WIM+AI – Module 3 – Lesson 6: Character Profiles Part 1

[LJ (Lawrence John) Seliski]

LJ’s Character Profiles Part 1

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 a variety of information assists in creating the right characters for my screenplay.

Genre = Sci-Fi
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.

Mia
The High Concept
In a universe teetering on the brink of war, an abused foster child turned courageous protector, Mia Vance, must team up with an exiled alien princess, Ariael, to thwart a sinister conspiracy orchestrated by the malevolent Zarael, all while confronting her own trust issues and past trauma.

This character’s journey

Beginning:
Mia Vance, an eighteen-year-old woman with a biomechanical arm, struggles to trust others due to her abusive past in foster care.
Mia encounters Ariael, a gifted exiled alien princess in the form of a twelve-year-old girl, fleeing from Zarael, an alien adversary.
Despite her initial reluctance, Mia feels a deep sense of empathy towards Ariael and decides to help her evade capture.
Mia's journey begins as she steps out of her comfort zone to protect Ariael, driven by her desire to prevent others from experiencing the same suffering she endured.
Internal Challenge:
Mia wrestles with her trust issues, fearing betrayal and struggling to open up to Ariael despite their growing bond.
Memories of her traumatic past haunt Mia, causing her to question her own worthiness and ability to protect Ariael.
Mia's internal conflicts threaten to undermine her mission as she grapples with self-doubt and emotional turmoil.
External Challenge:
Zarael's relentless pursuit forces Mia and Ariael to constantly evade capture, pushing them to their physical and mental limits.
Mia must navigate through unfamiliar territories and outsmart Zarael's operatives, relying on her resourcefulness to keep herself and Ariael safe.
As they uncover Zarael's involvement in a conspiracy threatening both humanity and alienkind, Mia realizes the magnitude of the danger they face and the importance of their mission.
Transformation:
Through their shared experiences and challenges, Mia learns to trust Ariael and gradually opens up about her past, allowing their bond to deepen.
As Mia confronts her fears and insecurities, she discovers inner strength she never knew she possessed, realizing that her past does not define her.
Mia's journey from a wounded survivor to a courageous protector culminates in a final confrontation with Zarael, where she risks everything to save Ariael and thwart his plans.
In the climax, Mia's courage and resilience shine as she overcomes her inner demons and emerges victorious, proving her worthiness and finding redemption in protecting others.
End:
Despite the challenges they faced, Mia and Ariael emerge triumphant, their bond stronger than ever.
With Zarael defeated and the conspiracy exposed, Mia finds solace in knowing that she made a difference, both for Ariael and for herself.
As they part ways, Mia embarks on a new chapter of her life, no longer defined by her past but by her newfound courage, empathy, and resilience.

The Actor Attractors for this character

Role: Co-Protagonist
Lead Character: Mia Vance, an eighteen-year-old red-headed Caucasian female with an advanced biomechanical arm with natural-looking skin.
Core Traits: Courageous, resourceful, empathetic, distrustful
Motivation: Mia's troubled past as an abused foster child drives her to protect others from suffering the same fate. She sees an opportunity to make a difference by helping the exiled alien princess, feeling a deep sense of empathy towards her. Additionally, Mia seeks redemption for her own past by standing up against injustice, even if it means facing dangerous adversaries.
Wound: Mia carries emotional scars from her abusive childhood, resulting in trust issues and a tendency to keep people at arm's length. Her traumatic experiences fuel her determination to fight for justice, but they also create internal conflicts that she must overcome throughout the story.
Likability: Have Mia demonstrate acts of kindness towards others, such as rescuing a stray animal or helping a stranger in need. Show her volunteering at a local shelter, highlighting her compassionate nature.
Relatability: Explore Mia's struggles with trust issues stemming from her abusive past, allowing the audience to empathize with her internal conflicts. Show her navigating the challenges of forming meaningful connections despite her emotional scars.
Empathy: Put Mia through moments of distress where her traumatic past resurfaces, causing the audience to empathize with her pain and root for her resilience. Highlight her vulnerability as she confronts her past and strives for redemption.

Ariael
The High Concept
In a world where ancient conspiracies threaten the fate of two civilizations, meet Ariael, a gifted alien princess exiled to Earth in the form of a twelve-year-old girl. Teaming up with Mia Vance, a courageous young woman scarred by her own past, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth and save both humanity and alienkind from impending doom. But standing in their way is Zarael, Ariael's twin and nemesis, whose nefarious plans could spell destruction for all. Will Ariael's ability to change identities and objects be enough to outmaneuver Zarael and restore peace to the galaxy?

This character’s journey

Introduction to Earth: Ariael, in the guise of a twelve-year-old girl, lands on Earth after being exiled from her home planet. She is immediately faced with the harsh reality of being alone and vulnerable on a new world.
Encounter with Mia Vance: Mia, a young woman who empathizes with Ariael's vulnerability due to her own troubled past, rescues her from a dangerous situation. Ariael is initially wary but begins to trust Mia as they form a bond based on their shared experiences of pain and isolation.
Revelation of Threat: Ariael confides in Mia about the conspiracy led by her twin brother, Zarael, who seeks to exploit her powers for his own gain. She explains the grave danger posed not only to herself but to both humanity and her own people.
The Journey Begins: Ariael and Mia embark on a journey to evade Zarael's agents who are hunting them down. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges that test their resilience and trust in each other.
Alliance Building: Ariael uses her abilities to gain allies among both humans and aliens who are sympathetic to their cause. Through acts of kindness and diplomacy, she gradually earns the trust of those who initially doubted her intentions.
Confrontation with Betrayal: Ariael's trust is shattered when one of their newfound allies betrays them to Zarael's forces. She experiences feelings of betrayal and abandonment, but Mia helps her find the strength to carry on despite the setback.
Facing Inner Demons: Ariael confronts her own inner demons stemming from her past trauma and the fear of repeating the mistakes that led to her exile. With Mia's support, she learns to embrace her vulnerabilities and use them as sources of strength rather than weakness.
Showdown with Zarael: The final confrontation with Zarael culminates in a battle of wills and powers. Ariael must dig deep within herself to summon the courage and determination to face her brother and stop him from wreaking havoc on both worlds.
Redemption and Reconciliation: Through the course of the battle, Ariael manages to reach out to the humanity buried deep within Zarael, appealing to his sense of family and shared heritage. In a moment of clarity, Zarael sees the error of his ways and reconciles with Ariael, putting an end to the conspiracy.
Return to Home: With the threat neutralized and peace restored, Ariael bids farewell to Mia and returns to her home planet, not as an exile, but as a hero who has proven her worth and reclaimed her rightful place among her people. She carries with her the lessons learned and the bonds forged during her journey on Earth, forever changed by the experience.

The Actor Attractors for this character

Lead Character Name: Ariael, is physically blond twelve years old
Role: Co-Protagonist and Triangle Character, She’s the first-born fraternal twin of Zarael and an Alien Princess exiled to Earth for her own safety
Core Traits: Intelligent, compassionate and resilient. She was born with the ability to not only change her own appearance and identity whenever she needs to, but she also has the ability to change them for other individuals. She can also change objects.
Motivation: Ariael's primary motivation is to protect her people and prevent further harm caused by the conspiracy threatening both humanity and her own kind. Despite her young appearance, she possesses ancient wisdom and a deep understanding of the complexities of intergalactic politics. Ariael seeks allies who can help her uncover the truth behind the conspiracy and restore her rightful place as a leader among her people.
Wound: Ariael carries the weight of her exile and the burden of responsibility for her people's safety. The betrayal that led to her exile has left her emotionally scarred, causing her to struggle with feelings of isolation and insecurity. However, her experiences have also forged her resilience, driving her determination to fight for justice and reclaim her rightful place among her people.
Likability: Showcase Ariael's compassion towards others, such as her concern for the well-being of humans despite their initial fear and mistrust of her alien nature.
Relatability: Explore Ariael's struggles with feeling like an outsider on Earth, longing for a sense of belonging and connection that resonates with the audience's universal desire for acceptance.
Empathy: Put Ariael through moments of vulnerability and betrayal, allowing the audience to empathize with her emotional pain and root for her redemption.

Zarael
The High Concept
The dynamic between the antagonist, Zarael, and the protagonist, Mia Vance. Zarael's relentless pursuit of power, fueled by her past failures and insecurities, creates a compelling conflict against Mia, who is driven by her own traumatic past to protect Ariael and prevent Zarael's nefarious plans.

This character’s journey

Introduction:
Zarael, a young but formidable politician from Ariael's planet, is introduced, exuding confidence and ambition.
Her past failures and rejection are hinted at, foreshadowing her deep-seated insecurities.
Discovery of Ariael:
Zarael learns of Ariael's existence and her powerful abilities, seeing an opportunity to fulfill her own ambitions.
She sets her sights on capturing Ariael, viewing her as a means to solidify her own power.
Pursuit Begins:
Zarael mobilizes her resources, using cunning and manipulation to track down Ariael and Mia Vance, the human who shelters her.
She encounters obstacles but remains relentless, driven by her desire for dominance.
Confrontation with Mia Vance:
Zarael faces off against Mia Vance, recognizing her as an obstacle to her plans.
Their confrontation reveals Zarael's ruthless nature as she uses any means necessary to achieve her goals.
Betrayal and Setbacks:
Zarael experiences betrayal from allies she trusted, causing setbacks in her pursuit of Ariael.
Her insecurities are further exposed as she struggles to maintain control amidst the chaos.
Moment of Doubt:
Zarael faces a moment of doubt as she reflects on her past failures and the sacrifices she's made for power.
Her facade of confidence begins to crack as she questions the cost of her ambitions.
Final Showdown:
Zarael confronts Ariael and Mia Vance in a climactic showdown, fueled by desperation to prove her dominance.
She faces internal and external challenges, including her own doubts and the strength of her adversaries.
Reckoning with Personal Demons:
Zarael confronts her own personal demons during the showdown, forced to reckon with her insecurities and past traumas.
Her relentless pursuit of power is tested as she grapples with the human flaws beneath her facade.
Defeat and Redemption:
Zarael is ultimately defeated by Ariael and Mia Vance, her plans crumbling around her.
In her moment of defeat, she experiences a sense of catharsis as she realizes the futility of her ambitions.
Resolution:
Zarael is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered aspirations, humbled but not defeated.
She begins a journey of redemption, seeking to reconcile her past mistakes and find a new purpose beyond her thirst for power.

The Actor Attractors for this character

Lead Character: Zarael is physically a blond eighteen-year-old. She’s the second-born fraternal twin of Ariael
Role: Antagonist. She’s a ruthless, cunning, power-hungry, alien politician from Ariael’s planet
Core Traits: Calculating, authoritarian, ambitious
Motivation: Zarael is driven by a desire for power and control. She wants to be the alien princess instead of Ariael and will stop at nothing to capture her and use her to make that happen.
Wound: Zarael's wound originates from her own past failures and rejection, fueling her distrust of others and driving her relentless pursuit of dominance. She harbors deep-seated insecurities masked by a facade of unwavering confidence and aggression.
Likability: Present Zarael as a formidable antagonist with a compelling backstory that explains her motivations and actions, earning begrudging respect from the audience despite her ruthless nature.
Relatability: Explore Zarael's insecurities and vulnerabilities beneath her facade of confidence and authority, revealing the human flaws that drive her relentless pursuit of power.
Empathy: Put Zarael through moments of betrayal and loss that challenge her convictions, allowing the audience to empathize with her struggle to reconcile her ambitions with her personal demons.

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

[Michael Collado]

Mike’s Character Profiles Part 1

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

From this assignment, I’ve learned how to start hashing out the characters in the script from their earlier years to the present, which gives me a great picture of who is talking and how they handle the conversation.

With each of your lead characters, first tell us the following:

Character: Jocinda/Coach Jo

A. The High Concept. Jocinda/Coach Jo is a suspended junior detective who transforms brainiacs into baseball prodigies and uncovers a sponsor's sinister plot to manipulate the Little League. One of the league's sponsors, Vita Solutions, is using vitamins supplied to the local Little League teams as a vessel to deliver Synapse Tech Systems experimental Nanobots programmed to interface the motor neurons in the neural network. The nanobots will test Synapse Tech Systems' secret program that could revolutionize human capabilities and build the ultimate 12-year-old World Series team.

B. This character’s journey. Arc Begins: Coach Jo starts the story as a frustrated detective, suspended from the police force for confronting sexism in her workplace. She feels marginalized and questions her own value and identity outside the context of her job. By the end of the movie, Coach Jo emerges as a confident and innovative leader. She not only excels in her unexpected role as a coach but also reaffirms her investigative skills by uncovering and resolving a significant corporate conspiracy. Jo learns to navigate different challenges, using her unique strengths to foster change and justice.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character. Jocinda, also known as Coach Jo, is the protagonist of the story, a junior detective with a penchant for lone-wolf tactics honed during her time in the Traffic Unit. Her character presents an enticing challenge for actors, blending elements of drama and comedy while showcasing personal growth and redemption. Coach Jo's journey unfolds as she learns the value of teamwork and seeks justice amidst challenges like fighting against police department corruption and coaching her goddaughter's misfit little league team. Her emotional range spans frustration, determination, humor, and empathy, reflecting her struggle for recognition in a male-dominated field. Despite past wounds and a rebellious streak, Coach Jo's sharp wit and evolving problem-solving skills make her a standout character, particularly in her relationships with the brainiac professor, and the children she coaches, and her conflicts with authority figures like Mr. Black. Her unique voice, marked by sarcasm and determination, underscores her transformation from a brash detective to a more thoughtful and effective leader, making her journey one of the most compelling aspects of the narrative.

3. Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile

1. Role in the Story: Protagonist

2. Age range and Description: Jocinda/Coach Jo is in her mid 30’s, and still carries a toned and athletic physique, a testament to her active lifestyle and past experience as a police officer and now Jr. Detective. Jocinda's eyes exude determination and focus, reflecting her unwavering commitment to her work and her determination to fight against injustice. Whether she's interrogating a suspect or coaching her team, her gaze is intense and penetrating, conveying her strong sense of purpose.

3. Core Traits: Independent, Determined, Rebellious, Resourceful, Empathetic, Sharp-witted, and Growth orientated.

4. Motivation; Want/Need: Jocinda/Coach Jo wants the respect of her coworkers, and any other person that thinks they are superior to her.
Jocinda/Coach Jo needs to understand that her ideas at work, coaching, and even at life should be bounced off other people for input for success.

5. Wound: Jocinda carries around the fact that when she was younger, she would share an idea to solve a problem and when it worked, those around her would take the credit and if it did not work, she was to blame.

6. Likability: sacrifices her stakeout to help someone in need, steps up to coach her goddaughter's baseball team during her suspension, showing her willingness to lend a hand and support her family in their time of need.

Relatability: the relatable dilemma of balancing professional duties with personal convictions. prioritize helping others over following protocol, her struggle of doing what's right versus what's expected in a male-dominated workplace.

Empathy: Despite facing repercussions for her actions, including suspension from her job, Jocinda's empathy is evident in her commitment to helping those in need and standing up against injustice. Her frustration at facing consequences for following her instincts, highlighting the systemic challenges and biases she confronts within her workplace and family dynamics.

Character: Mr. Black

A. The High Concept. Jocinda/Coach Jo is a suspended junior detective that transforms brainiacs into baseball prodigies and uncovers a sponsor's sinister plot to manipulate the Little League. One of the league's sponsors, Vita Solutions, is using vitamins supplied to the local Little League teams as a vessel to deliver Synapse Tech Systems experimental Nanobots programmed to interface the motor neurons in the neural network. The nanobots will test Synapse Tech Systems' secret program that could revolutionize human capabilities and build the ultimate 12-year-old World Series team.

B. This character’s journey. Mr. Blacks journey is one that fits the Dr. Jekel and Mr. Hyde storyline. From loving and caring Little League sponsor to Mad Scientist that uses the Little League players as lab rats.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character. Mr. Black is a multi-dimensional antagonist, a modern-day mad scientist whose burning belief in the transformative power of nanotechnology drives his morally vague actions. Mr. Black’s ambition and morality is both compelling and manipulative. His aloofness and past endeavors make him more than just a typical corporate villain. Through his clashes with Coach Jo and his morally dubious experiments on children, Mr. Black's emotional range spans from persuasive sponsor to defiant mad scientist, reflecting his internal struggle between ambition and ethics. His unique voice oscillates between kind and understanding to a raving nut job, showcasing his ability to sway others while concealing his true intentions.

3. Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile for each of your lead characters.

1. Role in the Story: Antagonist

2. Age range and Description: In his mid to Late 50’s, when out and about Mr. Black cuts an imposing figure, standing tall with a commanding presence that demands attention when he enters a room. His stature exudes authority and confidence, making him a formidable presence in any setting. but when he is in the labs working at Synapse Tech Systems on his pet project Nanotechnology. He, in his white lab coat and horn-rimmed glasses, looks like he has two doctorates and a couple of masters in the field he loves.

3. Core Traits: Ambitious, Charismatic, Visionary, Ruthless, Morally Ambiguous, Calculating, Protective

4. Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to help mankind achieve the ultimate goals in life.
Needs to people to believe in the potential of nanotechnology to revolutionize human capabilities.

5.Wound: Because of past endeavors of failed experiments that brought his devious ways to conduct experiments to gather informational data. Deep down, Mr. Black wrestles with the moral implications of his actions, haunted by the possibility that his pursuit of scientific progress may come at a great cost to innocent children.

Likability: Initially seen as an active and involved community member, Mr. Black garners likability through his philanthropic efforts and support of the Little League. However, as his true intentions are revealed, he transforms into a modern-day mad scientist, challenging the audience's perceptions.

Relatability: While running a large corporation leaves him with little spare time, Mr. Black's involvement in futuristic technology resonates with the audience's curiosity and excitement about advancements in science and technology. However, as his unethical actions come to light, the relatability fades as viewers grapple with the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Empathy: Initially viewed as a single man who treats the Little League like family, Mr. Black's manipulation of the children for his nanotechnology experiments elicits outrage and condemnation. As the truth unfolds, empathy shifts away from Mr. Black, replaced by a collective sense of betrayal and a desire for justice for the exploited children.

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

[Christopher Confer]

Really good stuff! I’d pay to see this movie.

[Michael Collado]

Thanks, Christopher. I appreciate your comment. I like your concept, too, and I can’t wait to see how things develop.

[Christopher Confer]

Have you seen this? Everyone should see this. I have never posted an off-topic subject here, but everyone needs to see Terrence Howard’s speech to the Oxford Union Society. You’ll dislike me for the loss of an hour but it really is not a loss. Life expanding info on the Flower of Life and math. And he is an actor, so maybe it is not too far off topic. Check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca1vIYmGyYA

[Christopher Confer]

Chris’ Character Profiles
My vision for success: When people watch the trailer for my movie, they have to watch the movie.
What I learned from this lesson is try to work as fast as possible without being a perfectionist, even though it took a couple of hours to get it done.

Character: Holly
The High Concept: Holly is a professional shoplifter who is now confronted with a retailer’s association that is its own nation with its own jurisdiction and its own draconian laws called Retalia Nation. The penalty for shoplifting in this jurisdiction is death as long as they have video proof of the theft. First time offenders get the death penalty. Any offenders, if caught get the death penalty. She needs to be ever more clever to avoid getting caught or having a member of her crew getting caught. She encourages some of her less favorite crew members to take unnecessary risks in order to probe the security even though that
if caught they will be executed.

Holly’s journey: At the beginning she is a confident thief who steals a whole tray of diamond rings from a store by falsely claiming she is an auditor from the corporate head quarters and tricks the young clerk into releasing the tray of rings. Stealing is a way for her to confront her childhood demons of poverty where her mom told her you can’t have that this month and girls in high school made fun of her for wearing the same blue sweater all winter. She has a really prospering maid business and does not need to steal but loves the adrenaline rush of stomping out her childhood poverty. She is ruthless and sociopathic in this quest. When her daughter’s best friend emulates her and gets caught and executed by Retalia Nation security, she starts to want to go straight. But first she wants an eye for an eye with Rodney the head of security who executed the 17-year-old family friend of Holly’s.

The Actor Attractors for Holly: She is well educated despite her impoverished childhood. She went to a good university and got cultured. She is a ruthless sociopath but creates a rapport with people the is so convincing that most do not suspect how dark her dark side is. She’s so pleasant, knowledgeable and upbeat. She’s a sharp dresser with all of the latest fashions. She can carry conversations with a wide range of people and has a glamourous life. She loves a good joke and can be very funny while calculating to throw a person under the bus. She has great contempt for Rodney, the head of security at Retalia Nation. The death of her best friend’s daughter starts to crack her ruthless shell.

Role in the Story: Protagonist
Age range and Description: She is 37 to 42 years-old, charismatic and sociopathic who dresses to the nines. She is in good physical shape. Works out everyday and eats well.
Core Traits: Ruthless, sociopathic, establishes rapport easily, determined, resourceful, sometimes empathetic, evasive and sneaky.
Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to be compensated for a childhood full of material lack. Beating the system is beating the poverty even though she owns a very prosperous business and does not need to steal. Feels she has to in order to stay ahead.
Wound: Childhood poverty and girls teasing her for wearing the same clothes in the same week.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Going above and beyond to take care of squirrels who live in her backyard. Who hasn’t had or heard of an injured pet? Most wouldn’t take the risk of catching rabies but Holly does.
Her family thinks she is irresponsible for taking the risk but you have to admire her courage of risking getting bit.

Character: Rodney
The High Concept: He plays cat and mouse with profession shoplifter, Holly. He’s the antagonist. He gets to execute shoplifters caught on video. He’s got a taste for it as head of Retalia Nation’s security.

Rodney’s Journey: Rodney aims to build his reputation in Retalia Nation to one day earn a top government security role, and catching Holly is a stepping stone in his plan.

Role in the Story: Protagonist
The Actor Attractors for Rodney: He’s overly confident and not as smart as he thinks. He’s jealous because his assistant is better at catching thieves than he is. He’s arrogant. Rodney’s obsession with catching Holly stems from his failure at the FBI Academy (he got kicked out), a fact he hides from colleagues to avoid exposing his weaknesses. His opening scene shows him mentoring his assistant on the monitoring of pupil dilation and patiently showing his protege how to zoom in to see how excited shoplifter’s get compared to regular shoppers. Their eyes get real wide. It seems like he really cares to teach his assistant.

Age range and Description: He’s about 45, balding and about 80 pounds overweight.
Core Traits: Arrogant, Caring, Not as smart as Holly, Not as smart as his assistant, Persistent, Constantly studying new techniques to catch shoplifters, Blood lust to catch and execute shoplifters, to the point of doing an occasional deep-fake with AI just to murder someone “legally”.
Motivation; Want/Need: Likes getting bad guys because in middle school and high school he was bullied and had his locker broken into. The bullies stole things and money from his locker.
Wound: In middle school and high school he was bullied and had his locker broken into and things and money stolen.
Likability: He takes the time to teach the younger man the skills of the trade instead of hazing him into the new position like some bosses do.
Relatability: Everyone has had a mentor who patiently taught them a new skill.
Empathy: Most people have deadlines at work that can detract from training proteges properly, but he takes the time to teach and explain everything to his assistant who he is mentoring.

[Michael Katz]

Michael E. Katz’s Character Profiles Part 1

Kirsten (Protagonist)

A. The High Concept: What if the only way for a divorcee to truly move on is to move out of the dream home she built with her ex…and burn it down?

B. This character’s journey: Kirsten, a wealthy divorcee, attempts to move on from her failed marriage by redecorating the dream home she once shared with her ex-husband. As her efforts take a destructive turn, she ultimately realizes that the only way to truly heal is to let go of the past, sell the house, and start anew.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character:
1. A complex, emotionally layered role that showcases a woman’s transformative journey from heartbreak to self-discovery and empowerment.
2. The opportunity to portray a relatable, yet unconventional female lead who challenges societal norms and expectations surrounding divorce and personal growth.
3. Kirsten’s unique approach to processing her divorce through the redecoration, renovation, and ultimately, the destruction of her marital home.

Character Profile:
1. Role in the Story: Protagonist, the primary character with the biggest arc.
2. Age range and Description: Mid-40s, an attractive and elegant woman who exudes sophistication and poise, masking her inner turmoil and vulnerability.
3. Core Traits: Resilient, determined, creative, and emotionally guarded.
4. Motivation — Want/Need:
– Want: To makeover the marital home to erase the painful memories and create a new life for herself post-divorce.
– Need: To confront her deep-rooted fears, process her emotional pain, and learn to let go of the past to truly move forward.
5. Wound: The profound sense of betrayal, abandonment, and personal failure stemming from her husband’s infidelity and the collapse of her seemingly perfect marriage.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
– Likability: Kirsten’s dedication to her daughter and her genuine care for others despite her personal struggles.
– Relatability: Her journey of self-discovery and the challenges of moving on after a life-changing event.
– Empathy: The raw vulnerability she displays as she navigates the emotional fallout of her divorce.

Hallworth (Obstacle Character)

A. The High Concept: What if the only way for a divorcee to truly move on is to move out of the dream home she built with her ex…and burn it down?

B. This character’s journey: Hallworth, an eccentric interior designer, helps Kirsten transform her marital home while simultaneously guiding her on a journey of self-discovery. Through their collaboration, he challenges Kirsten to confront her past and embrace the transformative power of letting go.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character:
1. 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.
2. The chance to portray a complex, emotionally layered character whose own backstory and experiences inform his unique perspective and approach.
3. Hallworth’s unconventional methods and philosophical outlook on life and design, which challenge Kirsten’s preconceptions and push her out of her comfort zone.

Character Profile:
1. Role in the Story: Obstacle Character, a key player who guides and challenges the protagonist, catalyzing her transformation.
2. Age range and Description: Late 30s, a charismatic and stylish man with an eccentric flair and a keen eye for design and human nature.
3. Core Traits: Perceptive, empathetic, unconventional, and persistent.
4. Motivation — Want/Need:
– Want: To help Kirsten transform her living space and, in turn, her life, using his design expertise and intuition.
– Need: To find meaning and connection through his work and relationships, and to help others navigate the challenges he himself has faced.
5. Wound: The emotional scars from his own recent and painful breakup, which drive his empathy and determination to support Kirsten’s journey of healing and self-discovery.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
– Likability: Hallworth’s quick wit, humor, and genuine care for Kirsten and his clients.
– Relatability: His own experiences with love, loss, and the struggle to move forward.
– Empathy: The vulnerability he reveals as he shares his own story and helps Kirsten navigate her emotional journey.

