Axis of Action
Axis of Action
Character construction
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Character construction

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

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Scene library

Ripley’s NightmaresRipley’s Nightmares
Ripley’s Nightmares
Time To DieTime To Die
Time To Die
TrunchbullTrunchbull
Trunchbull
Captain Jack SparrowCaptain Jack Sparrow
Captain Jack Sparrow
Ice-Cream ShopIce-Cream Shop
Ice-Cream Shop
Homecoming DanceHomecoming Dance
Homecoming Dance
Gene HuntGene Hunt
Gene Hunt
Peter is YouPeter is You
Peter is You
Indy IntroIndy Intro
Indy Intro
James T KirkJames T Kirk
James T Kirk

Resources

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Swipe file

4. How Are the Characters Portrayed? – Exploring Movie Construction and Production
charactercharacter constructionnarrative structure