3. Character

Element name
Final Draft, Fade In, WriterSolo, and WriterDuet: Character

The Character Name or Character Cue is the element that tells us who is speaking.

MYRIAM

Where were you?

Introducing the character

The first time that a character appears in a script, capitalize their name.

In subsequent action and scenes, their name should not be capitalized.

When introducing the character, always give their age. It can be precise, e.g. 23, or approximate, e.g. 40s. Their age might seem obvious to you but it might not be so obvious to the reader.

In the produced version of your script, the viewer will see the character so give the reader a similar opportunity to process the story quickly. Tell the reader what the audience will see?

Capitalize their name then add the age in commas.

JESSICA, a woman in her late 20s, runs across the street.

HANNA, a 15-year-old girl, runs across the street.

HANNA, a girl, 15 years old, runs across the street.

Note the difference in spelling for "15-year-old" (hyphens) versus "15 years old"

Consistency

Use exactly the same character name throughout the script in both character cues and action.

Only use nicknames, alternate names or shortened versions of names in dialogue.

This also applies to numbered characters (see "Numbered characters" below).

As a general rule, use the character's actual name as soon as they appear. Don't start with MYSTERIOUS WOMAN then change to JESSICA. Use JESSICA as soon as we see the character. There could some exceptions where withholding the character's name could be warranted.

Multiple ages

If a character will be portrayed in multiple ages that are significantly different, there are different options for the character cues.

If there are only 2 ages, an approach like the following could be used:

JESSICA

YOUNG JESSICA

If there are 3 or more, the following approach could be used:

JESSICA

TEENAGE JESSICA

OLDER JESSICA

Single-scene characters

In the case of a character who will only appear in a single scene but who has dialogue, use a generic name that describes them or tells us their occupation or function within the scene.

e.g. TAXI DRIVER, WAITER/WAITRESS, LOST TOURIST

Numbered characters

If there are several single-scene characters of the same type, number them.

Use the number symbol (#) for numbered characters.

e.g. OFFICER #1, OFFICER #2

Use this same name when you first introduce them in action.

Choosing names

Avoid using names that are either similar in sound or in spelling.

When character names are as distinct as possible in both sound and spelling, it helps the reader.

Character names in scene description

See ACTION for more on using the character's name in scene description.

Character descriptions

When introducing a new character, always give their age and gender.

The age can be precise, e.g. 23, or approximate, e.g. early 40s.

The gender is important because so many names are gender-neutral so you can't rely on their names to convey this information.

Don't make the reader search for clues.

Additional description of the character's appearance (physical traits, clothes, etc.) can be included, especially if they provide some insight into the character.

Keep in mind that since you are writing for a visual medium, the viewer will see the character as soon as they appear on screen so your job as the writer is to simulate that experience in the most efficient way possible. Ideally, the reader will effortlessly imagine the character without having to "think" about it.

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Master Scene Screenwriting Guide