As a film enthusiast, you know the joy of loving and remembering the countless iconic characters from your favorite films. Whether it’s a classic like Darth Vader from Star Wars or the intellectually drunk Miles from Sideways, character introductions are not just a part of the story, they are the foundation of a great narrative.
Characters are not just figures on the screen, they are the heart and soul of a story. They have the power to stir emotions, forge connections with the audience, and deliver the desired emotional impact. Their significance goes beyond what meets the eye, making a well-developed character introduction a key element for a compelling story.
Still from 'Sideways (2004)'. Photo credit: Mental Floss
What’s a Character Introduction
A character introduction, also known as an 'establishing shot' in film, aims to captivate the audience, sparking their interest and ensuring they are eager to continue watching. A vivid and memorable introduction can etch the character into the reader's mind, fully realized and compelling. It's the first impression of the character, setting the stage for their journey and the audience's emotional investment in their story.
Introducing characters in screenplays is a delicate blend of formatting, craftsmanship, artistic flair, and genuine affection. It's a pivotal moment for a screenwriter to establish tone through robust and clever character descriptions.
Trinity in THE MATRIX (1999)
Trinity's debut scene in The Matrix serves multiple purposes, notably introducing viewers to the Matrix world in a spectacular manner.The action sequence highlights Trinity's formidable strength, setting a benchmark that others strive to match throughout the film, and showcases the film's distinctive style.
The chase scene incorporates aesthetic choices that define the film's visual identity, effectively demonstrating Trinity's and the film's overall appeal. The Matrix wouldn’t be the same without this introduction, and admittedly, it’s a highlight of the entire franchise.
The room is almost devoid of furniture. There is a foldup table and chair with a phone, a modem, and a powerbook computer. The only light in the room is the glow of the computer. Sitting there, her hands still on the keyboard, is TRINITY; a woman in black leather.
Miles in SIDEWAYS (2004)
Sideways will always hold a special place in my heart, with its character, Miles, being one of my favorites in any film I’ve seen. Though the film doesn’t hold the same magnitude as others on this list, it’s undoubtedly one of the best-crafted in Alexander Payne’s filmography.
Miles' introduction is a perfect example of how a character's appearance, actions, and surroundings can reveal a lot about their personality and the world they inhabit. It sets the stage for their journey and the audience's emotional investment in their story.
Despite what you might think, protagonists can often be portrayed as deeply flawed individuals, grappling with issues such as alcoholism, denial of psychological problems, superiority complexes, and even acts of betrayal, much like Miles in this instance.
Miles is a struggling writer who lives in San Diego and teaches English. He is grappling with a fading career and the uncertain fate of his book, which is pending a publisher's decision.
He battles feelings of depression and disappointment over his perceived lack of achievement. We’re introduced to the character as he’s running late and in his run-down apartment with a sloppy intellectual look. We need everything to know who Miles is and what we can assume about the character as the film progresses.
Wearing only underwear, a bathrobe and clogs, MILES RAYMOND comes out of his unit and heads toward the street. He passes some SIX MEXICANS waiting to work. He climbs into his twelve-year-old CONVERTIBLE SAAB, parked far from the curb and blocking part of the driveway. The car starts fitfully. As he pulls away, the guys begin backing up the truck.
John McLean in DIE HARD (1988)
Die Hard stands as a quintessential example of the post-classical Hollywood action blockbuster. Its impact resonates through three sequels and numerous imitations, many of which pale compared to McTiernan's 1988 original. The film launched Bruce Willis as an action star and solidified his place as one of Hollywood’s most beloved performers.
From the outset, we learn that protagonist John McClane is a seasoned New York City cop with eleven years on the force. Recently estranged from his wife Holly, who moved with their children to Los Angeles, McClane reluctantly visits them for Christmas.
Initially portrayed as reckless, uncomfortable with flying, and seemingly indifferent to family life, McClane's character is complex and multifaceted. His reluctance to address the emotional strain of living apart from his wife for six months adds layers to his persona, setting the stage for the film's intense and gripping narrative.
While seated on the plane, you effortlessly glean insights into his life, family, and profession within just a few sentences, all without even realizing it. We get to know this character, his flaws, and what makes him a person, setting the film apart from other action films.
The usual moment just after landing when you let out that sigh of relief that you've made it in one piece. As the plane TAXIS to its gate, they stir, gather personal belongings. ON JOHN MCCLANE - mid-thirties, good-looking, athletic and tired from his trip. He sits by the window. His relief on landing is subtle, but we NOTICE.
Darth Vader in STAR WARS: EPISODE IV - A NEW HOPE (1977)
You can’t make a list like this and leave Darth Vader off of it. A New Hope began the iconic Star Wars franchise, introducing audiences to the epic tale of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), a young, Force-sensitive farm boy yearning for adventure beyond his mundane life on Tatooine.
When Luke inherits his Jedi father's lightsaber, he is guided by the wise Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) and the charismatic smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford).
Driven by a desire to confront the oppressive Galactic Empire, Luke and his newfound allies join forces with the Rebel Alliance. Their mission: to thwart Darth Vader's sinister plans, the ruthless enforcer of Emperor Palpatine's dark regime. For those who haven’t seen Star Wars yet, I don’t know what to tell you.The 1977 classic begins with Vader's imposing Star Destroyer dwarfing a small rebel ship, setting the stage for the power dynamics central to the original trilogy. Through C-3PO's palpable fear, the unnamed threat is established as formidable, escalating tension during the intense standoff at the door.
Vader's eventual entrance, following minutes of anticipation, underscores his menacing presence without uttering a single word. This masterful buildup cements Vader as a formidable and unforgettable antagonist from the moment he appears on screen.
The awesome, seven-foot-tall Dark Lord of the Sith makes his way into the blinding light of the main passageway. This is Darth Vader, right hand of the Emperor. His face is obscured by his flowing black robes and grotesque breath mask, which stands out next to the fascist white armored suits of the Imperial stormtroopers. Everyone instinctively backs away from the imposing warrior and a deathly quiet sweeps through the Rebel troops. Several of the Rebel troops break and run in a frenzied panic.
Hannibal Lecter in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)
Few films are as captivating as Silence of the Lambs. The film follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), who pursues the elusive serial killer Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). In her quest to apprehend him, she must navigate a precarious alliance with the brilliant yet dangerous cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins).
The urgency intensifies when Buffalo Bill's latest victim happens to be the daughter of a U.S. Senator, placing immense pressure on Starling to capture the criminal before he executes his depraved plan.Despite being its most iconic character, Hannibal Lecter is neither the protagonist nor the antagonist; he is a supporting character in Clarice's narrative.
Lecter's introduction exemplifies this dynamic, as he chillingly analyzes Clarice. His introductory monologues develop his character and enhance Clarice's characterization, showcasing how a supporting character's introduction can be utilized to maximum effect.
Dr. Hannibal Lecter is lounging on his bunk, in white pajamas, reading an Italian Vogue. He turns, considers her... A face so long out of the sun, it seems almost leached - except for the glittering eyes, and the wet red mouth. He rises smoothly, crossing to stand before her; the gracious host. His voice is cultured, soft.
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