Scan barcode
adamskiboy528491's review
5.0
Character by Robert McKee gives us another screenwriting bible, only this time a book dedicated to characterisation. While his other books outlined the fundamental structures of narrative, genre & story, McKee gives a complete detailed account of creating fictional characters. He separates his thoughts into four chapters, discussing the philosophical discussion of character interpretations, the building of a character; the universe the character is portraying in; and the relationships that character interacts with other characters.
This is easily the most robust book that you'll find on the philosophy and art of characters. However, like "Story", I feel that the information, as eye-opening as it is, could be organised/formatted better and sometimes described more clearly from the get-go. At the very least, all the perspectives and ways of breaking down a character could be tied into one another in a final chapter to make this stuff more directly applicable for us writers. Nevertheless, you could highlight as you read and then create your guide through all this information, as I do.
McKee's discussion of the 'inner' and 'outer character(s)' is summarised best in this quote: "A character's public and personal personae combine to form his characterisation, the outer facade of who he seems to be. His private and hidden selves generate his true character, the inner person he is in fact." And "The composite of vivid social and personal selves that make first and ongoing impressions on readers and audiences - this collection of outer-facing behaviours, mannerisms and personality traits becomes the role's characterisation." Characterisation is a significant term used to describe a character's outside world. If you don't have characterisation in character, the audience won't be interested.
McKee is the master of teaching storytelling for page, stage, or screen, and the list of works created by McKee alumni on the book's back cover makes vivid the impact he's had on writers' careers and the stories that have become beloved the world over. It's no surprise here that his breadth of knowledge and ease with the subject matter soar off the page. He draws on a stunning range of literary, philosophical, show business, and film expertise and insights on human psychology to help you understand character creation—and yourself as an author struggling through the process of creating art. You always feel McKee has your back.
This is easily the most robust book that you'll find on the philosophy and art of characters. However, like "Story", I feel that the information, as eye-opening as it is, could be organised/formatted better and sometimes described more clearly from the get-go. At the very least, all the perspectives and ways of breaking down a character could be tied into one another in a final chapter to make this stuff more directly applicable for us writers. Nevertheless, you could highlight as you read and then create your guide through all this information, as I do.
McKee's discussion of the 'inner' and 'outer character(s)' is summarised best in this quote: "A character's public and personal personae combine to form his characterisation, the outer facade of who he seems to be. His private and hidden selves generate his true character, the inner person he is in fact." And "The composite of vivid social and personal selves that make first and ongoing impressions on readers and audiences - this collection of outer-facing behaviours, mannerisms and personality traits becomes the role's characterisation." Characterisation is a significant term used to describe a character's outside world. If you don't have characterisation in character, the audience won't be interested.
McKee is the master of teaching storytelling for page, stage, or screen, and the list of works created by McKee alumni on the book's back cover makes vivid the impact he's had on writers' careers and the stories that have become beloved the world over. It's no surprise here that his breadth of knowledge and ease with the subject matter soar off the page. He draws on a stunning range of literary, philosophical, show business, and film expertise and insights on human psychology to help you understand character creation—and yourself as an author struggling through the process of creating art. You always feel McKee has your back.
More...