From Wally:
March 25, 2026
Before you start to write your screenplay get to know your characters. By that, I don’t just mean height, weight, hair, and eye color. Delve into their psyche… mind, soul and spirit. Be aware of their psychological scars… the past injuries that cause the character to act or react the way they do.
The following is an example of a character’s psychological breakdown:
EDWARD STRATTON III
–Lost both parents in an accident at age 6.
–Raised by Grandparents who were emotionally crushed by the loss of their son and his wife and were unprepared to raise a six year old.
–Somewhere along the line, Edward was locked in a basement, for a long time. This caused him to have a psychological fear of basements. (“I don’t do basements.”)
–The loss of his parents damaged him emotionally, preventing him from developing feelings for anyone… Not even his grandparents who raised him. He had no girlfriends, no friends period. He was a loner.
–His condo was connected to his office, allowing him to spend his days in the office and his nights in his condo without leaving the building. He only went out for meetings or business parties, which he hated. That way, he would never feel that terrible loss, the feeling of being deserted.
–He is still lonely, so he buys a pet turtle.
–He buries himself in making money, not friends.
Once you have gotten to know what makes your character tick, you’ll find the character actions and reactions will come to you naturally.