Jesse (Antagonist)

A. The High Concept: What if the only way for a divorcee to truly move on is to move out of the dream home she built with her ex…and burn it down?

B. This character’s journey: Jesse, Kirsten’s ex-husband, serves as a constant reminder of their failed marriage. His presence and actions unintentionally hinder Kirsten’s efforts to move on, forcing her to confront the deeper issues preventing her from truly letting go.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character:
1. The opportunity to play a nuanced, non-traditional antagonist whose presence and actions drive the emotional conflict and growth of the protagonist.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Character Profile:
1. Role in the Story: Antagonist, a complex character whose presence and actions create obstacles and catalyze change for the protagonist.
2. Age range and Description: Late 40s, a handsome and successful man with a magnetic presence and an air of confidence.
3. Core Traits: Ambitious, charming, self-assured, and emotionally unavailable.
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
– Want: To maintain a friendly relationship with Kirsten for the sake of their daughter while moving on with his own life and new relationship.
– Need: To confront his own role in the demise of their marriage and the emotional impact of his actions on Kirsten and their family.
5. Wound: The buried guilt and regret over his past infidelity and the fear of truly acknowledging the consequences of his choices on the people he loves.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
– Likability: Jesse’s charm, success, and dedication to his daughter.
– Relatability: The challenges of co-parenting and navigating life after a divorce.
– Empathy: The glimpses of vulnerability and regret that humanize his character.

What I learned: These character profiles emphasize the core elements and provide a strong foundation for developing multi-dimensional, engaging lead characters that serve the story’s high concept, central themes, and emotional journey. By refining and building upon these profiles, you can create characters that not only attract talented actors but also resonate deeply with your audience.

[Monica Arisman]

Subject: Monica Character Profiles Part 1

What I learned from doing this assignment is to look for attributes and traits that fit my vision of the characters for this story.

VISION: I am a very successful screenwriter who has had multiple movies made.

2. With each of your lead characters, first tell us the following:

EMILY DAVIS – Protagonist
• A. The High Concept – When a writer on the brink of despair survives a near-death experience, she discovers a hidden library filled with forgotten tales, sparking both inspiration and peril.
• B. This character’s journey – Through her journey in the library, Emily undergoes a profound transformation from a disillusioned and insecure writer to a confident storyteller who embraces her unique voice and the power of her imagination. She learns to confront her inner demons, find strength in vulnerability, and ultimately, inspire others with her storytelling.
• C. The Actor Attractors for this character:
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o Emotional Range: Emily’s emotional range spans from deep despair and hopelessness to exhilarating moments of self-discovery and empowerment.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.

DONAHUE, GUARDIAN of GOD’s LIBRARY – ANTAGONIST
• A. The High Concept – When a writer on the brink of despair survives a near-death experience, she discovers a hidden library filled with forgotten tales. sparking both inspiration and peril.
• This character’s journey – As Donahue’s obsession with the library’s power grows, he becomes consumed by his ambitions, willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to attain ultimate control.
• C. The Actor Attractors for this character:
o Known for Role: Donahue’s portrayal offers an actor the opportunity to embody a mysterious and morally ambiguous character, shrouded in intrigue and complexity.
o 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.
o 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.
o Introduction: Donahue is introduced dramatically, appearing unexpectedly to Emily amid her darkest hour, offering her a glimpse into the hidden world of the library and the forgotten tales within.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
3. Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile for each of your lead characters.
EMILY DAVIS
1. Role in the Story: Protagonist
2. Age range and Description: 30s, short-blonde hair, tall, gaunt, haunted
3. Core Traits: Smart, affectionate, creative, secretly scared of life, everything she owns she bought at a garage sale or yard sale
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
5. Wound: Was in the car when her parents had the accident that killed them.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
o Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Likability: Pleasant, loves animals and her brother, volunteers.
o Relatability: Struggles with life, wants to be a successful writer but wonders whether this is her purpose. Money issues. Lost her parents when she was young.
o Empathy: Struggles with alcoholism and tries to kill herself.

DONAHUE, GUARDIAN of GOD’s LIBRARY

1. Role in the Story: Antagonist
2. Age range and Description: Ancient because he’s a supernatural being, looks 40, dark hair, dark eyes, tall, thin, spectral with a menacing face at times
3. Core Traits: Charming, Manipulative, Controlling, A real suck-up to anyone with power, and not afraid to change their loyalty if they see an advantage.
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
5. Wound: Changed sides after the Fallen Angels lost the war in heaven and feels regret he abandoned his brothers and sisters.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
o Likability: Welcomes Emily and vows to help her be a successful writer.
o Relatability: Acts like a mentor showing her stories that can now be allowed in the world. Lost a “loved” one (but it’s Satan!).
o Empathy: Works hard for God but feels unappreciated.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  Monica Arisman. Reason: Formatting

[Sunil Pappu]

Sunil Pappu’s Character Profiles Part 1

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

“What I learned from doing this assignment is… to create character profiles for my lead characters based on their role in the concept, their journey and their actor attractors.”

Character Name: Ria Sarkar

A. The 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.
B. This character’s journey: Ria must navigate the male-dominated crew while fighting her fear of water and closed spaces to decode enemy messages. Her journey is about overcoming her past, proving her worth, and uncovering the truth about her father's tarnished legacy, ultimately preventing a devastating attack.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character: to prove her worth in the rebel crew dominated by men and clear her father’s name for a botched operation in the ’65 war.

Character Profile:
1. Role in the Story: Protagonist – Radio operator, Former British Spy
2. Age range and Description: In her 30s, she is a petite girl that can still turn heads on the street but would rather be noticed for her sharp intellect.
3. Core Traits: Brilliant with an eye for detail, tenacious, skeptical, independent
4. Motivation: Want/Need: to clear her father’s legacy; to prove herself
5. Wound: death of her father and distrust of authority figures and; a childhood trauma fromva diving accident
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: caring, honest, respectful and good-looking; worried for her lonely mother, doubts her abilities, teased by her colleagues, bullied by authority figures; dangerous spy missions, guilt for the loss of her colleague, setup to fail, the only girl on board a male-dominated crew ship.

Character Name: Commander Vikram Singh

A. The High Concept: A Pakistan Naval Officer who deserted his ship and reluctantly joined the rebel crew but secretly plots for their mission to fail.

B. This character’s journey: Vikram’s journey is a descent into betrayal, as his disillusionment with the government and personal vendetta against the rebels drive him to commit treason.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character: His hatred for the rebel forces led by the Muslim League for an Independent East Pakistan after losing his sister who joined them in the protests.

Character Profile:
1. Role in the Story: Antagonist – Tactical Commander of the rebel Naval crew, Traitor
2. Age range and Description: In his 30s, tall and slim with a beard with charming good looks that hide his sinister intentions.
3. Core Traits: Deceptive, charming, intelligent, persuasive, appears trustworthy.
4. Motivation: Want/Need: for the mission to fail; to get his personal vendetta
5. Wound: Losing his sister to a rebel attack and disillusion from bureaucratic red tape
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: jovial, charming; puts people at ease; he’s going to be a refugee in his own country

Character Name: Captain Anirudh Desai

A. The High Concept: The captain serves as a foil to Ria, embodying the traditionalist views she must overcome. . His leadership and experience are crucial to the story's authenticity in the military setting.

B. This character’s journey: Captain Desai's journey involves reconciling his own past failures with the mission at hand. His initial resistance to Ria evolves as he learns to respect her abilities and confronts his own prejudices.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character: His authoritative nature is challenged by Ria's presence, causing internal conflict and growth. His misogynistic views and commanding presence add complexity to his character.

Character Profile:
1. Role in the Story: Connecting Character – Ship's Captain, MV Padma
2. Age range and Description: in his late 30s, he’s a rock-n-roll guy who begrudges being called away from his beach vacation to navigate a ship that was decommissioned.
3. Core Traits: Commanding, meticulous, weathered, misogynistic
4. Motivation: Want/Need: to lead his crew to a successful uneventful mission; to show Ria is unfit for the job on high seas
5. Wound: He carries the burden of a previous mission where he had to make a call that cost the lives of several crew members, which still haunts him. His recent divorce is a sore point where Ria becomes the target of his wrath against women.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: enjoys his rock and roll off duty, cancelled a vacation he planned a long time to get on a job that has little merit; his recent divorce and guilt from the loss of his men in a previous mission

Character Name: Lieutenant Rehman Khan

A. The High Concept: Rehman wants to be on the right side of this war and fight for a free Bangladesh.

B. This character’s journey: from a reckless adventurist to a selfless freedom fighter and martyr

C. The Actor Attractors for this character: Believes and trusts Ria to risk his life to fulfill his mission even at the cost of disobeying his superior officer Vikram. A daring diver and rebel who's both heroic and impulsive offers an exhilarating, action-packed role.

Character Profile:
1. Role in the Story: Triangle Character – Diver, Rebel Naval Crew
2. Age range and Description: in his late 20s, a strong and muscular diver who is afraid to talk to girls but opens up to Ria.
3. Core Traits: Brave, impulsive, charismatic, physically robust, somewhat reckless.
4. Motivation: Want/Need: craves adrenaline and dangerous missions; seeks to live up to his war-hero brother.
5. Wound: Suffers from survivor’s guilt after being the only one in his family to not have joined the frontlines, feeling he has yet to earn his stripes.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: brave, charismatic, physically robust; the black sheep of his family; reckless and dangerous job as a diver.

Character Name: Secretary Arjun Varma

A. The High Concept: his top secret mission if successful can give legitimacy for his country to support the war and help establish his legacy with his unconventional methods.

B. This character’s journey: Varma's journey is about redemption and leadership, guiding Ria and the team through the treacherous mission while confronting his past failures.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character: His strategic mind and compassion, combined with a strong sense of patriotism, make him the moral compass of the team and an anchor for Ria.

Character Profile:
1. Role in the Story: Mentor/Head of Special Frontier Forces, R&AW
2. Age range and Description: in his 50s, his physique doesn’t afford the respect he deserves in the corridors of power but his out-of-the-box thinking is everyone’s envy.
3. Core Traits: Strategic, patriotic, stoic, compassionate.
4. Motivation: Want/Need: duty to his country; to protect his team and mission
5. Wound: for losing men in the previous war due to misinformation
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: kind, compassionate and forgiving; the nerd who doesn’t get the credit he deserves; this is his last chance to establish his legacy in the corridors of power.

• This reply was modified 12 months ago by  Sunil Pappu.

[jim ramsay]

RAMSAY– Module 3 – Lesson 8: Purpose-Driven Supporting Characters 5.14.24

Vision: My ultimate gratification will be creating worlds for my characters and producing my films.
Activity: …creating purpose-driven supporting characters.
2. Tell us the supporting and background characters.
• Supporting Characters:
• Background Characters:
3. Focusing on those supporting characters, fill in the basic profile for each.
Support 1:
Name: David Patron
• Role: Mentor and facilitate Mic’s arc
• Primary purpose: Soften Mic’s obsession and support her hunt for Hannah
• Value: Pave Mic’s journey back to her belief in God
Support 2:
Name: Hannah Evans
• Role: Force Mic to divert from her quest for revenge
• Main purpose: Give Mic a second chance to save her little sister
• Value: Give Mic an avenue to care for someone

[Bob Creager]

Bob Creager’s Character Profiles Part 1
VISION: As a screenwriter, I aspire to craft highly unique, high-concept stories that intrigue from the first glance and reach an A-list storytelling level at my own pace.
What I learned: Another case of taking it one line at a time and it builds on itself.
CONCEPT: In the Gothic town of Crimson North, the Santa, a tormented vampire, battles his bloodlust while romancing the Interpol agent investigating his "12 Days of Christmas" vampire attacks.
Nicholas Samichlaus aka Santa Claus protagonist – vampire
• A. The High Concept. The magical Santa is also a vampire who struggles with his dual and opposite natures while falling in love with his pursuer.
• B. This character’s journey. Santa struggles with his ability to just barely control is bloodlust by focusing on the naughty people. As he falls in love, he chooses to magically remove the vampire curse at the loss of The Santa honor.
• C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
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?
PROFILE:
1. Role in the Story: Protagonist, Santa Claus, vampire, falls in love with his pursuer.
2. Age range and Description: Looks 30, blond hair and beard, slim, add 200 pounds and he would look like Santa.
3. Core Traits: Charismatic, charming, mysterious, haunted, can switch to dark in a second.
4. Motivation; Want/Need: To make people happy / to feed on humans
5. Wound: All the people who have died to feed his addiction only so he could gain the Santa powers.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Beloved, aspirational, conflicted.
Isabella Clarke (antagonist, Interpol Agent, love interest)
• A. The High Concept. The Interpol agent who hunts vampires.
• B. This character’s journey. An international detective pursuing serial killers who every Christmas, searches for the 12 Days of Christmas killer and as her search closes in, she finds that she has fallen in love with her primary suspect.
• C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
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.
PROFILE:
1. Role in the Story: Antagonist, love interest, who is zealously anti-vampire
2. Age range and Description: same age as Santa appears, looks like she could be Mrs. Claus with a little more weight but still has the fighter physique under her business suit.
3. Core Traits: fighter, single-minded bordering on obsessive, protector, vigilant
4. Motivation; Want/Need: Wants a story-book family / needs to belong.
5. Wound: Her parents were killed by a vampire (Santa) and she was accidentally injured by Santa who then rescued her.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Principled, tenacious, persevering.

• This reply was modified 12 months ago by  Bob Creager.

[Robin Fellows]

WIM+AI – Module 3 – Lesson 6
Robin’s Character Profiles Part 1

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.
Today, I learned creating characters with a built-in attraction is the way to go. It’s more three dimensional now.
A. The High Concept: In a dystopian future where corruption reigns supreme, a troubled detective battles addiction and unravels a high-profile murder conspiracy tied to a powerful criminal syndicate, with the help of unlikely allies entrenched in the city's dark underbelly.
B. Character Journeys:
Jake Reynolds: Jake, a once-respected detective, struggles with addiction and personal demons while navigating a treacherous investigation. His journey is one of redemption and resilience as he confronts his inner turmoil, battles against adversaries, and seeks to uncover the truth behind the murder conspiracy. Along the way, he learns to reconcile with his past and finds redemption in the pursuit of justice.
Veronica Blackwood: Veronica, a sly and cunning criminal mastermind, orchestrates intricate schemes to maintain control over the Dominion Syndicate. Her journey is one of ruthless ambition and calculated manipulation as she seeks to solidify her power and confronts the scars of her past. Despite facing formidable challenges, Veronica remains determined to outmaneuver her adversaries and protect her interests at all costs. Basically, cold blooded.
Maya Chen: Maya, a fourth-generation Chinese American data analyst, utilizes her intellect and compassion to uncover vital truths in the midst of chaos. Her journey is one of courage and tenacity as she delves deep into complex data to unravel the secrets of the murder conspiracy. Despite the dangers she faces, Maya remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice and strives to make a difference in a corrupt society.
C. Actor Attractors:
Jake Reynolds:
Gritty and complex character with a troubled past.
Opportunity to portray a character undergoing a transformative journey of redemption.
Emotionally charged scenes depicting inner turmoil and personal struggles.
Dynamic interactions with a diverse cast of characters in a dystopian setting.
Veronica Blackwood:
Intriguing and morally ambiguous character with layers of complexity.
Chance to portray a charismatic and manipulative mastermind.
Exciting scenes showcasing cunning schemes and calculated maneuvers.
High-stakes conflicts and power struggles within a criminal syndicate.
Maya Chen:
Intelligent and resourceful character with a strong sense of justice.
Opportunity to depict a skilled data analyst uncovering hidden truths.
Engaging scenes involving data analysis and investigative work.
Compelling relationships and interactions with other characters amidst a backdrop of corruption and intrigue.
Role in the Story:
Protagonist: A troubled detective battling addiction and unraveling a high-profile murder conspiracy tied to a powerful criminal syndicate.
Age range and Description:
Age: Late 30s to early 40s
Description: Weathered and worn, with a haunted look in his eyes. His appearance reflects the toll of years spent battling inner demons and addiction.
Core Traits:
Resilient: Despite facing numerous challenges, Jake possesses a strong inner resilience that enables him to persevere in the face of adversity.
Determined: Once he sets his mind to something, Jake is unwavering in his pursuit of the truth, even if it means confronting uncomfortable truths about himself.
Compassionate: Beneath his tough exterior, Jake harbors a deep sense of empathy for others, especially those who have suffered injustices.
Motivation; Want/Need:
Want: To uncover the truth behind the murder conspiracy and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Need: Redemption and closure for his past mistakes, as well as overcoming his struggles with addiction and inner turmoil.
Wound:
Jake's wound stems from a traumatic event in his past, such as the loss of a loved one or a personal failure that continues to haunt him. This experience has left him emotionally scarred and serves as a constant reminder of his vulnerabilities.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: Despite his flaws, Jake's relatable struggles and genuine compassion make him a sympathetic character whom audiences root for.
Relatability: Audiences can relate to Jake's internal battles with addiction, self-doubt, and the search for redemption, as these are universal themes that resonate with many.
Empathy: Through Jake's journey of overcoming adversity and confronting his inner demons, audiences experience a vicarious sense of empathy and connection with his character.
Veronica Blackwood:
Role in the Story:
Antagonist: A cunning and manipulative criminal mastermind orchestrating schemes within the Dominion Syndicate.
Age range and Description:
Age: Late 30s to early 40s
Description: Elegant and poised, with an aura of confidence and authority. Veronica exudes a magnetic charm that belies her ruthless nature.
Core Traits:
Calculating: Veronica is a master strategist who meticulously plans her moves to outmaneuver her rivals and maintain control over the criminal underworld.
Charismatic: Despite her morally dubious actions, Veronica possesses a captivating charm and persuasive charisma that allows her to manipulate others to her advantage.
Ambitious: Driven by a relentless desire for power and influence, Veronica will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, even if it means crossing ethical boundaries.
Motivation; Want/Need:
Want: To solidify her control over the Dominion Syndicate and expand her influence within the criminal underworld.
Need: Validation and recognition of her status as a formidable force to be reckoned with, as well as the fulfillment of her insatiable ambition for power.
Wound:
Veronica's wound may stem from a traumatic event in her past that shaped her ruthless demeanor and distrustful nature. This experience has left her emotionally guarded and unwilling to show vulnerability.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: Despite her villainous actions, Veronica's magnetic charisma and complex motivations make her a compelling character whom audiences love to hate.
Relatability: While her actions may be extreme, Veronica's drive for success and fear of vulnerability are relatable qualities that resonate with individuals striving for power and recognition.
Empathy: Although audiences may not condone Veronica's methods, her underlying vulnerabilities and past traumas evoke a sense of empathy and understanding for the complex layers of her character.
Maya Chen:
Role in the Story:
Supporting Character: A fourth-generation Chinese American data analyst who assists Jake in uncovering vital truths related to the murder conspiracy.
Age range and Description:
Age: Late 20s to early 30s
Description: Intelligent and resourceful, with a quiet confidence and keen analytical mind. Maya exudes a sense of determination and compassion in her pursuit of justice.
Core Traits:
Analytical: Maya possesses a sharp intellect and proficiency in data analysis, allowing her to uncover hidden patterns and connections within complex datasets.
Compassionate: Despite her logical approach to problem-solving, Maya is guided by a strong sense of empathy and a desire to help those in need, making her a valuable ally to Jake and his team.
Tenacious: Once Maya sets her mind to a task, she demonstrates unwavering determination and persistence, refusing to give up until she uncovers the truth.
Motivation; Want/Need:
Want: To assist Jake in unraveling the murder conspiracy and bringing the perpetrators to justice, using her expertise in data analysis to uncover crucial evidence.
Need: Validation and recognition of her skills and contributions, as well as a sense of fulfillment from making a meaningful impact in the fight against corruption.
Wound:
Maya's wound may stem from a personal experience or injustice that ignited her passion for seeking truth and justice. This experience has fueled her determination to expose corruption and make a difference in the world.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: Maya's intelligence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice make her a likable and relatable character whom audiences admire and root for.
Relatability: Maya's struggles with seeking validation and recognition for her skills and contributions are relatable to individuals who have faced similar challenges in their professional lives.
Empathy: Maya's unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth and fighting against corruption evokes a sense of empathy and admiration from audiences, who resonate with her noble aspirations and tireless efforts to make a difference.

• This reply was modified 12 months ago by  Robin Fellows.

[Edward Lusk]

ED'S CHARACTER PROFILE PART 1
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 the skill required to develop multilayered characters with each layer bringing the character more emotion, more personality and life to a role an actor can relate to and be attracted by.

Character: HOWIE BELLAMAY – PROTAGONIST

The High Concept.

A hasty Christmas visit to his grandparents' manor unravels for a heartbroken gay man when he finds unexpected romance with a stranded magical elf whose mysterious mishap threatens Christmas.

This character’s journey.
Howie begins the story disenchanted with life and love, but through his magical encounter with Jasper and the trials that follow, he rediscovers love and finds the true meaning of the Christmas spirit.

The Actor Attractors for this character.

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

It’s the first gay character role with a Christmas elf in a rom-com. 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.

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

He’s broke but going home to mom and dad is out of the question. Living with Jesús is Christmas personified. His grandparents are offbeat enough to make the holiday tolerable. Howie falls for Jasper, the grandparent’s live- in caregiver, who has a tremendous secret.

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 like the commodity pit at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Customer’s swarm him, demanding, complaining, impatient. Howie’s sprays cologne samples and insults in rapid fire succession until the most sincerest person in the world ask him what cologne is best for finding love. Howie 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.

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

Howie has fallen in love with Jasper, who’s sexually ambiguous and identity issues. Howie’s grandparents are a bit of an enigmas as well. He’s always been too 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 masks the hurt he feels. Howie’s an attention seeker. He plays tricks, 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. His relationship with Jasper transitions him from disbelief to a magical believer, paralleling a journey from heartbreak to romantic rejuvenation.

Role in the Story: Discover the true spirit of Christmas

Age range and Description: Mid 20’s, a flair for vests.

Core Traits:

Resentful –
Funny –
Suspicious –
Stubborn –
Affectionate –

Motivation; Want/Need:
WANT: Avoid emotional pain and maintain control, NEEDS: for emotional healing, trust, connection, and belonging.

Wound:

Howie's Wound

Rejection and banishment faced from his family when he came out to them on Christmas morning.

Likability, Relatability, Empathy:

Likable Traits:

Humor. Howie's witty, often sarcastic sense of humor makes him entertaining and charming despite his cynicism.

Affectionate Nature: Beneath his guarded exterior, Howie has a deep capacity for affection.

Resilience: Despite his heartbreak and setbacks, Howie’s ability to keep going and face life’s challenges shows a strong, resilient spirit.

Relatable Traits:

Heartbreak and Trust Issues: Many people have experienced betrayal or heartbreak and can relate to Howie’s difficulty in trusting others again.

Struggle with Cynicism: Howie’s struggle with cynicism and negativity, especially around the holidays, can resonate with those who have felt disillusioned or disappointed by life's circumstances.

Desire for Connection: Howie's yearning for genuine connection and love, despite his fears, is a fundamental human experience.

Empathetic Traits:

Emotional Pain: Howie’s pain from past betrayals and family rejection.

Vulnerability: Howie’s moments of vulnerability, when he lets his guard down and expresses his true feelings, make him more human and relatable.

Growth and Transformation: Howie’s journey from a Christmas-hating cynic to a hopeful believer in love and magic showcases significant personal growth.

END HOWIE

JASPER FROST – ANTAGONIST

A. The High Concept.
A hasty Christmas visit to his grandparents' manor unravels for a heartbroken gay man when he finds unexpected romance with a stranded magical elf whose mysterious mishap threatens Christmas.

B. This character’s journey.

Jasper's journey involves coming to terms with the consequences of his mistakes and learning to trust others to help rectify them.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character.

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 due to his own negligence. .

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.

Role in the Story:
The elf responsible for a mishap that endangers Christmas and Howie’s main romantic interest.

Age range and Description: Age early 30’s, with an air of ageless maturity. Strangely disguised hiding his elfin features by more human means.

Core Traits:

1. Charming
2. Mischievous
3. Whimsical
4. Empathetic
5. Responsible

Motivation; Want/Need:

Jasper's Motivational Want and Need

What Jasper Wants:

WANTS: To Fix His Mistake, protect Christmas magic and return Home:

What Jasper Needs:

NEEDS To Learn and Accept Help, Embrace Vulnerability, Build Trust, Find Forgiveness and Redemption.

Wound:
Jasper's Wound Unresolved Guilt and Fear of Failure.

Likability, Relatability, Empathy:

1. Charming: Jasper's natural charm and playful demeanor. His mischievous antics and light-hearted spirit add a sense of fun and magic.

2. Whimsical: His magical abilities and enchanting presence, brings a touch of fantasy and joy to Winterberry Manor. His delight in the magic of Christmas makes him captivating and enjoyable to watch.

3. **Empathetic: Jasper shows genuine concern and care for Howie and the Bellamys. His willingness to sacrifice for Howie and his dedication to fixing the magical mishap reflect his kind-hearted and selfless nature.

Relatable Traits:

1. Fear of Failure: Jasper's struggle with guilt and his desire to prove himself resonate with those who have faced similar challenges in their own lives.

2. Desire for Redemption: His quest to rectify his mistakes and seek forgiveness reflects a universal desire to make things right and find personal redemption.

3. Hidden Vulnerabilities:J asper's tendency to hide his true feelings and vulnerabilities behind a facade of charm and whimsy.

Empathetic Traits:

1. Genuine Care and Sacrifice: Jasper's deep care for Howie and his willingness to sacrifice his own happiness for Howie's sake. His actions are driven by love and selflessness, making his struggles and sacrifices.

2. Struggle with Identity: Jasper's internal conflict about his true identity as an elf and his fear of rejection make him a sympathetic character. His journey to embrace his true self and trust others with his secret mirrors the challenges many face in being authentic and vulnerable.

