rage seeking vengeance and justice.
What subtext can the actor play?
At times, she must hide who she is or wants to be. Hiding her fear, trying to outsmart the bad guys.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
The strongest will be with her two best friends, and the three become the Shadows of Justice.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Through her journey, we will see how she changes and grows, everything she has to do and say along the way.
What could make this character special and unique?
Everything she has to go through in her journey will make her special and unique from college student to killer, but then letting the murderer of her father go at the end and becoming the new sheriff.

Lead Character Name: Calvin Stone

Role: Antagonist

What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
The character is a ruthless, greedy murderer who will do anything to maintain power.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
He is more than just a mean bastard and killer. There is a reason he became one.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Riding into town, confronting and murdering the Sheriff, to ruling over the town with a brutal iron fist.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
He is also introduced in action, riding into town as his men shoot into the air, confronting the Sheriff, giving him a chance to join him in running the town, then killing him when he refuses.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
From calm to rage, a killer, but showing weakness in defeat.
What subtext can the actor play?
Hiding his ruthless, killer nature at first, then letting it explode!
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With his outlaw gang, how he controls them, to how he treats innocent townspeople.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
By how he acts and what he says and does.
What could make this character special and unique?
Wanting power, taking it, keeping it, and ultimately losing it, allowed to live at the end.

[hari messer]

Hari's Actor Attractors
My Vision: I want to write screenplays that enable me to work with like minded creative people in the industry to produce profound movies that will have a long lasting positive effect on the world.

What I learned…Complex characters that jump off the page, unique to this story.

### Protagonist: Colt McBride

**1. Known for Role:**
Colt McBride is a quintessential hero battling not only corruption but an alien invasion, making him a unique blend of detective and sci-fi action hero. An actor would want to be known for playing such a multifaceted character who transitions from a big city cop to the savior of humanity, showcasing bravery, intelligence, and determination.

**2. Most Interesting Character:**
Colt is an outsider who uncovers layers of deceit in a seemingly simple water controversy, transforming it into a life-and-death struggle against an alien threat. His journey from skepticism to a relentless pursuit of truth makes him compelling.

**3. Interesting Actions:**
– Confronting Del Beck and challenging his authority.
– Investigating the water sources and discovering alien technology.
– Formulating and executing plans to expose and stop the aliens.
– Leading a group of townspeople in a desperate fight for survival.

**4. Introduction:**
Colt can be introduced during a tense standoff in the city, demonstrating his sharp instincts and courage. He receives a mysterious call about the water controversy, hinting at his initial reluctance and eventual compulsion to get involved due to his moral compass.

**5. Emotional Range:**
Colt experiences a wide emotional range: frustration with his suspension, curiosity about the conspiracy, horror at the alien revelation, determination to save the town, and compassion for the people he's protecting, especially as he forms close bonds with them.

**6. Subtext:**
Colt's struggle with his own sense of justice and duty, battling inner demons of past failures, and his gradual realization of the depth of the conspiracy. The subtext can also explore his feelings of isolation and the weight of being the town's last hope.

**7. Interesting Relationships:**
– His adversarial yet respectful relationship with Del Beck.
– A complex, possibly romantic tension with Jamaica Daly as he uncovers her true identity and struggles to protect her.
– A mentorship with a local deputy who looks up to him, despite Colt's suspension.

**8. Unique Voice:**
Colt's voice can be gruff yet compassionate, embodying a mix of seasoned cop wisdom and heartfelt concern for humanity. His dialogue should reflect his no-nonsense attitude, combined with moments of vulnerability.

**9. Special:**
Colt’s unique combination of big city detective skills and his capacity to adapt to extraordinary situations involving aliens makes him a rare and compelling hero. His journey from skepticism to belief, and his transformation from a suspended cop to humanity's savior, adds depth and uniqueness to his character.

### Antagonist: Del Beck

**1. Known for Role:**
Del Beck is a charismatic yet menacing antagonist with hidden layers, making him an attractive role for an actor who enjoys playing complex villains. His dual nature as a human sheriff and alien leader offers a rich tapestry to explore.

**2. Most Interesting Character:**
Del’s control over the town and his hidden alien identity create a powerful and mysterious figure. His manipulative nature and the facade he maintains make him one of the story's most intriguing characters.

**3. Interesting Actions:**
– Subtly manipulating town politics and people to maintain control.
– Engaging in intense confrontations with Colt, revealing his cunning.
– Performing alien rituals to maintain his power and control over the water.
– Ruthlessly silencing those who threaten to expose him.

**4. Introduction:**
Del can be introduced during a town meeting, effortlessly asserting his dominance and showcasing his charisma. A subtle hint of his alien nature, perhaps through an eerie, unexplained event, can foreshadow his true identity.

**5. Emotional Range:**
Del exhibits a cold, calculating demeanor but can shift to charm and intimidation seamlessly. His rare moments of vulnerability, when his alien identity is threatened, show a stark contrast to his usual control.

**6. Subtext:**
Del's internal conflict between his alien loyalty and the human emotions he may have developed. The subtext can also delve into his fear of exposure and loss of power, adding depth to his villainy.

**7. Interesting Relationships:**
– A cat-and-mouse dynamic with Colt, blending respect and animosity.
– A manipulative relationship with Jamaica, where he uses her without revealing her true identity.
– Tension with his alien subordinates, who may question his methods or loyalty.

**8. Unique Voice:**
Del's voice should be smooth, authoritative, and occasionally menacing, reflecting his control and hidden malice. His dialogue should balance between his public charm and private ruthlessness.

**9. Special:**
Del's unique blend of human charisma and alien malevolence makes him a standout antagonist. His ability to seamlessly navigate both worlds, maintaining power through fear and manipulation, adds a special layer to his character.

### Triangle Character: Jamaica Daly

**1. Known for Role:**
Jamaica Daly is a conflicted character caught between her corporate ambitions and her mysterious heritage. An actor would be drawn to her complex journey of self-discovery and the dramatic stakes involved.

