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The
Playwright's FAQ
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The Playwright's FAQBy Lynne Harvey, writer-in-residence at the Drayton Court TheatreQ. Do I give character references of all my characters at the beginning of the script? If so how much do I give? A. Leave character references to defence lawyers. Only give a minimum of character requirement - meaning what's really required from the actor. If your characters are really well drawn then character descriptions become invalid - as characters will leap off the page and into the readers head. If it's absolutely integral to the plot that your character has a limp/moustache/facial tic etc then say so, but if it isn't and just something you think the character would have, then leave it out, and suggest it in the first read through if you really think it's appropiate. What will happen is, the actor will find their own way of expressing the character. As mentioned before, figure descriptions are also very limiting. Why ask for a 'A big, muscular, strong man, with a ruddy face' when a lean, wiry man can denote strength just as well? Strength can be expressed in many ways, not just by casting a large man who resides at the gym most days and has muscles on his muscles. If you describe your characters too precisely, when your script is read the readers imagination won't be exercised, they won't be putting their own pictures to your words and letting the play run in their mind. They'll be led by the nose and dictated to - and believe me - they don't like that one little bit. You're also limiting the directors choice of actor and they won't like it either. If your characters are well drawn they will emerge in the reader's head. To summarise: Give the character names in playing order, their age (roughly) and their relationship to the other characters, if no relationship to other actors, state who they are. As in: JACK - Fortyish, owner of failing plastics company, married to JILL
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