Character Archetypes

Character Archetypes 

Step #1 Introduction. How is your audience going to identify with the main character? There needs to be an emotional connection so we care about what happens to the main subject of the documentary. What are the basic personality traits? Focus on scenes or prepare interview questions that will allow the audience to empathize with the main character.

Step #2 Motivation. What are the needs and wants of the subject? What will the character gain or lose if they do not achieve their goals? Are the goals realistic? How does the character change in trying to attain these goals? How does the character's environment change?

Step #3 Barriers. The obstacles our protagonist, or main character, is up against adds the much-needed tension and conflict to the story. Actually, they are the story. The barriers shape how our character develops before the camera.

Step #4 Action. Now that we know our main character(s) and we know what they are trying to accomplish, let's see how they deal with their challenges. If the actions don't unfold naturally before the lens, prepare interview questions and fortify them with B roll or reenactments. While capturing this relationship between subject-obstacle-resolution, we may even see the cinematographer's or director's perspective, as their talents and choices will dictate how the audience experiences the story. Remember these three things: show, show and show it. Otherwise, if you shoot 90 minutes of a talking head, you really are just making radio.

Step #5 Resolution. What is the exact moment that ends the character's journey? What is the turning point? You might not know in preproduction, but you should be thinking about it, looking out for it, prepared to capture it. Did our protagonists overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals? How have they grown? How have they changed?