**2. Most Interesting Character:**
Jamaica’s internal conflict between her human and alien sides, coupled with her high-stakes mission to perform the renewal ritual, makes her a compelling figure. Her evolution from ignorance to awareness is a fascinating arc.

**3. Interesting Actions:**
– Unwittingly aiding the corporation while struggling with her family legacy.
– Discovering her true nature and grappling with the implications.
– Performing the renewal ritual in a dramatic, high-stakes scene.
– Choosing sides in the final confrontation, potentially betraying her corporate allies.

**4. Introduction:**
Jamaica can be introduced in a corporate setting, displaying her competence and ambition. A personal moment, such as visiting her family's old estate or a cryptic encounter with Del Beck, can hint at her deeper connection to the town.

**5. Emotional Range:**
Jamaica’s range spans ambition, confusion, fear, and ultimately, empowerment. Her emotional journey involves denial, acceptance, and the strength to face her true identity and heritage.

**6. Subtext:**
Jamaica’s struggle with her dual identity and her desire to forge her own path despite her alien heritage. The subtext can explore her conflicted loyalties and the fear of losing herself in the process.

**7. Interesting Relationships:**
– A complicated, possibly romantic tension with Colt as they uncover the truth together.
– A manipulative, yet revealing relationship with Del Beck.
– Strained interactions with her husband, the judge, as her secrets come to light.

**8. Unique Voice:**
Jamaica’s voice should reflect her professional confidence, tinged with moments of vulnerability and inner conflict. Her dialogue should evolve as she transitions from corporate spokesperson to someone grappling with a profound personal revelation.

**9. Special:**
Jamaica’s unique position as the offspring of a human-alien union and her critical role in the renewal ritual set her apart. Her journey of self-discovery and the high stakes of her survival add a special and unique dimension to her character.

• This reply was modified 11 months ago by  hari messer.

[John Trimbach]

John’s Actor Attractors
Vision; sell or option two scripts this year and hire a manager
What I learned is these questions open up new avenues of complexity.
Lead Character Name: Sheriff Walter Egan, a man running from his past until it overtakes him.
Role: Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Closet alcoholic, lied on his application to the FBI, in denial,
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
He’s trying to get his life together but keeps getting shafted
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Lets a speeder off with a warning, shows mercy, takes a beating, apologizes to his daughter, says he loves her
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
If he lets a speeder get away in order to avoid an accident
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
From frustrated to elated
6. What subtext can the actor play?
Lies about his background, his escape from a prison in the West Congo, his drinking
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With his estranged daughter, a waitress, a librarian
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
As sincere, and forthcoming when confronted
9. What could make this character special and unique?
Set aside a small fortune for his daughter in the hopes he would some day see her again and also give back her doll which he still has.

Lead Character Name: Margaret (Mara) Egan, Walter’s daughter whom he hasn’t seen in 15 years when she was only 3 years old.
Role: Antagonist turned ally
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Emotional range, beauty, sincerity, a sort of naïve innocence, forgiving
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
She was harmed the most yet took care of her deranged sister. Was always kind to her, the only person who could calm her down.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Offer to take the fall for her sister, forgive her father, sing a song to calm he sister down. Hug her sister, and tell her about her father named Walter, “a brave man of the sea.”
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
She. Portrays a young girl who can look older for the part (15 year range), beautiful either way. She gives the money she earned as a call girl to a little poor girl.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
From joyous to profound sadness, a willingness to start anew
6. What subtext can the actor play?
She can withhold her secret until it has the greatest effect on her father. She can mislead the police convincingly. She can have a chance encounter with her father and not let on.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With her estranged father.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Kind, prophetic, angelic, but at times frantic
9. What could make this character special and unique?
If she continually put the needs of her sister above her own.

Lead Character Name: Morris, Walter’s estranged stepson
Role: (Antagonist)
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
A smart but morally bankrupt trouble maker.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Mean to everyone except his sisters.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Cleans up June’s messes after she kills. Savage when he wants to be
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Like to quote Shakespeare, uses a soothing voice with June.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
Kind and gentle to mean and nasty
6. What subtext can the actor play?
He can play Walter all day long, get the truth out of him, while hiding the fact that he raped a 16-year-old girl while accusing Walter of basically the same thing.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Toys with the idea of having sex with June, until interrupted by Mara.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Oddly sentimental while being brutal.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
His last act is to perish while trying to save June.

[Tom Wilson]

Tom’s Actor Attractors!
My vision is to become a proficient screenwriter whom producers can rely on for quality writing.
Doing this assignment, I found myself making quicker, better decisions using AI.
General Ratkin (Antagonist)
1. Known for Role:
• Complex Villainy: This role allows an actor to delve into a multifaceted villain who uses his power for personal gain, offering a chance to explore the darker sides of ambition and morality.
2. Most Interesting Character:
• Machiavellian Tactics: Ratkin's strategic mind and ruthless actions make him a captivating character, combining political manipulation with personal malice.
3. Interesting Actions:
• Blackmail and Deception: Ratkin's blackmail of Sara and his deceitful campaign maneuvers provide intense, dramatic scenes.
• Has a high-stakes confrontation with Sara, his political rivals, and even the media.
4. Introduction:
• Commanding Presence: Introduce Ratkin in a high-pressure military briefing, demonstrating his authoritative presence and strategic acumen, hinting at his ulterior motives.
5. Emotional Range:
• Cold Calculation to Explosive Rage: From calm, calculated manipulations to moments of explosive anger and frustration when things go awry.
6. Subtext:
• Hidden Insecurities: Despite his bravado, Ratkin's fear of failure and desperation to secure his legacy underlie his actions, providing depth to his ruthless facade.
7. Interesting Relationships:
• Manipulative Marriage: Forced relationship with Sara is control and resistance battleground.
• Political Rivals: Tense dynamics with political adversaries, adding intrigue and conflict.
8. Unique Voice:
• Authoritative yet Charismatic: His speeches and dialogues exude confidence and manipulation, blending military command with political charm.
9. Special:
• Power and Paradox: Ratkin's character is special due to his paradoxical nature – a protector turned oppressor, embodying the corrupting influence of power.

