When I re-watched the pilot episodes of LOST, it struck me how late the main characters’ names are introduced.
And it works so well. By the time we hear the names mentioned, we are already wondering about them.
First we see the stranded group realize their situation, dumbfounded. Then they start interacting and some characters clearly take the lead. Only then do we slowly find out their names.
The writer waits for the audience to beg for the characters’ names.
This makes sense: by the time we really want to know the characters’ names, there’s a good chance we’ll remember them.
How often does it happen you’re watching a movie, you start wondering about a character’s name and it turns out you’ve missed your opportunity, because it was mentioned early on – and then never again?
Inexperienced writers often introduce their characters’ names without putting any thought into it. Or not at all.
I remember reading a screenplay where the main character had been around for NINETEEN PAGES before the name was revealed. There was no sensible reason to withhold the name for that long.
In LOST, the names are also revealed naturally, i.e. in situations that make sense, e.g. characters introducing themselves.
The other extreme is dialogue such as this:
INT. OFFICE CANTEEN – DAY
HERBERT (23), tall, geeky and insecure leans over the table towards JOHN (31), handsome but aloof. John is focusing on his sandwich.
HERBERT
What did the boss say, John?
JOHN
Well, he avoided the issue, Herbert.
HERBERT
But John, did you ask him?
John ignores the question and plucks a leaf of salad from the sandwich.
In natural speech, people hardly ever mention each other’s names.
Of course there are exceptions, e.g. when things get emotional. So the right time to introduce a character name would be in a situation where a character is trying to get another character’s attention. Look at the same scene again:
INT. OFFICE CANTEEN – DAY
HERBERT (23), tall, geeky but above all impatient, looks at JOHN (31), handsome but aloof. John focuses on his sandwich.
HERBERT
So, what did he say?
John ignores the question and plucks a leaf of salad from the sandwich.
Herbert looks around suspiciously, then leans over the table to John.
HERBERT
John... I want to know!
JOHN
Did who say?
Herbert is about to lose it.
HERBERT
The boss, John. Did he give you the numbers??
Admittedly, it’s not the most inspiring example but you get the point.
If you found this tip useful, check out the Screenplay Checklist, an A-Z of commonly made mistakes by aspiring screenwriters.
Once you have written your screenplay, make sure you keep the reader hooked by eliminating all the errors that would distract from an enjoyable experience.
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Karel Segers wrote his first produced screenplay at age 17. Today he is a story analyst with experience in acquisition, development and production. He has trained students worldwide, and worked with half a dozen Academy Award nominees. Karel speaks more European languages than he has fingers on his left hand, which he is still trying to find a use for in his hometown of Sydney, Australia. The languages, not the fingers.
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ah.. this reminded me of my year 9 drama teacher whom told me that I shouldn’t have characters say each other’s names so often. And it’s become second nature to me that characters rarely call each other names, only when the dialogue needs it to emphasise the their conflict or situation.
Oh, and Lost is great. Last season too… though, a bit out there now…
it so simple
I’m stuck on a story where there’s no dialogue at all, however, my character’s name is important and I want to find a way to introduce it without dialogue. Any suggestions?
They can wear a name badge, receive mail with their name on it, perhaps they have an office with their name on it etc.
I hope this helps?