Creating Great Characters

One of the most important elements of screenwriting (that's oft overlooked) is the creation of truly compelling characters.  An audience needs someone that they can root for.  An audience needs someone that can grab their attention the moment they walk on the screen.

So what makes a great character?  I believe the definition is surprisingly simple when you boil it down.  A great character is someone who behaves with great character.  Sounds obvious, right?  I remember my grandpa telling me about the old spaghetti westerns:  he said, "people like Clint Eastwood because they get to see justice done."  And it's true.  Look at the characters he plays - they all have a strong sense of justice, morality, and idealism.  They're not ruled by fear and fight with valor to achieve their goals.  Who wouldn't root for such a man?

I think it's also important to give the protagonist a few flaws.  They can't be too perfect or they won't seem real, and a fatal flaw gives a character potential for growth and change.  Take "Simba" in The Lion King.  His biggest flaw is his inability to come to terms with his guilt (ie that he's responsible for his father's death).  It's so strong that he runs away from home and refuses to take his rightful place on the throne.  This provides the story with a beautiful arc when he finally returns and faces down his fears.

Now... it's not too difficult to write a good protagonist, but what about a villain?  Poorly written villains are just cruel for no reason and will annoy you throughout the film.  It's much harder to create a villain with depth and complexity.  For a shining example, look no further than "Darth Vader" of Star Wars - one of the most charismatic villains in cinema history.  Yes, he's evil and wicked, and he's committed countless atrocities against the universe.  But he has many strong qualities as well.  He's disciplined, he's focused, he doesn't tolerate failure - he's also gained mastery of a powerful art.  He has a kind side.  He wants his son back.  He wants to restore order to the galaxy, and most importantly, he's not beyond redemption.  All these things add up to that incredibly moving scene in Return of the Jedi where he tosses the Emperor overboard in an attempt to save his son.