Ever wonder what filmmakers and critics mean when discussing a movie being "Character-driven" or "Plot-driven"?
Let's highlight and compare the most significant differences between a character-driven screenplay and a plot-driven screenplay:
#1 Focus:
The character-driven screenplay is all about what's happening inside a character's head and heart. Instead of dazzling events and big action sequences, their choices, how they grow, and their quirky interactions drive the story forward. It's like peeking into their diary rather than just watching their actions.
The plot-driven screenplay is the opposite and emphasizes the story's external events, action, and progression. The characters serve the plot, and their development may take a backseat to the events unfolding.
#2 Character Development:
The character-driven screenplay has multidimensional characters with complex personalities, motivations, and flaws. They're honest and layered; you'd think they were your next-door neighbors. They've got depth, peculiarities, and some wild motives. Watch them evolve and grow, and by the end of the movie, they're not the same folks we met at the start. Buckle up for an emotional rollercoaster.
The plot-driven screenplay has stereotypical or one-dimensional characters that exist to serve the plot. Their development is often limited to their actions and reactions to external events and nothing more. What you see is what you get with them, so don't expect them to have much depth beyond how they react to the craziness around them.
#3 Story Arc:
The character-driven screenplay revolves around the characters' emotional arcs and internal conflicts. It's all about the characters and their messy emotions. Instead of events pushing the characters around, the character's choices and feelings stir the pot and shape the plot.
External conflicts and events drive the plot-driven screenplay. The characters' actions are reactions to the unfolding events, and the plot takes precedence over their emotional journeys.
#4 Conflict:
The character-driven screenplay has internal conflicts and emotional struggles central to the story. The characters' inner challenges and growth propel the narrative and are the narrative.
The plot-driven screenplay has external conflicts, often high stakes, that drive the story. The focus is on overcoming obstacles and resolving external rather than internal ones.
#5 Pace:
The character-driven screenplay may have a slower pace because the emphasis is on character introspection and emotional depth. This may take time and means scenes often simmer, allowing audiences to connect with the protagonist's journey.
The plot-driven screenplay typically has a faster pace, with action, suspense, and thrilling sequences keeping the audience engaged, and often zooms from one event to the next, with twists and turns that keep viewers constantly guessing and eager to see what happens next.
#6 Resolution:
The character-driven screenplay resolution often revolves around the characters' emotional catharsis. It's where the character's inner journey comes full circle, allowing the audience to experience and empathize with their profound transformations and realizations.
The plot-driven screenplay has a climax and resolution that ends like a rollercoaster ride. It zooms to a thrilling conclusion, sorts out the big messes, and you're left feeling like every twist and turn made total sense by the time it's done. It wraps things up neatly, leaving you satisfied and thinking about the wild journey you just went on.
(Lucas, George, dir. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Twentieth Century Fox, 1977)
#7 Genre:
Whether it's a tear-jerking drama or a nail-biting thriller, the character's growth and depth often keep us glued to our seats in character-driven movies. No matter the genre, a character's emotional ride typically reels us in and makes us stay for the film.
While characters matter, in plot-driven genres, the twists and turns, the heart-pounding sequences, and the unpredictable outcomes captivate the audience and define the experience.
#8 Emotional Engagement:
The character-driven screenplay is all about getting up close and personal with the characters. You'll feel every emotion they do as if you're walking in their shoes. Audiences see a bit of themselves in these characters and their stories. Every twist? You'll feel it. Every turn? It'll hit home. Get ready to connect on a whole new level.
The plot-driven screenplay seeks to entertain the audience through action, suspense, and high-concept premises, and emotional engagement may be more secondary. It's all about heart-racing action, nail-biting suspense, and those "whoa, didn't see that coming" moments. The wild rides and twisty plots will have you glued to your seat.
Remember: character-driven and plot-driven elements don't have to be enemies in a screenplay. Think of them as the dynamic duo of storytelling.
Many hit scripts mix character-driven and plot-driven and find that sweet spot to craft a film that tugs at your heartstring and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's all about getting the balance right for the story's soul and the audience's thrill simultaneously 🎬🍿
Comments