Hi I haven't posted in a while, but I have a question that I struggle with. Let's say you have a character with a minor role, lets say for example the pizza delivery guy. He doesn't bring anything to the movie, but deliver the pizza. Does he need a character description? Another example woman is stuck in traffic, the scene is about her and the traffic, does the traffic cop that gets the traffic to move a character description or is it unnecessary?
If I can add a question to this, in a flashback, how do I set the scene? I understand I have to state it's a flashback, I'm more wondering about the description of the surroundings. Is it a necessity, or can I just describe the action? I am eagerly awaiting your input.
I have problems with this sometimes. My writing partner is of the belief that everyone needs to have some description. Instead of giving them a name like "Waitress 1" or
"Cop 2", he'll name the BG character with a name that's a descriptor. Example: if the waitress has beehive hairstyle, he might name her "Waitress Bee" or if the cop smokes cigars "Cop Cigarillo". As you read, if it doesn't pull you out of the story then anything is okay. At the very least I try to show: gender, age, style -or- attitude.
As far as incorporating Flashbacks this is a good website that talks about it (writing format near the bottom of the blog post):
https://www.scriptreaderpro.com/how-to-write-a-flashback-in-a-script/
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Flashback is just like a normal scene. Do everything you need to get what is being seen across to the reader.
No description other than the basics (important).
PIZZA GUY, 20, White as many pimples as brain cells.
TRAFFIC COP
We all know what they look like.
This is how I would do it.
Nathan Mccoy thank you for the referral to the article. I found it very insightful.
Craig D Griffiths , thanks that helps a lot. I think I want the script to read to much like a novel, but that would help so much.
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Nathan Mccoy the reason I don’t give all characters names is I don’t want the reader to concentrate on them. If a reader is waiting for the character to come back and they don’t, perhaps it would be distracting or annoying. Visually they would be in the background and the viewer would forget them in a second. I want the same effect in the read.
Nick Assunto - Stage 32 Script Services Coordinator thank you for the input. I like that idea. I may just go with that. Creative descriptive name, here I come
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Hi Surina,
In my opinion and experience, THE PIZZA GUY doesn't need a description. But in order to keep your reader engaged and add to your story, I would describe his actions while delivering.
For example: THE PIZZA GUY approaches the door with trembling hands, and a toothless smile.
The same goes for THE TRAFFIC COP.
For example: In the middle of an intersection, and as sharp as a military militant, THE TRAFFIC COP finally blows his whistle allowing traffic to flow yet again.
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If the audience sees the character, he/she needs a description (even minor) so that the Director and the Casting Director can do their jobs (wardrobe too).
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Bingo! Luemisher James ... I totally agree, let minor characters' (who're inconsequential to the plot), ACTIONS "add" to the scene ... their appearance (again ... unless their appearance is important to the scene/plot) would likely be decided by the director, and/or casting.
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Here's some advice from Format guru David Trottier:
... "some minor characters and all characters with no speaking parts should be referred to in terms of their function or characteristics or both. For example, if you have three technicians who only appear in one scene, refer to them as GRUFF TECH, SEXY TECH, SHY GEEK, and so on."
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I agree with Robert Puleo . That was what an editor that worked on 3 of my scripts told me to do. Happy writing!
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Agreed. Trottier's Bible
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I'd also recommend reading some of William Goldman's screenplays. He writes almost like a novel at times but then stretches the "rules" of screenplay writing. However, reading his pros never pulls you out of the story (my opinion): Princess Bride is one of my favs: https://sfy.ru/?script=princess_bride
also an example of flashback (or nightmare) and his structure is very simple:
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well.... I thought that pic was gonna get bigger if you clicked it. My apologies. I was showing the spot where Buttercup has a nightmare of the old woman scorning her at Prince Humperdink's castle.
thank you all very much for your input, it is much appreciated.
If he means nothing to the story why even have it? A prop-assistant can hand over pizza behind half-opened door.
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Do what the couple of dozen screenplays that you read before attempting to write one did.