A Writer’s Recipe For Great Characters

All PostsMost Popular PostsScreenwriting
Written By Amy Suto
 
Becca tapert mDOGXiuVb4M
 

I'm a sassy writer who gets no sleep and cooks more often than your grandmother. So here's a recipe for creating great characters in six steps!

Step #1: Preheat oven to 180 degrees because your character should make a 180 degree change by the end of the movie.

Step #2: Grab a large mixing bowl and throw in flour, sugar, and a random ingredient you grabbed from the cupboard because every great character should have one twist to their personality that makes them different.

Step #3: Peel apart gender and ethnic stereotypes. You're making characters, not empty shells of societal assumptions. Toss out peels, or use some of their zest to mislead the audience before surprising them with unique characters who break the rules.

Step #4: Grab a sharp knife and chop up your character's hopes and dreams. This makes the dish tastier because your audience begins to root for your character and wants them to succeed.

Step #5: Bring scenes to a boil by sprinkling in rivalries and love interests into the mix. Dishes are more interesting when your character comes face-to-face with their foil, and must confront the darkness they fear is within them.

Step #6: Be careful not to overcook one-liners. Too much chees will ruin your dish.

You know your character is done when one taste draws in those who try your food. Some characters are bitter and acerbic, some are noble and sweet, and yet others are a mixture. But all great characters make you feel something.

After all, you can never really remember the exact details of what a restaurant served you -- instead, you remember how it made you feel.

✍️ Find High-Paying Writing Jobs on My Job Board

Lots of cool writing jobs come across my desk — and I'm here to share these curated opportunities with you. Want to work remotely from Paris or at home in your PJs? Subscribe now to get high-paying writing work straight to your inbox!

get jobs now

Pin for Later!

 
A writers recipe for great characters