Character Quote by Justin Zackham
“For me, screenwriting is all about setting characters in motion and as a writer just chasing them. They should tell you what they’ll do in any scene you put them in.”
About This Quote
Screenwriting is about creating characters that drive the story forward, acting on their own motivations.
In simple terms: Characters propel the plot.
Key Takeaway
Write characters with clear goals.
Themes
storytelling
character development
motivation
Mood
creative
inspirational
Type
artistic
practical
When to use this quote
- film scripts
- TV pilots
- novels
- video games
- theatre productions
Key Concepts
narrative structure
psychology
creative process
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your characters?
- How do they react to conflict?
A Different Perspective
Characters can be flat if not well‑crafted.
