THE CHARACTER INTRODUCTION

Character introductions can set the tone for the entire narrative and provide readers or viewers with memorable impressions. Some of the most iconic character introductions span literature and cinema, and they have been celebrated for their ability to capture the essence of a character in just a few lines or scenes. Here are a few notable examples:

Literature:

1. Jay Gatsby from “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Although not immediately introduced, Gatsby is shrouded in mystery and rumors, creating a mystique that is only confirmed when we finally meet him during one of his lavish parties.
2. Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris: His introduction behind the glass in the prison cell is both chilling and intriguing, setting the stage for his complex character.
3. Miss Havisham in “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens: Dickens introduces her in her decaying mansion, surrounded by the remnants of her wedding day, which offers a haunting glimpse into her psyche.
4. Sherlock Holmes in “A Study in Scarlet” by Arthur Conan Doyle: Dr. John Watson meets Holmes in a chemistry lab, where Holmes showcases his eccentric personality and brilliant deductive skills.

Cinema:

1. Darth Vader in “Star Wars: A New Hope”: As the smoke clears aboard Princess Leia’s ship, Darth Vader’s imposing figure, accompanied by his heavy breathing, immediately captures attention.
2. Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”: The opening sequence, with Indiana navigating through traps to retrieve a golden idol, defines his adventurous and tenacious spirit.
3. Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” (1991 animated film): Belle’s introduction during the opening musical number “Belle” perfectly encapsulates her desires and how she’s viewed by her community.
4. James Bond in “Dr. No”: Sean Connery’s Bond introduces himself in now-iconic fashion, turning to the camera and saying, “Bond. James Bond,” all while coolly playing a card game.
5. The Joker in “The Dark Knight”: The bank heist sequence masterfully introduces Heath Ledger’s Joker, culminating in the unmasking of his face and his chilling line, “Whatever doesn’t kill you, simply makes you… stranger.”
6. Vito Corleone in “The Godfather”: Marlon Brando’s character is introduced at his daughter’s wedding, sitting in a dimly lit office, listening to a plea for a favor. The scene establishes his power and position.
7. The Terminator in “The Terminator”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cyborg assassin makes a naked entrance, demanding clothes from some punks, showcasing his strength and his mission-driven purpose.
8. Travis Bickle in “Taxi Driver”: Robert De Niro’s character is first seen through his taxi’s rain-soaked windshield, setting the mood for the dark and grimy New York City he navigates.
9. Alex DeLarge in “A Clockwork Orange”: The camera pulls back from a close-up of Alex’s menacing stare, revealing him and his “droogs” in the Korova Milkbar, setting the tone for the film’s exploration of ultra-violence.
10. Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs”: Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling walks down the prison corridor to find Anthony Hopkins’ Lecter standing serenely in his cell, awaiting her. His calm, direct gaze is unnerving and instantly memorable.
11. Captain Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”: Johnny Depp’s character is introduced standing tall on the mast of a ship, appearing majestic, only for the camera to zoom out and reveal that he’s actually on a sinking boat. The scene perfectly encapsulates Sparrow’s comedic bravado.
12. The Bride in “Kill Bill: Vol. 1”: Uma Thurman’s character is introduced bloodied and bruised, gasping for breath, before a gun is pointed at her head. The following dialogue and gunshot immediately signal a story of betrayal and revenge.
13. Anton Chigurh in “No Country for Old Men”: Javier Bardem’s chilling character is introduced in a quiet, tense scene where he strangles a sheriff’s deputy with his handcuffs. This brutal introduction sets the tone for his relentless and violent nature throughout the film.
14. Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”: Tim Curry’s character makes a dramatic entrance with the musical number “Sweet Transvestite,” showcasing his flamboyant and eccentric nature.

Each of these introductions serves as an early promise of what’s to come, offering a glimpse into the character’s persona, motivations, and the role they’ll play in the unfolding narrative.

Introducing a character effectively in a screenplay is crucial for setting the tone and establishing audience connection.