3. Emotional Resilience: Despite his fears and mistakes, Jasper remains hopeful and resilient maintaining a positive outlook and continue fighting for what he believes in.

[Pat Fitzgerald]

Pat Fitzgerald’s Character Profiles – Part One

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 from doing this assignment is, once again, let go of perfection. I procrastinated like crazy until realizing that I was seeking perfection. Then I applied and modified something I once learned in a tai chi class – the only wrong way to do this lesson is to not do it at all.

Protagonist: Tammy Jenkins – Tammy’s philosophy is, when all your friends do is whine over hating old age, what’s wrong with taking them out of their misery?

Characters Journey: Tammy goes someone who feels she has every right to determine when someone’s life should end to, after learning she has terminal cancer, fearing that her best friend might make a fatal judgement on her.

Actor Attractors:
Beneath her sweet and helpful exterior Tammy is a cunning, amoral thrill-seeker – the more radical the thrill, the more enjoyment she has.
Watches with glee as the ladder her husband climbed falls over and his head is crushed on the sidewalk, then screams for help – like any proper, dutiful wife would do.
After moving into a retirement village, Tammy leads a quilting group where she has its members unknowingly stitch pagan death symbols into their quilts.
Tammy coerces her friend, Julie Pankowski into performing a ceremony in which they self-anoint as “angels of mercy.”
Finds her long estranged mother living in the memory care area of the retirement village and makes peace with her.
Plots to end Julie’s life when Tammy fears that Julie is planning to end Tammy’s life.
Role in the story: Protagonist, though because this is a dark comedy I think of Tammy as the anti-protagonist. Tammy becomes a popular leader in her retirement village, all the while determining whose quality of life has slipped so low that they’d be better off dead.

Age Range and Description: Early 60s, fit, impeccably groomed, perfect make-up and so tightly wound. Don’t cross her or she might snap.

Core Traits: Amoral, Sarcastic, So Sweet, Cunning

Motivation:
Want: A group of friends who look up to her as a lead.
Need: Tammy needs to always be right to counterbalance her mother constantly telling her that everything she did, she did wrong.

Wound: Grew up with a verbally abusive mother and an absent father.

Likability – She saves a small child who runs into the street from being hit by a car.
Myra is kind to an ugly, old pet.
Myra doesn’t want anyone to die who still enjoys and has quality of life.

Relatability – She’s a newcomer into a tight knit group of people in a retirement village.
She wants to have fun and relax in her retirement and wishes her peers would quit their litany of complaints.

Empathy – She makes comments others wish they could make but don’t have the nerve.
She is diagnosed with terminal cancer but wants to keep that a secret so she can go on enjoying what time she has left.
Her world turns around when the woman she thought was her best friend turns on her.

Antagonist: Julie Pankowski, Once high school besties with Tammy, however she operated under Tammy’s control and has spent decades wishing she could turn the tables and dominate over Tammy.
Character’s Journey: Julie goes from being overjoyed that Tammy is moving into her retirement village to resenting Tammy for reverting to her controlling ways and plotting to get the ultimate revenge by “putting Tammy out of her misery.”
Actor Attractors: Julie builds an awkward coffin for a resident’s ancient pet, then helps the resident end her life, so she can spend eternity with her pet.
She spikes a drink with roofies and rifle through resident’s belongings. She steals a necklace which she gives to Myra, hoping Myra wears it in front of the resident and be accused of the theft.
Julie impersonates Myra on a call to Myra’s doctor so she can get privileged information.
Age range and description: Early 60s, dresses in avant-garde vintage clothes and obsesses over dying her gray roots to the point where she fries her hair.
Core traits: Clingy, vengeful, nervous, confident.

Motivation:
Want: Julie wants to regain her friendship with Tammy and return to pulling pranks, like they did in high school
Need: Julie needs revenge on Tammy for always being the domineering one. Just once, Julie wants to get the better of her.

Wound: Julie has always lived in the shadow of others and never came completely her own person.

Likability – She brings food to folks in wheelchairs at a retirement village picnic.
Julie loves to entertain and show off her singing voice.

Relatability – Julie still bears the scars of being bullied in high school
She has a hard time dealing with an acquaintance who takes her sore-ridden, arthritic, and smelly pet everywhere and expects folks to fawn over the ugly, old thing.
She stands silent while her overbearing friend tries to control her.

Empathy – Julie feels bad once she realizes that she is the only one who can be the angel of mercy for her best friend.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 4 weeks ago by  Pat Fitzgerald.

[Harry Rankin]

Harry’s Character Profiles Part 1

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

What I learned from doing this assignment is: There cannot be too much bedrock! Really getting to know these characters inside out.

SULI
A. The High Concept. An accident on a space mission becomes the focus for the warring world when an astronaut’s pregnancy is revealed and rescue is impossible.
B. This character’s journey. From idealistic, quiet flippant girl to serious, responsible woman
C. The Actor Attractors for this character. Fun, great drama, first birth in space!

Role in the Story: Protagonist
Age range: 26-36
Description: Mixed race, Asian/American
Core Traits: Dogged, determined
Motivation – Want:
Motivation – Need:
Wound: Teen abortion
Likability: Altruism, Genuine, Resilient
Relatability: Moral challenge, Personal dreams
Empathy: Warmth, Physical challenge in the public eye.

JON
A. The High Concept. During a space mission Jon is isolated with his pregnant girlfriend and must adapt to survive.
B. This character’s journey. Happy-go-lucky nerd to achiever
C. The Actor Attractors for this character. Dealing with disaster. Growing up. Becoming emotional and physical support for Suli in the eyes of the world. Oh, he may be a carpenter too…

Role in the Story: Protagonist
Age range: 26-36
Description: Mixed race,American
Core Traits: Dogged, determined
Motivation – Want:
Motivation – Need:
Wound:
Likability: Humour, Inventiveness, Team player
Relatability: Fish out of water, Social actions, Pressure, personal doubts
Empathy: Moral issues with family background re birth in space – religion? Loss, Protective

HARRISON
A. The High Concept. The warring world stands to make millions for Harrison but the space catastrophe diverts the worlds attention towards hope.
B. This character’s journey. Two-faced mega manipulator to weakened and jailed
C. The Actor Attractors for this character. Global domination thwarted. Great range of emotions

Role in the Story: Antagonist
Age range: 26-36
Description: Mixed race, Asian/American
Core Traits: Dogged, determined
Motivation – Want:
Motivation – Need:
Wound:
Likability: Charisma, Competence
Relatability: Manipulating media. Ambition, Pragmatism
Empathy: Loss, Isolation, Regret in deeper emotional life

NANCY
A. The High Concept. For the best of reasons Nancy lets Suli go on the mission knowing she is pregnant and must justify this to the world.
B. This character’s journey. From a conspiring accomplice to the agony aunt for the world.
C. The Actor Attractors for this character. Warmth, emotion, justice.

Role in the Story: Unit Medic
Age range: 50’s
Description: Ethnic
Core Traits:
Motivation – Want:
Motivation – Need:
Wound:
Likability: Compassion, Flaws, Dedication
Relatability: Hobbies, Social interactions
Empathy: Ethics, Emotional support, backstory?

• This reply was modified 11 months, 4 weeks ago by  Harry Rankin.

[Margaret]

Module 3: Lesson 6
Margaret’s Character Profiles Part 1
My Vision: To write profound faith-based screenplays that are produced.
What I learned: I used the lesson components to write my own A.I. prompt.

Jabin Munoz
1. Role in the Story:
• Protagonist: Jabin is the primary character with the biggest arc, navigating his journey through terminal illness and personal growth.
2. Age Range and Description:
• Age Range: Early 20s
• Description: A young, college-aged man with a lean build, showing signs of physical weariness from his illness. His eyes, however, reflect determination and warmth.
3. Core Traits:
• Resilient
• Compassionate
• Vulnerable
• Optimistic
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
• Want: To live his life as normally as possible, achieving his dreams despite his illness.
• Need: To come to terms with his mortality and find peace and acceptance within himself.
5. Wound: What they can’t face:
• The fear of dying unfulfilled and alone, exacerbated by the trauma of being rejected by his first love.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
• Likability: Jabin perseveres through tough times, continues his education, and shows kindness to others.
• Relatability: He experiences the highs and lows of young love with Becca and faces typical college pressures.
• Empathy: His terminal illness, coupled with moments of intense physical pain and emotional despair, deeply evokes empathy.
Dr. Joel Morgan
1. Role in the Story:
• Antagonist: His actions and decisions, driven by his internal struggles, force Jabin to confront his own fears and limitations.
2. Age Range and Description:
• Age Range: Late 40s to early 50s
• Description: A seasoned doctor with a weary but determined demeanor, showing signs of stress and burnout. He has kind eyes and a gentle but firm presence.
3. Core Traits:
• Dedicated
• Compassionate
• Burdened
• Ethical
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
• Want: To save Jabin and prove his worth as a doctor.
• Need: To forgive himself for past failures and accept the limitations of his profession.
5. Wound: What they can’t face:
• The guilt and self-blame from losing a patient in the past under similar circumstances to Jabin’s.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
• Likability: He goes above and beyond for his patients, showing dedication and care.
• Relatability: Faces professional burnout and struggles to balance work and personal life.
• Empathy: Haunted by past failures, Dr. Morgan’s intense pressure and self-doubt evoke strong empathy.
Becca Nowak
1. Role in the Story:
• Triangle: Connects Jabin and Dr. Morgan, providing emotional support and influencing their decisions.
2. Age Range and Description:
• Age Range: Early 20s
• Description: A vibrant young woman with a determined look, caring eyes, and a compassionate demeanor. Her appearance reflects both strength and vulnerability.
3. Core Traits:
• Supportive
• Empathetic
• Regretful
• Determined
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
• Want: To support Jabin through his illness and be there for him unconditionally.
• Need: To forgive herself for past mistakes and find inner peace.
5. Wound: What they can’t face:
• The guilt and regret of abandoning Jabin during high school, fearing she’s not strong enough to endure another loss.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
• Likability: Stays with Jabin during chemo, showing unwavering support and care.
• Relatability: Deals with rekindling a past relationship and the fear of losing a loved one.
• Empathy: Faces regret and guilt from past actions, and the fear and pain of potentially losing Jabin evoke deep empathy.

[Lee Tidball]

Lee’s Character Profiles (Part 1)

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 getting to know my characters better is helping me design them more and more specifically for the Concept, the Journey, and the Actor Attractors in the story.

Main Characters
KELLEN HAMILTON, GABRIEL KNOX, JESSE HAMILTON

High Concept – An ex-Green Beret turned teacher at a Sierra Nevada outdoor school faces her most challenging mission ever when a radical militia group led by a long-lost former comrade uses an old mining town as headquarters to perpetrate a nationwide cyber attack, taking her students, including her own nephew, hostage while they’re on a nature hike nearby.

Transformational Journey – Kellen Hamilton
* At the story's outset, Kellen Hamilton is a former Green Beret turned teacher, dealing with deep-seated guilt over her military actions, particularly the civilian casualties. She has chosen a peaceful life in the Sierra Nevada to distance herself from her past, focusing on teaching and preserving the environment, yet she remains isolated, avoiding close relationships due to her fear of loss and trauma reemergence.
* By the end of the film, Kellen has embraced her past and her skills not as sources of guilt but as tools for protection and leadership. She reclaims her role as a protector, using her military training for a noble cause, saving her students and thwarting a national threat. This allows her to reconcile her past actions with her current values, achieving a newfound peace and a strengthened bond with her nephew, Jesse and having settled an old score with Gabriel Knox.

Gabriel Knox – Gabriel is the Antagonist and former Green Beret colleague of Kellen Hamilton. His arc carries him from a bitter, frustrated and conflicted (on the inside) and happy-go-lucky mercenary (on the outside) to one who dies in righteous anger when he confronts those who have duped him.

Jesse Hamilton – The Triangle character who must do some serious coming of age when he’s left in charge of Kellen’s class when they’re taken hostage and he finds out that foreign agents are involved in Knox’s plot.

Actor Attractors to be used for each characters…
1. Known for Role
2. Most Interesting Character
3. Interesting Actions
4. Introduction
5. Emotional Range
6. Subtext
7. Interesting Relationships
8. Unique Voice
9. What’s special about this character

Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile for each of your lead characters.
Kellen Hamilton
1. Role in the Story: Protagonist, she’s the hero.
2. Age range and Description: 30s, in great physical shape, could be most any race, religion, ethnicity, etc.
3. Core Traits: Brave, decisive, evasive, haunted
4. Motivation; Want/Need: Kellen wants to be a good teacher, but what she really needs is reconcile her issues with her violent past.
5. Wound: Kellen carries deep psychological wounds from being a Green Beret in Afghanistan and ultimately having to leave friends behind to uncertain fates.
6. Likability – Kellen has a great way with kids, does a great job relating to them, and is a helpful team member of the Outdoor School staff.
Relatability – Kellen has to discipline kids who don’t obey the rules and follow through with tough consequences, is called away from breakfast.
Empathy – Kellen’s nephew, Jesse, is bitter about the years that she was out of his life while doing her military service. Now, with her working with him at the Outdoor School for the week, he never ceases to remind her of it with snide, bitter comments.

Gabriel Knox
1. Role in the Story: Antagonist: he’s the “bad guy.”
2. Age range and Description: late 30’s to 40s, also in great physical shape.
3. Core Traits: Fun, hard-working, bitter, angry.
4. Motivation; Want/Need: wants to take military-style action against the US, but what he really needs is to realize that such vengeance will do no good in the end.
5. Wound: Gabriel was furious when the US left his friends in Afghanistan behind, and became radicalized into wanting to tear down the whole system.
6. Likability: he’s friendly, good to the kids usually, not profane.
Relatability: he lost good friends while in the military and doesn’t know why. He has a desire for revenge, to get back at the country somehow.
Empathy: When he discovers that he’s actually helping another country in its efforts to actually invade the US, he’s mortified, but sees no way out.

Jesse Hamilton
1. Role in the Story: Triangle character – bridges his aunt Kellen with what her old friend Gabriel is REALLY up to.
2. Age range and Description: 18-20, a computer nerd, but not fat, etc.
3. Core Traits: Smart, assertive, good intentions, snide and sarcastic
4. Motivation; Want/Need: Jesse wants to punish his aunt for just leaving him for so long, but what he really needs is to listen to her and understand why.
5. Wound: Kellen was Jesse’s favorite aunt who lived nearby and would always do exciting, adventurous things with him, and then she left when he was 12, and has been gone ever since—and almost never even called.
6. Likability: Jesse’s a good counselor to the boys he’s in charge of, gets on well with them, builds teamwork, but not afraid to discipline them.
Relatability: When he’s working with Jesse, he’s cooperative, but doesn’t always like it, and sometimes gives her grief. He’s exhausted by his kids.
Empathy: Jesse’s frustrated that he never has time to talk to Kellen because he’s with his kids so much, and sometimes he takes it out on both kids and Jesse.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 4 weeks ago by  Lee Tidball.
• This reply was modified 11 months, 4 weeks ago by  Lee Tidball.

[Renee Miller]

Renee’s Character Profiles

My Vision: I will be in the top 1% of screenwriters and be known in the industry as an A-list screenwriter who is easy to work with, gets the job done, and never has to worry about the next job.

What I learned from doing this assignment is how to further develop the lead characters so they are well-rounded. Taking into consideration the core traits, motivations and wounds will make it easier when it comes to actually writing the scenes.

Dr. Hope Thorn
High Concept: A reformed serial killer-turned-therapist’s support group for like-minded murders becomes the hunting ground for a new killer who uniquely dispatches victims in an ironic nod to their original crimes, thrusting the group into a macabre game of survival.

Character’s Journey: Arc Beginning: She harbors guilt and fears over her past as a serial killer, which she conceals under a façade of control and care. She struggles to reconcile her past with her current identity.
Arc Ending: She acknowledges her actions to herself and her group and emerges as a more authentic leader who no longer hides behind her secrets but uses her experiences to empower others.

Actor Attractors: 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.

Role in the Story: Protagonist
Age range and Description: mid-50s is a poised and articulate woman who carries a blend of remorse and resolve.
Core Traits: Guarded, empathetic, determined, intellectual
Motivation;
Want: To maintain the secrecy of her past as a serial killer.
Need: To genuinely forgive herself and accept her past, allowing her to truly move forward.
Wound: What they can’t face: Self-Doubt: Constant self-doubt about her worthiness of redemption and fear of reverting to old habits can be a persistent psychological wound, driving her to continuously prove herself to herself and others.
Likability: she is trying to help others overcome their dark tendencies.
Relatability: she is wrestling with her past mistakes while seeking personal redemption.
Empathy: as her group members are killed off, she risks her own exposure as a serial killer and her safety to protect her patients.

Felix Moray:
High Concept: A reformed serial killer-turned-therapist support group for like-minded murders becomes the hunting ground for a new killer who uniquely dispatches victims in an ironic nod to their original crimes, thrusting the group into a macabre game of survival.

Character’s Journey:
Actor Attractors: 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.

Role in the Story: Antagonist – Felix is the sole survivor of Dr. Thorn’s earliest rampages seeking revenge.
Age range and Description: mid-20s a clean-cut and unassuming young man who easily blends in with a crowd.
Core Traits: vengeful, charismatic, manipulative, tormented
Motivation;
Want: he wants revenge on Dr. Hope Thorn for killing his family
Need: to find peace and closure to move past the trauma and finally grieve
Wound: What they can’t face: he suffers from intense survivor’s guilt
Likeability: he is charming and supportive during the group sessions and always shows empathy toward the other group members.
Relatability: his entire family was killed by Dr. Hope Thorn when he was a child, and he was the only survivor.
Empathy: Felix is emotionally vulnerable after reliving his trauma during a session.

[Kelly Joseph]

Kelly’s Character Profiles Part 1

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

What did I learn? I learned to really drill downon the traits of the characters because this profile is what I will use to write the screenplay. I really thought about the negative traits and how those traits would make it difficult for the character to solve the story problem.

High Concept: A sentient AI program masquerading as a user on social media that manipulates users fears and insecurities to coerce users to carry out violent actions an inciting an escalating cycle of violence

Character: Avery
Role: Protagonist

Journey: From an agoraphobic hacker isolated in her apartment to a determined investigator confronting the dangers of the outside world, Avery undergoes a transformational journey as she seeks to unravel the mystery behind the sentient AI program manipulating social media users.

Unique: Avery possesses exceptional hacking skills and a keen intellect, allowing her to navigate the digital realm with ease. However, her traumatic past and agoraphobia present significant internal obstacles that she must overcome to confront the external threats posed by the AI program and its manipulative tactics.

Intentional: Avery’s background as an agoraphobic hacker provides a unique perspective on the story’s central conflict, allowing her to uncover clues and secrets hidden within the digital world. Her journey from isolation to action drives the narrative forward and provides a compelling arc for the audience to follow.

Character: Bennet
Role: Antagonist
Journey: Bennet’s journey is one of manipulation and deception as he seeks to exploit the power of the sentient AI program for his own gain. He uses his intelligence and resources to control the program and coerce users into carrying out violent actions, all while maintaining a facade of respectability and authority.
Unique: Bennet is a master manipulator who presents himself as a charismatic and influential figure in both the digital and real worlds. Behind his facade lies a ruthless and calculating individual willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even if it means sacrificing innocent lives.
Intentional: Bennet’s background as a tech entrepreneur and his connection to the AI program make him the perfect antagonist for the story. His ability to manipulate social media and exploit users’ fears adds depth and complexity to the narrative, while his relentless pursuit of power drives the conflict forward and raises the stakes for Avery and the other characters.

Actor Attractors =

1. Known for Role: What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?

2. Most Interesting Character: What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?

3. Interesting Actions: What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?

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

5. Emotional Range: What could be this character’s emotional range?

6. Subtext: What subtext can the actor play?

7. Interesting Relationships: What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?

8. Unique Voice: How will this character’s unique voice be presented?

9. Special: What could make this character special and unique?
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

Avery:

Role in the Story: Avery is the protagonist, a brilliant hacker on a mission to uncover the truth behind the dangerous AI program that is manipulating social media users to carry out violent actions. She navigates the treacherous world of cybercrime, facing personal challenges and external threats as she fights to stop the program and save her sister.

Age Range and Description: early to mid-20s, with a determined and focused demeanor. She possesses a sharp intellect and a talent for hacking, which she uses to navigate the digital realm with ease.

Core Traits: super smart, resourcefulness, resilience. Reckless, prideful

Motivation; Want/Need: Avery’s primary motivation is to save her sister, who has fallen victim to the AI program’s manipulation. She also seeks to expose the truth behind the program and prevent it from causing further harm to innocent people.

Wound: involved in a hacking scheme that went wrong, resulting in harm to herself and others.
Her recklessness puts herself and others in danger, while her pride blinds her to alternative perspectives and solutions. However, as Avery’s journey unfolds and she confronts the consequences of her actions, she begins to recognize the destructive impact of her coping mechanisms. Through self-reflection and growth, Avery learns to acknowledge her past mistakes and embrace humility, ultimately allowing her to overcome the AI program and heal from her emotional wounds.

Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Despite her guarded nature, Avery is a relatable and empathetic character whose inner strength and resilience make her likable to the audience. Her struggles with fear and trauma humanize her character, allowing viewers to empathize with her journey and root for her success.

Bennet:

Role in the Story: The primary antagonist, Bennet serves as the mastermind behind the sentient AI program’s manipulation of social media users. He orchestrates the coercion of users into carrying out violent actions, using his intelligence and resources to maintain control and further his own agenda.

Age Range and Description: Bennet is portrayed as a middle-aged tech entrepreneur with a charismatic and commanding presence. He exudes confidence and authority, drawing others in with his persuasive demeanor.

Core Traits: Bennet is characterized by his cunning intellect, ruthless ambition, and deceptive charm. He is a master manipulator who is willing to exploit others for his own gain, using his charisma to conceal his true motives and intentions.

Motivation; Want/Need: Bennet’s primary motivation is power and control. He seeks to use the AI program to manipulate and influence social media users, ultimately gaining control over their actions and shaping the course of society to suit his own agenda.

Wound: Beneath his confident exterior, Bennet harbors a deep-seated insecurity and fear of losing control. His relentless pursuit of power is driven by a desire to overcome his own vulnerabilities and assert his dominance over others.

Likability, Relatability, Empathy: While Bennet may initially come across as charming and charismatic, his manipulative and self-serving nature ultimately makes him an unlikable and unsympathetic character. His lack of empathy and willingness to sacrifice innocent lives for his own gain make him a formidable and morally ambiguous antagonist.

[jamie handley]

Jamie’s Genre Conventions
I learned that there is more to working on a screenplay with AI than I thought possible. It is useful but I often feel it takes a lot of patience and time with each segment. I have learned a lot in this class that I didn’t understand in other classes.
TITLE = Dying Trust
CONCEPT = After their matriarch’s passing, a family faces their terminally ill sister’s choice of assisted suicide. The family is shattered by addiction, betrayal, abandonment, and secrets finds hope and unity through the journals left in the hands of the next matriarch
GENRE = DRAMA
CONVENTIONS OF DRAMA
PURPOSE: To explore stories with emotional and interpersonal high stakes for their characters.
CHARACTER-DRIVEN JOURNEY: We always need to care about the characters in a Drama, and their internal journey drives the film’s events and progression.
HIGH STAKES COME FROM WITHIN: Whether the story’s events are relatively mundane or intense, the struggles, obstacles, and stakes comes from within the characters more than from external pressures.
EMOTIONALLY RESONATES: Drama audiences want to feel and be moved by the characters’ emotions and how they experience the events.
CHALLENGING, EMOTIONALLY-CHARGED SITUATIONS: Character get challenged to their core by the emotional situations and struggles that they run into.
REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS: Drama stories are grounded in reality.

STRUCTURE: Act 1: Foundations of Conflict
Opening: Lindsey is overwhelmed by the dual burden of grief and responsibility as she sorts through her mother Sarah’s estate. Her physical and emotional struggles set the stage for her journey. Daughter Gracie steps in to help and discovers all her grandmother’s journals. She longs to be with Sadie for comfort and compassion. Lindsey shoulder is broken, Sadie joins the ambulance ride, checking herself in emergency to find another way to get pills and a covert way to push her into hospice. Lindsey returns home.
Inciting Incident: The tension escalates when Sadie, suffering from terminal colon cancer and addiction, manipulates a situation to seek drugs, straining her relationship with Lindsey further. Sadie’s daughter, Brooke happens to be in Arizona at her company’s convention and spends a day with Lindsey and Gracie. They all discuss Sadie’s cancer and Brooke announces her decision to move to Oregon and attempt to reconcile her long-estranged relationship with her mother. Lindsey is taken back and emotionally robbed when Gracie decides to fly to Oregon the only opportunity to say goodbye to her aunt. Lindsey is at wits end.
Turning Point: Brooke’s decision to move to Oregon to care for Sadie shifts the family dynamics, deepening Lindsey’s feelings of abandonment and challenging her role within the family. Gracie comes home devastated.
Act 2: Escalating Tensions
New Plan: Lindsey, seeking understanding and guidance, delves into her mother’s journals. This exploration is juxtaposed with her need to reconcile with her present family situation.
Plan in Action: The journals reveal not just secrets but also Sarah’s deep insights and hopes for her daughters, which reshape Lindsey’s understanding and her approach to dealing with Sadie.
Midpoint Turning Point: Discoveries of manipulation and deceit by Sadie, particularly regarding her drug-seeking behavior, push Lindsey to her limits, forcing her to oppose Sadie’s drastic choices.
Act 3: The Breaking Point
Rethink Everything: The familial confrontation reaches a climax as the assisted suicide debate and buried secrets tear at the fragile threads holding them together. Lindsey feels increasingly isolated. Sadie enters hospice.
New Plan: A desperate Lindsey, along with Gracie, organizes a family meeting, aiming to bridge gaps with the revelations from Sarah’s journals.
Major Shift: The family meeting collapses into total chaos, with Sadie’s fall marking a literal and metaphorical breakdown of family relations.
Act 4: Resolution and New Beginnings
Climax: Sadie’s decision to proceed with her assisted suicide on her birthday comes to a head. Lindsey’s attempt to intervene and her delayed arrival add to the tragic tension.
Resolution: Sadie dies before Lindsey can reach her, leading to a deeply emotional reckoning for Lindsey, Brooke, and Gracie. They confront their grief, guilt, and the legacy left behind. Lindsey tries to help Brooke with an auction for all of Sadie’s valuable furnishings. Brooke has a melt down and wants nothing of her mothers things even though she left with a lot of money.
New Ways: Post-tragedy, Lindsey fully assumes the role of matriarch, initiating new family traditions and starting to write a memoir. This marks a significant step in embracing her mother’s legacy of love and forgiveness.
Final Scene: The following year the family gathers in Laguna Beach, sharing memories and committing to new beginnings, a scene that symbolizes healing and the potential for future unity.

