Yorke Selection (1)

Character and Characterization

  • Setting: A meeting of characters in a drab, utilitarian room overlooking Cambridge Circus, London in 1979.

  • Characters Introduced:

    • Toby Esterhase: Prim, upright, well-dressed, meticulous, impatient.

    • Roy Bland: Unkempt, rough around the edges, smoky presence.

    • Percy Alleline: Brusque, efficient, takes charge of the meeting.

    • Bill Haydon: Effete, slow, clumsy, slightly chaotic entry.

  • Opening Dialogue: Establishes the atmosphere of importance in character-based drama.

Importance of Characters in Drama

  • Every successful drama relies on compelling characters.

  • Elements of Great Characters:

    • Credible: Characters must be relatable and believable.

    • Dynamic: Characters should exhibit growth or change.

    • Empathetic: Audiences need to connect emotionally.

  • Role of Structure: Structure underlies how character development unfolds, shaping the narrative.

Basic Principles of Characterization

  • Human Similarities and Differences:

    • Shared abilities: all humans experience love, jealousy, defensiveness, etc., yet express them uniquely.

    • Each character reflects various life experiences and influences; despite similarities, individuality prevails.

  • Character Display: Everyone customizes their representation; choices made in ordinary situations reveal personality traits.

Character Decision-Making

  • Mini-Crisis in Every Scene: Protagonists face obstacles and make decisions that illustrate their character.

    • Example of conflict: A hero receiving news of a breakup can react positively or negatively, showcasing their personality.

  • Impact of Subversion: Characters responding unexpectedly emphasizes depth; a character's choices must align with their established identity.

Characterization Through Action

  • Direct Actions as Character Revelations:

    • Example: Saddam Hussein's brutal act shows his ruthlessness despite underlying complexities.

  • Conflict Within Characters: Paradoxes in character showcase inner turmoil influencing behaviors.

Conflict and Internal Struggles

  • Examples of Internal Conflict:

    • Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid face life-and-death choices illustrating their personalities.

    • Protagonists’ actions reflect desires more than mere dialogue; significant contrast creates intrigue.

  • Hollywood Example: Characters like Michael Corleone and David Brent exhibit conflicting identities.

Character Flaws and Façades

  • Public vs Private Self:

    • Individuals often construct façades to maintain societal roles, concealing their true selves.

    • The battle with the inner self is foundational to compelling narratives.

  • Psychological Theories:

    • Sigmund Freud's theories on ego and inner conflict inform character complexities in drama.

Building Three-Dimensional Characters

  • Duality of Nature:

    • Reference: Freud's struggle between the id and super-ego.

    • Important figures (Stalin, Kennedy) often displayed a stark contrast between public persona and private actions.

  • Conflict Manifesting in Stories: Characters struggling with identity and societal roles drive plot dynamics.

The Role of Psychological Theory in Drama

  • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Desire for safety can lead to repressive behaviors impacting character choices.

  • Integration of Psychological Concepts in Character Building:

    • Repressed desires shape narratives and highlight conflict, both internal and external.

Character Evolution Through Structure

  • Characters Must Exhibit Growth:

    • Changes through motivations and decisions chart their physical and emotional journeys.

  • Thematic Archetypes: Common themes reflect shared human experiences; misunderstanding leads characters to discover their true selves.

Paradoxes in Character

  • Dichotomy of Existence:

    • The internal conflict between who characters are and who they wish to be forms the crux of dramas.

  • Structuring Character Arcs:

    • Successful character arcs involve the resolution of paradoxes, facilitating dramatic tensions and resolutions.

    • Hemingway’s quote summarizes this approach, suggesting the importance of balance between conflicting ideas.

Structure and Characterization

  • Interconnectedness: Structure and character development are inseparable; awareness of the interplay shapes narratives.

  • Character Façades: Each character will exhibit behavior that aligns with the overarching theme but may also harbor deep-seated vulnerabilities affecting their journey.

Techniques for Depicting Conflicted Characters

  • Ego Defense Mechanisms:

    • Characters react differently based on their internal conflicts, leading to complex portrayals.

  • Common Mechanisms in Drama:

    • Different characters utilize mechanisms like repression, projection, regression, and rationalization leading to diverse outcomes.

The ‘Rubber Ducky’ Moment

  • Importance of Backstory:

    • Characters’ past experiences shape their current manifestations; the ‘Rubber Ducky’ moment catalyzes their dysfunctions.

    • Examples from cinema reveal how traumatic moments pivot toward understanding characters’ psychological depths.

Conclusion: Flawed Yet Relatable Characters

  • Simultaneously Human and Nuanced: Effective character development emerges through conflict resolution within the broader structure of the narrative.

  • Engagement through Relatability: Audiences connect with flawed characters facilitating a rich, immersive storytelling experience.