Writing Practice
Some of our best loved stories take care to develop their characters’ relationships with one another. How characters interact can reveal a lot about their personalities. Let us turn to some movie classics to learn how we can do so!
Define the personalities of your main characters through their interactions with others
Frenemies’ Avalon and Halley
The atmosphere tensed as Avalon and Halley argued over who should be the one to interview the rock star.
“I’m the one who can talk to him. You get ‘all flustered around people’, remember?” Avalon said smugly. Halley scoffed and retorted, “You might be able to talk the talk, but let’s see you write the right words.”
The Devil Wears Prada’s
Andrea and Emily
Emily watched in disdain as Andrea entered the office on her first day of work. Unlike Emily, or any of the other girls at Runway, Andrea was horribly dressed: a frumpy blue sweater and an unflattering skirt.
But oblivious to Emily’s disapproval, Andrea stood sparkly-eyed and breathless at the chance to work for a magazine.
Lord of the Rings’ Legolas and Gimli
“I will be dead before I see the powerful Ring in the hands of an Elf! Never trust an Elf!” Gimli’s voice boomed as he glared at Legolas.
Across the courtyard, Legolas appeared unaffected by the outburst. He stared expressionless down at Gimli.
Show the characters' friendship journey to get your reader invested in them
Frenemies’ Avalon and Halley
The two girls really wanted to impress the head of Burns Publications. They both wanted to be the one who got the job offer.
The Devil Wears Prada’s
Andrea and Emily
While Emily worshipped fashion and all that the magazine stood for, Andrea saw Runway merely as a stepping stone for her to fulfill her dreams of becoming a journalist. How could they ever work together, much less become friends?
Lord of the Rings’ Legolas and Gimli
The long-standing feud between the Dwarves and the Elves made Gimli and Legolas distrustful of each other. But as part of the Fellowship, Gimli and Legolas now had to work together to destroy the Ring.