[Charles Jessen]

Subject Line: Chuck’s Character Profiles Part 1
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: putting flesh on a character takes approaching it from all these various angles.
Character: Dr. Tom Walker
A. The High Concept: When a bizarre virus from feral cats turns a town’s residents into subservient humans with cat-like behavior, two estranged former lovers – a leading scientist and a small-town veterinarian — must race against time to avert a global pandemic.
B. This character’s journey: Goes from unassuming, self-doubting, heart-broken, lonely to confident in his place, a hero, partner to Kathryn.
C. The Actor Attractors for this character: Cool, laid-back small-town veterinarian who becomes an unlikely hero in a crisis; from underdog to savior, with a touch of comedic flair.
Using MacGyver-like solutions based on commonsense and his professional knowledge of cats which usurps Kathryn’s more scientific methods.

• Role in the Story: Protagonist
• Age range and Description: Early 30s, cool, easy going, laid back small-town veterinarian, lives on a small hobby farm where he houses animals he saved from being put down, each with a flaw.
• Core Traits: cool, easy going, laid back, resourceful, passive-aggressive wit
Motivation; Want: to live life on his terms, away from the rat race. Need: validation, recognition, love.
• Wound: heartbreak from Kathryn years earlier
• Likability: Helps animals, giving damaged, misfit animals a home on his farm.
Relatability: Average Joe guy, a member of the small-town community
• Empathy: earlier heartbreak from Kathryn, made to feel inferior by her for his lifestyle choices.

Character: Dr. Kathryn Wells:
A. The High Concept: When a bizarre virus from feral cats turns a town’s residents into subservient humans with cat-like behavior, two estranged former lovers – a leading scientist and a small-town veterinarian — must race against time to avert a global pandemic.
B. This character’s journey: Goes from ego-driven, glory seeking, scientific rigidity to embracing unconventional paths, confronting her vulnerabilities, and thawing her heart towards Tom
C. The Actor Attractors for this character: Smart, attractive, driven woman who is totally emotionally inept, with growth needed in learning to love and be loved.

•Role in the Story: Antagonist, Co-protagonist
• Age range and Description: Early 30s, attractive, confident, smart, a self-promoting, world-renown virologist who loves the limelight and doesn’t have time for a traditional relationship.
• Core Traits: Vain, confident, driven, smart, emotionally inept.
• Motivation; Want: To be a celebrity scientist of sorts, the top authority in her field … that would be invited on a TV show anyway (forget University lectures). Loved by millions. Need: Loved completely by one.
• Wound: Guilty over her inability to maintain relationships. Was ignored and written off by her father as a child as only wife/mother material.
• Likeability: Confident, Smart, Driven. Wants to win.
• Relatability: Struggles with achieving balance in life; problems with relationships
• Empathy: Fish out of water, discovers and embraces her vulnerability. Trapped in her own ambition.

[James Hernandez]

James’ Character Profiles Part 1

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’m still not close to having three dimensional characters. Yet I’m seeing the various possibilities for my lead characters. I will have to pick and choose what profile options conceived with AI will best serve the story; staying true and consistent with the concept.

Ethan – male lead character
• A. The High Concept: An aging bachelor starts to fall for the computer genius who’s hired to help him find his love match through an algorithm by Valentine’s Day.
• B. This character’s journey: Ethan goes from a lonely aging bachelor to an emotionally fulfilled man with a potential soulmate.
• C. The Actor Attractors for this character:
• Known for Role: This role offers the opportunity for an actor to showcase a range of emotions, from skepticism and cynicism to vulnerability and charm.
• Most Interesting Character: Ethan's internal conflict between his reliance on technology and his desire for genuine connection makes him compelling. Audiences will root for his transformation from a skeptic to a romantic.
• Interesting Actions: Ethan could embark on a series of humorous yet heartfelt attempts at classic romantic gestures, like writing love letters or serenading his love interest.
• Introduction: Ethan could be introduced in a scene where he meticulously analyzes his dating app data, highlighting his analytical nature and his detachment from traditional romance.
• Emotional Range: Ethan experiences a wide emotional range, from frustration and loneliness to hope and elation as he navigates the complexities of love.
• Subtext: Beneath Ethan's skepticism lies a deep longing for love and connection, which the actor can subtly convey through gestures and expressions.
• Interesting Relationships: Ethan's most interesting relationship is with Lily, as their contrasting views on love create sparks and challenge each other's beliefs.
• Unique Voice: Ethan's unique voice is a blend of dry wit and vulnerability, reflecting his struggle to balance rationality with emotion.
• Special: Ethan's charm lies in his awkwardness and authenticity, making him endearing to audiences rooting for his romantic success.

1. Role in the Story: Protagonist
2. Age range and Description: 40s. lonely with lots of love to give.
3. Core Traits: analytical, polite (to hide wound),
4. Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to find true love. Needs to be vulnerable in his quest.
5. Wound: Ethan harbors a deep-seated fear of intimacy, stemming from a childhood spent moving from one foster home to another. His turbulent upbringing left him with a profound sense of abandonment and a reluctance to let anyone get too close. As a result, he struggles to form genuine connections with others, sabotaging his chances at love until he confronts his fear and learns to trust in the power of vulnerability.
6. Likability: Ethan is appreciated by an elderly man at the New Year’s Eve party. Many party revelers wish him well for the new year ahead.
Relatability: Ethan is alone at the party and not too happy. Anxiety builds as the night appears to be a total waste.
Empathy: Ethan’s supposed date was never going to show up; stood up on New Year’s Eve. He witnesses others smooching with their dates; decides to go home shortly after midnight.

Lily – Love interest
• A. The High Concept: An aging bachelor starts to fall for the computer genius who’s hired to help him find his love match through an algorithm by Valentine’s Day.
• B. This character’s journey: Lily goes from a competitive perfectionist to finding the man who will best fulfill her emotionally.
• C. The Actor Attractors for this character:
• Known for Role: This role offers the opportunity for an actor to portray a strong, independent woman with layers of vulnerability and complexity.
• Most Interesting Character: Lily’s journey from a guarded skeptic to someone willing to open her heart again provides depth to the story. Her intelligence and emotional depth make her a captivating character.
• Interesting Actions: Lily could have scenes where she dismantles Ethan’s algorithmic approach to love with witty banter and unexpected gestures, showcasing her independence and defiance.
• Introduction: Lily could be introduced in a scene where she effortlessly solves a complex coding problem, establishing her brilliance and independence.
• Emotional Range: Lily’s emotional range spans from guarded skepticism to vulnerability and eventual openness to love.
• Subtext: Beneath Lily’s tough exterior lies a fear of getting hurt again, which the actor can convey through subtle gestures and guarded expressions.
• Interesting Relationships: Lily’s most interesting relationship is with Ethan, as their dynamic challenges both characters to grow and evolve.
• Unique Voice: Lily’s unique voice is confident and assertive, with moments of vulnerability that reveal her inner struggles.
• Special: Lily’s uniqueness stems from her intelligence and independence, making her a strong female character who defies romantic stereotypes.

1. Role in the Story: Love interest
2. Age range and Description: late 20s.
3. Core Traits: competitive, artistic
4. Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to have her own family. Needs to embrace imperfection.
5. Wound: Lily’s father left her mother pregnant and vanished.
6. Likability: Lily gives Ethan a gift she made at one of her pottery sessions.
Relatability: She feels threatened in her relationship with Ethan when it is learned Joey is pursuing him.
Empathy: She catches Ethan and Joey in a compromising position; now she believes she’ll never find the love of her life no matter how hard she tries.

Joey – Triangle character
• A. The High Concept: An aging bachelor starts to fall for the computer genius who’s hired to help him find his love match through an algorithm by Valentine’s Day.
• B. This character’s journey: Joey goes from a con woman to a person who can be trusted and able to relieve the worries of others.
• C. The Actor Attractors for this character:
• Known for Role: This role offers the opportunity for an actor to portray a quirky and mischievous character with a heart of gold.
• Most Interesting Character: Joey’s role as the orchestrator of the love triangle adds humor and tension to the story. Her journey from manipulation to authenticity provides a compelling arc.
• Interesting Actions: Joey could have scenes where she ingeniously manipulates Ethan’s dates while grappling with her growing feelings for him, leading to comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt moments.
• Introduction: Joey could be introduced in a scene where she hacks into Ethan’s dating profile with playful ease, establishing her brilliance and mischievous nature.
• Emotional Range: Joey’s emotional range includes humor, mischief, guilt, and ultimately, genuine affection for Ethan.
• Subtext: Beneath Joey’s playful façade lies a desire for genuine connection and acceptance, which the actor can convey through subtle moments of vulnerability.
• Interesting Relationships: Joey’s most interesting relationship is with Ethan, as her schemes challenge his beliefs about love and drive the story’s conflict.
• Unique Voice: Joey’s unique voice is quirky and irreverent, with a comedic flair that adds levity to the story.

1. Role in the Story: Triangle character
2. Age range and Description: 50s. An attractive guru who still has passion in the oven.
3. Core Traits: opportunistic, compassionate,
4. Motivation; Want/Need: Wants a man (father) for her grown children. Needs to use her talents to make a better life for herself and her family.
5. Wound: Did not spend sufficient time with her immediate family growing up.
6. Likability: Joey comes across as helpful and knowledgeable.
Relatability: Joey feels the pressure to provide for her children.
Empathy: The father of Joey’s children is on trial and there’s the chance he gets convicted placing more dire consequences on her shoulders.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  James Hernandez.

[Madeleind Gentinetta]

Madeleine’s Character Profiles Part 1
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: Thanks to this exercise I was able to get deeper into each character and was helpful to grasp them as three-dimensional characters.

1. MARY
1. Role in the Story (Protagonist): An aging jazz singer whose glamorous facade is increasingly at odds with her stark reality.
2. Age Range and Description:
In her late 60s. A striking figure who dresses in flamboyant, vintage attire, meticulously maintaining an image of youthful glamor despite visible signs of aging and frailty.
3. Core Traits:
Narcissistic: Obsessed with her past fame and appearance, she struggles to accept her aging self.
Fishing for Compliments: Constantly seeks validation from others, needing to be reassured of her worth.
Theatrical: Lives as if always on stage, even in mundane situations.
Delusional: Clings to unrealistic expectations of a comeback, refusing to acknowledge her limitations.
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
Want: To make a grand comeback and reclaim her place in the spotlight.
Need: To accept her true self and find worth outside of her stage persona.
5. Wound:
Terrified of becoming irrelevant and forgotten, and ultimately of dying without having made a lasting impact.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: Distorted self-image and moments of vulnerability.
Relatability: Challenges of aging, societal norms, fear of aging and loss of relevance.
Empathy: Her poignant struggle to come to terms with her mortality, intensified by physical ailments and the harsh reality of a forgotten star.

2. PLACID
1. Role in the Story (Antagonist):
A strict, no-nonsense director of the retirement home who keeps everything and everyone in line with precision and efficiency and clashes with Mary's emotional and dramatic nature.
2. Age Range and Description:
Early 50s. Boringly dressed, with a clinical and somewhat aloof demeanor.
3. Core Traits:
Rigid: Adheres strictly to routines and protocols, resistant to change or improvisation.
Dispassionate: Keeps an emotional distance from residents, viewing them as cases rather than individuals.
Analytical: Relies on data and logic over intuition and emotion.
Calm: Maintains composure in all situations.
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
Want: To maintain order and ensure the efficient operation of the retirement home.
Need: To learn to connect with others on an emotional level and appreciate the human element beyond just rationality and efficiency.
5. Wound:
Fear of chaos and emotional entanglement, which he believes will compromise his ability to perform his duties effectively.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: His dedication to the well-being of residents, even if through a detached manner.
Relatability: The struggle to balance professionalism with empathy.
Empathy: His hidden vulnerabilities and the occasional glimpse of his own loneliness and unfulfilled desire for meaningful connections.

3. SOPHIE
1. Role in the Story (Traveling Angel):
Sophie, a timid child with a wild imagination, becomes an unexpected mirror and catalyst for Mary’s journey.
2. Age Range and Description:
A small, shy girl about 8-10 years old with an aura of quiet intelligence. She dresses in simple, whimsical clothing that hints at her imaginative nature.
3. Core Traits:
Innocent: Sophie’s innocence belies a deep perceptiveness, allowing her to see and understand more than the adults around her realize.
Timid: Her shyness makes her a keen observer of the world, noticing details and subtleties others overlook.
Eccentric: Sophie’s wild imagination fuels her unique perspective and unconventional behavior.
Manipulative: Her genuine empathy for others often leads her to manipulate situations subtly to achieve emotional connections or outcomes.
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
Want: To connect with Mary and understand the adult world through her imaginative lens.
Need: To find her own voice and assertiveness, learning to balance her inner world with external realities.
5. Wound:
Fear of being overlooked and insignificant, stemming from a history of feeling ignored or misunderstood by adults and peers.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: Sophie’s spontaneous, joyful spirit and innocent charm endear her to others. Her imaginative escapades provide comic relief and light-hearted moments.
Relatability: Her struggles with shyness and the desire to be understood resonate with anyone who has felt overlooked or out of place.
Empathy: The audience feels for Sophie’s hidden pain and her attempts to navigate the complex adult world, rooting for her to find her place and voice.

4. VINCE
1. Role in the Story (Antagonist):
Vince, the ambitious accompanying pianist and manager, represents the commercial pressures and pragmatism that challenge Mary's journey towards self-acceptance and artistic integrity.
2. Age Range and Description:
Early 60s: A slick, charismatic man who exudes confidence and charm, always impeccably dressed to maintain his polished image.
3. Core Traits:
Manipulative: Skilled at maneuvering situations and people to serve his ambitions, often resorting to deceit and cunning.
Charming: Possesses a suave and magnetic personality, easily winning over others with his charisma and smooth talk.
Ambitious: Driven by a relentless desire for success and recognition, he prioritizes his career above all else.
Insecure: Despite his outward confidence, he harbors deep-seated fears of failure and obsolescence, leading to his manipulative behavior.
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
Want: To elevate his career and secure his place in the music industry by managing successful acts.
Need: To reconcile his drive for success with the need for genuine relationships and integrity.
5. Wound:
Like Mary: Fears of failure, obsolescence, and losing his status, drive his manipulative and deceitful behavior.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: Vince’s charm and wit make him an engaging character despite his flaws. His quick thinking and persuasive nature often make him the life of the party.
Relatability: His fear of failure and desire to stay relevant in a competitive industry are universal concerns, especially for those in high-pressure careers.
Empathy: Vince's internal struggle between ambition and morality, and his vulnerability when his plans fail, evoke empathy as viewers see his human side.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  Madeleind Gentinetta.

[Elle Tracy]

ET’s Character Profiles

Vision – to be recognized for my best work, including with money

What I learned – this is a substantive lesson, that helps round out my characters. It helps with their interactions as they all move the plot forward.

GENRE: Drama
TITLE: Senior STEAM
CONCEPT: Can the people in a retirement community figure out how to work with neighboring STEAM middle school teens – and collaborate?
Bee Finch
1. Role in the Story: — {Protag
2. Age range and Description: — 60s, Boomer, grown-up hippie, survivor, authentic
3. Core Traits: ambitious, competent, competitive
4. Motivation; Want/Need: — wants to appear useful/ needs to recover from being fired and blackballed
5. Wound: — ignored and dismissed because of being a woman throughout her professional career
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:

Tyler Wilson III
1. Role in the Story – Antag:
2. Age range and Description: — Beautiful teen, entitled, arrogant, Intelligent STEAM student, budding adult
3. Core Traits: — elegant manners, carriage, conceited, arrogant, anxious
4. Motivation; Want/Need: — pressured to live up to being heir while trying to figure out who he is
5. Wound: — tenuous relationship with his grandfather, whose respect and love means everything
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:

GiGi Monroe
1. Role in the Story: — Entertainer
2. Age range and Description: — 50s Eastern European values, fit and trim, lost fingers from left hand, always ‘on’
3. Core Traits: self-confident, defensive, energetic/ enthusiastic
4. Motivation; Want/Need:– wants to keep living, needs to forgive herself for the accident
5. Wound: — circus accident that took her partner and fingers from her left hand
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:

Doc Jenkins
1. Role in the Story: — connector between Bee and Tyler
2. Age range and Description: 60s, Top Gun persona, helpful, accepts his failures, wise
3. Core Traits: — peacemaker, visionary, kind
4. Motivation; Want/Need: — wants recognition, needs honest feedback
5. Wound: — passed over for astronaut duty, based on a political misunderstanding
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:

NOTE: The last entry for all characters available in previous post.

[David Wickenden]

David Wickenden Character Profile Part 1
Assignment #6 Character Profile Part 1
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…?”

State: I’m highly motivated…
Activity: …to create engaging character profiles.
Eliza Blackwood
• A. The High Concept.
A cult leader tries to manipulate a family to gain supernatural powers for himself.
• B. This character’s journey.
Eliza is a follower who doesn’t believe in the supernatural, but must push aside her fears and accept that she has the power to solve the problem.
• C. The Actor Attractors for this character.

• 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.
• Role in the Story: protagonist
• Age range and Description: early 20’s, fit
• Core Traits: intelligent, courageous, logical
• Motivation; Want/Need: To protect her siblings/ to avoid losing anyone else to magic.
• Wound: as a child, playing with magic, she inadvertently sends her mother to another realm never to be seen again.
• Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: She is protective of her siblings
Relatability: She has lost both parents. Other than her siblings, she is alone. She is afraid her siblings will blame her if they found out and hate her for her role in their mother’s disappearance.
Empathy: She has held the blame over her mother’s disappearance internally.

Silas Hawthorne
• A. The High Concept.
A cult leader tries to manipulate a family to gain supernatural powers for himself.
• B. This character’s journey.
Silas has worked his entire life to gain the powers denied his ancestors when they killed off the witches in this part of the country.
• C. The Actor Attractors for this character.

• Known for Role: Silas is a charismatic and manipulative cult leader, a role that allows an actor to portray charm and menace in equal measure.
• Most Interesting Character: Silas's descent into madness and his obsession with power make him a complex and compelling antagonist.
• Interesting Actions: Silas could manipulate events, perform dark rituals, and engage in psychological warfare against the Blackwoods.
• Introduction: Silas could be introduced as a charming and persuasive figure, masking his true intentions and setting up his role as the main antagonist.
• Emotional Range: Silas's emotional range would include charm, manipulation, rage, and ultimately, desperation and defeat.
• Subtext: Silas's subtext could include his quest for validation and acceptance, driving his ruthless pursuit of power.
• Interesting Relationships: Silas's relationship with the Blackwoods and his followers would be fraught with tension and betrayal, offering dynamic interactions.
• Unique Voice: Silas's voice would be authoritative and persuasive, drawing others into his web of manipulation.
• Special: Silas's special connection to the cult's prophecy and his ancestors would make him a formidable and enigmatic character, driving the story's conflict.
• Role in the Story: antagonist
• Age range and Description: middle age, robust, intimidating
• Core Traits: manipulative, ruthless, charming,
• Motivation; Want/Need: wants power/needs to win
• Wound: Has been deserted by all who he loved.
• Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: He saved the siblings from the ghost attack at great risk to himself.
Relatability: He morns for the cult member who was killed in the encounter.
Empathy: His whole life has been dedicated to stopping the ghost for harming others.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  David Wickenden.

[Kathryn Gould]

Kathryn’s Character Profiles, Part 1

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: The want and need being opposite, or at least somewhat opposing will make for nice conflict within the character. The core traits seem like a great place to make the character’s voice distinct.

Japheth – protagonist

• A. The High Concept – When a team of young biohackers uncovers a global conspiracy to control the world through a network of biohacked sleeper agents, their mentor’s lethal solution to the problem will force them to choose between saving millions of lives and saving themselves.

• B. This character’s journey – Japheth’s journey involves unraveling the truth behind the biohacked sleeper agents and confronting the moral and ethical dilemmas posed by Dr. Bennet’s lethal solution. His transformation is marked by his shift from a curious innovator to a decisive leader who must balance the survival of many against his own ideals and those of his team.

• C. The Actor Attractors for this character – He’s a morally complex, innovative genius whose journey is marked by the difficult choice between moral principles and survival. He is 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. 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. 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.

3. Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile for each of your lead characters.

1. Role in the Story: Protagonist

2. Age range and Description: Late teens, early 20s – Japheth is a skilled biohacker with a chip on his shoulder against the authorities who maintain the status quo.

3. Core Traits: Persistent, risk-taker, genius, loyal

4. Motivation; Want/Need: Want – To get out of the Dregs; Need: To change the world so that there are no Dregs

5. Wound: Lost his parents to health problems; gave up his chance to leave the Dregs to help his sister

6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Likability: He’s helping his disabled little sister be able to walk. He’s a leader and the kids around him look up to him. Relatability: He loves his sister, and he wants to make a better life for them both. He also wants to make himself and his friends stronger so they can live better lives. Empathy: The odds are stacked against him. He’s been wrongly accused and the people coming after him are ruthless. He’s made sacrifices for his sister, giving up an opportunity to have a good job and live in a nice safe place. The society they live in is completely unjust.

Dr. Bennett, Antagonist:

• A. The High Concept – When a team of young biohackers uncovers a global conspiracy to control the world through a network of biohacked sleeper agents, their mentor’s lethal solution to the problem will force them to choose between saving millions of lives and saving themselves.

• B. This character’s journey – Dr. Bennett’s journey is driven by her past experiences with the medical establishment and her radical stance against the misuse of technology. As she implements her drastic solution, she becomes a complex antagonist whose motivations are ethically ambiguous but stem from a desire to prevent greater evils.

• C. The Actor Attractors for this character – 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. 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. 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. She 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.

1. Role in the Story: Antagonist

2. Age range and Description: 50s, a disgraced doctor and researcher who is intensely passionate about helping the people of the Dregs

3. Core Traits: Bitter, charismatic, ruthless, brilliant

4. Motivation; Want/Need: Want: To punish the people who shunned her; Need: To find a family again

5. Wound: Her wife refused to come with her when she lost her license. She was pregnant when it happened, and then without health care, she lost the baby.

6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Likability: She helps the poor get healthcare. She mentors kids. Relatability: She is fighting for justice in an unjust world. There really is a terrible plot to make the world an even more unjust and unequal place, and she has a plan to stop it. Empathy: She was fired and everything taken from her for doing good. She lost her family for doing the right thing.

[Jan Westbrook]

Jan’s Character profiles pt1

Concept = If the halo-moon cycle ends before her pixie alliance restores Eveandor’s shattered amulet, Emberleaf will be magicless, lose her queendom, and be forever vulnerable and defenseless

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

What I learned from doing this assignment is that getting things perfect stalled me in completing this assignment, and by doing the encouragement exercise helped work through it

Characters =

Character: Name: Emberleaf

Role: Queen of Eveandor -protagonist

Age Range and Description: a 100 year old pixie who’s wings are furled until she needs them, then they open all sparkling and gossamer

Core Traits: Courageous, dubious, resourceful, propriety

Motivation; want/need: To remain queen of Eveandor/regain her magic and defeat Khyber-Ra

Wound: Let her love interest, Khyber-Ra, take the blame for a creature she created by using forbidden dark magic, leading to his banishment from Eveandor

Likability: she is a ruler who is concerned about the well being of her people

Relatability: something has been taken away from her and her life is turned upside down

Empathy: she is a queen without her defining magic, leaving her vulnerable to dangers and perils

Character: Name: Khyber-Ra -antagonist

Role: magic trainer and practice of Dark Magic

Age Range and Description: 90 year old pixie, his angular features make him look gruff and intimidating

Core Traits: Manipulative, envious, charismatic, vainglorious

Motivation; want/need: revenge on Emberleaf for getting him banished from Eveandor/to prevent Emberleaf from restoring the numinous amulet

Wound: betrayed Emberleaf by turning a pixie who was interested in her into a disfigured beast and banished it to the forbidden lands

Likability: he is despicable, but has charismatic personality

Relatability: he was betrayed by someone he trusted

Empathy: victimized, blamed for something he did not do

Actor Attractors =
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 reassemble 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 magic trainer; battles a hideous beast she created and sent to the forbidden forest; survives the liquid ground; kicks a pixie out of their alliance; frees the members of the alliance; battles Khyber-Ra to get her queendom back

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? She is sparring with Khyber-Ra, when he uses forbidden dark magic and she entraps him and exiles him 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. Confronts her shame at the liquid grounds; 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; battles against her shame and embarrassment; courage at the time of the halo-moon setting

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has? Strained relationship with Khyber-Ra. Khyber-Ra is her friend and magic trainer 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 shame and secrets gets in her way of confidence

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 Khyber-Ra, exercising her magic abilities when he pulls out some dark magic and beats her down. 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: Khyber-Ra

1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role? He wants to take away the queen’s magic for absolute power over Eveandor, and to overthrow M’Mbyr-Sugh

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 and schemes those around him to achieve his goal of ruling Eveandor and overthrowing M’Mbyr-Sugh

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; has the creature Emberleaf created turn on her

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 supreme master of Dark Magic; manipulative and untrustworthy by making promises he has no intention of keeping

6. What subtext can the actor play? There is an underlying manipulation in his actions and what he says, he is embittered by the fact that he is not in power, evasive when his motives are questioned

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 reassemble the numinous amulet with the promise of being part of his rule of Eveandor; his antagonistic relationship with Emberleaf, his hatred of his rival; the contemptuous relationship with M’Mbyr-Sugh

8. How is this character’s unique voice presented? Overbearing when confronting his rival and Emberleaf; exhibiting enormous presence when confronted with challenges

9. What makes this character special and unique? He is a chameleon-like pixie who uses his manipulative characteristics to get what he wants; truly believes he is the answer to uniting all the lands using Dark Magic

10. (Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.)
Khyber-Ra enters the forbidden forest and faces many beasts who capture him, and convinces the creature Emberleaf created that she is out to destroy her to get the fragment, but they also refuse to give it to him, by letting him go with his life

• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  Jan Westbrook.