Lt. Matt Brown (Sara’s Secret Lover)
1. Known for Role:
• Tragic Heroism: An actor can portray a loyal soldier torn between duty and love, highlighting the personal cost of war and political ambition.
2. Most Interesting Character:
• Star-Crossed Lover: Matt's clandestine relationship with Sara amidst the chaos of war adds layers of romance and tragedy.
3. Interesting Actions:
• Secret Meetings: Risky rendezvous with Sara provides tension and emotional depth.
• Defiant Stand: Confronting Ratkin, boldly protecting Sara shows how brave, determined he is.
4. Introduction:
• Warzone Tenderness: Introduce Matt during a tender moment with Sara in a war-torn setting, contrasting the harsh environment with their intimate connection.
5. Emotional Range:
• Love to Desperation: His emotions swing from deep love and tenderness to frustration, anger, and despair as he fights to keep Sara safe.
6. Subtext:
• Silent Sacrifice: Matt's driven by a deep sense of sacrifice, hiding fears and doubts to support Sara.

7. Interesting Relationships:
• Forbidden Love: The secret and intense relationship with Sara.
• Brother-in-Arms: Bonds with fellow soldiers, highlights camaraderie and loyalty.
8. Unique Voice:
• Soft yet Strong: Matt's dialogue shows his gentle nature, inner strength and resolve.
9. Special:
• Warrior with a Heart: Matt is uniquely embodies a lover’s tenderness and a soldier’s courage.

Zeno Amed (Sara’s Twin Brother)
1. Known for Role:
• Complex Duality: An actor can explore the duality of Zeno's character, from loyal officer to vengeful insurgent.
2. Most Interesting Character:
• Vengeance and Loyalty: Zeno’s journey from military officer to Taliban collaborator out of a desire for vengeance adds complexity and intrigue.
3. Interesting Actions:
• Undercover Ops: His covert actions against Ratkin provide thrilling, high-stakes scenarios.
• Sibling Bond: Protective actions towards Sara, showcasing his deep familial loyalty.
4. Introduction:
• Conflict Introduction: Introduce Zeno in a tense encounter with Ratkin, hinting at his internal conflict and foreshadowing his eventual betrayal.
5. Emotional Range:
• Love to Fury: Zeno’s emotions range from protective love for his sister to intense anger and hatred towards Ratkin.
6. Subtext:
• Moral Ambiguity: His collaboration with the Taliban, despite his initial loyalty to the military, reveals a complex moral landscape.
7. Interesting Relationships:
• Sibling Connection: Deep and complex relationship with Sara, filled with support and tension.
• Enemy of the State: His antagonistic relationship with Ratkin, driven by a personal vendetta.
8. Unique Voice:
• Passionate and Conflicted: Zeno’s dialogue is charged with passion and conflict, reflecting his tumultuous journey.
9. Special:
• Unlikely Rebel: Zeno’s transformation from an officer to a vengeful insurgent makes him a unique and compelling character, embodying the personal cost of political machinations.
 
ChatGPT:
Sure, here's a detailed breakdown of "Terrible Swift Sword" with genre conventions incorporated into the 4 Act Transformational Structure for a thriller.
Title: Terrible Swift Sword
Concept =
What if a U.S. general abruptly orders all U.S. troops out of Afghanistan so he can run for President? Here’s the twist: he must blackmail a popular Afghan scientist to marry him so voters will forget he let the Afghans fall into the hands of the bloodthirsty Taliban.
Genre Conventions
PURPOSE: To thrill your audience with high stakes, plot twists, and suspense that never lets up until the adrenaline-packed climax.
LIFE AND DEATH SITUATIONS: The protagonist faces danger at every step – physically, emotionally, or mentally. The hero needs to either be in danger or future danger is implied.
MYSTERY/INTRIGUE/SUSPENSE: There's a mystery that must be solved to survive. Intrigue involves the underhanded and covert villain’s plan. Suspense comes from the danger the hero faces.
HERO: Unknowing, unwitting, but resourceful hero.
VILLAIN: Dangerous, devious, and unrelenting. Committed to destroying anyone who gets in their way.
MAIN EMOTIONS: Suspense, intrigue, mystery, tension, anticipation, uncertainty, and surprise.
4 Act Transformational Structure:
Old Ways:
• Sara Amed: An Afghan scientist dedicated to her research and in love with Matt, struggling with the socio-political constraints of her country.
Act 1:
Opening:
• Introduce Sara Amed, a brilliant, popular Afghan scientist, and her loving relationship with Matt.
• Establish Afghan’s political tension, with U.S. troops present but rumors of an abrupt withdrawal.
• General Ratkin is introduced as a powerful and ambitious U.S. general eyeing the presidency.
Inciting Incident:
• General Ratkin announces the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, shocking the world and destabilizing the region.
• Sara’s research is disrupted by the withdrawal, and the Taliban quickly moves in, escalating danger for Sara and her loved ones.
Turning Point:
• General Ratkin approaches Sara with a proposition: marry him to boost his political image in exchange for a guarantee that she can continue her research in the U.S.
• Ratkin’s blackmail: he holds evidence that could ruin her reputation and endanger her family if she refuses.
Act 2
New Plan:
• Sara agrees to Ratkin’s proposal, it’s the only way to save her research and protect her family.
• She plans to secretly gather evidence of Ratkin’s corruption and expose him.
Plan in Action:
• Sara marries Ratkin and moves to the U.S., starting her research under constant surveillance.
• She begins to covertly investigate Ratkin, using her scientific knowledge and connections.
Midpoint Turning Point:
• Sara discovers evidence of Ratkin’s ulterior motives and his involvement in illegal activities.
• Ratkin senses her betrayal, increasing the tension and danger around her.
Act 3
Rethink Everything:
• Sara realizes the full extent of Ratkin’s power and the network of corruption supporting him.
• She rethinks her strategy to gather evidence and ensure her safety and that of her loved ones.
New Plan:
• Sara talks to undercover journalists and activists who will leak the information anonymously.
• Sara sets a trap for Ratkin. She wants to publicly expose his corruption.
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift:
• Ratkin discovers leak attempt, retaliates violently, puts Sara and her allies in grave danger.
• Sara faces a moment of despair but finds a renewed determination to bring Ratkin down.
Act 4
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict:
• Sara confronts Ratkin during a major public event, risking everything to expose him.
• Thrilling sequence: Sara unveils scientific evidence Ratkin’s corrupt.
Resolution:
• Ratkin is arrested, and his political career is destroyed.
• Heartbroken she lost Matt, Sara finds solace exposing Ratkin and continuing her research.
• Recognized for her bravery and intelligence, she secures a future with a significant impact.
New Ways:
• Sara Amed: Transformed into a courageous and resourceful hero who has navigated immense personal and political turmoil. She has learned to balance her personal sacrifices with her duty to a greater cause, emerging stronger and more determined than ever.
Genre Conventions Detailed
1. High Stakes: The potential collapse of Afghanistan, the blackmailing marriage, and the political ramifications of Ratkin’s ambitions.
2. Life and Death Situations: Constant threats from the Taliban, Ratkin’s retaliation, and the danger to Sara’s loved ones.
3. Mystery/Intrigue/Suspense: The covert investigation into Ratkin’s activities, the hidden motives, and the suspense of Sara’s every move being monitored.
4. Unknowing, Unwitting, but Resourceful Hero: Sara starts as an unsuspecting scientist but becomes a determined investigator and whistleblower.
5. Dangerous, Devious, and Unrelenting Villain: Ratkin embodies the ruthless antagonist, using his power to manipulate and destroy.
6. Main Emotions: The screenplay is packed with suspense, intrigue, mystery, and tension, keeping the audience on edge with constant anticipation and surprise.

