Top 10 Screenwriting Books to Boost Your Character Development Skills

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 6 June 2023 8 min read

As a screenwriter, you know that creating compelling characters is the backbone of a great story, and it's essential to hone your character development skills. The best screenwriting books for character development can help you accomplish this. In this blog, we'll explore the fundamentals of character development and recommend the top 10 screenwriting books to take your character-building abilities to the next level.

1. Understanding Character Development

Before diving into the best screenwriting books for character development, it's important to understand the key aspects that make up this vital skill. Let's take a look at three crucial components: character arc, motivation and conflict, and character growth.

Character Arc

The character arc is the transformation that a character undergoes throughout the story. It's the journey they take from the beginning to the end, and it's what makes them relatable and engaging to the audience. The character arc can be:

Positive — a character learns, grows, and becomes a better person.
Negative — a character declines, makes poor choices, and ends up in a worse situation.
Flat — the character remains unchanged, serving as a stable force in the story.

Motivation and Conflict

Every character needs a motivation — the driving force behind their actions and decisions. It can be simple, like finding love or achieving success, or more complex, like overcoming a deep-seated fear. Conflict arises when a character's motivation clashes with external forces, such as other characters, society, or even themselves. This tension is necessary to create engaging stories, as it forces characters to make choices, take action, and evolve.

Character Growth

Character growth is the process of change and development that characters experience as a result of the events in the story. This growth can be physical, emotional, or intellectual, and it's essential for characters to feel authentic and relatable. The best screenwriting books for character development can help you create characters who grow in meaningful ways, making your story more engaging and memorable.

2. Best Screenwriting Books for Character Development: Beginners

Now that you have a solid understanding of character development, let's explore the best screenwriting books for character development catering to beginners. These books will provide you with a strong foundation to build upon as you work on creating memorable and engaging characters for your stories.

Creating Unforgettable Characters

Creating Unforgettable Characters by Linda Seger is an excellent starting point for screenwriters looking to improve their character development skills. This book breaks down the process of crafting memorable characters into straightforward steps, making it easy for beginners to follow. Some key takeaways from this book include:

Understanding different character types and their roles in a story.
Developing a character's backstory to create depth and motivation.
Using dialogue and action to reveal a character's personality and growth.

With practical examples and exercises, Seger's book will help you create characters that resonate with your audience.

Story and Character

Next on our list of best screenwriting books for character development is Story and Character by Yves Lavandier. This book focuses on the vital connection between story and character, emphasizing the importance of creating characters whose actions and choices drive the plot forward. Lavandier covers many essential topics, such as:

The importance of character motivation and how it affects the story.
Creating unique and well-rounded supporting characters.
Using character flaws and strengths to create engaging conflict.

Story and Character offers a valuable perspective on the interplay between character development and storytelling, making it a must-read for screenwriters starting their journey.

The Anatomy of Story

John Truby's The Anatomy of Story is another fantastic book for beginners seeking to improve their character development skills. This book offers a comprehensive guide to storytelling, with a strong emphasis on character creation. Some key insights from Truby's book include:

A step-by-step guide to building a compelling story structure with strong character arcs.
Techniques for creating dynamic relationships between characters.
Tips for developing a character's voice and making dialogue feel authentic.

The Anatomy of Story is a great resource for screenwriters looking to create stories with powerful character development at their core. With these three books under your belt, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of character development in your screenplays.

3. Best Screenwriting Books for Character Development: Intermediate Writers

As you progress in your screenwriting journey, it's important to continue expanding your knowledge and refining your character development skills. The following best screenwriting books for character development are perfect for intermediate writers looking to take their abilities to the next level.

The Writer's Journey

The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler is a must-read for any screenwriter interested in mastering the art of storytelling. Based on Joseph Campbell's work on the Hero's Journey, Vogler's book delves deep into the universal structure of stories and offers valuable insights on character development, such as:

Understanding archetypes and their role in a compelling narrative.
Using the Hero's Journey as a blueprint for character-driven stories.
Exploring character relationships and their impact on story progression.

With its in-depth exploration of storytelling principles and character development, The Writer's Journey provides intermediate writers with a solid framework to elevate their screenwriting skills.

Writing the Breakout Novel

Intermediate screenwriters looking to push their character development skills further should definitely pick up Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass. Although this book is primarily aimed at novelists, its principles and techniques can easily be applied to screenwriting. Key concepts covered in the book include:

Creating multi-dimensional characters that feel real and relatable.
Using character goals and motivations to heighten tension and conflict.
Developing complex character arcs that engage and satisfy your audience.

By implementing Maass's advice, you'll be well on your way to crafting unforgettable characters that truly resonate with viewers.

Dynamic Characters

Dynamic Characters by Nancy Kress is another fantastic book for intermediate screenwriters seeking to improve their character development skills. Kress focuses on the elements that make characters truly come alive on the page and on screen, such as:

Using point of view to shape a character's voice and perspective.
Exploring character backstory, motivation, and internal conflict.
Developing dynamic relationships between characters that drive the story forward.