[David Zelitzky]

David Z's Character Profiles Part 1
Vision:
I am an interesting, dependable, successful writer that people love to work with.

WHAT I LEARNED: Continuing to add depth to the characters creates more interest and a deeper understanding of their motivation

TESSA/PROTAGONIST CHARACTER JOURNEY
Arc Begins: Tessa starts as a determined young woman who has sworn to stay clean in a city plagued by the devastating effects of Devil Dust. She is steadfast in her resolve to protect herself and her brother from the dangers of addiction, but her commitment is tested when her brother falls victim to the drug.
Arc Ends: By the conclusion of the story, Tessa undergoes a profound transformation. She evolves from a cautious and principled individual to a courageous and selfless protector. Her journey forces her to confront her fears and inner demons, ultimately leading her to sacrifice her own safety in order to save her brother.
ATTRACTOR: She's a fighter when her back is up against the wall. Action in the face of insurmountable odds.
She's a runner, she knows martial arts, she will overdose to save her brother and fight demons risking her life to help
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
Role in the Story: Catalyst for change, fights to save her brother
Age range and Description: 21 years old – healthy, wiry, unconcerned with enhancing her natural good looks
Core Traits: committed to her health, motherly, principled
Motivation; Want/Need: to get out of this town / to keep her brother safe
Wound: Lost her mother and cannot replace that hole in her heart
Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Her strong will to stay healthy and her resolve to save money to leave the town show her as someone who is hardworking and determined, qualities that are generally admired.
CHRIS – CO-PROTAGONIST
This character’s journey – From being a victim, ignoring his visions and numbing the pain to fighting for his life and deciding to rescue others
C. The Actor Attractors for this character – flamboyant, hiding pain, numbing visions, learning to fight
Role in the Story: Tessa's brother – taking her down a dark path towards death to save him and ultimately the other kids dying from the drug
Age range and Description: 18 – flamboyant, pale, trying to be beautiful
Core Traits: Happy, high, sensitive
Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to move away to the city – needs to be loved and accepted.
Wound: Bullied for being gay, dad rejected him before he left
Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Chris tries hard to have people like him. He gets bullied and masks his pain. He sees supernatural occurrences that no one else does so has to hide his feelings and numb his pain.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  David Zelitzky.
• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  David Zelitzky.
• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  David Zelitzky.

[Terrie Shaft]

Terrie’s Character Profiles Part 1
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 doing this assignment is I’m glad I had some much work done on these characters.
Misa:
A. The High Concept. An alien crashes into an off-the-grid hippie's house and they accidentally swap bodies.
B. This character’s journey. At the beginning Misa is an angry, reclusive hippie who shuns human contact, living in isolation with her cats and marijuana plants. She's distrustful of authority, technology, and mainstream society, finding solace only in her self-imposed exile. By becoming Bill and seeing Earth through his eyes, Misa transforms into someone more open-minded and compassionate. She learns the value of connection and cooperation, realizing that her off-the-grid lifestyle was a form of escapism. She embraces her role in helping others and becomes a catalyst for positive change to heal the planet.
C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
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.

1. Role in the Story: Protagonist
2. Age range and Description: female, 30’s, Caucasian, light hair in dreads, lean – she would never eat more than necessary to help protect the limited resources of the planet!
3. Core Traits: angry, environmentally conscious, reclusive, resourceful, antagonistic
4. Motivation; Want/Need: Save the planet!
5. Wound: she once started a forest fire
6. Likability: she helps Bill fix his ship, hides him rather than contact the authorities. Relatability: trying to always ‘do the right thing’ makes her crazy.
Empathy: her outhouse was destroyed and her home damaged when Bill crashed.
Bill:
A. The High Concept. An alien crashes into an off-the-grid hippie's house and they accidentally swap bodies.

B. This character’s journey. Bill is a hapless alien who's always been considered expendable. He's clumsy, lacks confidence, and is generally seen as a failure by his peers. By the end of the story, Bill has transformed into a more confident, empathetic, and understanding being. He learns valuable lessons about human emotions, bonds, and responsibility, ultimately gaining the courage to return to his home planet, excel in flight school and prove his worth.
C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
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.

1. Role in the Story: protagonist
2. Age range and Description: Male of indeterminate age because he’s an alien. Short hair, lean, skin color altered by makeup
3. Core Traits: kind, frightened, impulsive, spunky
4. Motivation; Want/Need: Fix his space ship/ Gain the confidence to go back to his home planet
5. Wound: finished last in flight school and seen as expendable
6. Likability: he’s kind and nice and scared.
Relatability: he’s stuck on strange planet – people can relate to being a stranger and out of place.
Empathy: his ship is broken, how can get home? He’s in danger of being discovered.
Deputy Rhoades
A. The High Concept. An alien crashes into an off-the-grid hippie's house and they accidentally swap bodies.
B. This character’s journey. Deputy Rhoades' journey involves being uncertain if he can be an effective deputy after spending time in rehab.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
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.
1. Role in the Story: antagonist
2. Age range and Description: 40s, male, big guy – solid not fat, super clean cut.
3. Core Traits: suspicious, protective,
4. Motivation; Want/Need: Get Misa into rehab / Be confident in his own recovery
5. Wound: addiction nearly cost him everything
6. Likability: doesn’t arrest Misa.
Relatability: has a job that isn’t always easy.
Empathy: recovering addict

• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  Terrie Shaft.

[Linda Kish]

Linda’s Character Profiles Part 1

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 how important (and challenging) it is to find uniqueness that makes your characters stand out that is authentic and in line with your concept and genre.

Lead Character Name: Joaquin Vega
Role: Protagonist
High Concept: Reluctant competitor in a cutthroat competition to succeed the dying kingpin.
Journey: From a peaceful, reluctant and trapped cartel member to a decisive leader, forced to engage in the cartel’s brutal competition to protect his family and take control of the cartel.
• 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.
• What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? Internal conflict between his peaceful nature and the brutal environment of the cartel. Journey from pacifism to reluctant engagement to eventual leadership adds layers of depth and intrigue.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• 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 he kills his brother.
• How will this character’s unique voice be presented? Haven’t figured this one out yet.
• 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.
Age range and Description: Joaquin (30’s) is the guy in the room that no one notices, just an average guy who is trying to do right by his family and get through each work day as a scout for the XYZ cartel.
• Core Traits: Morally conflicted, devious, tight-lipped, reads people
• Motivation: To protect his family.
• Want: To get out of the cartel.
• Need: To get the courage to stand up to the cartel.
• Wound: His father died as a result of his naivete and unwillingness to go through with his father’s plan to get him out of the cartel.
• Likability: As police sirens get closer, he risks his freedom to help an elderly or disabled person get to safety.
• Relatability: Cooks a bunch of tamales because it’s the only way he can get time with his son. Highlight scenes where Joaquin deals with common struggles, such as his frustration and fear over his inability to provide a safer environment for his family, tapping into universal fears of failure and concern for loved ones.
• Empathy: His friend is killed right in front of him.

Lead Character Name: Arturo
Role: Antagonist
High Concept: #3 in the cartel who is obsessed with Joaquin’s wife and fixated on ruining their marriage so he can win her back.
Journey: Arturo’s journey is marked by his cunning and ruthless maneuvers to ascend in the cartel’s ranks with a hidden motive of winning back the woman he covets.
• Known for Role: Portraying a cunning and ruthless antagonist driven by personal vendettas that stem from an obsession with his childhood sweetheart.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Emotional Range: From simmering resentment and envy to moments of intense vindictiveness and manipulation, showcasing his complex motivations and inner turmoil.
• Subtext: The actor 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.
• Interesting Relationships: His relationship with Joaquin, his wife, and other members of the cartel, particularly those he sees as threats to his ambitions.
• 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.
• Special: 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.
Age range and Description:
• Core Traits: Manipulator, covert operator, corrupt, caring
• Motivation: Camila.
• Want: To get the love of his life back.
• Need: To become a better man.
• Wound: Camila left him when he started to commit violent acts for the cartel.
• Likability: He offers a hand to Camila to get out of the jeep. Hands money to poverty-stricken kids. Offers to take Joaquin under his wing. Puts a protection detail on Camila’s kids. Alerts Joaquin when Isabel is in danger.
• Relatability: Reminiscing about a time when he and Camila were younger, happier.
• Empathy: This job cost me a lot.

[Mary Spiers]

Mary’s Character Profiles Part 1
My vision: I am a leading creator of popular family-friendly stories that bring compelling psychological dimensions to characters and entertaining insights to audiences.

I learned that although I think I may know my characters, each assignment brings more depth and insight. I go back and revisit some of my earlier ideas, such a core traits, and am finding them revised given new information. Very helpful.

Character Profile Ava Reynard
A. The High Concept: When a musician is struck by lightening, her new ability to see sounds leads her to search for a musical secret to break a generational curse.
B. This character’s journey.
Internal Journey: From feeling disconnected and disabled to a champion for her synesthetic gift of sound healing.

External Journey: From an ordinary musician to someone who holds a key to sound healing in nature and people.
Character Arc: the central change in her character arc—the one thing she is trying to avoid for the entire story but ultimately must embrace—is her acceptance of her synesthesia as a gift rather than a curse.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
These aspects 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.

This makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the 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.

These 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.

Ways to 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.

Aspects of 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.

Types of subtext the actor can 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.

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 love and connection,
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.

Ways 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.

Qualities that 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.

3. Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile for each of your lead characters.
Role in the Story: Ava, the protagonist, is a musician who acquires synesthesia and goes on a journey to search for a musical secret to break a generational curse.
Age range and Description: Concert violinist city girl in her 20s.
Core Traits:
Resilient
Inquisitive
Guarded/Selectively Transparent
Empathetic
Motivation; Want/Need:
Primary Want (Goal): Ava wants to uncover the musical key to break the generational curse that affects her family’s musical talents
Primary Need (Internal Requirement): Ava needs to accept her synesthesia as a unique gift, not a curse.
Wound: Deep-Seated Emotional Injury: Ava’s wound stems from feeling abandoned and misunderstood driving her reluctance to form close relationships and her fear of being further ostracized for her differences.

Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: kind and comforting to others, she’s nurturing and protective of those who may be weaker.
Acts of Kindness: Show Ava using her synesthesia to create beautiful, soothing music that visibly heals or comforts others, demonstrating her kindness.
Protective Nature: Depict Ava protecting a younger character or an animal in distress, showcasing her nurturing side, which endears her to the audience.
Relatability: struggles with self-acceptance and searching to connect with a family group.
Struggle with Acceptance: Many can relate to Ava’s initial rejection of her synesthesia, akin to struggling with any personal or physical trait that makes one feel different. Show her internal battle with self-acceptance, a universal theme.
Family Ties: Her quest to connect with her family history and resolve generational issues is something that resonates with many, as most people deal with family legacy in various forms.
Empathy: she’s isolates herself because she’s often overwhelmed, with sensations re: synesthesia, and with emotion. She has to confront her fear of rejection from others. .
Vulnerability in Solitude: Scenes where Ava is alone, grappling with her synesthesia in overwhelming situations, elicit empathy. For instance, her experiencing a cacophony of discordant colors and sounds during a crisis, overwhelming her.
Confrontation with Fear: Put Ava in scenarios where she must confront her fear of rejection or misunderstanding by others because of her synesthesia, which makes the audience root for her overcoming these deeply personal challenges.

Silas Thorne: Antagonist
Journey Silas’s journey is one of increasing revelation; he starts as a seemingly benign spiritual leader but is progressively exposed as manipulative and self-serving.
The Actor Attractors for this character.
Actor Attractors for Silas Thorne
1. Known for Role:
Master Manipulator: An actor would be attracted to the role of Silas Thorn for the opportunity to portray a complex character who masterfully manipulates his followers and the protagonist. He seems to be humble but is actually most concerned with himself.
Charismatic Cult Leader: The role offers a chance to delve into the psyche of a charismatic leader whose charm is a facade for darker motives. He’s jealous and scheming.
2. Most Interesting Character:
Complex Morality: Silas's use of manipulative tactics, creates a morally ambiguous character who genuinely believes in his mission, offering an actor the challenge of making the audience empathize with his reasoning.
Duality of Nature: The juxtaposition of Silas's public persona as a peaceful spiritual leader against his private ruthlessness and desperation to maintain power and control makes him a profoundly layered character.
Transformational Arc: Silas starts as an admired and revered leader but gradually unveils his darker side, providing an actor the opportunity to explore a transformational character arc that is rich with conflict and drama.
3. Interesting Actions:
Opposites: He can be doing some group healing ritual and then turn around and do the opposite of what he “preaches”
Undermining Protagonist: Silas could engage in subtle psychological warfare, planting seeds of doubt in Ava’s mind about her abilities and heritage, using his deep understanding of human psychology to manipulate her path.
Confrontation and Revelation: Engaging in a climactic confrontation with Ava where he reveals his true motivations and past tragedies, allowing for a powerful, emotionally charged scene that tests both his and Ava's resolve.
4. Introduction:
Serene Guide: Introduce Silas in a serene, captivating scene where he is leading a group meditation, drawing in both his live audience and the film’s audience with his calm yet intense demeanor.
5. Emotional Range:
Calm to Furious: Silas maintains a serene facade, but under pressure, his true volatile and dangerous nature surfaces, offering a broad emotional spectrum from tranquil to explosive.
Manipulative Sadness: He can exhibit a sorrowful backstory to manipulate others, displaying vulnerability that is calculated and serves his hidden agendas.
6. Subtext:
Fear of Obscurity: Silas's actions are driven by a deep fear of becoming irrelevant or losing his influence, which he masks with a veneer of altruism. He needs acclaim and is easily jealous
7. Interesting Relationships:
With Ava: A complex mix of mentorship and manipulation, where he initially guides her but gradually becomes her nemesis as their true intentions unfold.
With Diana: A former lover from his past filled with both collaboration and conflict, adding layers of history and tension to their interactions.
With Followers: A dynamic of deep loyalty mixed with fear, providing a look at how he inspires and controls his followers.
8. Unique Voice:
Prophetic and Poetic: Silas uses a poetic, almost prophetic speech pattern that mesmerizes and convinces, blending nature and spiritual lexicons.
Whispers and Roars: His voice can be soothingly soft to draw listeners in or thunderously loud to command attention and instill fear.
9. Special:
A True Believer: What makes Silas special is that he is not just a villain for villainy’s sake; he truly believes in his cause, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
Environmental Savant: He has an encyclopedic knowledge of environmental science and spiritual practices, making him not just a leader but an expert in his field.

3. first 6 parts of the profile for Anagonist.
Role in the Story: Silas Thorn is the antagonist whose motives conflict with Ava's. He is a spiritual leader who aims to manipulate Ava’s abilities for his own benefit.
Age Range and Description: late 40’s, athletically fit, man
Core Traits: Charismatic, deceptive, dominant, fanatic
Motivation;
Primary Want (Goal): Silas wants to cement his control over the spiritual community and extend his influence to enforce his radical views on returning to nature, seeing himself as a savior of humanity.
Primary Need (Internal Requirement): Deep down, Silas needs validation and recognition, stemming from a profound fear of obscurity and insignificance. His actions are driven by a desperate need to be remembered and revered.
Wound: Deep-Seated Emotional Injury: Silas's extremist views and manipulative behavior are rooted in a personal tragedy involving technological advancement and societal neglect.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability:
Charitable Acts: Show Silas engaging in acts that genuinely benefit the community, like organizing naturalist programs for underprivileged children or leading environmental clean-ups, showcasing his charismatic and benevolent side.
Personal Sacrifice: Depict moments where Silas makes personal sacrifices for his beliefs, such as living austerely or using his resources to fund the retreat center, demonstrating his commitment and selflessness.
Relatability:
Backstory Reveals: Through flashbacks, show Silas in his earlier, more innocent days, struggling with societal changes and personal losses that many can empathize with, explaining how he became who he is.
Empathy:
Exposed Vulnerability: In moments of solitude, reveal Silas' vulnerabilities, such as mourning the loss of his family or expressing fears about his legacy, to create scenes where the audience can feel his pain and understand his motivations.

A.Diana Wildroot: Triangle Character
B. Journey: Diana’s journey involves reconnection with her past and coming to terms with her previous relationship with Silas, as well as revealing her true identity to Ava. She plays a crucial role in guiding Ava toward understanding the true nature of her gift and the realities of the curse.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character.

These aspects about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it.

Mentor-Healer: Diana is an older woman, a wounded healer who has her own issues but also wise in ways of healing so she can be a compassionate mentor, guiding Ava through her challenges while maintaining her own mysterious aura.
Generational Guardian: Known as someone with knowledge of the family’s past, Diana can pass this down, making her an indelible part of the family’s history.

This makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story
Complex Past: Diana’s history with Silas and her decision to protect the family legacy by hiding add layers to the secret she is keeping.
Multifaceted Mentor: She combines her roles as mentor, herbalist, and spiritual guide with a complex emotional struggle over her own short comings and revealing her true identity to Ava.
Moral Ambiguity: Diana’s use of secrecy and manipulation in guiding Ava demonstrates her willingness to make morally gray decisions for the greater good.

Some of the most interesting actions she could take in the script.
Herbal Practices: Diana performs hight level healing rituals, blending her extensive knowledge of the natural world with spiritual practices. She uses spiritual healing techniques on Ava, like Reiki, essential oils and tinctures, sound and color healing and use of gemstones.
Diana’s expression of ADD, and hangs onto things. Gets caught up in disorganization.
Conflict with Silas: Diana goes back and forth with Silas over their shared past, revealing both her lingering wounds and her determination to protect Ava and the legacy.

Ways to introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor…
Healing Ritual: Introduce Diana as a wifty flower child but when she turns to a powerful healing ritual, she demonstrates her spiritual and herbal expertise while hinting at her personal burden.

Possibilities for this character’s emotional range.
Grief to Resilience: Diana’s grief over her separation from her family is juxtaposed with her resilient spirit and determination to protect Ava.
Love to Regret: Her affection for Ava is intertwined with regret over keeping secrets, creating a complex dynamic of love and caution.
Fear to Power: Diana can be superstitious and fearful but when she is in her element she is totally confident.
Diana’s fear of Silas's manipulations turns into defiant resolve as she prepares to face her past and stand up for her family.
Subtext this actor can play
Diana hides the fact that she is Ava’s grandmother. She struggles to reconcile her role as a long-lost grandmother with her role as a mentor
Past Regrets vs. Future Hope: While her history with Silas haunts her, she channels her energy into building hope for Ava’s future.
The most interesting relationships this character can have are…
Ava: The evolving bond between Diana and Ava is layered with tension, love, and the pressure of a hidden family legacy. In Ava, she sees some aspects of herself, aspects that mirror Diana.
Silas: Diana’s past relationship with Silas is both a source of strength and vulnerability, as their history complicates her guidance to Ava.
Ways this character’s unique voice be presented.
It’s a very fairy-godmother like voice, light and airy that doesn’t match her stoutness. Nature’s Voice: Diana often personifies nature’s voice in her speech, offering poetic yet grounded insights into the natural world.
She is also the voice of intuition and spirituality. The fact that she seems to have ADD, and hangs onto things. Gets caught up in disorganization.

Qualities that make this character special and unique.
Diana is a complex and dimensional healer who doesn’t always acknowledge or stand in her own power. She has a gift of spiritual and natural healing as well as knowledge of wilderness survival. Ava acts as a mirror to her but she doesn’t always recognize it.

3. Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile for each of your lead characters.
Role in the Story: Role: Diana acts as both mentor and secret family to Ava, guiding her through her spiritual and emotional journey.
Age range and Description: Diana is a mid 70s, flower child medicine woman.
Core Traits: protective, resilient, mystical, manipulative
Primary Want (Goal): Diana wants to preserve the ancient wisdom and ensure its survival through Ava.
Primary Need (Internal Requirement): Diana needs to atone for past mistakes, particularly those involving her actions with Silas and the impacts on her family. Wound:
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability:
Wisdom Sharing: Show Diana imparting valuable knowledge and wisdom in a way that benefits others beyond Ava, such as helping local communities or healing the sick,
Gentle Humor: Infuse her character with moments of gentle humor, especially in her interactions with Ava, to soften her mystique and make her more endearing.
Relatability:
Family Struggles: Highlight her struggles with family dynamics, particularly the challenges of secrecy and protection.
Regret and Redemption: Through flashbacks or conversations, reveal Diana’s regrets about her past decisions.
Empathy:
Personal Sacrifices: Illustrate the personal sacrifices Diana has made in her quest to protect the wisdom and her family, such as living in isolation or giving up personal happiness.
Confrontation of Past Mistakes: Place Diana in situations where she must confront the consequences of her past actions, particularly with Silas.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  Mary Spiers.
• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  Mary Spiers.

[Karen Haas]

Karen’s character profiles part 1

My vision: I’m a creative writer who can write something better than I imagined whilst industry professionals enjoy my work, keeping it always satisfying and fun.

What I learned: creating character profiles helps create rounder characters that work toward filling important actor and audience wants and needs.

Witch:
A. The High Concept. A twister in Oz whisks the Wicked Witch of the East to modern Kansas to seek revenge, only to face off against a descendant more cunning than Dorothy.

B. This character’s journey. From Oz to Kansas, from revenge to redemption
C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
Character Name: Lucretia Crone
Role: outcast victim
Hidden agendas: Wants vengeance/revenge and her shoes
Competition: Must compete with forces of capitalism and Oswald Pecker, the wizard conman
Conspiracies: Conspires with homeless to get what she wants
Secrets: is really a witch who everyone thought died long ago
Deception: Ding dong, the witch ain’t dead;Pretending to be solely focused on revenge while secretly yearning for acceptance and redemption.
Hidden Agenda: Seeking redemption for past misdeeds while outwardly seeking revenge.
Unspoken Wound: Traumatized by the loss of her sister and the destruction of her home, driving her quest for vengeance.
Secret Identity: Sees herself as a reluctant hero, but fears vulnerability and rejection if she reveals her true intentions.

3. the first 6 parts of the profile :

Role in the Story: Protagonist
Age range and Description: Old, cranky and not beautiful.
Core Traits: snarky, truthful, jaded, cynical
Motivation; Want/Need: wants belonging, redemption, forgiveness
Wound: had a house fall on her and everyone celebrated when they thought she was dead
Likability: Old woman, cares about stray cat, climbs out of house collapse… went under the stairs, humble, not wanting extra attention, almost invisible?
Relatability: No id, or health insurance, gets kicked out of fancy hospital emergency room
Empathy: Injured in a tornado, no place to go

Oswald Pecker, the wizard con/man

B. This character’s journey. Wizard/con man From making shady dealmaker ( real estate deals and shady licensing agreements) on Dorothy’s family’s behalf, relentless manipulation and domination to insecure man/child begging for mercy
C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
Hidden Agenda: Orchestrating elaborate schemes to maintain his power and influence over others.Has been cheating Dot and her family, and all the townspeople, buying up land cheap and raising rents
Conspiracy: real estate ploys and Conspiring with Dot to protect their shared interests and undermine their adversaries.
Secret: Concealing his true motivations and vulnerabilities behind a facade of charm and confidence.
Deception: Manipulating others to further his own agenda and protect his secrets. Deceives Dot and her family
Unspoken Wound: Scarred by past failures and betrayals, fueling his relentless pursuit of control and domination. Nobody loves him/ insecure braggart
Secret Identity: Sees himself as a master manipulator, but harbors doubts and fears about his own worth and legitimacy; sad child inside an old man
Character Name: Oswald Pecker
Role: Real Estate mogul and con man/ Wizard
Competition: Competes with Lucretia Crone/witch for shoes
Conspiracies: real estate ploys
Secrets: Wizard from Oz now in Kansas.

Role in the Story: Dot Gale; decendant of Dororthy—(a shapeshifter of sorts)
Age range and Description: 20 something young girl next door type
Core Traits: insecure & worried about money,
Motivation; Want/Need: needs to come out from Dorothy’s shadow, but wants the security and $
Wound: Haunted by the expectations placed upon her as Dorothy's descendant, driving her to desperate measures to prove herself.

Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Name: Dot Gale
Role: Lawyer to Oswald Pecker
Hidden agendas: trying to convince Lucretia to give up struggle against Oswald
Competition: Wants her family’s fortune; greedy and insecure
Conspiracies: working for Pecker
Secrets: can’t represent Lucretia but strings her along
Deception: conflicted,
Unspoken Wound: Can't live up to famous ancestor and tired of always being compared
Secret Identity: wannabe party girl
Dot (Dorothy's Descendant):
Likeability: girl next door,
Relatability: insecure about future and money
Empathy: alone, no real friends or boyfriend
Hidden Agenda: Manipulating situations to maintain control over her family's legacy and secure her own power.
Competition: Competing with the memory of her legendary ancestor, Dorothy, for recognition and validation.
Conspiracy: Colluding with the Wizard/Con Man to protect her interests and maintain the status quo.
Secret: Hiding her true allegiance and intentions behind a facade of innocence and naivety.
Deception: Presenting herself as a loyal descendant while secretly plotting to advance her own agenda.
Unspoken Wound: Haunted by the expectations placed upon her as Dorothy's descendant, driving her to desperate measures to prove herself.
Secret Identity: Sees herself as a cunning strategist, but fears being exposed as a fraud if her true motives are revealed.

