Characters - Update

Using my new set of rules (see "Gentlewoman's Guide To Writing Characters That Aren't Bad" in the previous blog post), I have created some characters and begun the outline of my script. While making these rough descriptions of them, I focused on maintaining a balance between positive and negative traits. Some characters may lean more to one side, but their pasts will clearly define why they behave the way they do during the film.

Protagonist: A girl with anxiety struggling through trauma of relationship abuse. She finds comfort in putting on a confident personality in front of others, especially when intoxicated. She struggles with intense feelings of loneliness.

Therapist: The therapist of the protagonist. Kind, but realistic. She gives good advice that does not always feed the ego of the protagonist, and her inability to understand issues such as derealization causes an unknown barrier between her and her patient.

Redacted: A primary cause of trauma for the protagonist. Throughout the film, his face cannot be seen, and he is only to appear in short-lived memories. Whenever his face is described with disgust, the protagonist is shown instead.

Party Animal: A friend of the protagonist with access to alcohol. Regularly throws parties. Is reluctant to promote this behavior to the protagonist, but does not realize the severity of the situation. They have an addiction of their own, so they can relate.

The Indie Kid: A skater that befriends the protagonist during the film. They get to know each other well. He does some “fun drugs” such as acid, but is the only friend of the protagonist that does not grant this access to them. They stay sober together.

More Info:

-The Party Animal and the Indie Kid will directly contrast in costume, color psychology, etc… Despite both having their own addictions, they also contrast in their understanding of others and overall maturity. Despite an immature front and more severe addiction than the party animal, the skater understands the dangers of drugs and chooses to protect others, even if they cannot protect themself.

Party Animal: Uses “light” narcotics such as marijuana and alcohol and has less of a dependency. Overexaggerates their intoxication for attention and jokes about others, such as the protagonist, developing an addiction.

Indie Kid: Has a severe obsession with acid and shrooms, likes to escape reality. He relates with the protagonist’s derealization by claiming to feel the “opposite” while under these drugs. He understands the dangers of a “bad trip” and addiction, so he doesn’t share this with the protagonist. Mature in that regard.

Being surrounded by drugs and alcohol often, he has a tendency to oversexualize people that bring him feelings of ease. This causes tension between him and the protagonist.