The Secret to Great Characters — Characterization Explained

What is Characterization — the process of creating and building characters explained, including the two main types indirect and direct characterization with examples in film.

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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Characterization
00:44 - Characterization Definition
02:02 - Chapter 1: Direct Characterization
07:03 - Chapter 2: Indirect Characterization
12:37 - Chapter 3: Characterization in Casablanca
15:57 - Takeaways

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CHARACTERIZATION EXPLAINED

When authors and screenwriters create characters, they do so through a process called characterization. This generally involves providing information to the reader or viewer that builds these characters one layer at a time. By the end of the story, ideally, you would have a fully-formed character inside and out. When done right, the audience receives all this information without realizing it. In this video, we will uncover the two main characterization methods and their importance in creating dimensional, interesting, and engaging characters.

WHAT IS CHARACTERIZATION

Characterization is how writers present and describe their characters. Think about this — the task is to make the audience believe that the character is “real,” at least enough to empathize and engage with them. The audience must understand who these characters are based on how they look, what they say, how they act, where they live, what they wear, etc. A writer could just list off all of this information, but it’s usually more powerful for the audience to do their own assessment. Let’s look at the two main types of characterization.

DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION

In literature, direct characterization is how the author describes the character. In film, unless there is a narrator providing the same information, direct characterization is what we can observe about a character. For example, their appearance. A lot can be communicated immediately through the wardrobe, physicality, and hair/make-up. We can also intuit much about them from their settings, like their homes, car, or how they blend in (or not) with their environment. This is the more objective characterization technique.

INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION

The other main type is indirect characterization, which is what we can discern about a character through their behavior, actions, and dialogue. As you’ve heard, actions speak louder than words, and it is up to the audience to decipher these actions to complete the characterization. As Robert McKee notes, “The revelation of true character in contrast or contradiction to characterization is fundamental to all fine storytelling.”
Indirect and direct characterization can yield a character we believe in and root for.

#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking

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♬ SONGS USED:

"Pelicans" - Jimit
"A Battle in the East" - Rhythm Scott
"1986" - Angel Salazar
"In Love with Emi" - Fabien Fustinoni
"Double Espresso" - Francesco D'Andrea
"Merge" - Theatre of Delays
"Secret Weapon" - Evgeny Bardyuzha
"Main Title" - Angelo Badalamenti
"Perfect Day (Chris Lord Alge Mix)" - Hoku
"Theme for The Irishman" - Robbie Robertson
"Apartment #604" - Howard Shore
"Off to Work" - Michael Giacchino
"The Fall" - Hans Zimmer
"Dojo Tradition (Instrumental)" - In This World
"Yes I Am (Instrumental)" - Zach Sorgen
"Captain America Main Titles" - Alan Silvestri
"Future Markets" - Jonny Greenwood
"Dark Blood" - Jimmy Svensson
"Cantina Band" - John Williams
"The Throne Room and End Title" - John Williams
"Hand Covers Bruise" - Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
"Prologue: One Ring to Rule Them All" - Howard Shore
"A Moon Walk (Instrumental)" - Yehezkel Raz
"Medley (Laszlo / As Time Goes By / Orders / Die Wacht Am Rhein / Motor / Ilsa Returns / Telephone / Deutschland Über Alles / La Marseillaise / Plane)" - Max Steiner
"Medley (Paris Montage)" - Max Steiner
"Medley (At La Belle Aurore)" - Max Steiner
"Medley (It Had to Be You / Shine)" - Dooley Wilson
"A Glowing Light, a Promise" - Makeup And Vanity Set
"State Lines (Instrumental)" - Aaron Kellim

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[StudioBinder]

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Characterization
00:44 - Characterization Definition
02:02 - Chapter 1: Direct Characterization
07:03 - Chapter 2: Indirect Characterization
12:37 - Chapter 3: Characterization in Casablanca
15:57 - Takeaways

[idreamofgenie]

I've just noticed something I like about StudioBinder's educational videos like this. StudioBinder draws from a wide range of types of films to illustrate its lessons. While there are plenty of the "critically acclaimed" and Oscar-worthy films referenced here (as there is certainly much to learn from them), StudioBinder's editors don't seem to look down on popular sci-fi, animation, superhero movies, etc., that some critics might not consider "art with a capital A." They reference all types of films matter-of-factly, and that helps give these videos a wider appeal. I appreciate that.

[TrouvatkiDePercusion]

I swear to fucking God, this channel is like having a free Film, Television, and Literature academy degree delivered right to my home. This is incredible. The day that I'm solidly anchored someplace steady, and I have a consistent, long-term place-of-living and long-term job with a steady source of income, you guys will be the very first account I support on Patreon. I actually feel guilty over how much I've benefited from your wisdom.

[callmefox]

A Film that I love to see used as a Example of Characterization is 12 angry men. Each juror in 12 angry men has different, distinct characterizations. Not necessarily complex, but each distinct enough to have every line and detail in the movie to point towards the characterizations.

[rayancedrichaddad]

Characterization is what reveals the Character to the audience. Directly and Indirectly it's what defines the Soul of the Protagonist.
Very Inspiring. Thank you StudioBinder.

[SevenPhotonsFilms]

These Studio Binder videos are pieces of art on their own....specially with this narrating voice 🤯

[exxosetty]

The best film channel on YouTube. Thank you guys for all your work

[Andra]

As always, great video! This is not quite a request, but please consider making a video related to this topic about Chemistry between characters - what it is, what kinds there are, etc. Often in movie reviews I hear that "there is not enough chemistry between the characters" and all that - it would be interesting to know in more detail how chemistry is created and by what factors it is achieved.

[dmdcykey]

The high quality of content on this channel is honestly astounding.

[veragrig]

An amazing example of characterization is in the movie “Drive” with Ryan Gosling as leading actor. They show you the personage from the beginning and while nothing is said to him or by him, you have an exact understanding of who the person is through some personality traits shown in around a 2 minutes scene.

[thenecromancer]

Edna Mode deserves her own spin-off movie. If you Google the cast of the Incredibles, it lists Edna first. She’s even listed before the main characters, Bob and Ellen. I think that tells you everything you need to know about who the fan favorite character is

[disneyfox]

Dear StudioBinder ❤
We want an explanation video on the dystopian genre.

[HighTechCinnamon]

Can't even begin to express how much I love these videos, y'all do amazing work!

[PROJECTUSMEDIA]

I will really appreciate if you guys can cover hyperlink characters in Storytelling. Characters that have their own plot, but their plots converge at a point down the story chain. Where the action of one directly or indirectly affects the life of the other.

[spinsandneedles]

Good transition at 5:55 from silenced phone call in Seven to car sound in The Incredibles. The action led the edit.

[joaquinhernandez]

I always use setting to deliver the characterization of my protagonists. Currently working on a superhero movie where Harvard is an important aspect.

[tekelci]

I am planning to start shooting a couple short films this summer and i will put this channels name on every credits.

[aaronross]

These videos are the clearest, most entertaining instruction ever!

[marcusjenkins]

I love the varied insights you share on filmmaking. I can sense your videos are parts what you learned from other sources and also your own philosophies on cinema 💯

[movieking]

This is so convenient bc I’m working on my first script and this was second thing I was worrying abt so this is so helpful thank u