By applying the techniques outlined in Dynamic Characters, you'll be able to create compelling, well-rounded characters that will capture your audience's imagination.

With these three best screenwriting books for character development under your belt, you'll be well-equipped to tackle more complex stories and characters as you continue to hone your craft.

4. Best Screenwriting Books for Character Development: Advanced Writers

Now that you've got a solid foundation in character development and have tackled more complex stories, it's time to dive even deeper. The following best screenwriting books for character development will challenge advanced writers to push their skills to new heights and create truly unforgettable characters and stories.

Writing and Rewriting the Screenplay

Writing and Rewriting the Screenplay by Paul Chitlik is an invaluable resource for advanced screenwriters who want to refine their character development techniques. Chitlik's book emphasizes the importance of rewriting and revising your screenplay to achieve the best possible results. Some key insights you can expect from this book include:

Identifying character inconsistencies and fixing them in rewrites.
Using subtext to reveal character emotions and motivations.
Experimenting with character-driven plot twists to surprise and engage your audience.

By incorporating Chitlik's advice, you'll be able to polish and perfect your characters, ensuring they leave a lasting impression on your audience.

The Emotional Thesaurus

For advanced screenwriters looking to add depth and authenticity to their characters, The Emotional Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi is a must-read. This unique reference guide offers an extensive list of emotions, along with physical, mental, and behavioral cues to help you accurately portray your characters' emotional states. Some highlights of this book include:

Understanding how to show, not tell, emotions through actions and dialogue.
Exploring various emotional states and their impact on character development.
Learning to create emotional arcs that resonate with your audience.

Armed with The Emotional Thesaurus, you'll be able to craft believable and emotionally impactful characters that truly connect with your viewers.

Character Development from the Inside Out

Character Development from the Inside Out by Robin L. LaFevers is a gem for advanced screenwriters aiming to create truly exceptional characters. LaFevers delves deep into the psychology of character creation, exploring how to build characters from the inside out. Key concepts covered in this book include:

Developing unique character voices that reflect their personality and background.
Creating authentic character reactions based on their beliefs, fears, and desires.
Exploring the concept of "inner wounds" and how they affect character development.

By applying the techniques in Character Development from the Inside Out, you'll be able to create rich, complex characters that not only drive your story, but also captivate your audience.

With these best screenwriting books for character development in your toolkit, there's no limit to the depth and complexity of the characters you can create. Advanced writers will find these resources invaluable in pushing their craft to new heights, resulting in truly unforgettable stories and characters.

5. Additional Resources for Character Development

So, you've explored the best screenwriting books for character development, but where do you go from here? There are other resources available to help you continue honing your character development skills. Let's take a look at some additional options that can support your screenwriting journey.

Screenwriting Workshops

Attending screenwriting workshops can be a great way to learn from experienced professionals and get hands-on practice with character development. In these workshops, you'll have the opportunity to:

Participate in interactive exercises to improve your understanding of character creation.
Receive personalized feedback on your work from industry experts.
Collaborate with fellow screenwriters and learn from their experiences and perspectives.

Screenwriting workshops can be found locally through community centers, colleges, or even online. They offer a supportive and dynamic learning environment for you to enhance your character development skills beyond the best screenwriting books for character development.

Writing Groups

Joining a writing group can be a fantastic way to receive constructive criticism, encouragement, and inspiration from like-minded individuals. In a writing group, you can:

Share your work and receive feedback from fellow writers on your character development.
Learn about different writing styles and techniques from other group members.
Participate in group discussions and exercises to expand your understanding of character development.

Writing groups can be found through local libraries, community centers, or online forums. By participating in a writing group, you'll be able to grow as a screenwriter and refine your character development skills alongside others who share your passion.

Online Courses

Online courses can provide a more structured learning experience for those looking to dive deeper into character development. Many online platforms offer courses taught by industry professionals. By enrolling in an online course, you'll be able to:

Access a wide range of lessons and exercises focused on character development.
Receive guidance and feedback from experienced instructors.
Work at your own pace and adapt the course to your schedule.

While online courses may require a financial investment, they can be a valuable addition to the best screenwriting books for character development. They can help you further refine your skills and create memorable, well-developed characters for your screenplays.

In conclusion, the best screenwriting books for character development are just the beginning of your journey in mastering the art of character creation. By exploring additional resources like workshops, writing groups, and online courses, you'll continue to grow and develop as a screenwriter, bringing your characters to life in new and exciting ways. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into these resources and watch your characters flourish!

If you're looking to further enhance your character development skills in screenwriting, don't miss the workshop 'Writing a Story, Creating Characters & Getting Inspiration' by Alex Kahuam. This workshop offers valuable insights and techniques to help you create memorable characters and draw inspiration for your stories. Boost your screenwriting skills and bring your characters to life with this fantastic resource!