Syd Field, often regarded as the “guru of all screenwriters,” has written extensively about the art of screenwriting in his books, especially in his seminal work, “Screenplay.” When it comes to introducing characters, Field emphasizes several key concepts, not just about their entrance but about setting up who they are for the story:

1. First Impressions Matter: Field believes that the introduction of a character should provide the audience with a clear understanding of their role in the narrative. This means that the first time we see a character, their essence, or at least a significant aspect of their personality or nature, should be evident.
2. Introduction in Action: Field often suggested that characters be introduced in some kind of action that reflects who they are or what they desire. This doesn’t always mean physical action, but some kind of activity that tells us about their character.
3. Set Up for Payoff: Field’s structure often revolved around the idea of “set up” and “payoff.” When introducing a main character, he believed in setting up important aspects of their nature or background early on that would pay off later in the narrative. This makes the character’s journey more rewarding for the audience.
4. Character Arc: While not strictly about introductions, Field’s emphasis on a character’s transformation arc means that their introduction is vital in establishing their starting point. This helps the audience gauge and appreciate the growth or transformation they undergo by the end of the story.
5. The First 10 Pages: Syd Field famously emphasized the importance of the first 10 pages of a screenplay. Within this crucial window, main characters are usually introduced, and their introductions play a vital role in hooking the audience.

Linda Seger, a renowned script consultant and author, has written extensively on the subject of screenwriting and the creation of compelling characters. In her works, she delves into the nuances of crafting memorable and engaging characters, and naturally, this includes their introductions. Here’s a summation of some of her thoughts on character introductions:

1. Make an Impact: A character’s first impression should be strong, making the audience sit up and take notice. The introduction should reveal something significant or intriguing about the character.
2. Use Visuals: Since film is a visual medium, the look of a character, the setting they’re introduced in, or the action they’re involved in can say a lot. A character’s introduction can and should be visually compelling.
3. Reveal Character Essence: The introduction should provide insight into the character’s essence or core. Whether it’s a central flaw, strength, desire, or fear, the audience should get a hint or a direct view of who this person is at their core.
4. Engage Emotionally: Seger often emphasizes emotional connection in storytelling. A character’s introduction should aim to engage the audience on an emotional level, whether it’s sympathy, curiosity, amusement, or even disdain.
5. Set the Stage for Transformation: If the character is going to undergo significant change or growth, hints or clues can be dropped in the introduction. This gives the audience a starting point to measure the character’s journey.

William Goldman, one of the most celebrated screenwriters of all time with works like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “The Princess Bride,” had many opinions on screenwriting. When it came to character introductions, Goldman didn’t have a specific formulaic approach, but he believed in the power of storytelling and creating memorable characters. Goldman’s philosophy on screenwriting was often more pragmatic and less formulaic than some of his contemporaries. Here are a few takeaways from his works and interviews that can be related to character introductions:

1. Be Interesting: Goldman’s character introductions often grabbed attention. Whether it’s the charming banter of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or the grandfather introducing a story to his grandson in “The Princess Bride,” he made sure to engage the audience from the get-go.
2. “Screenplays are Structure”: While this famous quote from Goldman isn’t specifically about character introductions, it speaks to the importance of every element in a screenplay. Character introductions, in this context, should be structured to effectively introduce the character’s role in the narrative.
3. Truth in Character: Goldman believed in authenticity. Characters should be true to themselves, and their introductions should reflect their core essence.
4. The Unexpected: Many of Goldman’s character introductions have an element of surprise or the unexpected. He often subverted audience expectations to create more engaging and memorable moments.

Robert McKee is one of the most esteemed screenwriting lecturers in the world, and his book “Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting” is a must-read for many aspiring writers. When it comes to character introductions and character in general, McKee provides several insights:

1. Revelation Through Action: One of McKee’s central tenets is that true character is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure. When introducing a character, McKee suggests that putting them into some form of action, especially one where there’s a choice to be made, can be revealing. This action doesn’t necessarily have to be physical; it can be a moral choice, a decision, or any form of activity that provides insight into the character’s essence.
2. Avoid Exposition: McKee often warns against “on-the-nose” dialogue and unnecessary exposition. When introducing characters, it’s better to show rather than tell. Instead of having other characters discuss someone’s traits, it’s more effective to let the audience see those traits in action.
3. Contrast and Conflict: For McKee, conflict drives story. Introducing a character in a situation of conflict, even if it’s a minor one, can be revealing. It not only hints at the character’s nature but also sets up potential future conflicts.
4. Depth of Character: While this isn’t strictly about the moment of introduction, McKee emphasizes the importance of multi-dimensional characters. When introducing a character, hinting at their depth and complexity can make them more memorable and intriguing. This can be done through contrasting actions, internal conflicts, or surprising choices.
5. The Inciting Incident: In McKee’s structure, the inciting incident is a pivotal early story event that upends the protagonist’s life. While it’s not always the case, many stories introduce their main character around this event, making the introduction doubly impactful.

Character introductions should be vivid, revealing, and strategic, ensuring they not only capture the essence of the character but also engage the audience right from the beginning.

One more thing – CAPITALIZE CHARACTER INTRODUCTIONS: The first time a character is introduced in the description, their name should be capitalized.