The characters in a film are what moves the narrative forward. It’s the characters’ desires and traits that provide the motivations for a story to progress in a ‘natural’ way.
Establishment of character
Main characters are usually established early on in the film when their motivations, traits and characteristics are revealed. Often, motivations come down to one of two things, money or love.
Development of character
Usually in a film the main character will change in some way. They will learn something about themselves along the way. They may learn they were stronger than they thought or that money doesn’t mean everything.
Video Examples
Ripley’s Nightmares
Ripley’s Nightmares
Time To Die
Time To Die
Trunchbull
Trunchbull
Captain Jack Sparrow
Captain Jack Sparrow
Ice-Cream Shop
Ice-Cream Shop
Homecoming Dance
Homecoming Dance
Gene Hunt
Gene Hunt
Peter is You
Peter is You
Indy Intro
Indy Intro
James T Kirk
James T Kirk
Resources
Spielberg: How to Introduce Characters - YouTube
character constructioncharacterstory conventionsSpielbergcharacter establishment
Good Will Hunting — The Psychology of Character - YouTube
story conventionscharacter constructiongood will huntingvideo essayyoutubecharacter
4. How Are the Characters Portrayed? – Exploring Movie Construction and Production
charactercharacter constructionstory conventionsopen textbook
Children of Men Alfonso Cuarón film analysis • Senses of Cinema
charactermise en sceneChildren of MenAlfonso Cuaron