How to Write Characters’ Introductions — A Character’s Most Important Scene

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Writing Character Introductions — We look at the best ways to introduce your characters that your audience won't forget any time soon.


How to Write Character Introductions ►►
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Great Character Introductions
00:48 - What makes a Character Intro Good?
02:34 - Chapter 1: Character Traits
04:37 - Chapter 2: Their Look
07:42 - Chapter 3: Their First Line
12:26 - Chapter 4: Their First Action
16:29 - Takeaways

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HOW TO WRITE A CHARACTER INTRODUCTION

We all now the truism that first impressions are everything. This carries over to characters too. How an audience is introduced to a character colors how they will perceive them for the rest of the movie. A filmmaker can then build on these expectations, or subvert them. But it all starts with their entrance.

HOW TO WRITE CHARACTERS' INTRODUCTION IN THE SCRIPT

The character’s introduction begins in the screenplay, where the writer gives the audience its first impression. This description is often brief but crucial. Writers will often highlight key traits such as age, demeanor, or defining characteristics, while leaving room for the actor's interpretation. Screenplay descriptions can help shape casting decisions and give directors cues for the character’s look and presence on screen.

CHARACTER INTRO LOOKS

When a character appears for the first time on screen, how they look says a lot about who they are. This includes their clothing and body language, as well as how they're framed by the camera. A well-thought-out appearance can tell the audience if a character is confident, sloppy, wealthy, or struggling. The director, costume designer, and cinematographer collaborate to ensure that the character's visual introduction packs a punch.

INTRODUCING CHARACTERS WITH DIALOGUE

A character's first line of dialogue is crucial in conveying their personality and role. Whether it's a snappy remark, a shy introduction, or a commanding order, the way they speak reveals how they want to be perceived or what motivates them. The tone, choice of words, and even the silence before speaking are all tools to shape how the audience reacts to them.

CHARACTER INTRODUCTIONS THROUGH ACTION

A character’s first action often solidifies their personality and place within the story. Their behavior immediately reveals something about their role in the narrative. An action can define courage, fear, kindness, or aggression, and it creates an immediate emotional connection with the audience. A character who rescues someone in their first scene is perceived differently from someone who stumbles into danger.

A great character introduction can get an audience fully invested in your movie. No matter what twists and turns you have coming, they're committed to following you character.


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♬ SONGS USED:

“The Gap” - Mark Mancina
“Senate Meeting” - John Debny
“Hell On Earth” - Zilgi
“Jurassic Park” - John Williams
“Sin City” - Robert Rodriguez
“Let’s Stay Together “- AL Green
“Pennsylvania Polka - Frank Yankovic
“Raiders Theme” - John WIlliams
“Stand By Me Theme” - Jack Nitzsche
“What Have We Done To Each Other?” - Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
“Hello, Goodbye” - The Beatles
“Beetlejuice Theme” - Danny Elfman
“Chinatown Suite” - Jerry Goldsmith
“Meeting ET” - John Williams
“Eyes Wide Shut Theme” - Dmitri Shostakovich
“White Rabbit” - Jefferson Airplane
“Monkey Men” - George S. Clinton
“Mean Girls” - Rolfe Kent
“Prelude Xanadu” - Snow Picture
“Terminator Theme” - Brad Fiedel
“Dead Already” - Thomas Newman
“Blood Trails” - Carter Burwell
“Alone in Kyoto” - Air
“Slaughterhouse” - Powermad
“Sabotage” - The Beastie Boys

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