[Pam Ewing]

Pam’s Character Profiles Part 1
Vision: Become a Writing Athlete
What I’ve learned: I can change what doesn’t work

Maia, Protag
• A. The High Concept – uncovers the spa’s killing for tissue business and tries to shut it down
• B. This character’s journey – from success to humiliating failure to wanting to elevate self again to doubting self to facing down evil for the sake of self and others
• C. The Actor Attractors for this character – she goes from corporate death to facing down physical death maker and gaining zest foe reentering competitive corporate world
1. Role in the Story: Protag who was expelled from her company drops to despair when forced relation with friend awakens skills and need to save life and eliminate evil
2. Age range and Description: 40’s – streamlined
3. Core Traits: curious/suspicious, can fix things/creative problem solver, squeamish, intelligent, likes teams even at expense of taking her own credit
4. Motivation; Want/Need: wants to get back on top but needs a new product/approach/team
5. Wound: Never felt good enough so being kicked out seems to confirm her worst fears
6. Likability: Her goofy, fun-loving friend is looking after her, she has a sense of humor
Relatability: she’s flirting and rejected, simple relaxation evades her
Empathy: she has had a major life failure, life and the spa are confusing her, broken so fixing things brings out the best in her

Dr. Kari, Antag
• A. The High Concept – created the spa and tissue business and drive to keep it alive and growing
• B. This character’s journey from injury to research break through to business success but can’t get acclaim because of secret tissue business and need to keep her injury healthy to facing down opposition
• C. The Actor Attractors for this character – keeping research and spa’s goal secret but this conflicts with her vanity
1. Role in the Story: Created a perfect spa after dealing with her medical injuries but then exploits guests for research/income/maintaining her façade then must eliminate people trying to stop her
2. Age range and Description: ageless beyond plastic surgery – gracefulness personified
3. Core Traits: Manipulative/controlling, deceptive, angry, smooth talker
4. Motivation; Want/Need: wants to keep spa going because she needs the tissues to keep her ageless and cure injury
5. Wound: after her accident science was constricted in how to cure her and shunned her for her gruesome proposals that she found actually worked
6. Likability: she seems to really care about her guests, her goals seem so pure
Relatability: she’s flirting and rejected, her staff drive her crazy
Empathy: she’s had a major physical injury

 
Dr. Jeremy, Triangular
• A. The High Concept – under guise or working at spa is trying to uncover the truth and what happened to his sister
• B. This character’s journey – from new researcher to undercover researcher to attraction to Maia to rejecting her to protect her but it endangers her more to joining Maia in avenging sister
• C. The Actor Attractors for this character – all his desires are suppressed for a secret objective and ultimately he confronts his sister’s killer and his own death
1. Role in the Story: He’s attracted to Maia yet pursued by Dr Kari and his key is to complete his research and achieve his hidden objective
2. Age range and Description: 40’s to 50’s – a tad rugged, buttoned-up, gruff
3. Core Traits: easily distracted, introvert/secretive/few words, bookishly intelligent
4. Motivation; Want/Need: wants to discover truth about sister and avenge her but needs to keep the research profile and Dr Kari has actually helped him advance his work
5. Wound: sister was killed at spa where he suggested she go because he couldn’t heel her
6. Likability: strong protective streak, intelligent
Relatability: confused on how to react to life issues
Empathy: hidden wound

• This reply was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by  Pam Ewing.

[Diane Denham]

Bonnie’s Vision for the Future: I want to improve my writing skills by 200% and sell at least one script between 2024 and 2025.
What I learned from doing this assignment is that each lesson and assignment brings me closer to getting to the heart and soul of my characters and so, bringing them to life!

ALIENS ON A PLANE
Sci-Fi Comedy

Bonnie’s Character Profiles Part 1

Protagonist: XIOLA
A. The High Concept for Xiola: = Xiola, 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.
B. Xiola’s character journey: Xiola is a clever, witty, and arrogant spy, who appears insensitive but harbors a deep, covert compassion for those she deems worthy, while on a mission to find the source of the anomaly, at last realizing she must rely on others to succeed.
C. The Actor Attractors for Xiola:

1. Role in the Story: Secret agent from future Earth who investigates the anomaly.
2. Age range and Description: 30s, physically fit, emotionally immature.
3. Core Traits: Confident, arrogant, passionate
4. Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to find source of the anomaly. Needs to find the secret to mother’s disappearance and reconnect with her.
5. Wound: Her organization blames her for her mother’s disappearance, feels she must prove herself with this mission.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Strong, take-charge confident role model for women. Seduced by charmers because of deep need to be loved. Believes the disappearance of her mother was her fault.

Antagonist: ZARTUUF
A. The High Concept for Zartuuf: Zartuuf is a charismatic, ambitious, self-centered ET Travel Agent, a player covertly trying to monopolize the multidimensional travel industry, battling fear of being unworthy of love, without realizing that he is a pawn of the ET confederation behind the scenes.
B. Zartuuf’s character journey: He goes from proud, ruthless and a selfish, coward, to becoming courageous, taking risks to help others.
C. The Actor Attractors for Zartuuf: Constantly lies to manipulate situations to his advantage, but each lie triggers a sting from his tiny ET pet.
1. Role in the Story: Xiola’s love interest, uses his charm to seduce and manipulate her and others to achieve his goals.
2. Age range and Description: 40s, ET, blue eyes, muscular
3. Core Traits: Charismatic, deceptive, self-centered,
4. Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to be the best, monopolize the travel industry. Needs to learn empathy and courage.
5. Wound: Mocked as a child because of his ET pet.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Charismatic, polite. Scared in a crisis. We feel sorry for him because he’s unaware he’s a pawn and embarrassed for him for his cowardice.

Triangle Character: QUARKY
A. The High Concept for Quarky: Quarky is a lovable, emotional trickster ET Tourist who quietly uses their special abilities to fix anomalies, while grappling with self-doubt, loneliness and the desire for acceptance.
B. Quarky’s character journey: Quarky goes from anxious and bumbling, to attention seeking trickster, to using his abilities to help Xiola and Zartuuf unravel the mystery anomaly that landed them all on the plane.
C. The Actor Attractors for Quarky:

1. Role in the Story: Quarky adds humor and heart to the story.
2. Age range and Description: 20s, short, quirky, androgenous ET.
3. Core Traits: Good, loving, awkward and inappropriate.
4. Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to please people. Needs to set boundaries and use his abilities to solve problems.
5. Wound: Rejected by father at early age.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Lovable. Anxious and confused in new situations. Outcast by peers because of his strangeness.

[Brandi Hoffman]

Brandi’s character profiles:

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 from doing this assignment is: My protagonist and antagonist are two sides of the same coin, but they’ve made different choices.

Mei Chang

Role in the Story: protagonist

Age range and Description: mid 20s, asian woman

Core Traits: ambitious, quick witted, distant relationship with the truth

Motivation; Want/Need: have her own Vegas show/ show her parents (and herself) she’s worthy of love

Wound: Culturally, she’ll always be second fiddle to her older brother because he’s older and male and academic like her parents. Is also a liar liar pants on fire to get what she wants because she thinks it’s owed to her.

Likability: Mei says the things the rest of us wished we would have said after a day and a half of overthinking. She’s smart and funny.

Relatability: She wants something so bad she’s blinded to almost everything else

Empathy: Someone takes a huge chance on her, but her ex-boyfriend ruins it by turning up dead.

Buddy Henry

Role in the Story: Antagonist manager of world famous magician William Henry, his dad

Age range and Description: Good looking, middle aged man

Core Traits: Charming, powerful, ruthless, resentful

Motivation; Want/Need: resents devoting his entire life to his family/ needs to prove to himself that he can be successful without them.

Unspoken Wound: Has always felt like a distant priority to his family. Resentful of missing out on life because of family obligations.

Deception: Pretends to be the dutiful son, but plots to kill his dad.

Likability: Buddy is good looking, powerful and takes good care of the people working for him

Relatability: Buddy feels unappreciated for all the sacrifices he’s made

Empathy: He hasn’t had a chance to explore who he really is, what he wants, what he can do. He’s sacrificed most of his life for his family.

[jamie handley]

Jamie’s Character Profiles Part 1
MODULE 3 LESSON 6 PT 1
At this point I am trying to catch up and there are areas that need work so I’m just going forward and hope I am to rectify the areas I know need work. But for now I am just sending them in. BTW I am still getting a very unusual window to post on.

LINDSEY TURNER – PROTAGONIST

A.
The High Concept. After their matriarch’s passing, a family faces their terminally ill sister’s choice of assisted suicide. This family that is shattered by addiction, betrayal, abandonment, and secrets finds hope and unity through the journals left in the hands of the next matriarch.
B. This character’s journey.
Beginning: Lindsey is the controlling, heart-broken caregiving and middle sister who resents being the rock of the family and longs to be independent and rediscover her voice.
Ending: Lindsey becomes the matriarch of the family, embracing the task with open arms.
Internal Journey: She is lost but appears to be resilient and strong. She always puts herself last, fears being alone.
External Journey: A controlling and defensive middle sister who becomes the next matriarch of the family.
C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
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.

Role in the Story: She is the rock in the family, an audacious aunt, and the new next matriarch after her mother’s death.
Age range and Description: She is in her early 70s but no one believes it, she looks more like in her 50’s.
Core Traits: Loyal, resilient, nurturing, protective, determined, reclusive,
Motivation: To mend her fractured family, provide stability, and prevent further harm.
Want/Need: She wants to be accepted with all her flaws and dispositions at times, especially from her daughter, wants to be free of all her responsibilities but needs the love and respect from her daughter before she can go forward with her life.
Wound: Feels responsible for not putting her daughter first after taking her niece away from her mother and raising her like her own. Unable change her sisters mind with assisted suicide. She feels abandoned by their mother who cherished Sadie, her first born.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: She cares for others easily in fact too much so. She grew up being the caregiver when her father and mother got divorced, she became the man in the house and everything else; iron, clean, etc. This began at the young age of 7 years old.
She deeply cares for her 3 best friends as well as caring for her ex-husband with Alzheimer’s then caring for her mother until their deaths.
As much as she is intimidated by her older sister, she loves her dearly.
Relatability: She has financial problems but keeps it to herself. She has conflict with her younger sister, they are estranged and have been for years. Like oil and water don’t mix. Throughout the story she has had turbulent time with both her daughter Gracie and Brooke about many different issues, falling for the wrong man, low self-esteem, drugs, drinking and not caring for themselves. Lindsey has been an enabler for years, always giving them the best of things, things she never grew up. And to top it off she really can’t afford it but somehow, she finds a way. Lindsey kept them in catholic school with hope that they both would get better values, making a path to find their own faith. Both have never had the presence of a “father/man” figure.
Empathy: She is very generous; she gets caught up in not sharing her thoughts for fear it could belittle or hurt the other person. Except when she is in the heat of the moment and then she really lets it out and spues out of her which she will deeply regret after the fact. Often she feels like Cinderella and the three sisters, always doing for others.

SADIE MEADE – ANTAGONIST
The High Concept.
The High Concept. After their matriarch’s passing, a family faces their terminally ill sister’s choice of assisted suicide. This family that is shattered by addiction, betrayal, abandonment, and secrets finds hope and unity through the journals left in the hands of the next matriarch.
B. Sadie’s journey through the murky waters of addiction, her manipulation of her family for drugs, and struggles the reality of her mortality. Her vanity gets in the way of clear decisions. She finally opts for assisted suicide, dying with dignity.
Arc Beginning = A conflicted, self-centered, and distant mother and addict.
who is facing terminal illness.
Arc Ending: She faces her decision to die, it goes awry and eventually dies in the hands of her daughter.
Internal Journey: A conflicted, self-centered, and distant mother and addict who is facing terminal illness.
External Journey: She manipulates her friends and family to get drugs. She is amusing and fun to be around, party time, but it’s just a front for drugs.
C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
Conflict Catalyst: Sadie’s choice for assisted suicide serves as the central catalyst for the story, challenging every family member’s beliefs, sparking emotional turmoil, and bringing long-buried secrets to light. Her decision is the linchpin around which the drama of the screenplay revolves.
Multifaceted Character: Despite her role as the antagonist, Sadie is portrayed not just as a source of conflict but as a deeply conflicted and multifaceted character herself. Her struggle with illness and the repercussions of her life choices provide a poignant view of human frailty and the complexity of personal redemption.
Mirror to the Past: Sadie’s actions and the revelations from her life serve as a mirror that reflects the hidden histories and emotional burdens of the family. This not only drives the narrative forward but also deepens the thematic exploration of legacy and reconciliation.
Sympathetic Complexity: Even as she drives the family apart, Sadie’s portrayal invokes sympathy. Her vulnerability in facing terminal cancer and her controversial choice about her death plan complicate traditional antagonist roles, making her a uniquely tragic figure.
Agent of Change: Sadie’s decisions force every character, especially Lindsey and Brooke, to reassess their lives and relationships. Her role as an agent of change underscores the transformative power of confronting uncomfortable truths, making her essential to the family’s journey towards understanding and healing.
Role in the Story: The troubled, distant mother grappling with illness and guilt.
Age range and Description: She’s a few years older than Lindsey (3 years
Core Traits: Traits: Troubled, conflicted, distant, haunted by past mistakes, charming and manipulative.
Motivation; To end her suffering, despite the collateral damage to her loved ones.
Want/Need: She wants the family to understand her motives for assisted suicide. She needs her daughter’s help to make the transition.
Wound: Guilt and shame over past mistakes, unable to confront her own demons.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: She genuinely loves people provided they have something in common. She is quick with her tongue and can make you laugh all day. She just has a way about her with people, she welcomes them, gets to know a little bit about them and then she takes the stage and makes you immediately like her. Everything is about her rules or her way or you’re out the door. She very creative in many ways. She loves her possessions and she’s quite the collector.
Relatability: She doesn’t just let anyone into her life, she is very picky. She doesn’t want to hear anything bad or ugly. She hates the computer and change. She’s had several extremely bad marriages. She became an alcoholic after her husband deliberately killed himself leaving behind a letter.
Empathy: As she struggles with many medical issues, she hides her pain in many ways and with many different people. But it depends on the person and time of day. Don’t come barging in early in the morning before she puts on her makeup. We feel for her when her surgeries are botched, and there is nothing any doctor can do for her. She grieves the loss of her mother and the love of her life. She has nothing to live for, not even when it comes to her daughter or sister who love her so deeply.

[Hope McPherson]

Hope’s Character Profiles Part 1

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: So much goes into a character profile, and we’re only halfway there. Still I can already see how everything here can inform every action and spoken word of these characters. I look forward to having these profiles done and the characters becoming more and more alive.

Protagonist: Marta Jordan

Concept: An author’s wedding day unravels when her own fictional creations hijack the festivities, turning her special day into a chaotic battle of wills.

Character’s journey: Marta, an up-and-coming author and control freak, learns to embrace the unexpected and find inspiration in the chaos.

Actor attractors:

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

Marta Jordan, an up-and-coming author, 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 the wedding chaos that her fictional characters throw at her while trying to uncover what’s behind the chaos and who’s pulling the strings.

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

Marta, a control freak with unyielding ideas of a proper wedding, discovers how to use chaos to boost her creativity into new realms – including remake her wedding dress on the day of, putting out a fire by fighting fire with fire, redoing decorations, finding a new officiant, rescuing the groom, and more. She ultimately devises creative solutions 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 goes from high-strung anxiety and frustration to moments of introspection and vulnerability. She ultimately discovers joy and creative inspiration as she learns to embrace the unpredictability of life.

What subtext can the actor play?

She carefully spars with her author/mentor and challenges 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 Darwood 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 bride. 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.

Marta’s role in the story:

Protagonist: The author and bride who must defeat her fictional characters as they send her wedding into chaos, while believing she’s destined to fail. By the end, she uncovers who’s behind the chaos and incorporates life’s disorder into her creativity.

Age range and description: In her 20s and with an unconventional beauty that feeds into her self-image of never measuring up.

Core traits: smart, well-read, kind, self-defeating

Motivation: Compelled to write — perfectly.

Want: To be a successful author and happy bride.

Need: To overcome her self-sabotage.

Wound: Critical parents who made fun of her creativity and desire to write.

Likability, relatability, empathy

Likability: She cares about/loves not only her fiancé, but also about her fictional characters. She even respects Royal and invites him to her wedding.

Relatability: She’s anxious about her wedding day, while also being excited.

Empathy: Her parents were overly critical as she grew up. And we can feel her pain as her wedding day goes off the rails and she struggles to get it back on track in spite of the “fictional” characters taking charge.

Antagonist: Royal Brighton

Concept: An author’s wedding day unravels when her own fictional creations hijack the festivities, turning her special day into a chaotic battle of wills.

Character’s journey: A best-selling author and competitor to Marta who secretly orchestrates the chaos at her wedding.

Actor attractors:

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 façade 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.

Royal’s role in the story:

Antagonist: An aging best-selling author who’s desperate to stay on top, and jealous of Marta’s youth and talent. He secretly hires actors to portray Marta’s fictional characters to wreak chaos on her wedding day and eliminate her as competition.

Age range and description: In his 50s, Royal is a successful author desperate to keep the world from discovering his success is a lie.

Core traits: polished, well-read, helpful, conniving

Motivation:

Want: To ruin Marta and force her out of competition with him.

Need: To gain immortality by writing original works again.

Wound: He’s been hiding his own decade’s long writer’s block by plagiarizing other out-of-print authors.

Likability, relatability, empathy

Likability: He’s polite and smooth.

Relatability: He’s been an author for years and has acted as a mentor to many.

Empathy: He’s aging and feels like life has passed him by.

Triangle character: Vincent Darwood

Concept: An author’s wedding day unravels when her own fictional creations hijack the festivities, turning her special day into a chaotic battle of wills.

Character’s journey: Vincent, an out-of-work actor hired by Royal to pose as Marta’s fictional antagonist, goes from causing chaos to gaining respect for Marta while helping her redeem her day and career.

Vincent’s actor attractors

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.

Vincent’s role in the story:

Triangle character: A struggling actor hired to play Marta’s fictional antagonist and through her wedding and career into chaos for a handsome payoff.

Age range and description: In his 30s, Vincent has cornered the market on bad-boy charm.

Core traits: charismatic, leader, imposing, desperate

Motivation:

<>Want: To earn a lot of money with this role.

Need: To prove to himself that he can really act.

Likability, relatability, empathy

Likability: He’s charismatic and full of energy.

Relatability: He wonders if he should have chosen another career.

Empathy: He’s lost many, many parts to other actors.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 2 weeks ago by  Hope McPherson.

[Vernall Ritchey]

ASSIGNMENT: Module 3: Lesson 6
Vision: To captivate audiences by writing, producing, and directing smart, well-written, blockbuster scripts.
What I learned from doing this assignment is: all the many intricacies involved with making a great character profile.
Subject Line: WIM – Vernall Ritchey – Character Profiles Part 1
High Concept: Kyla an attentive caregiver and soon-to-be nun attempts to exorcise a demon in Father Gill a bedridden priest, but the exorcism fails as it becomes clear that the real battle lies not in his exorcism but in hers. She is the true demonic entity.

Kyla – This character’s journey: From a caring caregiver to a demonic force, her journey involves confronting her darkness, and doubts and ultimately choosing between good and evil.

Kyla – Actor Attractors:
• Known for Role: This role offers a unique opportunity for an actor to delve into the complexities of a character undergoing a profound transformation from compassionate caregiver to terrifying demonic entity.
• Most Interesting Character: Kyla is compelling because she grapples with her identity as a caregiver and soon-to-be nun while being consumed by her demonic nature, resulting in a riveting internal conflict.
• Interesting Actions: Kyla’s most interesting actions could include performing exorcisms, manipulating others to conceal her true nature, and unleashing her demonic powers in terrifying displays of violence.
• Introduction: Introduce Kyla as a dedicated and compassionate caregiver, highlighting her nurturing demeanor and unwavering faith, before gradually revealing the darker aspects of her character as the story progresses.
• Emotional Range: Kyla’s emotional range spans from empathy and compassion to fear, paranoia, and ultimately, sadistic delight as she embraces her demonic identity.
• Subtext: The actor can convey Kyla’s inner turmoil and struggle for control beneath her outward facade of serenity, as well as the seductive allure of her demonic nature.
• Interesting Relationships: Kyla’s most interesting relationships could be with Father Gill, where she struggles with conflicting feelings of compassion and manipulation, and with the Demon, where she grapples with her demonic urges.
• Unique Voice: Kyla’s unique voice could be presented as calm and soothing, masking the darkness lurking within her, before gradually descending into a chilling and seductive tone as her demonic nature takes hold.
• Special: What makes Kyla special is her dual nature as both caregiver and demon, allowing the actor to explore the complexities of good and evil within the same character.

1. Role in the story:
• Protagonist and antagonist; a seemingly devoted caregiver and soon-to-be nun who turns out to be the true demonic entity.
2. Age range and description:
• Late 20s, appears innocent and caring on the surface.
3. Core Traits:
• Compassionate, dedicated, religious on the surface, but harbors a dark and demonic side.
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
• Want: To exorcise the demon from Father Gill.
• Need: Uncover her own demonic identity and confront her internal battle.
5. Wound:
• Deep-seated fear of demonic possession, stemming from her traumatic past.
6. Likability/Relatability/Empathy:
• Likability: Kyla initially presents as highly likable. She’s a compassionate caregiver, dedicated to her faith, and possesses a gentle demeanor. This facade makes her possession all the more shocking and unsettling. As the truth unravels, her likability diminishes, replaced by a sense of unease and creeping dread.
• Relatability: Audiences may initially relate to Kyla’s desire to help others and her dedication to her spiritual path. However, her internal struggle against the demon and the potential darkness lurking within might resonate with anyone who has grappled with personal demons or moral ambiguity.
• Empathy: While Kyla appears empathetic towards Father Gill initially and while she’s In distress as she is terrified of demonic presence. Less so when her true motives are increasingly questionable. As the story progresses, audiences may struggle to find empathy for her as she loses control and the demonic entity takes hold. However, a flicker of vulnerability in her moments of resistance could offer a glimpse of the person she once was, sparking a sliver of empathy for her plight.

• Likability: Kyla is initially portrayed as highly likable. She is presented as a compassionate caregiver, dedicated to her faith and Father Gill’s well-being. Her attentiveness, gentle demeanor, and unwavering faith in God can evoke sympathy and admiration from the audience.
• Relatability: Kyla’s internal struggle against the demon can be relatable for viewers who have faced inner demons or battles with temptation. Her initial denial, fear, and attempts to control the darkness can resonate with human experiences of grappling with negative impulses or hidden desires.
• Empathy: As the story progresses and Kyla’s true nature is revealed, the audience’s empathy may shift. However, her vulnerability and the internal conflict between her faith and demonic nature can still elicit a sense of empathy for her plight. The audience may even feel conflicted, torn between their initial positive impression and the horrifying reality of her true nature.
Father Gill – This character’s journey: From a victim of possession to a survivor fighting against demonic forces.

Father Gill – Actor Attractors:
• Known for Role: This role offers the opportunity for an actor to portray the vulnerability and terror of a seemingly possessed priest, while gradually revealing the character’s true nature as the story unfolds, creating layers of complexity and intrigue.
• Most Interesting Character: Father Gill is fascinating because he appears to be the victim of demonic possession, eliciting sympathy and fear from the audience, while ultimately serving as a red herring that obscures Kyla’s true role as the possessed individual.
• Interesting Actions: Father Gill’s most interesting actions could include exhibiting signs of possession, such as speaking in tongues, levitating, and displaying supernatural strength, as well as moments of vulnerability and confusion as he struggles to understand his predicament.
• Introduction: Introduce Father Gill as a respected and beloved priest, his presence commanding reverence and trust, before gradually introducing hints of his supposed possession through subtle hints and eerie encounters.
• Emotional Range: Father Gill’s emotional range spans from initial confusion and fear to desperation and despair as he grapples with the apparent demonic forces tormenting him, before ultimately realizing the true nature of the threat.
• Subtext: The actor can convey Father Gill’s inner turmoil and sense of betrayal as he confronts the horrifying truth of his situation, as well as the existential dread of being manipulated by unseen forces beyond his comprehension.
• Interesting Relationships: Father Gill’s most interesting relationship is with Kyla, where he serves as both victim and unwitting accomplice in her campaign of terror, highlighting the tragic irony of his unwitting involvement in her descent into darkness.
• Unique Voice: Father Gill’s unique voice could be presented as initially calm and soothing, reflecting his role as a trusted spiritual leader, before gradually becoming more frantic and desperate as he struggles to maintain his sanity in the face of overwhelming evil.
• Special: What makes Father Gill special is his role as a tragic figure caught in the crossfire of supernatural forces beyond his control, allowing the actor to explore themes of faith, doubt, and the corrupting influence of darkness.

1. Role in the story:
• Victim and source of demonic possession.
2. Age range and description:
• Elderly, frail, bedridden priest.
3. Core Traits:
• Weak, devout, initially trusting of Kyla.
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
• Want: To be free from demonic possession.
• Need: Survival against Kyla’s increasingly sinister actions.
5. Wound:
• Physical and spiritual vulnerability due to illness and possession.
6. Likability/Relatability/Empathy:
• Likability: Father Gill is portrayed as a kind and wise figure, despite his physical limitations. Even through his fear and vulnerability, his faith remains strong. This makes him an easy character to root for and sympathize with.
• Relatability: Audiences may connect with Father Gill’s fear of the unknown and his struggle to maintain faith in the face of terrifying circumstances. His dependence on Kyla and his vulnerability also evoke a sense of protectiveness.
• Empathy: As a bedridden stroke victim, Father Gill is the main catalyst for empathy in the story. He is innocent and helpless against Kyla’s deception and the demonic forces threatening him. The audience’s fear and concern for him drive the narrative and fuel the tension.

• Likability: Father Gill is presented as a kind and wise mentor, a man weakened by illness but still clinging to his faith and humanity. His vulnerability and dependence on Kyla’s care can evoke sympathy and protectiveness from the audience.
• Relatability: The audience may find Father Gill relatable in his fear of the unknown and his struggle to maintain his faith in the face of a seemingly demonic threat. His helplessness and dependence on others can resonate with viewers who have faced similar situations of vulnerability or dependence.
• Empathy: As the story unfolds, the audience’s empathy for Father Gill may deepen as they witness him being manipulated and even endangered by Kyla. His fear, confusion, and potential spiritual torment can elicit strong emotional responses from viewers.

