I often struggle with this. I can come up with some good strong characters, but that's about half the time. I'm trying to move on a Tv pilot I wrote years ago. It's close to as good as I'll get it at this stage and I am aware where it needs work, but the characters aren't all sitting right and I've been stuck on them for years. So now I am thinking that I should amalgamate two of the characters, but struggling which ones and what personality types I am left with. It's REALLY important, that with comedy, I get the balance right for maximum conflict ergo comedy drama. I just can't see the forest for the trees and yes I have put this script away for two years and I still just can't see what's best anymore. Please don't suggest those things where you write what they like or don't etc. They don't help me much at all. Maybe there's a good script editor or whatever who has a strength in comedy. As I write this I think I might need someone else's eyes. Suggestions? I have got to make this right and move it on. I must get over this hump.
Screenwriting : Character development. by Cherie Grant
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craig.griffiths@askfindbuy.com. Email me, I'll send you my book. Has some tools that may help.
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I share your pain, Cherie. Character development is tough per se, and comedy is the toughest one to write for me. Interesting to see what the veterans say. I can only suggest you to read chapter 13 of Linda Seger "Making a good script great" and see if her analysis of character functions can help. Best of luck with it.
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I agree with Martina...I use that book and it really is helpful...also you say your characters aren't sitting right....have you taken time to flesh them out?...get to know who they are....not suggesting a long drawn out bio for each but a few lines to tell you what type of characters they are...that might help to know what they might say or do in certain situations. Or maybe just push thru the first draft no matter how bad you might feel it is....just get it done....take a break from it.....THEN go back with fresh eyes and work on dialog or scenes.
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What's odd for me is I only know the basics of a character when I start writing and I get to know them better as they become injected in scenes and react and talk, etc. so by the end, the character is "more full" meaning not only have they evolved during the script but I need to go back and redo their character throughout the script as many times they don't start with the unique voice they have at the end.
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When I first started writing "seriously," I'd do detailed character outlines - the way so many books and people tell you to - and it was terrible. I felt so constrained, and was constantly wondering, "Would my character do/say that?" Now I do what Chad said.
Have you tried writing grocery lists, resumes, and the like as though you were those characters? How about writing scenes/dialogue exchanges outside of your script - like with a doctor, preacher, whatever?
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It sounds like you have got yourself into a pickle. I would send it to a professional like Jen Grisanti or another industry pro who is not afraid to get there fingers wet. When all else fails "Kill Your Darlings?" What do you mean they are not sitting right? Warm Regards, RJN "Write on!"
Spend as much time with your characters as possible. They get to tell you more about them that way. And you can learn how to honor and respect their contribution in the story very well. Dont lose a unique characteristic about them that could contribute to story.