[Dawn C Crouch]

Dawn Crouch Actor Attractors!

My vision is that I learn to write better, more marketable scripts.

What I learned from this assignment is to take it over the top.

James Fontenot

1. Known for Role:

• Complex Transformation: An actor would be attracted to this role for the depth of James’s journey—from a disconnected corporate lawyer to a passionate defender of his heritage.

2. Most Interesting Character:

• Internal Conflict: James embodies a curious blend of ambition and vulnerability. His struggle to reconcile his high-powered, emotionless corporate life with his rediscovered love for his cultural roots and family legacy makes him one of the most compelling characters in the story.

3. Interesting Actions:

• Legal Battles and Personal Investigations: James’s actions range from engaging in high-stakes legal battles to the hands-on investigation of sabotage in the bayou, offering a dynamic mix of intellectual and physical challenges.

• Community Mobilization: Organizing a community dinner to showcase his father’s culinary legacy provides a unique and emotionally rich action sequence.

4. Introduction:

• Powerful Contrasts: Introduce James as he steps off a sleek private jet into the rustic, humid bayou. This stark visual contrast immediately sets up his fish-out-of-water status and foreshadows his journey towards embracing his roots.

5. Emotional Range:

• Broad Spectrum: James’s emotional range includes the cold confidence of a corporate lawyer, the shock and betrayal upon uncovering family secrets, the warmth of reconnecting with his father, and the passion of fighting for his community.

6. Subtext:

• Hidden Vulnerabilities: Beneath his polished exterior, James grapples with insecurities about his identity and worthiness. His interactions, especially with Lila and Enes, are layered with subtext about belonging, acceptance, and redemption.

7. Interesting Relationships:

• Father-Son Dynamic: His strained but ultimately redemptive relationship with Enes provides deep emotional stakes.

• Romantic Tension: The evolving dynamic with Lila, from initial suspicion to respect and budding attraction, adds romantic and emotional complexity.

8. Unique Voice:

• Corporate Eloquence Meets Local Authenticity: James’s dialogue transitions from the precise, detached language of a corporate lawyer to a more relaxed and authentic tone as he reconnects with his roots. This shift in his voice mirrors his internal transformation.

9. Special:

• Cultural Reawakening: James’s journey is not just about winning a legal battle but rediscovering and embracing a part of himself he had buried. This deep, personal reawakening makes his character unique and special.

Enes Xavier Fontenot

1.Known for Role: Hidden Depths:

• An actor would want to be known for portraying Enes because he is a character with a profound and unexpected backstory. Playing a seemingly simple oyster fisherman who hides the soul of a renowned chef offers a rich and surprising narrative.

2. Most Interesting Character:

• Dual Identity: Enes’s dual identity as both a rugged bayou fisherman and a former celebrated chef makes him fascinating. His struggle to protect his livelihood while dealing with past traumas adds layers to his character.

3. Interesting Actions:

• Culinary Revelation: Revealing his culinary skills during the community dinner serves as a poignant and powerful action, showcasing his hidden talents and deep connection to his past.

• Defensive Maneuvers: Enes’s actions to protect his oyster bed from sabotage, including using his intimate knowledge of the bayou, highlight his resourcefulness and determination.

4. Introduction:

• Mysterious and Weathered: Introduce Enes working on his oyster bed at dawn, the light revealing the weathered lines on his face and the strength in his hands. This introduction hints at his hard life and unspoken depths.

5. Emotional Range:

• Stoic Exterior with Deep Feelings: Enes’s range includes stoic resilience, deep-seated regret and shame over his past, the pride of his culinary achievements, and the tender love he still holds for his estranged son.