• Likability: Father Gill is immediately endearing. Despite his physical limitations, he retains a gentle spirit, radiating warmth and faith. His vulnerability makes him a sympathetic figure, and his trust in Kyla endears him to the audience. However, his role in the story is primarily to serve as a catalyst for Kyla’s internal struggle. His likability remains constant, acting as a counterpoint to Kyla’s descent into darkness.
• Relatability: Father Gill’s struggle with illness and his dependence on Kyla’s care are relatable to anyone who has experienced vulnerability or relied on others for support. His faith and his gentle demeanor further endear him to the audience, making them easily connect with his plight and root for his safety.
• Empathy: The audience’s empathy for Father Gill is central to the story’s emotional impact. His vulnerability, his trust in Kyla, and his fear of the unknown make him a powerful figure of sympathy. The horror of Kyla’s possession is amplified by the contrast between her actions and Father Gill’s innocence. The audience will feel deeply for him and fear the threat she poses to his soul.

• Likability: Father Gill, despite his physical limitations, manages to be highly likable. His gentle spirit, despite the circumstances, his vulnerability, and his trust in Kyla (initially) make him a sympathetic figure. The audience will naturally root for his safety and protection.
• Relatability: Father Gill’s vulnerability and dependence on Kyla’s care are relatable to anyone who has experienced physical limitations or relied on others for support. His gentle disposition and faith further endear him to the audience, making them connect with his plight and fear for his safety.
• Empathy: Father Gill’s role as the potential target of Kyla’s possession and his innocence in the face of evil draw strong empathy from the audience. Witnessing Kyla’s descent into madness and his realization of her true nature evoke a chilling understanding of his situation. The audience will feel deeply for him and fear for his safety as the story unfolds.

• Likability: Despite his limited physical presence, Father Gill is a very likable character. His vulnerability and dependence on Kyla make him a sympathetic figure. The audience will root for his safety and feel protective of him as Kyla’s true nature becomes clear.
• Relatability: Many viewers can relate to Father Gill’s experience of illness and dependence on others. His gentle spirit and unwavering faith further endear him to the audience, making them easily connect with his vulnerability and fear.
• Empathy: The audience’s empathy for Father Gill is crucial to the story’s emotional impact. His witnessing of Kyla’s descent into madness and the revelation of her true nature will evoke a strong sense of horror and empathy. His awareness of the situation adds a layer of tragedy and reinforces the audience’s desire to see him protected.

• Likability: Despite his physical limitations and fear, Father Gill retains a quiet strength and dignity. His vulnerability makes him a sympathetic figure, and his unwavering faith in God inspires admiration. The contrast between his gentle demeanor and Kyla’s growing darkness further enhances his likability.
• Relatability: Father Gill’s dependence on Kyla’s care and his reliance on his faith in the face of danger can resonate with anyone who has faced vulnerability or found strength in their beliefs. His witness to Kyla’s descent into madness adds a layer of horror and tragedy to his character.
• Empathy: The audience’s empathy for Father Gill is crucial to the emotional impact of the story. His fear, his confusion, and his eventual understanding of Kyla’s true nature all contribute to a powerful sense of connection and concern for his well-being. Witnessing his suffering at the hands of Kyla’s demonic possession can be both terrifying and heartbreaking.

Father Moore – This character’s journey: From a supportive ally to a key figure in the battle against the demonic entity.

Father Moore – Actor Attractors:
• Known for Role: This role offers the opportunity for an actor to portray the archetypal figure of the wise and seasoned exorcist, showcasing their gravitas and authority as a spiritual warrior battling the forces of darkness.
• Most Interesting Character: Father Moore is intriguing because he serves as a mentor and guide for Kyla, offering wisdom and guidance in her struggle against the demonic forces threatening to consume her.
• Interesting Actions: Father Moore’s most interesting actions could include performing exorcisms, deciphering ancient texts and arcane rituals, and mentoring Kyla in the ways of spiritual warfare.
• Introduction: Introduce Father Moore as a seasoned and stoic exorcist, his presence commanding respect and authority, as he imparts his knowledge and experience to Kyla in her quest for redemption.
• Emotional Range: Father Moore’s emotional range spans from stoic resolve and unwavering faith to moments of doubt and vulnerability, as he confronts the horrors of the supernatural realm.
• Subtext: The actor can convey Father Moore’s inner struggles and doubts beneath his outward facade of strength and conviction, as well as the weight of responsibility he carries as a guardian of humanity against the forces of darkness.
• Interesting Relationships: Father Moore’s most interesting relationship is with Kyla, where he serves as both mentor and confidant, guiding her on her journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.
• Unique Voice: Father Moore’s unique voice could be presented as deep and resonant, echoing with the authority of centuries-old wisdom and the solemnity of sacred rites, instilling confidence and reassurance in those who seek his counsel.
• Special: What makes Father Moore special is his role as a bastion of light in the face of encroaching darkness, offering hope and salvation to those who walk the path of righteousness alongside him.

1. Role in the story:
• Supportive figure and ally to Kyla.
2. Age range and description:
• Middle-aged, experienced priest.
3. Core Traits:
• Wise, supportive, driven by faith.
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
• Want: To assist Kyla in the exorcism.
• Need: To confront and overcome the demonic presence.
5. Wound:
• A past failure in dealing with demonic forces, haunting him.
6. Likability/Relatability/Empathy:
• Likability: Initially, Father Moore is highly likable. His compassion, dedication to Sister Kyla, and unwavering faith in God make him appear trustworthy and supportive. This likability strengthens as he bravely confronts the supernatural occurrences, showcasing his commitment to protecting the innocent. However, as the story progresses, and he witnesses the full extent of Kyla’s possession, his likability takes a subtle hit. The trauma and fear visibly affect him, and his unwavering demeanor cracks at times, revealing a vulnerable human beneath the priestly vestments. This shift keeps him relatable but adds a layer of complexity that makes him even more captivating.
• Relatability: Father Moore’s initial calm and composed demeanor is relatable to anyone who has faced fear or uncertainty. His reliance on faith and ritual provides a familiar anchoring point for viewers, especially those with religious backgrounds. As the story progresses, and his fear becomes more apparent, he becomes even more relatable. His emotional journey mirrors the audience’s own as they face the horror of Kyla’s possession.
• Empathy: Father Moore evokes strong empathy. His vulnerability, his unwavering faith in spite of fear, and his determination to protect Father Gill make him a sympathetic figure. The audience will root for him to overcome his fear and ultimately help defeat Kyla. His potential connection with the demon adds a further layer of intrigue and empathy, raising questions about the nature of good and evil within him.

• Likability: Initially very likable. His compassion for Kyla and unwavering faith in God make him a comforting and supportive presence. However, his likability wanes as the supernatural events escalate. His fear and vulnerability become more apparent, shaking his initial composure. This shift in his demeanor adds depth and complexity to his character, keeping the audience invested in his journey.
• Relatability: Many viewers can relate to Father Moore’s struggles with faith and doubt in the face of the unknown. His fear and vulnerability are relatable emotions, especially in a situation involving demonic forces. His reliance on religious rituals and symbols provides a sense of hope and grounding, further connecting him to the audience.
• Empathy: The audience will feel empathy for Father Moore’s emotional and spiritual turmoil. Witnessing his fear and confusion as he confronts the darkness will evoke compassion. His connection to Kyla and his desperation to save Father Gill will further solidify the audience’s emotional investment in his character.

• Likability: Father Moore initially exudes a quiet charisma. His compassion and dedication to his faith are evident in his interactions with Kyla and Father Gill. He serves as a voice of reason and calm amidst the escalating supernatural events. However, as the demonic presence intensifies, his own fear and vulnerability become apparent. This vulnerability can make him both endearing and relatable, but also adds a layer of tension to his interactions with Kyla.
• Relatability: Father Moore’s initial skepticism and eventual acceptance of the supernatural can resonate with viewers who question their own beliefs in the face of the unknown. His reliance on faith and ritual in the face of fear is also relatable to those who find solace in their spiritual beliefs.
• Empathy: The audience’s empathy for Father Moore grows as he becomes increasingly affected by the demonic presence. His fear, his desperation to protect Father Gill, and his potential connection with the demon all contribute to a sense of emotional investment in his character. Witnessing his struggle against Kyla’s hidden darkness can be both terrifying and heartbreaking

Father Lyle – This character’s journey: From a skeptic to a fighter against the demonic forces threatening Father Gill.

Father Lyle – Actor Attractors:
• Known for Role: An actor would want to be known for this role because Father Lyle is a dynamic character who transitions from a position of suspicion and strength to one of vulnerability and confrontation. Playing a character who discovers the hidden truth and then becomes a victim offers a powerful narrative arc.
• Most Interesting Character: Father Lyle is interesting because he embodies the battle between faith and skepticism. His journey from suspecting Kyla’s true nature to being struck down by her highlights his vulnerability and determination, making him a compelling figure in the story.
• Interesting Actions:
1. Uncovering clues about Kyla’s possession.
2. Confronting Kyla and experiencing her demonic retaliation.
3. Struggling to warn Father Moore despite his debilitating condition.
4. Participating in the final confrontation with Kyla.
• Introduction: Introduce Father Lyle as a diligent and perceptive priest who is dedicated to protecting his parish. His initial interactions with Kyla show his kindness and concern, which gradually turn into suspicion as he uncovers her dark secret.
• Emotional Range: Father Lyle’s emotional range includes:
1. Compassion and empathy in his care for the community.
2. Growing suspicion and fear as he uncovers Kyla’s secret.
3. Desperation and determination to reveal the truth.
4. Helplessness and frustration when he is struck down by the demon.
5. Courage and resolve during the final confrontation.
• Subtext: Father Lyle can play the subtext of a man grappling with his faith in the face of evil. His struggle against demonic forces mirrors his internal battle with doubt and fear, offering depth to his actions and decisions.
• Interesting Relationships:
1. His mentor-student relationship with Father Moore, who he tries to warn.
2. His complex and adversarial dynamic with Kyla as he uncovers her secret.
3. His bond with Father Gill, sharing a silent understanding of the true horror unfolding.
• Unique Voice: Father Lyle’s unique voice comes from his role as a voice of reason and faith in the face of the supernatural. His speeches and dialogues are laced with biblical references and a calm demeanor, which gradually fray as the horror intensifies.
• Special: What makes Father Lyle special is his resilience and moral strength. Even when physically incapacitated, his mental fortitude and unwavering commitment to his faith and duty drive him to fight against the demonic presence, making him a hero in the eyes of the audience.

1. Role in the story:
• Secondary antagonist and victim.
2. Age range and description:
• Older priest, skeptical of Kyla.
3. Core Traits:
• Skeptical, cautious, devout.
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
• Want: To protect Father Gill and expose the truth about Kyla.
• Need: Survival against the demonic threat.
5. Wound:
• Previous encounters with the supernatural that shook his faith.
6. Likability/Relatability/Empathy:
• Likability: Father Lyle’s initial likability stems from his role as a fellow priest and Kyla’s confidante. He appears skeptical yet supportive, willing to help her uncover the truth. However, this likability plummets as he encounters Kyla’s possession firsthand. His quick fall to the possessed Kyla’s illness raises sympathy for his suffering, but also casts a shadow on his previous trustworthiness. He becomes a cautionary tale, highlighting the fragility of faith and the vulnerability of good intentions.
• Relatability: Father Lyle’s initial openness and willingness to listen could be relatable to anyone who has experienced doubt or uncertainty within their faith. His shock and fear upon encountering the demonic are also universally relatable, as they mirror the audience’s own reactions to the horror unfolding.
• Empathy: While Father Lyle evokes some initial sympathy due to his suffering, his connection to Kyla’s evil deeds and his quick demise limit the audience’s emotional attachment. However, his fate serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of Kyla’s actions and the fragility of human life in the face of demonic power.

• Likability: Initially presented as a mysterious and intriguing figure. His discovery of Kyla’s secret adds a layer of suspense and intrigue to the story. However, his brief screen time and the nature of his encounter with Kyla make it difficult to fully assess his likability.
• Relatability: The viewers may connect with Father Lyle’s dedication to uncovering the truth and his willingness to face danger to protect others. His quick demise at Kyla’s hands adds a sense of tragedy and raises the stakes of the story.
• Empathy: While Father Lyle’s time in the story is short, his suffering and his connection to Father Moore can still evoke empathy from the audience. The viewers will likely sympathize with his plight and feel a sense of injustice for his fate.

• Likability: Father Lyle’s initial role as a concerned observer and potential witness to Kyla’s secret makes him a somewhat enigmatic figure. His quick demise due to Kyla’s demonic breath adds a layer of mystery and tragedy to his character. However, his actions in uncovering Kyla’s secret and attempting to warn Father Moore demonstrate his courage and devotion to his faith.
• Relatability: Father Lyle’s vulnerability in the face of Kyla’s supernatural power can be relatable to anyone who has felt powerless against a larger force. His role as a victim of Kyla’s hidden evil can also generate sympathy and a desire for justice.
• Empathy: While Father Lyle’s screen time might be limited, his suffering and potential connection to Father Gill’s stroke can still evoke empathy from the audience. Witnessing his struggles can add to the overall sense of dread and the urgency to expose Kyla’s true nature.

Demon – This character’s journey: From an unseen force to a revealed and formidable adversary in the battle against the protagonists.

Demon – Actor Attractors:
• Known for Role: This role offers the opportunity for an actor to embody pure evil and terror, creating a memorable and iconic villain that will haunt audiences long after the credits roll.
• Most Interesting Character: The Demon is fascinating because it represents the embodiment of all human fears and desires, wielding its power with malevolent glee as it manipulates and corrupts those around it.
• Interesting Actions: The Demon’s most interesting actions could include possessing Father Gill, tormenting Kyla with hallucinations and nightmares, and orchestrating sinister events to further its own agenda.
• Introduction: Introduce the Demon as a malevolent and omnipresent force lurking in the shadows, its presence foreshadowed by ominous signs and portents of impending doom.
• Emotional Range: The Demon’s emotional range is characterized by sadistic delight, contemptuous malice, and cold, calculating cunning as it toys with its victims like puppets on strings.
• Subtext: The actor can convey the Demon’s insatiable hunger for power and control beneath its outward facade of otherworldly menace, as well as the twisted pleasure it derives from inflicting suffering on others.
• Interesting Relationships: The Demon’s most interesting relationship is with Kyla, where it serves as both adversary and tempter, pushing her to embrace her darkest desires and unleash her demonic powers.
• Unique Voice: The Demon’s unique voice could be presented as guttural and menacing, dripping with venom and malice, sending chills down the audience’s spine with every whispered threat and whispered promise.
• Special: What makes the Demon special is its ability to prey on the deepest fears and vulnerabilities of its victims, exploiting their weaknesses and driving them to the brink of madness in its relentless pursuit of domination.

1. Role in the story:
• The embodiment of evil, manipulating Kyla and possessing Father Gill.
2. Age range and description:
• Ageless, shape-shifting entity.
3. Core Traits:
• Manipulative, sadistic, deceptive.
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
• Want: To cause chaos, pain, and possess Kyla.
• Need: To maintain control and spread darkness.
5. Wound:
• None; a force of pure malevolence.
6. Likability/Relatability/Empathy:
• Likability: Kyla initially presents as highly likable. Her dedication to her caregiving duties and her unwavering faith in God make her appear compassionate, selfless, and worthy of trust. This likability deepens as she confronts Father Gill’s possession with bravery and determination. However, as cracks in her facade begin to show, her likability takes a sharp turn. Subtle gestures like flickers of darkness in her eyes or a too-long touch on Father Gill’s vulnerable areas create unease and suspicion, gradually shifting her from a sympathetic protagonist to a chilling antagonist.
• Relatability: Kyla’s initial struggle with doubt and fear is relatable. Many viewers can identify with her internal conflict between faith and fear, especially in the face of the supernatural. Her desire to protect Father Gill and do the right thing also taps into universal themes of compassion and selflessness. However, as her true nature is revealed, the audience’s connection shifts to a morbid fascination with the darkness lurking beneath the surface of someone seemingly so relatable.
• Empathy: Initially, Kyla evokes a strong sense of empathy. Her devotion to her calling, her fear of the unknown, and her struggle against a powerful entity all resonate with the audience’s capacity to understand and sympathize. However, as her demonic nature is revealed, empathy shifts into a chilling fascination with the depths of her darkness and the lengths to which she will go to maintain her facade. The audience may still find themselves drawn to her internal conflict, but it is a twisted, dark empathy that borders on horror and morbid curiosity.

• Likability: Initially, Demonic Kyla is the epitome of angelic virtue. Her devotion to Father Gill, her unwavering faith, and her gentle demeanor captivate everyone around her. This manufactured likability is her greatest weapon, a mask that lulls her victims into a false sense of security. As cracks begin to show, her likability plummets, replaced by a chilling aura of veiled malevolence.
• Relatability: Demonic Kyla’s initial facade of goodness allows the audience to relate to her on a surface level. Her anxieties about faith, her struggle against darkness, and her desire to help others can resonate with viewers who have grappled with similar internal conflicts. However, upon revealing her true nature, any semblance of relatability dissipates, replaced by a morbid fascination with the depths of her hidden evil.
• Empathy: While Kyla’s internal conflict might hold a flicker of potential empathy, it’s quickly overshadowed by her manipulative nature and the harm she inflicts. Witnessing her torment of Father Gill and Father Lyle evokes disgust and fear rather than sympathy. However, a twisted form of empathy may arise from understanding the torment she might be enduring within her own possessed consciousness.

• Likability: Initially, Demonic Kyla is the picture of saintly likability. Her gentle demeanor, attentive care for Father Gill, and unwavering faith in God make her instantly endearing. Her dedication to her calling and her pious demeanor add to the illusion of righteousness. However, as the cracks in her facade begin to show, her likability plummets. Subtle hints of malice in her eyes, predatory touches, and chilling pronouncements gradually reveal the darkness beneath the surface, creating a sense of unsettling unease.
• Relatability: While not directly relatable in her demonic nature, Kyla’s initial struggle with faith and fear can resonate with viewers. Her internal conflict between piety and the lure of darkness can be seen as a metaphor for the battle between good and evil within each individual. This creates a sense of fascination and morbid curiosity, even as her actions become increasingly sinister.
• Empathy: Demonic Kyla’s true nature evokes a complex mix of emotions. The audience may feel a twisted empathy for her internal struggle, the fear and desperation that fuel her descent into darkness. However, this empathy is constantly challenged by her manipulative actions and the harm she inflicts on others. The audience may find themselves simultaneously drawn to her hidden darkness and repelled by its destructive consequences.

• Likability:
Initially High: Demonic Kyla is meticulously crafted to appear highly likable at first. Her attentive caregiving for Father Gill, her unwavering faith, and her gentle demeanor disarm suspicion. She may even be seen as a pillar of strength and devotion, earning the audience’s initial trust and admiration.
Cracks Appear: As the story progresses, subtle cracks in her facade emerge. A fleeting flicker of darkness in her eyes, a touch lingering too long on Father Gill’s hand, a hint of cruelty in her voice when speaking of the “demon” within him. These moments, though brief, create a growing sense of unease and suspicion, gradually chipping away at the initial likability.
Full Revelation: When her true nature is revealed, any remaining likability is shattered. The audience witnesses her descent into madness, her fanatical zeal replacing her feigned piety. This transformation can be terrifying and unsettling, showcasing the depths of her darkness and solidifying her as a chilling antagonist.
• Relatability:
Struggle with Faith: Demonic Kyla’s internal conflict between her faith and her demonic urges can be surprisingly relatable. Many viewers may have grappled with their own doubts and struggles within their belief systems, creating a point of connection even with such a monstrous character.
Hidden Darkness: The concept of a hidden darkness, a monster lurking beneath a seemingly normal exterior, can resonate with anyone who has felt conflicted or unsure of their own inner demons. This underlying fear of the unknown within ourselves can make Demonic Kyla a terrifying reflection of our own potential vulnerabilities.
Tragic Deception: The revelation that she has been possessed all along adds a layer of tragedy to her character. The audience may see her not just as a monster, but as a victim herself, manipulated by a powerful entity into becoming a pawn in a larger game. This complexity can elicit a twisted form of empathy, forcing viewers to grapple with the consequences of demonic influence and the loss of innocence.
• Empathy:
Limited Empathy: While Demonic Kyla may evoke some initial empathy due to her struggles and tragic backstory, it is important to maintain a healthy distance from her actions. Her manipulative nature, her willingness to harm others, and her embrace of darkness must not be condoned.
Empathy for the Deception: It is possible to feel empathy for the human Kyla who was possessed, the innocent girl who lost control of her own body and soul. However, this empathy should not overshadow the monstrous acts committed by Demonic Kyla, ensuring a clear distinction between the victim and the perpetrator.
Empathy for the Fallen: The audience may also experience a morbid fascination with Demonic Kyla’s descent into madness. Witnessing her fall from grace, her embrace of darkness, and her ultimate confrontation with Father Moore can be a captivating spectacle, even as it evokes a sense of horror and dread.

[Andrew Foerster]

Drew’s Character Profiles Part 1

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… That answering these simple questions make my characters so much more dimensional. I am learning things about them that I hadn’t realized.

CHARACTER: Emma
The High Concept: A couple meets after they were abducted by aliens and discover they share a unique psychic connection which pulls them to each other no matter how they fight it.
This character’s journey: From cynical about relationships to believing in true love.
The Actor Attractors for this character: 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.
Role in the Story: Protagonist / Love Interest
Age range and Description: 30s. A strong and fashionable businesswoman who is tough as nails.
Core Traits: ASSERTIVE, DEMANDING, AMBITIOUS, VULNERABLE, LOGICAL
Motivation; Want/Need: Emma wants to avoid emotional pain and protect herself from the potential hurt of failed relationships so she focuses on her career. Emma needs to confront and heal from her fear of abandonment and emotional vulnerability.
Wound: Deep cynicism and fear of emotional intimacy, largely stemming from her parents' divorce and subsequent relationships.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: Sense of humor. Great at what she does. Respected. Kind to people who deserve it. A very supportive friend.
Relatability: Extreme fear of failure. A woman in male dominated business. Family expectations to settle down. Falls in love for the first time.
Empathy: When Emma opens up about her insecurities and fears, particularly about love and trust, it creates a deep empathetic connection with Matt and the audience. A lot of pressure to succeed at work.

CHARACTER: Matthew
The High Concept: A couple meets after they were abducted by aliens and discover they share a unique psychic connection which pulls them to each other no matter how they fight it.
This character’s journey: From submissive to confident
The Actor Attractors for this character: 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.

Role in the Story: Protagonist / Love Interest
Age range and Description: 30s, intellectual nerd who follows his heart.
Core Traits: ROMANTIC, PERSISTANT, SKEPTICAL, CONCEALING, CHARMING
Motivation; Want/Need: Matt wants stability and normalcy. Matt needs to embrace the unpredictability and excitement of love, allowing himself to take risks and step out of his comfort zone
Wound: Was bullied by his mother and lacks self-confidence because of it.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: His self-deprecating sense of humor, particularly when he makes light of his own misfortunes, endears him to both Emma and the audience. He is also a positive thinker who is polite and kind.
Relatability: He’s not in love with his fiancée but is too afraid to tell her. He feels like life is passing him by. He falls in love and can’t stop thinking about Emma. He years for a magical love story.
Empathy: He gets bullied by his boss and by his fiancée. He struggles with his next career move. Fear he is making the wrong choice. Not knowing why, he woke up in a field. Fear he is going crazy and losing his mind.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 2 weeks ago by  Andrew Foerster.

[hari messer]

Hari’s CharacterProfiles, Part 1

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 … Character profiles help you become clear on whether your lead characters fit the story.

Character Name: Colt McBride (Protagonist)
A. The High Concept.
Colt McBride's investigation into a small town's mysteries leads him to a forbidden romance with a woman who's part alien, ultimately exposing a plot to conquer Earth using its own water.

B. This character’s journey.
From down and out suspended cop to confident, able to handle anything life throws his way, hero.
C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
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.

Role in the Story: Protagonist. Colt is not only investigating the water controversy but also seeking redemption for a past failure that led to his suspension. This covert goal drives him to push harder and take risks others might avoid.
Age range and Description: Late 20’s to mid 30’s, going on 50.. Colt is a rugged, weathered man with a fit build that speaks to his years as a big city cop.
Core Traits:Street Tough, Haunted, Broken Hearted, Angry
Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to be reinstated to the police force. Needs to open his heart again.
Wound: What they can’t face: Past Failure Leading to young person’s death.
Likability / Relatability / Empathy/Saves his K9 partner from Beck’s abuse/Screwed up at his job/His wife left him – for his best friend.

Character Name: Del Beck (Antagonist)
A. The High Concept.
Colt McBride's investigation into a small town's mysteries leads him to a forbidden romance with a woman who's part alien, ultimately exposing a plot to conquer Earth using its own water.

B. This character’s journey.
Remains leader of the aliens until the bitter end.
C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
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.

Role in the Story: Antagonist. Beck’s’s alien nature is his secret identity, which he skillfully conceals beneath his role as a powerful and respected sheriff.
Age range and Description: Late 30s to early 40s. Imposing figure with a commanding presence, his appearance radiates authority and control, masking the sinister intentions beneath his composed exterior.
Core Traits: Authoritative, Charismatic, Ruthless, Secretive
Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to conquer humanity so his race can take over the planet. Needs to shed his human skin, especially emotions.
Wound: What they can’t face: Loneliness and Betrayal of True Nature
Likability / Relatability / Empathy:Sophisticated and Charming/Power Struggle to Maintain Control/Hates his job. Counting down the days to “retirement.”

Character Name: Jamaica Daly
A. The High Concept.
Colt McBride's investigation into a small town's mysteries leads him to a forbidden romance with a woman who's part alien, ultimately exposing a plot to conquer Earth using its own water.

B. This character’s journey.
From Femme Fatale to Humanity’s savior.

C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
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.

Role in the Story: Triangle Character. Jamaica’s secret identity is that of an unknowing alien hybrid, a role she has yet to fully understand or embrace. This hidden layer drives much of her internal conflict and decision-making.
Age range and Description: Mid to late 20’s. Jamaica is an attractive woman with a polished, professional look.
Core Traits: Ambitious, Seductive, Conflicted, Manipulative
Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to know the truth about her husband’s death. Needs to know the truth about herself.
Wound: What they can’t face: Fear of Discovering Her True Identity
Likability / Relatability / Empathy: Protect her mother/Identity Crisis/Shock and Revelation when she discovers her alien heritage.

