Research is your Scribbler’s Compass
Crafting engaging characters for existing IPs and weaving stories for them is a delicate art that requires more than instinct and creativity; it requires research. You need to be curious and willing to roll up your sleeves and dive deep into the souls of the characters you're characterizing. Whether scribbling dialogue for iconic characters in video games, TV shows, or movies, research is your compass to compelling authenticity.
Familiar Voices: What have these characters said before?
I like to immerse myself in the world of whatever IP I’m currently scribbling. By listening to the dialog of any existing characters, I’ll compile a glossary of words, phrases, idioms, and accents for each, collecting the building blocks that will help me assemble new dialog for them with the authenticity of patois and fan familiarity.
Example: Writing for 'Captain Kirk' in Star Trek
Creating a glossary for Captain Kirk might include phrases like "Beam me up, Scotty" or his distinctive leadership style and speech pattern. This allows his dialog to reflect the character's identity and make it instantly recognizable to fans.
Historical Accuracy: The Key to Authentic Storytelling
Research can go beyond fictional characters; it plays a pivotal role in portraying historical people and well-known events.
Example: Crafting 'Lincoln' in Spielberg's Film
Spielberg's "Lincoln" showcases the great leader’s unique speaking style and political maneuvers; the script breathes life into important American history, making it accessible and engaging for modern audiences who might never crack a book.
Adapting Literary Characters: Keeping their Beloved Essence Alive
When adapting literary characters, maintaining their essence is vital. Researching the original text and understanding the author's intent can lead to a successful adaptation. Often, the author’s descriptive prose can be used to craft original dialog for characters.
Example: Translating 'Sherlock Holmes' Across Mediums
Sherlock adaptations always maintain the character’s keen observations, wit, and iconic phrases. Each new portrayal requires deep understanding and careful consideration of the previous adventures of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's creation.
Embracing Cultural Nuances: The World in Words
When writing characters from diverse cultural backgrounds, understanding their language, customs, and values is crucial.
Example: Crafting Dialogues for 'T'Challa' in Black Panther
Creating content for T'Challa would mean diving into the fictional culture of Wakanda to understand the unique dialects, idioms, and honorifics of the region. This cultural understanding lends authenticity and richness to the fictional character's speech.
Historical Fiction: Merging Fact with Fantasy
Blending history with fictional elements requires balance and informed choice. Research ensures that fictional aspects enhance rather than distort historical truths.
Example: Writing 'The Crown' TV Series
The scriptwriters of "The Crown" needed to intertwine real historical events with imagined dialogue and relationships. Researching the era, political climate, and personal lives of the characters allowed for a believable, engaging narrative.
Adapting Video Game Characters: Gameplay to Screenplay
Video game characters have distinct personalities and catchphrases that fans are familiar with. Transferring these to other mediums requires careful study.
Example: Writing for 'Nathan Drake' in Uncharted Series
Adapting Nathan Drake for film, the scribblers captured his witty humor, adventurous spirit, and iconic lines. They ensured the character sounded familiar to gamers while appealing to a broader audience. But the scribblers missed something important. Nathan Drake is always overwhelmed and constantly getting his ass kicked. Setpieces in the movie could’ve leaned harder into the escalating difficulty of the game’s levels.
As modern scribblers, our research toolkit is vast and no longer requires a visit to a local library or the support of an archivist. From drafting character glossaries to dissecting historical events from primary sources, a quest for information will lead your scribbles down a path filled with arcane yet relatable details and startling revelations.
