enter it into Final Draft I've come across some confusion related to character names. My main character

I've written a screenplay and as I sharpen it/enter it into Final Draft I've come across some confusion related to character names. My main character is named Bathsheba and throughout the story, especially early, she is cruelly called Bat(she is blind). My question is:
1) I assume she should always be Bathsheba on the character line
2)should she also always be Bathsheba in action line?
~the name issue is a topic of interest for her and becomes one as well with other characters as well, revolving around them being "nicknamed" and called something they do NOT prefer.

--any help is much appreciated as this is my first foray into the screenwriting process, thx. -Matt

Load Full (1)

: Chessmaster type characters? I want to try writing a character that is able to seemingly be one step ahead of their opposition, and is able to turn all outcomes into an advantage, no matter

@Karen856

Load Full 2 Comments

: Using ellipses in a novel A lot of my favorite writers use ellipses, in both narration and dialogue. I know the rules for them, and how they are broken (somewhat) for fiction. The problem

@Karen856

Load Full 1 Comments

: 2 questions about screenplays In the slug line, how do I write a time change??? "7 years later" {then} INT. HOSPITAL - DAY Also: how do I write verbal sounds of a character that are

@Karen856

Load Full 1 Comments

: Considering the audience for technical publications At work we provide three types of technical document, aimed at different kinds of users : The Quick Start Guide. Single laminated sheet, illustrations

@Karen856

Load Full 0 Comments

Login to post a comment!

1 Comments

Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best

@Vandalay250

Simple Answer

INT. HOUSE - DAY

BATHSHEBA runs through the front door, crying.

BATHSHEBA
Leave me alone!

EVIL BITCHES (O.S)
(sing-song)
Bat! Bat! Come out to play. We have a bat for batty Bat.

Somewhat Complicated Answer

Character names must be consistent by the time a script gets into preproduction. Until then it depends on the story and how it flows. You want someone to read it.

So JOHNNY may grow up into JOHN. But JOHNNY (10) is different from JOHNNY (18) and JOHN (40).

NAKED WOMAN may become JANE once it is obvious she will be part of the team. I haven't read how Blindspot did it in the pilot.

However unless the names spoil the twist, keep it simple. Call her BATHSHEBA all the way through. It should be obvious when she is in the scene or when people are talking about her in her absence.

If BATHSHEBA is also the MASKED KILLER, then don't reveal that until the mask is pulled off her face, then refer to her as BATHSHEBA.

e.g.

INT. SCARY HOUSE - NIGHT

The MASKED KILLER is caught in the ropes.

MASKED KILLER
No!

The SCOOBY SQUAD emerge from hiding.

THELMA
So who's behind the mask?

SHAGGY pulls the mask off to reveal-

BATHSHEBA
And I'd have gotten away with it too if it
wasn't for you meddling kids.

Load Full (0)

Feed

: Character names/nicknames in screenplay format I've written a screenplay and as I sharpen it/enter it into Final Draft I've come across some confusion related to character names. My main character

More posts by @Karen856

: Chessmaster type characters? I want to try writing a character that is able to seemingly be one step ahead of their opposition, and is able to turn all outcomes into an advantage, no matter

: Using ellipses in a novel A lot of my favorite writers use ellipses, in both narration and dialogue. I know the rules for them, and how they are broken (somewhat) for fiction. The problem

: 2 questions about screenplays In the slug line, how do I write a time change??? "7 years later" {then} INT. HOSPITAL - DAY Also: how do I write verbal sounds of a character that are

: Considering the audience for technical publications At work we provide three types of technical document, aimed at different kinds of users : The Quick Start Guide. Single laminated sheet, illustrations

Login to post a comment!

1 Comments

Back to top