For my script, I want to make sure all the major characters have a good arc and then the minor characters to some degree. I'm trying to find a easy way to put it all down, instead of all these random ramblings I have on paper.

Is there an outline someone has used or a trick that helps to keep it more organized and easier to refer back to when need be?

Quoted from Jim Luther Davis For my script, I want to make sure all the major characters have a good arc and then the minor characters to some degree. I'm trying to find a easy way to put it all down, instead of all these random ramblings I have on paper. Is there an outline someone has used or a trick that helps to keep it more organized and easier to refer back to when need be?

You can Google how to develop character arc and there will be many sites with advice - like this one:

http://www.creativewritingsoftware101.com/articles/top-10-tips-to-create-a-character-arc.php

Personally, I create a character profile - but I take a short cut - I assign the character to either a person I know in real life that most resembles them physically and emotionally - or - if I don't know someone - I grab one from a movie and make adjustments as needed.  The key IMO is to start with the traits of who they are at the beginning and list the traits of who they are too become at the end (assuming that they are changing). e.g., a classic example if Meg Ryan in When Harry met Sally - started - hopeless and naive romantic - 3/4ths in - jaded and a bit cynical.

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1075414634/

loaded with good stuff.

Look at this as well:

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-screenwrite/m-1132968707

I get the feeling however you're talking about where to put all this character info?

Final Draft 9 has a section for:

Add Character Arc beats in each scene
and a pretty comprehensive Script Notes section where you can write in details. And, I'm sure most paid screenwriting software has similar tools.

http://screenwriting-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
Above is a screenwriting software comparison guide. Remember Celtx and Trelby are free.

There are two 'script it' files you can download here, but they're not free and I have no idea as to their value.
http://www.files32.com/downloads.asp?software=notes+script

This one has a free trial period.
http://download.cnet.com/Screenplay-Outliner/3000-2130_4-10043980.html

http://www.writersstore.com/software/story-development-and-outlining  

Can't vouch for any of those above btw cause I haven't used them.

Perhaps some of them are good and other people might chime in with their feedback. If all else fails you could always just write character bios in a 'word' doc.

For me, the characters develop as the story does.

I don't touch anything until I have a vomit draft down. Then I do a treatment which helps me figure out the character arcs and plot holes. Even then, I only need to do that for larger scripts. Basic thrillers or horrors don't need all that stuff.

Dramatica Pro is quite good for helping with characters...you can assign them certain roles in scripts as well...either Archetypes (EG Sceptic) or Complex Characters. Enables you to keep a track on their role in the stories structure, as well as their character arcs.

It's a complex program though and you can spend hours just messing around with stuff and never writing...which is why I go with the Dustin school of writing...just get the fucking thing written, then re-write it till it's good.

Ultimately..what do you really need to know?


Character A starts at Point 1 as a dorky Accountant with a bad haircut. At Point 2 he's a fully fledged Porn Star, with a Harem of Beautiful women.

You just have to show how he goes from Point 1 to Point 2. He will either be effected by External events..circumstances. Or by Internal events...thoughts. Or both.

Your major characters arc should already be pretty much set as their arc is what makes up your story. Minor characters can have arcs but since they are minor theirs don't matter as much. Be careful you don't spread your script too thin with too many agendas. Minor characters arcs should be tag along to your major ones. Instead of scenes dedicated to their character you can nudge theirs often with a single line or action.

Thanks, guys. A lot of good stuff in here.

And yeah, I was referring to somewhere I could put it all down where it would be organized and not just random scribbles and what not.

But yeah, I have where I want the characters to begin and end, so I kinda agree with Dustin. Just do a first draft, and just go back and add things in and make the arc a lot stronger.

Hey JLD,

I find creating a character BIO gives me a better feel for the characters backstory, personality and goals and this can help considerably when creating a character arc as you know what they would do along the way.

Good luck and I hope you nail it.

Alex

Check out celtx, it has a decent organized section...

http://images.digitalmedianet.com/2007/Week_14/tetfhcfn/story/celtx%20character%20plan.jpg

It has more boxes for background info, like education, family, likes, hobbies, dislikes etc.

Don't recommend writing a script in it though, it's pretty shitty to be honest, the spell check bugs out every so often, the program's dictionary  (at least for me) seems to have trouble with words a 3rd grader can spell.

But it's free :) and provides you with what you are looking for, organization of character notes.