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Amateur vs. Pro Character Description Examples: Learn How to Hook the Reader | Script Reader Pro 

Script Reader Pro
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Far too often, aspiring writers’ character descriptions involve mundane activities, accompanied by a list of personality traits and/or physical attributes, which doesn’t pique the reader’s interest.
In this video, we’ll show you how to transform a basic description to a professional level character introduction that immediately hooks the reader.
Here’s what’s coming up:
• What makes a great description: interesting action, show vs. tell, the flaw.
• A comparison of amateur and pro samples from different genres.
• The “exception” to the rules. What works about the description and why.
Over to You:
• Ask yourself, how can I introduce my characters in an engaging way?
• Study great character descriptions. Compare your script. Practice!
• What do you think of our methods outlined in this video?
Let us know in the comments section below the video.
Resources:
• You can read and download and read The Best 20 Script Examples here:
• DRAMA: www.scriptread...
• COMEDY: www.scriptread...
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17 май 2021

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Комментарии : 82   
@moshecallen
@moshecallen Год назад
Just had the channel recommended to me by the algorithm. I write books, not screenplays. The idea of how to introduce a character carries over. Subscribed.
@SaintDouglas
@SaintDouglas 6 месяцев назад
Briana is simply brilliant. I feel like my writing IQ goes up 10 points after watching one of her videos. And I appreciate the brevity of them as well.
@joyvastola4654
@joyvastola4654 3 года назад
Love it. I guess Scott isn't the only talented one over at Script Reader Pro!
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Yes, we are so excited to have Briana on our team!
@syedarizvi7290
@syedarizvi7290 Год назад
I saw other videos for showing descriptions but this video was the only one that was helpful! And not only did you give me good advice, you *showed* me what looks good and what doesn't. Thank you so much! Also the way you spoke was very interesting and I was engaged the whole time
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles Год назад
Hi Syeda, thanks for the wonderful feedback! We're happy you found the video helpful. Please subscribe for new videos and check out the ones we have already posted for more screenwriting tips!
@TomShawCCP_Prez
@TomShawCCP_Prez 3 года назад
What I appreciate about SRP videos is the succinctness. They aren't 30, 45, 60 minute or longer videos. I just finished this one between meetings. I have used your services 3 times and have always come away 5 star satisfied. With these videos I think you have stepped it up another notch and if there was a way to pair the videos with, I am sure you have, corresponding blog post that would be fantastic.
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Hi Tom, thank you for your kind note and for using our script services. Our goal is to be as clear, concise, yet detailed as possible. The videos are based on existing blog posts, so your request has been heard! You can read the blog version of this video here: www.scriptreaderpro.com/character-description-examples/
@erinneal9786
@erinneal9786 3 года назад
This was a very helpful little video. I use all of the "rules" you demonstrate, but you put it so neatly. Thanks!
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Thanks for the kind feedback Erin!
@leilaj
@leilaj 3 года назад
really helpful. thanks!
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Thank you for watching! Yes, the way you introduce characters can really make a difference in the way the audience perceives them. For any genre!
@oscarlopezruffy
@oscarlopezruffy 3 года назад
great-job-guys!!!
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Glad you enjoyed the video Oscar!
@MrRicardowill
@MrRicardowill 3 года назад
This video was very helpful and expertly done. Thank you.
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
We appreciate your feedback Ricardo!
@BlabbermouthRex
@BlabbermouthRex Месяц назад
There's nothing wrong with the lead-in descriptions as long as you introduce those two characters during interactions. There are many ways to describe a character and one effective method is by having them >show< you who they are by their behaviour, instead of narration >telling< you without that behaviour. You can't ignore the many coloured ways we artists write.
@onuohaudochukwu6180
@onuohaudochukwu6180 3 года назад
Thanks sharing. I have to take mine more seriously
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Every word counts!
@writestuffla
@writestuffla 3 года назад
Fantastic and I love the energy and the passion from the host.
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Thanks for the great feedback Jim!
@NIKONGUY1960
@NIKONGUY1960 Год назад
Time to level up my descriptions. Never thought about some of what you mentioned.
@carolineweaver5364
@carolineweaver5364 3 года назад
Helpful! Thanks!
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Our pleasure Caroline. Stay tuned for more weekly videos!
@samallport5549
@samallport5549 9 дней назад
Great vid, thank you :)
@tonylogan6442
@tonylogan6442 11 месяцев назад
Great video!