6. Subtext:

• Unspoken Regrets: Much of Enes’s communication is layered with unspoken regrets and hidden pain about his past decisions and the impact they had on his family. His interactions with James are filled with these undercurrents.

7. Interesting Relationships:

• Father-Son Healing: The evolving relationship with James, from estrangement to mutual understanding and reconciliation, is central to his character arc.

• Mentor to Community: His role as a mentor and a respected figure in the local community highlights his hidden strengths and influence.

8. Unique Voice:

• Authentic Bayou Wisdom: Enes speaks with the wisdom and cadence of someone deeply rooted in the bayou. His dialogue is rich with local idioms and understated yet profound insights.

•

9. Special:

• Culinary Artist in Disguise: Enes’s unique blend of culinary artistry and bayou resilience makes him a distinctive and unforgettable character. His hidden talent and passion for cooking serve as a metaphor for his hidden depths and unacknowledged emotions.

Odette

1. Known for Role:

• Charismatic Antagonist: An actor would be drawn to Odette for her role as a charismatic and complex antagonist. Playing a character who balances charm and manipulation offers a rich and nuanced portrayal.

2. Most Interesting Character:

• Multi-Faceted Manipulator: Odette is interesting because she operates with multiple layers of intentions. Her ability to charm, manipulate, and maintain a façade of professionalism while pursuing her hidden agendas makes her a compelling and unpredictable character.

3. Interesting Actions:

• Seduction and Betrayal: Odette’s seductive influence over James and her eventual betrayal are key dramatic actions that drive the plot forward.

• Strategic Moves: Her strategic maneuvering within the legal and social realms to undermine James and Enes showcases her cunning and ambition.

4. Introduction:

• Elegant and Calculated: Introduce Odette in a high-stakes, tense negotiation scene where she effortlessly exerts control and charm, establishing her as a formidable and alluring presence.

5. Emotional Range:

• Surface Charm to Deep Calculation: Odette’s emotional range includes superficial charm and warmth, deep-seated ambition, manipulative deceit, and moments of vulnerability that reveal her underlying motivations and fears.

6. Subtext:

• Hidden Desperation: Beneath her composed exterior, Odette’s actions are driven by a hidden desperation to prove herself and secure her own future. This subtext can be played subtly in her interactions and decisions.

7. Interesting Relationships:

• Dangerous Attraction: The initially magnetic and later destructive relationship with James provides a rich ground for emotional and dramatic exploration.

• Rivalry with Lila: Her interactions with Lila are charged with tension and competitiveness, highlighting her fear of being undermined by someone she considers inferior.

8. Unique Voice:

• Elegant and Persuasive: Odette’s dialogue is polished and persuasive, reflecting her background as a skilled attorney. Her speech is laced with subtle manipulation and calculated
charm.

9. Special:

• Dual Nature: Odette’s ability to navigate high-stakes corporate worlds while hiding her true intentions makes her a unique character. Her dual nature as both a seductive ally and a ruthless adversary sets her apart.

Lila Boudreaux

1. Known for Role:

• Resilient Advocate: An actor would be attracted to Lila’s role for her portrayal of a strong, resilient woman who stands up for her community and environment. Lila’s blend of vulnerability and strength provides a rich character arc.

2. Most Interesting Character:

• Natural Guardian: Lila’s deep connection to the bayou and her role as a passionate defender of its ecosystem make her an incredibly compelling character. Her journey from suspicion to collaboration with James adds layers to her narrative.

3. Interesting Actions:

• Field Investigations: Lila’s hands-on approach to investigating the bayou and gathering evidence of sabotage showcases her determination and expertise.

• Rallying the Community: Her efforts to mobilize the local community against the oil company and her pivotal role in the community dinner highlight her leadership and commitment.

4. Introduction:

• Passionate Advocate: Introduce Lila during a heated town meeting, passionately defending the bayou and challenging the oil company’s representatives. This establishes her as a fiery and dedicated protector.

5. Emotional Range:

• Tough Exterior to Deep Empathy: Lila’s emotional range includes her tough, defensive exterior, the quiet moments of vulnerability, her deep-seated empathy for the community and environment, and her growing affection for James.

6. Subtext:

• Hidden Longings: Beneath her professional dedication, Lila’s interactions are layered with her hidden longings for deeper connections and her fears of being undervalued or dismissed
because of her background.

7. Interesting Relationships:

• Evolving Bond with James: The development of her relationship with James, from initial suspicion to mutual respect and potential romance, is a central and interesting dynamic.

• Community Leader: Her role as a respected figure in the local community and her interactions with its members highlight her influence and connection to the bayou.

8. Unique Voice:

• Grounded and Poetic: Lila’s dialogue reflects her deep connection to the bayou. She speaks with a blend of practical wisdom and poetic reverence for nature, making her voice unique and memorable.

9. Special:

• Bayou’s Heartbeat: Lila’s character embodies the spirit and resilience of the bayou. Her unwavering dedication to protecting her home and heritage makes her special and integral to the story’s emotional core.

• This reply was modified 10 months, 2 weeks ago by  Dawn C Crouch.

[Rebecca Smith]

Becky’sActor attractors!
Vision: I am an extraordinary writer – prolific, produced, profound, joyful, and well-paid – who writes stories that entertain and inspire.

What I learned – AI is a good starting point, but I went a lot deeper with my Protag on the first pass and was glad I did that first before running it through AI. AI returned more generic answers than I wanted for my protagonist. I feel just plugging it in to AI and going with it is a mistake, we need to color it with our own view of the story to really make it pop. But it is good for a quick sketch of possibility and as a start of brainstorming.

ACTOR ATTRACTOR TEMPLATE
Lead Character Name: Daytona Levesque
Role: Protagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Daytona is mixed race – Native American (Miwok) and white – he has a clash of cultures in his DNA. Takes “To serve & and protect” to a different level. He serves his country as a Navy SEAL. He protects the land as a Miwok. He is a man of two worlds.

