George Khouri on Writing Unforgettable Characters in Films and the Most Popular Examples

Writing unforgettable characters is the ideal objective of any writer. The following article focuses on presenting your protagonist (male or female) most originally and impressively. We will deal with not only the way of presenting the character physically but also how we present her name out of the boring and classic.

We take insights from George Khouri, who’s prominently known as a writer, producer, cinematographer, with an extensive reach in cinema. Khouri produced the pilot of the hit television series, Black Coffee streamed on Will Ferrel’s streaming platform, Funny Or Die.

As a matter of fact, Khouri is highly revered as a pioneer of comedy, creating an amusing personality of characters and joining up scenes with comedic impulse. He sits down an analyzes a bunch of famous movie protagonists, from James Bond to Darth Vader.

Physical presentation

Sometimes during scriptwriting, we don’t realize the importance of this detail. There are scripts in which the physical description of the character is simple. It is limited to only describing the clothes, age, and little else. It is in ACTIONS and DIALOGUES, where the full potential of the character is developed.

If we can unite several writing elements, we will create a magnificent and impressive presentation of character. Answer these questions before writing the opening scene. What sets my character apart from the rest? Do you have any physical, speech, or wardrobe characteristics that stand out? Is your name important to the story? What relationship does it have with the stage?

They seem obvious questions, but with the examples, we will see the construction of unforgettable scenes and characters in cinema.

Character: Trinity / Movie: Matrix (1999) Wachowski Sisters

The character is presented simply, dressed in black, without dialogue, and we do not know his name. We do not know where it is or what it does with that computer. Police officers are looking for her. The action begins, and we are presented with one of the qualities of Trinity (its amazing agility and ability to fight). The beginning of the Matrix and the bases of the story will make a change in the world of cinema and the way of narrating the Science fiction. You can see the presentation about the minute 1:40.

Character: Darth Vader / Movie: Star Wars IV- A new hope (1977) George Lucas

One of the most iconic villains in cinema. The face is not seen, and we do not know its origin. The important thing in your presentation is the visual part. It stands out for its wardrobe, completely in black, his mask, and his particular metallic tone of voice. That is part of his identity as a character. His appearance on a completely white spotless stage, and he is rigorous black, not accidental. Its great size and strength are also shown as a symbol of power and danger.

Character: Indiana Jones / Movie: In Search of the Lost Ark (1981) Steven Spielberg

This example is quite curious. To begin with, it must be said that the name of Indiana Jones does NOT appear in the title as many think. The character of Harrison Ford, the archeologist, and the professor does not appear before the introduction. There are several things to highlight about his scene:

We do not know his name (later, the film would be known concerning the name).

It is presented from behind and without dialogues. We only appreciate its silhouette surrounded by mystery.

When it is presented, it is done with another QUALITY of the character. His sharpness, always being aware of the danger and his WHIP. Note that your work tool is presented before. Then he appears in the light with his legendary explorer’s clothing and hat. This CLOTHING will mark a before and after in adventure cinema.

Another curious part is that the character returns to present himself in another facet of his university professor with a different attitude and wardrobe. It is important to show both sides of a character.

Presentation of names

You have already chosen the perfect name for your protagonist, and you want to reveal it most adequately. Here are some practical and original examples of doing it.

Simply saying the name is enough. Yes, but not in any way. Remember, it must always be PART OF THE CHARACTER. Impossible not to remember James Bond. He presents his way of playing cards, his hands, his cigarette, and when he says his name, it remains engraved on fire.

Batman (1989) presentation in Tim Burton’s original film: As in Indiana Jones, the clothing is used to present the character. Known for comics, there is little to discover about this protagonist, but what is important is how he presents himself through ACTION and QUALITIES that mark the morality of their actions.

Have another character present the name. This gives your character an aura of mystery and power, whether he is the protagonist or the antagonist (works best in the second case). Tarantino is a specialist in knowing how to present his characters, giving them their qualities and nicknames. Unforgettable the Jewish Bear of Damned Bastards (2009).

Presentation by props. Nameplates, mugs, posters, cards. It works effectively and showing the name of the character gives an idea of her work, social, and economic position. The Maltese Falcon (1941) is a clear example.

Presentation with labels or voice-over. The narrative voice-over is characteristic of film noir and serves to introduce the protagonist and other characters in the story.

The Coen brothers did it in Big Lebowski (1998).

In action or comedy movies, the name is sometimes used without hesitation and some quality of the character. Guy Ritchie does it often in his films and Danny Boyle in Transpoitting (1996) in the style of a video clip.