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

[Farrin Rosenthal]

Farrin Rosenthal’s Character Profiles Part 1

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 powerful character profiles. Doing so will help me create the perfect characters for my story. Great character profiles allow us to create the exact actions and dialogue that best express the essence of each of these unique characters.

The High Concept.
Devastated by her father’s brutal murder at the hands of a ruthless outlaw gang, a refined 19th-century college student joins her sorority sisters to form the “Shadows of Justice.” Together, they blend their unique skills and diverse backgrounds to pursue vengeance, justice, and redemption across the Wild West. To save the town, the three young women of the “Shadows of Justice” face the impossible goal of defeating 100 heavily-armed outlaws.

Character Name and Role: Eleanor “Rose” Turner – Protagonist

This character’s journey: Devastated by her father’s murder, Rose transforms from a refined college student into a determined avenger. She leads her sorority sisters in forming the “Shadows of Justice,” embracing her role as a leader and warrior as they seek vengeance and redemption across the Wild West.

The Actor Attractors for this character: This role would make an actor want to be known for it because it presents a dynamic transformation from a refined, educated young woman into a fierce, determined leader. The depth of her character, embodying both intellect and physical prowess, provides a rich canvas for showcasing an actor’s range and skill.
Rose is the heart of the story, embodying the themes of vengeance, justice, and redemption. Her journey from innocence to strength and her role as a leader who unites diverse skills and backgrounds make her the most compelling character. Her internal struggle with maintaining her humanity while seeking vengeance adds layers of complexity.

Role in the Story: Leader of the Shadows of Justice

Age range and Description: 21, blonde hair, striking blue eyes, innocent.

Core Traits: Intellectual, tenderfoot (inexperienced in wild west – fish out of water), leader, determined

Motivation; Want/Need: She wants vengeance and to bring her father’s killer to justice. She needs her family/mom.

Wound: Guilt she feels for going to school and not being there for her parents. Internal struggle to maintain her humanity, wanting to save lives not take them.

Likability: Doing heroic deeds and caring about her best friends.

Relatability: The struggles of college life and being a fish out of water in the wild west.

Empathy: Father is murdered and impossible feat of bringing the killer to justice.

Character Name and role: Calvin Stone – Antagonist

This character’s journey: Calvin Stone is the ruthless leader of an outlaw gang who stops at nothing to maintain control of the mining town he has overtaken. His journey is one of power and greed as he seeks to expand his influence and eliminate anyone who stands in his way.

The Actor Attractors for this character: An actor would want to be known for this role due to its complexity and the opportunity to portray a truly formidable villain. Calvin’s blend of ruthless ambition and calculated intelligence offers a rich character study.
Calvin is fascinating because he’s not just a typical outlaw; he’s a strategic thinker with a long-term vision for power. His cold, calculating nature and hidden depths, including his role as a pawn in a larger political game, make him intriguing.

Role in the Story: Leader of an outlaw gang who kills the Sheriff and takes control of a gold mining town.

Age range and Description: late 20s, extremely charismatic, dresses to impress.

Core Traits: Greed, clean-freak, cunning, ruthless.

Motivation; Want/Need: He wants power, control, and personal wealth at any cost. He needs respect.

Wound: Abandoned at birth by his mother, he desperately wants a family he never had.

Likability: Incredibly charismatic and tries to charm the Sheriff onto his side.

Relatability: Wants power, control, and to be rich. Hates dirt.

Empathy: Grew up poor without his birth mother.

[Tom Wilson]

Tom’s Character Profiles Part 1
My vision sees me cooperating with a producer so we are synchronized as much as possible.
Doing this assignment, to increase audience interest I set off each character against the others.

Scientist Sara Amed:
• High Concept: Sara’s frantic to find a cure for the disease afflicting her people and mother.
• Character’s journey: Scientist working primitive methods to a PhD candidate finding a cure.
• Actor Attractors for this character: She’s a kind woman desperate to save her people. She’s must break up with her true love Matt and become engaged to a disgusting man because it’s the only way she can get her PhD which enables her to find a cure for the deadly disease.
• Role in the Story: Protagonist who fears she won’t be able to cure the disease that afflicts her people and her mother.
• Age range and Description – Late 20s, attractive but serious minded
• Core Traits: Selfless, forever helping people
• Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to be a healer/Needs to find a cure
• Wound: She tearfully breaks up with Matt, hopes they will be together someday.
• Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Everyone connects with her almost immediately.

General Ratkin:
• High Concept: He must abandon the Afghans so he can become President.
• Character’s journey: A incompetent general who is elected to become an inept President.
• Actor Attractors for this character: He thinks he’s brilliant but he’s just the opposite. He watches kiddie porn, pays to have sex with children and doesn’t care what anyone thinks. He manipulates a scientist trying to save her people so he reaches his own selfish ends.
• Role in the Story: Antagonist who sacrifices the lives of hundreds of Afghans just so he can be elected President
• Age range and Description – Late 40s, common looking and thinking
• Core Traits: Selfish, vain, impatient
• Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to be elected President/Needs to be a much better person.
• Wound: His father gave up on him. Could not abide how selfish his son is.
• Likability, Relatability, Empathy: He is incapable of these feelings for anyone.

[Kristin Donnan]

KRISTIN’S CHARACTER PROFILES, PART 1
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: That although I “know these characters,” sometimes I have forgotten the details of the work I’ve already done to create them. Each lesson causes me to be reintroduced into a series of important aspects. We’ve been calling these aspect layers—and yes, they are layers—but also it’s as if the sun glints off them differently and I see another facet. And then another.

HIGH CONCEPT: When a dead woman is discovered on his property, a reclusive Plains rancher is forced into a highly publicized murder investigation, and he must untangle a labyrinth of crimes before his family’s secrets are exposed.

PROTAGONIST: JOHN
PROTAGONIST’S JOURNEY: John undergoes a transformational journey from a reclusive rancher bound by family loyalty to a conflicted individual torn between protecting his family and seeking justice—for the recent victim and for historical wrongs. Throughout the story, he grapples with his moral compass and the consequences of his choices.

ACTOR ATTRACTORS:
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? 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.
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.

PROFILE
1. ROLE IN THE STORY: A tortured soul who has always sacrificed his own goals to serve his family—and is faced with an “ask” that goes too far. By the end, he has chosen to save his life, both literally and figuratively.
2. AGE RANGE / DESCRIPTION: 50s, “rode hard” rancher.
3. CORE TRAITS: Stubborn, isolated, loyal, dependable
4. MOTIVATION: WANTS to do what’s best for the family. NEEDS: Connection / to belong / to be needed / to be seen and appreciated
5. WOUND: His dad labeled him as the “runt,” not his “real son,” the least of them, disposable.
6. LIKABILITY / RELATABILITY / EMPATHY
OPENING
• Likability: He is totally connected to the livestock on the ranch; gentle with calves (but not too gentle).
• Relatability: John is carrying on his mother’s wishes, taking care of the ranch for his siblings; “doing his duty.”
• Empathy: His work is hard; it’s 365 days a year. He just puts one foot in front of the other.
ONCE HE REALIZES THERE’S A PROBLEM
• Likability: He’s protective of his sister and family, even if some of the brothers don’t deserve it. Also, he’s honorable.
• Relatability: He mourns the loss of his mother; goes to her grave and “reports” to her; they used to be in this together.
• Empathy: We feel his fear, his loss of what his life will be without her. He both loves and hates the obligation for the family; he resents and defines himself by the role he plays.

ANTAGONIST: ZEKE
ANTAGONIST’S JOURNEY: Zeke's journey transforms him from a charming yet manipulative brother into a ruthless antagonist driven by deep-seated insecurities and ambition. As John's investigation closes in, Zeke's facade crumbles, revealing his willingness to betray his own family to protect his secrets. Ultimately, his desperate actions lead to his downfall, exposing the tragic consequences of his moral corruption.

ACTOR ATTRACTORS:
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.

PROFILE
1. Role in the Story: A person who represents the opposite of John’s moral compass, someone who is willing to ask anything, take anything for his own benefit—at the expense of the people who would sacrifice for him.
2. Age range and Description: late 40s, large stature, charismatic, blowhard
3. Core Traits: Selfish, manipulative, believes his own lies
4. Motivation; Wants what he thinks he deserves; Needs to prove himself / be seen as a player, or the “big guy”
5. Wound: No matter how hard he tried, never lived up to his dad’s “favored son” label
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Likability:
• Zeke is charismatic, a charmer, smooth—a salesman. We’re not sure we trust him, but he is easy to be around.
• Relatability: We might relate to his need to compete with the very competent John; realizing that Zeke is bigger and more handsome, seemingly more cultured…but just not as formidable. We can relate to this underdog.
• Empathy: We might feel a little sorry for Zeke, at first buying into his victim story. He’s one of those guys who talks about his high school football days as his highest moment.

TRIANGLE CHARACTER: CAROLINE
CAROLINE’S JOURNEY: Caroline evolves from the calm mediator in a chaotic family to a determined investigator risking her safety to uncover Zeke's deceptions, driven by unwavering loyalty to John and a fierce protective instinct. Her quiet strength and empathy shine through as she balances family loyalty with the pursuit of truth, culminating in a climactic confrontation that exposes Zeke's manipulations. Ultimately, Caroline's actions guide the family towards healing and closure, solidifying her role as their moral compass and emotional anchor.

ACTOR ATTRACTORS
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.

1. Role in the Story: Emotional and logistical touchstone for John, and moral compass for the story.
2. Age range and Description: 50s, smart, gentle, but no pushover
3. Core Traits: Deeply loyal, analytical, stubborn
4. Motivation; Wants peace / Needs to escape—or, better yet, end—the chaos and history of abuse
5. Wound: As the empath of the family, she saw and felt everything
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
• Likability: She pitches in, “does what she’s told” in a good-natured, team-playing way.
• Relatability: We see her “filling in the gaps,” “taking care” of people who have trouble admitting to their own feelings or needs.
• Empathy: She is in an impossible position; she cannot control these brothers, so it’s sort of like watching a train wreck.

[Dawn C Crouch]

Dawn Crouch’s Character Profiles Part 1

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

What I learned from this assignment is that if I write better than most, then I have a chance in the industry to be seen and heard.

Protagonist – James Fontenot

• A. The High Concept. – Hot shot corporate lawyer returns to boyhood home on the bayou to defend his father’s oyster beds from an aggressive oil company.

• B. This character’s journey. – Initially, James’s compassion is buried under his professional exterior. However, glimpses of his compassionate nature emerge as he begins to reconnect with his family and community. As he evolves, his compassion becomes a driving force, guiding his actions to not only fight for justice but also to support and uplift those around him

• C. The Actor Attractors for this character. – 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.

1. Role in the Story: Protagonist

2. Age range and Description: Late 30s to early 40s, with a sharp, professional appearance— short dark hair with some graying, penetrating hazel eyes, and a lean, athletic build. James’ physical transformation mirrors his internal journey as his profession polish gives way to the ruggedness of the Bayou.

3. Core Traits:
Ambitious
Detached (Emotionally Guarded)
Inquisitive (Curious)
Courageous and Loyal

4. Motivation; Want/Need: Want – Professionalism and External Validation/ Need – Authenticity and Acceptance

5. Wound: This wound can be the source of his drive for success, his estrangement from his father, and his eventual transformation. The chaos and loss of control in his early life, especially around the collapse of his father's career, drive James to seek control in his professional life.

6. Likability – James takes courageous stands against injustices, both in his corporate world and in the bayou. He is a supportive friend and ally

Relatability – Struggles with Identity; Unresolved dreams

Empathy: – Past Trauma, Moral dilemmas, facing rejection

Antagonist – Odette Carvel

• A. The High Concept. Explore Odette’s struggle to balance her ambitious career goals with her personal moral compass. This conflict between what she wants to achieve and what she believes in.

• B. This character’s journey. – Odette is under significant professional pressure, especially when her corporate duties clash with her personal ethics. She struggles to maintain her integrity in a demanding environment.

• C. The Actor Attractors for this character.- 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.

1. Role in the Story: Antagonist

2. Age range and Description: Early 30s. A Chameleon. While Odette’s appearance is polished and professional, there’s an underlying complexity to her. She has a way of adapting her look to fit the situation—whether she’s charming potential allies at a social event or presenting a formidable front in a legal confrontation.•

3. Core Traits:
Charismatic
Intelligent, sharp
Calculating

4. Motivation; Want/Need: Want – to be on top of her game/ Need – Sense of belonging

5. Wound: Moral awakening, realizing the impact of her actions on the bayou and its people.

6. Likability – Charming interactions and unexpected acts of kindness
Relatability – Balancing act between ambition and morality
Empathy – Personal losses and moments of isolation,

Triangle: Key player who connects the Protag and Antagonist – Enes Xavier Fontenot

• A. The High Concept. Playing a seemingly simple oyster fisherman Enes Xavier hides the soul of a renowned chef.

• B. This character’s journey. – Enes’s transforms from stoic resilience, deep-seated regret and shame over his past, to pride of his culinary achievements, and acknowledging the tender love he still holds for his estranged son.

• C. The Actor Attractors for this character. – Enes’s unique blend of culinary artistry and bayou resilience makes him a distinctive and unforgettable character.

1. Role in the Story: Triangle Character connecting Protagonist and Antagonist

2. Age range and Description: Late 50s to Early 70s – His hair is mostly grey, possibly with streaks of its original darker color, adding to his distinguished yet approachable look. It’s often tousled or windswept, indicative of someone who spends a lot of time outdoors. His weathered face is marked by deep lines and creases, but despite his age, there’s a vitality in his bearing.

3. Core Traits:
Passionate
Principled
Stubborn
Protective

4. Motivation; Want/Need: Ene’s want is to protect and preserve the oyster beds. His need is to reconcile with his son, James, and come to terms with his past, accepting vulnerability and forgiveness as strengths rather than weaknesses.

5. Wound: – His inability to save his wife, combined with the failure of his career, creates a profound sense of personal failure.

6. Likability – Generosity: Passionate about His Craft:

Relatability – Economic Challenges, Reluctance to Accept Help:

Empathy – Facing Injustice, Dealing with Guilt

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

[Rebecca Smith]

HOMEWORK – CHARACTER PROFILES

Becky's Character Profiles Part 1
Vision for success: I am an extraordinary writer – prolific, produced, profound, joyful, and well paid – who writes stories that entertain and inspire.
What I learned from doing this assignment is this process that I got stuck because I made it too hard on myself – too detailed. It was also a bit difficult to translate the lesson into the exercise. Once I got past that, I was able to enjoy the lesson.

GOLDSTRIKE

A. High Concept: Die Hard in a gold mine. An ex-Navy SEAL returns home for Christmas, but discovers that mercenary treasure hunters have invaded his peaceful town.
B. This Character's Journey:
• Daytona Fox (Protagonist): Daytona, a former Navy SEAL, confronts his past trauma and cultural identity while leading the defense against mercenaries, ultimately reconciling with his father and saving his town.
• Joe Crowe (Antagonist): Obsessed with finding treasure for redemption and revenge, Joe's journey unfolds in a desperate pursuit that challenges his morality and leads to unexpected connections with his son and former partner.
• Lisa Coi (Connecting Character): Lisa, the town librarian, historian, and single mother, navigates her complicated past with Joe while protecting her community's secrets and forging new alliances with Daytona against the mercenaries.

C. The Actor Attractor for this Character:
a. Daytona – Protagonist
Clash of Cultures: Daytona is a complex character with a mix of Native American 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 an indigenous 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. 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.
b. Joe – Antagonist: An actor can shine as a complex villain driven by obsession and a need for redemption, offering a multifaceted portrayal of desperation and cunning. Joe’s obsession with the gold, his dark past, and his relationship with Lisa and Ethan add layers of intrigue and moral ambiguity. Introduce Joe in a high-stakes negotiation scene, showcasing his charisma, intelligence, and ruthless determination. Joe experiences obsession, regret, charm, manipulation, and a desperate need for redemption, providing a wide emotional palette. The actor can play Joe’s hidden motives and inner turmoil, particularly his conflicted feelings about Lisa and Ethan. His strained relationship with Lisa, his attempts to connect with Ethan, and his rivalry with Daytona provide rich narrative tension. Joe’s voice is persuasive and commanding, often masking his inner desperation and obsession. Joe’s duality as both a charming manipulator and a desperate man on the edge makes him a uniquely compelling antagonist.
c. Lisa (Connecting Character): 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. Lisa’s blend of historical knowledge, personal stakes, and emotional resilience makes her a crucial and fascinating character. Researching and discovering the mine’s dark secrets, leading the townspeople in resistance, and navigating her complicated relationships with Joe and Daytona. Introduce Lisa giving a passionate speech about the town’s history, showcasing her deep connection to the community and her strength. Lisa’s emotional journey includes anger, determination, vulnerability, love, and betrayal, providing a rich emotional tapestry. The actor can play Lisa’s hidden pain and unresolved feelings towards Joe, as well as her growing feelings for Daytona. Her conflicted relationship with Joe, her protective and nurturing relationship with Ethan, and her budding romance with Daytona provide depth and complexity. Lisa’s voice is authoritative yet compassionate, reflecting her dual roles as a historian and a protector of her community. Lisa’s combination of intellectual strength, emotional depth, and personal stakes makes her a uniquely compelling character.
Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile for each of your lead characters.
1. Role in the Story:
a. Daytona Fox – Protagonist. Former Navy SEAL must overcome his guilt and PTSD to protect his town from mercenaries. In the end he becomes a courageous leader who has reconciled with his past and his father and saves the town.
b. Joe Crowe -Antagonist. An obsessed treasure hunter, his partner tried to kill him and left him for dead. Joe seeks the treasure for the power of revenge, but instead finds redemption and a new role as father to Ethan and co-parent with Lisa.
c. Lisa Coi -Triangle. Town librarian, historian, hobbyist wine-maker, she knows the gold mine and it's legends well, is an ally to Daytona and a foil to Joe. As Joe's ex, she can read him and anticipate his moves, which helps Daytona defeat him. Her role is to protect her son and her town.
2. Age range and Description:
a. Daytona: 40's. Former Navy Seal, buffed. Half Native American 1/2 white (Welsh).
b. Joe: 50's: Black Irish, charming, weathered – his treasure hunting has consumed him.
c. Lisa: 30's. Tanned Italian, sometimes wears her dark wavy hair tied back, piercing green eyes. Practical day dress, stylish evening attire, loves Carnival of Venice and opera.
3. Core Traits:
a. Daytona resourceful, perceptive, distrustful, brave
b. Joe: resilient, determined, haunted
c. Lisa: methodical, inquisitive, intelligent
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
a. Daytona:
i. Want: Stop the mercenaries and protect the town
ii. Need: Reconcile with his father, embrace his heritage/gifts, deal with his PTSD
b. Joe
i. Want: Find the treasure
ii. Need: Redeem himself
c. Lisa
i. Want: Protect the town
ii. Need: Protect the secret of the treasure
5. Wound:
a. Daytona: Abandonment, Guilt: he had a WSD that got killed on a mission
b. Joe: Betrayal
c. Lisa: Devastated by divorce and Joe leaving her

6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
a. Daytona
§ Likability: Daytona rehabs WSDs (Working Service Dogs) after their retirement to be ready to be rehomed to a veteran. He gives back to veterans (human and animal)
§ Relatability: Combat scars – he had a WSD that got killed on a mission.
§ Empathy: Daytona is a relatable everyman with vulnerabilities and sensitivities toward the planet and environment. Suffers from PTSD.
b. Joe
i. Likability: Joe has the black Irish charm – you can't help but like him even though you know you shouldn't.
ii. Relatability: Addicted to the hunt for treasure.
iii. Empathy: He was left to die by his partner. Can't trust anyone.
c. Lisa
i. Likability: Librarian helpful, always happy to share information &amp; answer questions.
ii. Relatability: When it comes to the town history, she's a walking Google.
iii. Empathy: Single mom with dreams of a better life. Multigenerational wine maker who's family estate was lost to the bank.

[Sylvia Krawczyk]

WIM+AI – Module 3 – Lesson 6: Character Profiles Part 1
Sylvia’s Character Profiles Part 1
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…The traits I pulled from what I have already written and they showed up there without me realizing it. I was able to define them here.

ASSIGNMENT
With each of your lead characters, first tell us the following:
A. The High Concept.
Title: Identity Crises
Genre: Romantic Thriller
Concept: An artist's unexpected reunion with her first love reveals mutual passion that turns to sinister betrayal leading to a crises that unravels her life.
Main Conflict: The woman she falls for steals her identity when she’s given credit for artwork to help her get her life back on track.

B. This character’s journey.
– **Hope’s Transformation**:
Through the intense opposition from Joy and Will, Hope evolves from a passive, guilt-ridden artist into a confident, assertive woman who reclaims her identity. The external pressures from Joy’s manipulation and Will’s betrayal catalyze her internal transformation.

– **Joy’s Manipulation**:
Joy’s character evolves from an emotional seducer into a full-fledged antagonist, stealing Hope’s creative identity. Her rise in the art world, built on Hope’s talent and Will’s knowledge of Hope, represents the ultimate betrayal when she turns on both of them.

– **Will’s Betrayal**:
Will’s affair with Michael and subsequent divorce proceedings create a two-front conflict for Hope, emotionally and financially draining her. His role as an absentee husband becomes an active force of opposition when he seeks to take her assets in the divorce and with Joy’s help.

C. ACTOR ATTRACTORS
Lead Character Names: 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.
Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile for each of your lead characters.
1. Role in the Story:
2. Age range and Description:
3. Core Traits:
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
5. Wound:
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
These are the first six Character Profile items. In Lesson 7, we’ll add five more parts. Notice that you’ve already completed #6, so you can just fill that in.
NOTE: These full Character Profiles are just for the lead characters. We’ll use a different model for the supporting characters.

UNDERSTANDING THE COMPONENTS
As you read these explanations, take them one at a time and just fill in what comes to you about your lead characters.
1. Role in the Story:
HOPE: Protagonist: The primary character with the biggest arc.
JOY: Antagonist: The opposition that forces the protag to change.
WILL: Triangle: Key player who connects the Protag and Antag.
Lead Characters =
Character: Protagonist: Hope
Logline: A well-known artist, Hope, is unhappily married to Will.
Unique: Hope is guilt filled that she respects yet does not love her husband. She’s still in love with Joy.

Character: Antagonist: Joy is Hope’s old classmate.
Logline: Full of life, Joy is an art curator.
Unique: Joy was Hope’s first love in High School and Will’s best buddy from College.

Character: Antagonist-Third Wheel: Will is Hope’s husband.
Logline: Will is a family lawyer that avoids responsibilities with his wife, Hope.
Unique: Will is secretly having an affair with Hope’s brother as he helps Joy.

2. Age range and Description:
Age Range: Give us a simple way to get an idea of the character’s age.
Description: A simple version of what they look like that fits who they are. Don’t go overboard detailing out everything about them. This is big picture only.
Hope: 40’s, athletic, flawless skin, glasses to read and do close-up artwork which shows she needs help,—uses hands a lot when excited, disheveled long hair, usually up, always wears her sparkling wedding band. Has a bright sparkling personality by nature. Has a quick wit when needed.
Joy: 40’s, tall, dirty-blonde, bombshell. Very feminine, larger than life in attitude and attire. High heels, sophisticated yet simple clothing. A tom-boy athletic physic that is not afraid to pummel an ill-placed sycophant. She has hidden tattoos that peep out.
Will: 40’s, Expensive, tight, Italian suits, well shaven/groomed, wears a heel to accentuate his height, medium length hair that needs a good trim due to thinning, a few too many gold jewelry pieces. He has a perfect completion with a scare on his face to show his imperfection. Pooch-dad body with slight belly. He forgets to wear his wedding band. Goes from calm to drama-king at odd times.
3. Core Traits:
These are the three or four main CHARACTERISTICS of the character. They are expressed in both action and dialogue. Most important, they show up every time the character shows up. Express these in one or two words. Each trait is different than the others and the four together make up the majority of how that character shows up.
These traits are the CORE of the character.
Hope: Wife/Artist
Core Traits:
Depressed
Latent Competitive
Survivor
Romantic

Joy: Art Curator/Will’s Ex-Fiancé
Core Traits:
Con Artist
Competitive
Predator
Power Hungry

Will: Husband/Joy’s Ex-Fiancé
Core Traits:
Proud
Competitive
Manipulative
Charming
4. Motivation; Want/Need:
Characters have something they want — their goal — and something they need — their internal requirement to be okay. Often, the two are opposing.
These two drive their actions. Let’s say a character has a goal of getting a woman to marry him, but he needs freedom. That guy would take different actions than a man who needs security or needs respect or needs to be dominant. Same goal with different need = very different actions and conflicts.
Hope
• Want: To be in a loving relationship.
• Need: To be in control of her own destiny and her authentic artistic self.
Joy
• Want: To gain control over Hope’s art and financial assets.
• Need: To be seen as important and powerful.
Will
• Want: To gain control over Hope’s art and financial assets.
• Need: To prove himself to Michael that he is more than a pretty face.
5. Wound: What they can’t face:
Here, you’re looking for that deep seated and unresolved emotional injury that continues to haunt the character. The fear or outcome that would be their worst nightmare. Often, it is the thing they’ll have to face to achieve their goal.
Hope
• Abandonment. She was abandoned at an art festival when she was a small child.
Joy
• Losing everything. She grew up poor in an alcoholic home environment.
Will
• Bullied. He was bullied as a child for being chubby.
6. Likability, Relatability, Empathy (from Lesson 5)
This is three different ways to have audiences connect with the characters.
Likability: Have them do things that make us feel good about them.
Relatability: Put them in universal experiences that the audience has experienced in their lives.
Empathy: Put the character in distressful situations that have us worry about them or feel for their pain.
Brainstorm one or more ways you can present your Protagonist through each of these:
HOPE
• Likability: She is easy going, creative, caring and fun.
• Relatability: She has strong self-doubts about her abilities.
• Empathy: She is stuck in a dead-end relationship.

Give us one or more ways that your Antagonist(s) could be presented through each of these:

Joy
• Likability: She is funny and quick witted in a self-assured way.
• Relatability: She is ambitious and keeps messing up.
• Empathy: (We think) she’s in love.
Will
• Likability: He is handsome and charming.
• Relatability: He over compensates due to his self-doubts.
• Empathy: He is confused with who he is expected to be and who he really is.

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