In order to
write a good story for the Pre-Production unit, I wanted to focus on the
characters in particular. Strong, leading characters with emphasis on their
appearance, who they are, their past, present and future aspirations are all
elements to look at and consider when creating a sustainable character.
Understanding who your main characters are is incredibly important to be able
to write the events surrounding them and build a good story structure. This is
because their decisions and actions need to work in relation to what is going
on around them so that the audience are able to see why that happened to them
and what the repercussions may be as a result. It is also important to know who
they are so you can write about the relationships they have with other
characters and how they will interact with them throughout the story. I tried
to think about all of these aspects when creating characters for an original
drama so I could give the characters a past back story which would give me some
storytelling decisions to make without just making loose decisions for the sake
of it.
Title
Character: Vivian Nicholls - Mother
The character I
want to focus on in particular is the main character - the mother. She is the
title character of the series and her role as a mother in particular has
prominence throughout the story and gives her the drive to make the choices she
does. Her back story is a broken family, her parents separated and her mother
left, leaving her with a father who is an unreliable character and only
involves himself when he really needs to. She has had no strong maternal
character in her life, which led me to decide that this gives her the drive and
determination to be a strong mother to her daughters, and want to do anything
in her power to protect and provide for them. This is the theme I want to carry
across the story and be prominent throughout.
Physical Appearance/Attributes
- 24 years
- Tall
- Slender
- Dark Brown
eyes
- Dark,
straight hair
- Simple
clothing - basic colours and prints
- Minimal make
up and hairstyling
Personality Traits
- Intelligent
- Independent
- Caring
- Protective
- Strong Minded
- Ambitious
- Driven
- Hard Working
When we join her
at the beginning of the story she is a young mother of 24 years of age, who is
working as a Waitress at a local cafe/diner in the neighbourhood. She lives
with her twin daughters in a small chalet house in the rural town of
Greenville. Vivian struggles to balance the important aspects in her life,
meaning that she is often distracted at work as she works to provide for her
daughters.
She is
passionate and caring towards her twin daughters, desperate to fulfil her role
as a good mother and and be the mother that she never had.
She had the
intention of going to University to build and have a strong and successful
career, however falling pregnant accidentally at the age of 19 and splitting
from their Father scuppered her plans for further education and career
prospects.
The story should
follow her life and the events that surround it. Other characters all have
relations to her at some point in the story.
As I
wanted her to be the main character, it is very important that the audience
understand who she is and why she makes the choices she does, watching her grow
throughout the series.
Thomas
Peyton - Father
Thomas
Peyton is a main character and Father to Vivian's young twin daughters. He is
28 years of age. Unlike Vivian, his upbringing and childhood were very
pleasant and living, living with his parents and two younger sisters, who
he is very close to, remaining to have strong bonds with all of his family.
His happy background and strong family unit has always given him the desire to
have his own family. Although he and Vivian have separated and he
wasn't able to keep his family all together, he keeps a friendly,
civilised relationship with her and remains a significant part of his
daughter’s lives.
He
works full time as a Solicitor in Downtown Greenville. I wanted him
to have a relatively high profile job to reflect his head
working nature and drive for success. He is also very hard
working and organised, which is reflected in his well presented appearance ad
clothing choices.
Physical
Appearance/Attributes
- 28 years
- Tall
- Medium Build
- Light Blue
eyes
- Brown hair
- Dresses in
simple clothing, wearing clean, smart suits for work
- Organised and
well presented
Personality Traits
- Friendly
- Patient
- Calm
- Independent
- Confident
- Strong Minded
- Protective
Throughout the series, Thomas acts a
supporting character for Vivian and attempts to resolve the issues and keep the
family together. When Elise is abducted, he keeps a level head and thinks about
the investigation in a more logical, calm manner than Vivian does. Vivian becomes
obsessed by the investigation, whereas Thomas decides to focus on their other
daughter - Sarah who is also distressed from the loss of her sister. His
independent nature and strong minded characteristics present themselves during
this stage, as he tries to be a Father with the best interests in mind for his
daughters.
Sarah and Elise Nicholls - Twins
Vivian and Thomas have twin daughters of 5 years of age. They are
both good natured, with sweet innocent personalities. They are also very bright
and aware of their surroundings. They are closest to their mother as
they live with her and maintain a good relationship with her.
However, they are also close to and fond of their father who makes
an effort to spend time with them whenever he can. They also both keep a
good relationship with Vivian's neighbour Jill who is their babysitter when
Vivian goes to work. She is very patient and kind to them so they are very
trusting and fond of her.
Physical Appearance/Attributes
- 5 years, later 11 years
- Small for their age
- Blonde, curly haired
- Light Blue eyes
- Small, delicate facial features
- Simple clothing, often in mismatched prints and colours
Personality Traits
- Sweet natured
- Supportive of each other
- Kind
- Independent
- Intelligent
- Close to parents
Jill Brown - Neighbour
Jill Brown is 62 years of age and a retired Nurse who lives in the neighbourhood next to Vivian with her husband Gregory. She is also a good friend of Vivian's and babysits the twins when Vivian goes to work. She has always wanted to have children herself but was unable to. Therefore, she very much enjoys spending the afternoon with the twins, pandering to their every need. I wanted her to be a prominent mother figure in the series, portraying the overly sweet and caring figure that would do anything for anyone.
As a good friend to Vivian, she attempts to support her after the abduction and during the investigation by taking care of Sarah and being there for her for advice and reassurance. However, when Vivian begins to shut everyone out, she eventually gives in and keeps out of Vivian's way.
Physical Appearance/Attributes
- Tall
- Slender
- Brown eyes
- Blonde, dyed hair
- Simple but refined make up
- Expensive clothing
- Well put together appearance
Personality Traits
- Kind
- Caring
- Calm
- Protective
- Good Natured
- Laid Back
Gregory Brown - Neighbour
Gregory Brown is 60 years old and a self employed, career obsessed Gardener. He lives with and is the husband of Jill, but is often not at home as he works long hours. Unlike, Jill he is very outspoken and short tempered. He doesn't have much of an opinion of Vivian and her daughters but tolerates having them in the house if he is around, as he knows it makes Jill happy. He is a very disapproving man that has an opinion on everything. His opinions are respected by Jill who doesn't like to cause arguments, however, she always disagrees with his sharp and rude remarks.
Physical Appearance/Attributes
- Tall
- Large Build
- Grey hair
- Dark brown eyes
- Rugged beard
- Signature moustache
Personality Traits
- Intelligent
- Independent
- Blunt
- Short tempered
- Dark sense of humour
- Opinionated
Here I have outlined some of the main characters that I have written for the series so far. I am very pleased with the descriptions of the leading characters Vivian and Thomas as I think that I understand who they are and their motives throughout the series. I also think that the audience will empathise with them and root for them as the protagonists. The other characters including Jill and Gregory have supporting roles but should feature prominently in the synopsis due to being Vivian's neighbours and friends. The twins are very young, so although they are very important roles in the production, they do not have much of a back story yet. However, they have likeable personalities which is important I felt for the audience to feel empathy for Sarah in particular.
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