Plot might get people into the theatre, but character is what keeps them thinking about your film long after the credits roll. Unforgettable characters are layered, flawed, and driven by inner contradictions, just like real people. If you’re writing a feature screenplay, crafting memorable characters is one of your most important jobs.

Start with a Clear Desire and a Deeper Need

Every great character wants something. But what they want and what they need are often very different. The want drives the external plot. The need is emotional and drives the arc.

For example: In “Black Swan,” Nina wants to be perfect, but she needs to embrace imperfection to be free.

Ask yourself:

• What does my character think they want?
• What do they really need to grow?

Build a Backstory (Even If You Never Show It)

An often overlooked secret to depth? Backstory. Understanding what events shaped your character before the film starts helps you predict their choices and build credible emotional responses.

If your protagonist is fearful, why? Childhood trauma? Social rejection? An overbearing parent?

The goal isn’t to info-dump – it’s to write from a place of knowledge so the character feels lived-in.

Flaws Make Characters Relatable

Perfect characters are forgettable. Flawed characters are human. Give your leads something to wrestle with – a fear, guilt, ego, addiction, pride, cowardice.

Fleabag isn’t memorable because she’s nice, she’s unforgettable because she’s broken and funny and brutally honest.

Let Them Change

Characters that go on emotional journeys resonate most. Whether it’s redemption, acceptance, love, or loss – the arc is key. It doesn’t have to be a happy ending, but it has to feel earned.

Think of Phil in “Groundhog Day.” His arc from cynicism to compassion is what makes the comedy stick.

Give Supporting Characters Purpose

Your side characters should either:

• Reflect the protagonist’s traits
• Challenge the protagonist’s beliefs
• Represent alternative paths they could take

Each relationship should reveal something about the main character. Don’t just fill space with “best friend” or “love interest” types – make them count.

Let Dialogue Reveal, Not Explain

Great dialogue is action. Characters reveal themselves not by what they say about themselves – but by what they say under pressure. Subtext and contradiction make things real.

Think of The Joker in “The Dark Knight.” He talks a lot but never truly gives you the full truth. That mystery makes him electric.

---

Your Characters Are the Story

In the end, plot is what happens. Character is why it matters. If you can write someone your audience loves, fears, pities, or even hates, but can’t forget, you’ve done your job.