What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? Relatability and depth. Not just a typical action hero; he is a relatable everyman with vulnerabilities and sensitivities toward the planet and environment. Seven Generations principle is integrated in him. Wounded, complex, misidentified character. Hard on the outside, soft on the inside. Hard to get to know him but once he trusts, he lets you in to his world and is loyal and protective. His rift with his father is due to Daytona judging him for being a mining foreman and tearing up the earth and for abandoning his unmarried mother.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? As a child, his mother told him stories of the mine and the curse that was put upon it. He understands the mine and the hidden curse. He is hyper sensitive to the messages he gets from the mine and the spirits and uses that etheric information to aid in his battle to save it. He is a seer and can access otherworldly realms. He can walk between worlds in meditation.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? This is a complex role that has a lot of subtext and explores the bond of man with nature and what happens when man does not listen. The role is an understated bad ass SEAL licking his wounds, healing and coming back to save the day in a new way based on his character growth.
What could be this character’s emotional range? Daytona exhibits a wide emotional range throughout GOLDSTRIKE. He goes from expecting a quiet Christmas at home to ease his PTSD to feeling intense fear and anxiety during the mercenary takeover. He shows frustration and anger as he battles the mercenaries, coupled with moments of vulnerability and despair, particularly when he fears for his own life and the lives of the townspeople trapped in the mine. His connection to nature and partnership with his dog Nugget inspire, while his ultimate resolve and determination underscore his heroic qualities.

What subtext can the actor play? He presents as a low-key Navy Seal, his subtext is his intense emotional connection to his Miwok roots and nature. He hears and sees things differently and partners with nature.The conflict between his sense of duty and the personal risk to his life.The conflict between reconciling with his father and saving the town.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? He connects with nature and the spirits in the mine tunnels – the ghosts of miners who died there and the malevolent spirits of the curse. Coming to acceptance of his father. The bond between him and Nugget.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented? Daytona is a crafty coyote with a zen approach to life. This blend of zen, toughness, and vulnerability gives him a distinctive voice that stands out among action heroes.
What could make this character special and unique? His Native American heritage gives him a unique perspective. His ability to communicate with nature and the spirits in the mine give him an edge over the mercenaries as far as having a strong ally in the battle.

From CHAT GPT

Actor Attractors for GOLDSTRIKE
Genre:
Action/Thriller
Concept:
"Die Hard in a gold mine. When a treasure hunter covertly buys an abandoned gold mine under a touristy mountain community, residents resist its reopening. Mercenaries storm the town to open the mine and get the gold."
Characters:
Protagonist: Daytona Levesque
Antagonist: Joe Turner
Connecting Character: Lisa
Other Key Characters: Jessica James (leader of the mercenaries), Ethan (Lisa and Joe’s son)

Daytona Levesque (Protagonist)
1. Known for Role:
This role would allow an actor to showcase a powerful transformation from a broken ex-Navy SEAL to a heroic leader, adding depth and gravitas to their filmography.
2. Most Interesting Character:
Daytona is the linchpin of the story, facing internal and external battles. His journey of reconciliation, leadership, and combat makes him a deeply layered and relatable hero.
3. Interesting Actions:
Engaging in intense combat scenes, setting strategic traps for the mercenaries, and leading the townspeople in a desperate defense. His emotional confrontations with his father and the townspeople add depth to his character.
4. Introduction:
Introduce Daytona’s refusal to see his father, showcasing his emotional baggage and setting the stage for his transformation. He prefers his dog to his father. And his dog does not like his father either.
5. Emotional Range:
Daytona navigates guilt, anger, fear, hope, and love, showing a wide range of emotions from vulnerability to steely determination.
6. Subtext:
The actor can play the subtext of Daytona’s fear of failure and his yearning for redemption, which adds complexity to his every action and decision.
7. Interesting Relationships:
His tumultuous relationship with his father, his growing bond with Lisa, and his mentorship to Ethan provide rich relational dynamics.
8. Unique Voice:
Daytona’s voice is a mix of military precision and emotional introspection, often contrasting his external toughness with internal vulnerability.
9. Special:
Daytona’s background as a Navy SEAL, combined with his emotional journey of redemption and leadership, makes him a uniquely compelling character.

Joe Turner (Antagonist)
1. Known for Role:
An actor can shine as a complex villain driven by obsession and a need for redemption, offering a multifaceted portrayal of desperation and cunning.
2. Most Interesting Character:
Joe’s obsession with the gold, his dark past, and his relationship with Lisa and Ethan add layers of intrigue and moral ambiguity.
3. Interesting Actions:
Orchestrating the mercenary invasion, manipulating town officials, and engaging in intense confrontations with Daytona and Lisa.
4. Introduction:
Introduce Joe in a high-stakes negotiation scene, showcasing his charisma, intelligence, and ruthless determination.
5. Emotional Range:
Joe experiences obsession, regret, charm, manipulation, and a desperate need for redemption, providing a wide emotional palette.
6. Subtext:
The actor can play Joe’s hidden motives and inner turmoil, particularly his conflicted feelings about Lisa and Ethan.
7. Interesting Relationships:
His strained relationship with Lisa, his attempts to connect with Ethan, and his rivalry with Daytona provide rich narrative tension.
8. Unique Voice:
Joe’s voice is persuasive and commanding, often masking his inner desperation and obsession.
9. Special:
Joe’s duality as both a charming manipulator and a desperate man on the edge makes him a uniquely compelling antagonist.

