Hi Guys, I have a character who makes an appearance at the beginning of my script with a distinguishing facial scar. However, he doesn't properly get introduced until later on. Do I initially write the scene with his actual name or leave it until later on when the audience will recognise him from the facial scar? Thanks in advance!
Screenwriting : To name or not to name a character :-) by Amelia Fergusson
To name or not to name a character :-)
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Go ahead and name him at the beginning so the readers remember later on.
Thanks Christopher :-)
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If the scar is going to be used in the plot you should point it out as soon as the character appears. That will help whoever is directing it to see what you're trying to do.
If you look at the script for The Fugitive, the Sykes character (the villain who murdered Kimble's wife) isn't actually named until Kimble finds him. In the murder scene he is simply referred to as "the man", then the "One-Armed Man" once Kimble discovers the intruder has a prosthetic arm. I assume this was written this way to keep the mystery of the killer's identity a secret until Kimble finds him (using a directory from a hospital). We don't know that the name "Sykes" is the culprit until Kimble searches his apartment and finds a photo of Sykes with Dr. Lentz. Short version, I think if it suits your plot - as in there is a reason to conceal his name early on - then do so. Otherwise naming him up front is probably best.