I was doing research on a few earlier scripts and found that they have a section for the Cast of Characters. This gives descriptions of each character, not fully detailed. I understand that when pitching the script/project, we would describe the character as a "insert actor name" type. Not suggesting that the character should be played by a specific actor or actress. Is that "Cast of Characters" still used today in scripts? Would it be best to place in the script?
Screenwriting : Cast of Characters by Kiara Cortes
Other topics in Screenwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
2 people like this
Don't include a cast or list of characters in a script. The script is not the place for that.
1 person likes this
Plays have a Cast of Characters page, but films don't.
1 person likes this
You're right, Bill, stageplays but not screenplays.
1 person likes this
I've heard that some agents or managers might ask a writer's opinion as to who who might be cast for a given role. But what they're really asking is, how well do you know the industry?
1 person likes this
In order to show their story, you must know and understand each character. Somewhere along the process, you will/must/should develop the character bios. They may morph over the course of the story (can you say character arc?).
Okay, thank you everyone. Yes, I was thinking about just keeping their bios in a little folder for when the process begins. I won't be adding the bios to the script.
1 person likes this
It's great that you have bios on your characters. It helps to flesh them out better, and can lead to understanding them better and making them more three-dimensional. Pairing opposing emotions makes characters more complex, too. After all, we are loaded with these bi-polar emotions that emanate from our brains, and can make us sinners and saints, and sometimes at the same time. Heh-heh. Mood + Affect + Cognitive Control. Make them complex!
Good Luck and Happy Writing, Kiiiiiiiii-ara!
1 person likes this
Just my two cents. If it's for TV, you will need those Character Bios. It's part of your "leave behind." It's not added to the script (until it gets made then it's on the first page), but very useful to keep your characters true throughout the series.
For feature scripts, good to know your characters but not added to the script.
1 person likes this
I read an article recently (sorry, I don't have the link) that suggested interviewing your main characters. Put yourself in the character's shoes. I found this to be helpful in understanding my characters. In fact, I did two interviews of my main character before the story starts and after the story ends - it yielded a more clear arc for the story.
1 person likes this
For me, characters are defined by the story and grow along with it. It depends on how you prefer to work. I write the script first and do the bios afterwards - usually only if required by a producer.
I don't write bios.
Thank you all so much :)