@PolarisBanks
@PolarisBanks Месяц назад
Great video
@Britton0932
@Britton0932 Год назад
This video doesn’t make any sense because - you have a guy sitting on a couch and then a guy who gets caught stealing fencing. The 2 situations are not comparable. You should do that like this: Lou is a mid 30s white make wearing jeans, a flannel shirt and a trucker’s hat. He cuts some of the chain-link fence and puts it into his car trunk. Just then, a vehicle shines its lights and a security guard steps out. That’s an average intro that a new writer would think of as good, but it is not when compared to the actual example. The same is true for the lunch and then the sex example. The musician is pretty good, but even that one only tells us that he’s an alcoholic pill popper. If it would have said, “…..and he staggers past the velvet side-stage curtains on onto the stage in front of thousands of fans.”
@spikedart9323
@spikedart9323 10 месяцев назад
Fantastic explanation. That is what I was looking for. Now I need to find a place where I can find more good examples to digest. Maybe you know where I should look?
@Matt_Mosley1983
@Matt_Mosley1983 2 года назад
Maybe I missed something, but these scenes take place in completely different locations and aren't different ways of writing the same thing (which is what this is supposed to be about) 2:26 (my version) *INT. TINY APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT* *A scruffy looking, skinny (but handsome) LOUIS 'LOU' BLOOM (26) is sitting on the couch watching TV with a microwave meal for one.* *After a moment of viewing television, Lou's attention is taken away from the TV as he HEARS the sound of a car outside. The headlights of the vehicle soon shine through the window and crawl across the walls before coming to a stop as the car parks.* *Lou stands to take a look, curiously.* The way one can introduce a character is near limitless... But if your character isn't a burglar and is just a from-home weed dealer, then you don't go out of your way to make him sound so much more than he is. The two Lou's here seem very different. 5:47 Annie is NOT showing us that she's trying to get together with a guy who isn't interested romantically interested in her, the SCENE you watched does that. All this script scene description set up does is tell you who the main character is and what (who) she's doing. Nothing about her personality is revealed other than she's a person who has sex...like most people. Separate the scene set up from what you saw happen IN the movie. 😉
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 2 года назад
Thanks for your insight!
@asamoahemmanuel8542
@asamoahemmanuel8542 Год назад
That's a great insight thanks
@guypridy7447
@guypridy7447 2 года назад
Thanks for this, my character descriptions went from blah to BANG!
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 2 года назад
That's great to hear, Guy!
@JacxonLRyan
@JacxonLRyan Год назад
Thank you for this video. I tend to me 'long winded' so I tend to keep character descriptions as bare bones as possible, and it didn't occur to me that it doesn't have to be... as long as the description serves the character with as much (or little) info as possible I did want to ask you about horror though, every video Ive ever watched on writing horror, says your protagonist must be flawed in some way. From teens having sex in the woods (Friday the 13th) or Laurie Strode being naive about the world and shy having to find her inner strength to fight for her life (Halloween), do you think having a flaw in horror screenplays make for a better horror script?
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles Год назад
Hi Jax, thanks for watching the video! In general, the more three dimensional you can craft your character, the more you can make a genre film (like horror) stand out. That's why characters are often given flaws although not a requirement. For example, you can also highlight their trauma which isn't necessarily a flaw, but it shapes their perspective on life and the situation they're in. Think of SPLIT as an example. Hope that helps!
@publictheband_edits40
@publictheband_edits40 2 года назад
Thank you, this really helps! :) By the way, may I ask if you can post next time a topic about RARE ADJECTIVES used to describe the characters? Thank you!!
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 2 года назад
Thanks for watching and the suggestion -- we'll pass it along to our team!
@gmamalee6588
@gmamalee6588 2 года назад
thanks this is very helpful
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles Год назад
Glad to hear that!
@f.earless.
@f.earless. Год назад
Really great stuff, thank you!
@milomazli
@milomazli Год назад
Thank you, beautiful! I gained a different perspective here. Thank you!
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles Год назад
Glad to hear it!
@BrandonFarley
@BrandonFarley 11 месяцев назад
Great video. This is a really informative channel for aspiring screenwriters. Really well done. But no uploads for 6 months? I would love to know all the unconventional formatting tips that aren't necessarily covered in the Screenwriter's Bible.
@dreal500
@dreal500 6 месяцев назад
Good tips, but to be fair when you read professional screenplays they are pretty vague about character descriptions. It really depends on the writer. Also your character is revealed to the audience over the course of the film not just in the first 15mins. Also your actors tend to flesh out your characters for you. They go in more depth to make the character their own.