Lisa (Connecting Character)
1. Known for Role:
An actor can be known for portraying a strong, intelligent woman who plays a pivotal role in uncovering the mine’s secrets and fighting to protect her community.
2. Most Interesting Character:
Lisa’s blend of historical knowledge, personal stakes, and emotional resilience makes her a crucial and fascinating character.
3. Interesting Actions:
Researching and discovering the mine’s dark secrets, leading the townspeople in resistance, and navigating her complicated relationships with Joe and Daytona.
4. Introduction:
Introduce Lisa giving a passionate speech about the town’s history, showcasing her deep connection to the community and her strength.
5. Emotional Range:
Lisa’s emotional journey includes anger, determination, vulnerability, love, and betrayal, providing a rich emotional tapestry.
6. Subtext:
The actor can play Lisa’s hidden pain and unresolved feelings towards Joe, as well as her growing feelings for Daytona.
7. Interesting Relationships:
Her conflicted relationship with Joe, her protective and nurturing relationship with Ethan, and her budding romance with Daytona provide depth and complexity.
8. Unique Voice:
Lisa’s voice is authoritative yet compassionate, reflecting her dual roles as a historian and a protector of her community.
9. Special:
Lisa’s combination of intellectual strength, emotional depth, and personal stakes makes her a uniquely compelling character.

Jessica James (Leader of the Mercenaries)
1. Known for Role:
An actor can be known for playing a fierce and complex antagonist with a hidden personal motive tied to the town’s history.
2. Most Interesting Character:
Jessica’s dual role as a mercenary leader and a descendant of the town’s founders adds layers of intrigue and moral conflict.
3. Interesting Actions:
Leading tactical assaults, revealing her hidden heritage, and facing off against Daytona in intense combat and psychological battles.
4. Introduction:
Introduce Jessica in a commanding scene where she outlines her tactical plans, showcasing her authority and intelligence.
5. Emotional Range:
Jessica experiences determination, conflict, ambition, and hidden vulnerability, offering a rich range for an actor to explore.
6. Subtext:
The actor can play Jessica’s internal conflict between her mercenary duties and her personal ties to the town’s history.
7. Interesting Relationships:
Her interactions with Joe as both an employer and a rival, her confrontations with Daytona, and her hidden connection to the town’s legacy.
8. Unique Voice:
Jessica’s voice is commanding and strategic, often masking her deeper personal conflicts and historical ties.
9. Special:
Jessica’s blend of tactical brilliance and hidden emotional depth makes her a uniquely compelling character.

Ethan (Lisa and Joe’s Son)
1. Known for Role:
An actor can be known for portraying a brilliant but troubled teenager who plays a crucial role in the town’s defense and reconciliation with his father.
2. Most Interesting Character:
Ethan’s combination of video game expertise, strategic mind, and emotional struggle with his father’s abandonment makes him fascinating.
3. Interesting Actions:
Using his gaming skills to devise strategic defenses, confronting his father, and forming a bond with Daytona.
4. Introduction:
Introduce Ethan in a scene where he excels in a gaming tournament, showcasing his intelligence and strategic thinking.
5. Emotional Range:
Ethan experiences resentment, brilliance, bravery, and eventual reconciliation, providing a wide emotional spectrum.
6. Subtext:
The actor can play Ethan’s hidden pain from his father’s abandonment and his desire for acceptance and recognition.
7. Interesting Relationships:
His strained relationship with Joe, his protective relationship with Lisa, and his mentorship with Daytona.
8. Unique Voice:
Ethan’s voice is sharp and insightful, reflecting his intelligence and emotional depth.
9. Special:
Ethan’s unique combination of modern tech-savvy skills and deep emotional layers makes him a compelling and special character.

These actor attractors are designed to highlight the unique and compelling aspects of each character in "BENEATH THE GOLD," making them appealing and desirable roles for potential actors.
This is what AI came up with after I added my actor attractors for the protagonist.
Protagonist Profile: Daytona Levesque
Character:
Daytona Levesque
Role:
Protagonist
Actor Attractors:
1. Known for Role:
Clash of Cultures: Daytona is a complex character with a mix of Native American (Miwok) and white heritage, embodying the clash of cultures in his DNA. His commitment to both serving his country as a Navy SEAL and protecting the land as a Miwok warrior presents a deeply layered role that would attract an actor looking to portray a multifaceted hero.
To Serve and Protect: This character takes the idea of "to serve and protect" to a unique level, bridging his dual identities as a warrior for his country and a guardian of the earth, making the role iconic.
2. Most Interesting Character:
Relatability and Depth: Daytona is not just a typical action hero; he is a relatable everyman with vulnerabilities and sensitivities toward the planet and environment. His adherence to the Seven Generations principle and his complex, misidentified character make him one of the most interesting characters in the story.
Wounded and Complex: Hard on the outside but soft on the inside, Daytona's journey of trust, loyalty, and protection, along with his deep-seated rift with his father over environmental values, adds layers to his character.
3. Interesting Actions:
Spiritual and Tactical: Daytona uses his unique sensitivity to the messages from the mine and the spirits, combined with his SEAL training, to navigate and combat the mercenary threat. His ability to access otherworldly realms in meditation and his strategic use of this knowledge in battle are compelling actions that showcase his dual nature.
4. Introduction:
Complex Role: Introduce Daytona in a moment of quiet reflection, perhaps meditating in nature or visiting his mother's grave, highlighting his connection to the earth and the spirits. This sets the stage for his transformation into a leader who uses his unique skills and heritage to save the day.
5. Emotional Range:
Wide Emotional Range: Daytona exhibits a wide range of emotions, from the quiet introspection and healing from PTSD, to intense fear and anxiety during the mercenary takeover, frustration and anger in battle, and moments of vulnerability and despair. His ultimate resolve and determination underscore his heroic qualities.
6. Subtext:
Intense Emotional Connection: Daytona's subtext includes his deep emotional connection to his Miwok roots and nature. The actor can play the conflict between his sense of duty and the personal risk to his life, as well as the inner turmoil of reconciling with his father while saving the town.
7. Interesting Relationships:
Spiritual Connections: Daytona’s interactions with the spirits of the mine and his acceptance of his father add depth to his character. His bond with his dog Nugget provides a touching, loyal companionship that enhances his humanity.
8. Unique Voice:
Crafty Coyote: Daytona’s voice blends a zen approach to life with toughness and vulnerability. His crafty, thoughtful dialogue contrasts with the typical action hero, making his voice distinctive and memorable.
9. Special:
Heritage and Abilities: Daytona’s Native American heritage and his ability to communicate with nature and the spirits in the mine set him apart from other action heroes. His unique perspective and mystical edge provide a fresh take on the protagonist archetype.
Transformational Journey:
1. Character Arc:
Arc Begins:
Initial State: Daytona starts as a guilt-ridden, emotionally distant ex-Navy SEAL, struggling with PTSD and his estranged relationship with his father. He feels disconnected from his hometown and his heritage, judging his father for being a mining foreman and for abandoning his unmarried mother.
Arc Ends:
Final State: By the end, Daytona has transformed into a confident, courageous leader who has reconciled with his past and his father. He embraces his heritage, using his unique abilities to protect the town and earn the community’s respect. He finds a new sense of purpose and balance between his dual identities.
2. Internal/External Journey:
Internal Journey:
Mind and Emotions: Daytona’s internal journey involves overcoming his guilt and anger, finding forgiveness for his father, and embracing his dual heritage. He learns to trust others and himself, accepting his role as a protector of both his community and the earth.
External Journey:
Action and Experience: Externally, Daytona faces the mercenary threat, using his SEAL training and spiritual insights to lead the townspeople in defending their home. His actions, from tactical combat to strategic use of the mine’s hidden secrets, showcase his growth and leadership.
3. Old Ways vs. New Ways:
Old Ways:
Initial Behaviors: At the beginning, Daytona is emotionally distant, distrustful, and focused on his personal pain and guilt. He is judgmental of his father and disconnected from his heritage, seeing his SEAL training as his primary identity.
New Ways:
Transformed Behaviors: By the end, Daytona is emotionally open, trusting, and focused on protecting others. He reconciles with his father, embraces his heritage, and uses his unique skills and insights to lead and protect his community, balancing his dual identities.
By incorporating these elements into Daytona Levesque's character profile, you can create a compelling and multi-dimensional protagonist that attracts actors and resonates deeply with audiences.

