Character and Arena

This week is all about evaluating whether I am focusing on the right character for the narrative I am working on at the moment.

I would often get ideas from personal experiences or based on observing how other people react to different situations. Then I would consider which ones work best together and start developing the plot from there. What I have learnt this week is that I need to spend some time thinking about which character’s perspective I should explore and whether the one I have started working on offers the best opportunity for dramatic development.

Research is very much important as well as going into the field because it allows the screenwriter to experience at a certain level the things they are writing about. This offers perspective and becomes a source of inspiration for new ideas or for giving enough substance to an already existing idea. In a way the screenwriter steps into the shoes of the character and can see, feel, touch and listen to the environment.

This week has also pushed me to reflect on how the arena defines the character both externally and internally. How it can be a safe haven for the protagonist as well as the biggest obstacle they could face. As a result, I am now more aware of how it could play a role of its own in the plot and create opportunities for the characters to grow.

Overall, this first module is teaching me to pay close attention to every element I am choosing to place in the narrative world which is a huge mindset shift when it comes to writing. So far, I have written mainly counting on my intuition and now I get to learn that there are many tools that could elevate the writing workflow.

All I can say is that I am really excited for what’s coming next.