@MrTonystar1
@MrTonystar1 2 года назад
Sweat licks at my fingers, moisture robbed from my tongue, as I pummel my laptop's keys and write, "Great job!"
@onethdasanayake3689
@onethdasanayake3689 3 года назад
This channel is so underrated
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Glad you find all of the videos helpful Oneth! We will be posted a new video tomorrow morning, Pacific Standard Time. Stay tuned for it!
@onethdasanayake3689
@onethdasanayake3689 3 года назад
@@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles Sure!
@asamoahemmanuel8542
@asamoahemmanuel8542 Год назад
Please is this best suited when introducing the charcater for the first time ?
@reedaffolter2429
@reedaffolter2429 3 года назад
Excellent! Very helpful.
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Glad you enjoyed!
@GROOVYEG
@GROOVYEG 5 месяцев назад
I'm sorry, but- you are gorgeous. Please. Please, teach me all about screenwriting. Lou's character description comes so far down the page though. My only problem with it
@markconstable100
@markconstable100 3 года назад
Brilliant - Thank you.
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
It's our pleasure Mark!
@christopherortiz9330
@christopherortiz9330 3 года назад
Excellent. Thanks.
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Glad you found the video helpful Christopher!
@digitdude1375
@digitdude1375 Год назад
I like the editing!
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles Год назад
Glad to hear it!
@mariaiacuele9900
@mariaiacuele9900 3 года назад
Thanks so much!
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 2 года назад
You bet!
@junkybabes
@junkybabes 3 года назад
Nice upload, cheers x
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Thank you for watching!
@garyjones3896
@garyjones3896 3 года назад
This was super helpful
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Thanks for the feedback Gary, glad you found it helpful!
@marydavis8012
@marydavis8012 Год назад
Do you have any recommendations on books or exercises on how to show don't tell better? I can write dialogue pretty good but when it comes to action....my brain goes blank! I feel like my action is lacking action and sounds more like an essay. Lol
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles Год назад
Hi Mary! Here's a blog post of screenwriting books we recommend: www.scriptreaderpro.com/the-best-screenwriting-books/ and on show vs. tell: www.scriptreaderpro.com/show-dont-tell-screenwriting/. We have plenty more articles on our website too. Stay inspired and happy writing!
@behindthesmoke5692
@behindthesmoke5692 2 года назад
Incredible
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 2 года назад
thanks for watching!
@geoffhoutman1557
@geoffhoutman1557 Год назад
Thanks Briana, great video. I have a question about Race. Should we include that in character description? I tend to think of characters that can be any race, it’s up to casting to decide that, there may be reasons relating to Story where some characters need to be race identified, but generally I dont. Should I?
@eds7343
@eds7343 7 месяцев назад
I don't know if you got your answer to your question already, your reply was 6 months ago. I just listened to a video stating that usually readers tend to associate characters as caucasian if a race is not specified in the description. The three ways he mentioned was: 1. Straight out use the race. 2. Use a name implying race. 3. Use wardrobe to imply race - he tends to avoid the 3rd option. His channel is Big Red Stripe.
@geoffhoutman1557
@geoffhoutman1557 7 месяцев назад
@@eds7343 Oh Jake, yeah he's cool. Thanks for the reply! G
@simbarashechinowaita
@simbarashechinowaita 3 года назад
thanks
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
It's our pleasure!
@calikkaan
@calikkaan 2 года назад
Why are subtitles not available?
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 2 года назад
Hi Kaan, we will make these available in the future. Thanks for pointing it out!
@user-ym7hw5ee7l
@user-ym7hw5ee7l 2 месяца назад
did you fired your colorist?
@ladonnasims1756
@ladonnasims1756 3 года назад
So we're NOT to describe the character anymore? Just plop the reader behind the camera to watch the character in action. Okay...I got it!
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 3 года назад
Character descriptions can certainly be tricky. The goal is to make the most engaging introduction to your character as possible. However, what's most important is for it to feel organic to the character, story, tone and genre. That's why we wanted to incorporate a bunch of different examples and "rule breakers." Thanks for watching!
@partridge9698
@partridge9698 Год назад
Terrible sound quality; cannot understand what she's saying. And there are no sub-titles. Very poor.
@HonestArttsEntertain
@HonestArttsEntertain 2 года назад
Great video
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles
@ScriptReaderProLosAngeles 2 года назад
Thanks for watching!
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