[Sylvia Krawczyk]

WIM+AI – Module 3 – Lesson 2: Roles that Sell Actors
Sylvia’s Actor attractors!
My vision from this program is to challenge myself in my writing genre and write my most amazing script to date.
What I learned from doing this assignment is…watching the last movie and answering these questions reminded me that this is not just a thriller—it is a romantic thriller. I made a large picture moment note to make certain the romance is shown. Unless, this morphs into a crime thriller which is what Bound is. I figure, I will look at the romantic elements in Rom-Com as they aren’t separated out on the Genre sheet. Another thing is it’s amazing how many details easily come to mind on a regular basis. It makes sense to disregard them as I move forward and only work on the large picture moments as this film morphs. Anything can happen and the details will only delay the writing at this time.
ACTOR ATTRACTORS
Lead Character Name: Hope, Joy, Will
Role: Hope (Protagonist) Bored wife/Lifeless artist; Joy (Antagonist) Art Curator, con-artist; Will (2nd Antagonist) Greedy, Lost Soul
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Hope: self-doubt to powerhouse badass
Joy: devilish, cunning, psycho
Will: handsome, gentile, well-polished, smooth talker
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Hope: Her strength shows throughout the film at the ready to boil—until it explodes.
Joy: Her sly, smooth manipulation tactics. Nothing seems to rattle her.
Will: He is so handsome and sexy. A boyish charming, smooth talker. Makes you want to believe his lies, get screwed over and like it.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the script?
Hope: Her finding her strength to put both Joy and Will in their place in Court.
Joy: Her ability to entice and manipulate others to her satisfaction. Her turning on Will in Court.
Will: His sexual growth encounter with Michael where he overcomes his past demons.
4. How was the role introduced in a way that sold it to an actor?
Hope: Force smiling at her art show exhibit. She’s classy/elegant/sweet and shyly helpful. She owns her older artwork shown. This is her element. She argues with a handsome man (her husband Will). She locates a fire just before an explosion causes her to sprint away.
Joy: After the explosion at Hope’s art show, Hope races for safety and slams into this bombshell who grabs her to safety.
Will: At the art show, he is “sexy dancing” to his own beat after the devastating fire started. The fire envelops around him without him noticing and “wakes up” from the explosion.
5. What is this character’s emotional range?
Hope: self-loathing, depressed to dominatrix to empowered badass.
Joy: quiet/demur, cunning sweetness to psychotic
Will: self-centered, confused with painful childhood demons to awareness and sympathy
6. What subtext did the actor play?
Hope subdues her dreams as she fights for her true self to emerge.
Joy is a con that is narcistic and only loves herself.
Will is in pain and makes wrong decisions. He finds strength in Joy as he deals with his own demons.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character had?
Hope: Her relationship with Joy fulfilling her desires and finding herself.
Joy: Her relationship with herself and how her self-entitlement sets her up for desertion from
Hope and revenge from Will leaving her alone and defeated.
Will: His relationship with Joy and how he is manipulated at his own game.
8. How was this character’s unique voice presented?
Hope: Through contrast (her wanting to build her relationship with her husband while finding truth in women), introspection, experimentation.
Joy: Insecurity, pursuance of manipulation (self-power), and outside perfection perception in herself and with others.
Will charming whit, perfect looks/dress, disloyalty to his wife (Hope), his lover (Michael), his old college buddy (Joy)—in essence to himself to cover his insecurity.
9. What made this character special and unique?
Hope: Her inner strength. How she goes from manipulated to manipulator, depressed to empowered to lead her own life on her own terms.
Joy: Her power tripping. Cold-bloodedness in her tactics–in everything from sex to court jester.
Will: His selfishness. He’s too sexy for “his shirt” and it hurts.

• This reply was modified 7 months, 3 weeks ago by  Sylvia Krawczyk.