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character-patterns.md

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Character Patterns

Character Introduction

When to Use

  • First appearance of major character
  • Establishing personality quickly
  • Creating memorable entrance

Structure

  1. Visual hook - Something distinctive we see
  2. Action hook - What they're doing reveals who they are
  3. Attitude hook - How they interact with others

Example

Weak Introduction:

SARAH CHEN (35) enters.

Strong Introduction:

INT. OFFICE - DAY

A paper airplane sails across the cubicle farm.

SARAH CHEN (35) catches it without looking up from
her phone. She unfolds it, reads the message, crumples
it, and tosses it into a trash can ten feet away.

Perfect shot.

She finally looks up. Smiles at the sender.

SARAH
Your proposal is rejected.

She goes back to her phone.

Variations

  • In medias res: Character already in action
  • Contrast: Character in unexpected environment
  • Reveal: Hidden then shown
  • Through others: Described before appearing

Arc Transformation Moments

When to Use

  • Showing character growth
  • Marking internal change
  • Payoff for earlier setup

Structure

Beat Description
Ghost Past wound that shapes behavior
Lie False belief character holds
Want External goal
Need Internal growth required
Moment of Truth Choice that reveals change

Example Arc

Ghost: Sarah's father abandoned her at age 8
Lie: "Everyone leaves eventually"
Want: Find out truth about father
Need: Learn to trust again
Moment of Truth: Chooses to trust John despite risk

Key Transformation Scenes

Before (Setup):

JOHN
You can trust me.

SARAH
I don't trust anyone.

During (Midpoint):

JOHN
You can trust me.

Sarah hesitates. A long beat.

SARAH
Maybe.

After (Climax):

Sarah hands John the evidence.

SARAH
I trust you.

First time she's said those words.

Relationship Dynamics

When to Use

  • Two-character scenes
  • Building chemistry (positive or negative)
  • Power struggles

Structure

Define the dynamic through:

  • Status: Who has power?
  • Want: What does each want from the other?
  • History: What's their shared past?
  • Trajectory: Where is this going?

Dynamic Types

Type Description Example
Push-Pull Attraction and resistance Romance, reluctant allies
One-Up Constant power jockeying Rivals, toxic relationships
Mentor-Student Knowledge transfer Training, coming-of-age
Mirror Characters reflect each other Protagonist-antagonist
Complementary Strengths compensate weaknesses Buddy cops, partners

Example: Push-Pull

INT. BAR - NIGHT

Sarah and John at a table, drinks between them.

SARAH
I don't like you.

JOHN
You keep saying that.

SARAH
Because you keep showing up.

JOHN
And you keep letting me in.

She doesn't have a comeback for that.

JOHN (CONT'D)
Another round?

SARAH
(beat)
Fine. But this doesn't mean anything.

JOHN
Of course not.

He smiles. She almost smiles back.

Character Chemistry Markers

Positive Chemistry Signs

  • Finishing each other's sentences
  • Shared looks/private jokes
  • Comfortable silences
  • Physical ease/closeness

Negative Chemistry Signs

  • Interrupting each other
  • Deliberate misunderstanding
  • Tense silences
  • Physical distance/barriers

Writing Chemistry

POSITIVE:
Sarah reaches for the salt.
John passes it before she asks.

NEGATIVE:
Sarah reaches for the salt.
John watches. Doesn't move.

Pattern Quick Reference

Goal Use Pattern
Memorable first impression Character Introduction
Show internal growth Arc Transformation Moments
Build rapport or conflict Relationship Dynamics