One of the best ways to get your screenplay noticed—and ultimately produced—is by writing characters that actors can’t resist. Great scripts don’t just tell compelling stories; they offer opportunities for actors to sink their teeth into roles that challenge them, showcase their range, and leave a lasting impression. If your script includes these kinds of characters, it will naturally attract talent, which can, in turn, attract producers and studios.
In this article, we’ll explore how to write screenplays that actors will beg to perform, with actionable tips and examples from some of Hollywood’s most iconic films.
1. Write Characters with Depth
Why It’s Important:
Actors are drawn to roles that allow them to explore complex emotions and motivations. Flat, one-dimensional characters won’t inspire an actor to invest their time and talent.
What to Do:
- Create Backstories: Even if it doesn’t make it into the script, know your character’s history. What experiences shaped them? What are their secrets and fears?
- Include Contradictions: Real people are full of contradictions, and your characters should be too. A villain with a soft spot for animals or a hero with a selfish streak is far more interesting than a one-note archetype.
Example: Heath Ledger’s Joker in The Dark Knight is a richly layered character—chaotic and terrifying yet strangely compelling. Ledger’s performance became iconic because the character offered so much complexity to explore.
Pro Tip: Let your characters surprise you during the writing process. Sometimes their contradictions will emerge naturally as you dig deeper into their personalities.
2. Give Every Character a Memorable Introduction
Why It’s Important:
First impressions matter, especially in film. A character’s first scene sets the tone for their role and gives actors a chance to make an impact.
What to Do:
- Start with Action or Conflict: Don’t let characters drift onto the screen. Have them enter in the middle of something significant—an argument, a daring move, or a moment of vulnerability.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Use visuals and actions to reveal key traits instead of relying on dialogue.
Example: In Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones is introduced retrieving a golden idol while dodging booby traps. This opening scene instantly establishes his bravery, resourcefulness, and cool demeanor.
Pro Tip: Revisit your character introductions and ask, “Would this excite an actor?” If the answer is no, rewrite it until it does.
3. Write Dialogue That Feels Real but Elevated
Why It’s Important:
Actors love dialogue that allows them to play with tone, rhythm, and subtext. The best lines feel natural yet offer room for interpretation and nuance.
What to Do:
- Focus on Subtext: Real conversations often have layers—what’s being said, what’s being implied, and what’s left unsaid. Write dialogue that lets actors explore these layers.
- Avoid Overwriting: Keep lines concise and impactful. Let body language and pauses do some of the talking.
Example: Aaron Sorkin’s scripts (The Social Network, A Few Good Men) are celebrated for their sharp, rhythmic dialogue that actors love to perform. His lines are witty, precise, and packed with meaning.
Pro Tip: Read your dialogue out loud to hear how it flows. If it feels clunky or unnatural, rewrite it until it sings.
4. Include Transformational Arcs
Why It’s Important:
Actors are drawn to characters who change and grow over the course of a story. Transformational arcs give them the chance to showcase their range and keep the audience invested.
What to Do:
- Show Growth Through Conflict: Characters grow when they face challenges. Make sure your protagonist’s journey is filled with meaningful struggles that force them to evolve.
- Tie Growth to Theme: Let the character’s transformation reflect the central theme of the story.
Example: In Silver Linings Playbook, Bradley Cooper’s character goes from a broken, volatile man to someone capable of love and connection. His arc gives Cooper the opportunity to explore a wide emotional range.
Pro Tip: Even supporting characters benefit from smaller arcs. Consider how their roles can evolve to create a richer ensemble cast.
5. Write Roles That Actors Haven’t Seen Before
Why It’s Important:
Actors crave originality. A unique, unexpected role is far more likely to grab their attention than a generic one.
What to Do:
- Subvert Archetypes: Take a classic character type and flip it. For example, a tough action hero who’s secretly afraid of spiders or a villain who’s a doting single parent.
- Combine Opposites: Create characters who are a blend of traits that don’t typically go together, like a bubbly optimist who’s also a skilled assassin.
Example: Frances McDormand’s Marge Gunderson in Fargo is a small-town police chief who is kind, pregnant, and relentlessly competent. The combination of traits makes her unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself: “What makes this role different from any other character in this genre?” Lean into that uniqueness.
6. Craft Emotional Scenes That Demand Range
Why It’s Important:
Actors love scenes that challenge them emotionally. These moments are often the highlights of their performances and the clips shown during award ceremonies.
What to Do:
- Focus on High-Stakes Moments: Create scenes where the character must confront their deepest fears, make an impossible choice, or reveal a hidden truth.
- Leave Room for Interpretation: Don’t over-direct emotions in your script. Allow actors to bring their own instincts to the performance.
Example: Viola Davis’s powerhouse scene in Fences, where she confronts her husband about his infidelity, is a masterclass in emotional range. The dialogue, stakes, and context all give her the space to shine.
Pro Tip: Ensure these scenes feel earned. If the emotional climax comes out of nowhere, it won’t resonate.
7. Write Scenes That Prioritize Actor Movement
Why It’s Important:
Great actors use more than their voices—they use their whole bodies to convey emotion and intention. Scenes that incorporate physicality give them more to work with.
What to Do:
- Incorporate Dynamic Actions: Let characters move, gesture, or manipulate their surroundings in ways that reflect their emotions.
- Use the Setting Creatively: A character pacing in a cramped office versus strolling confidently through a vast estate will tell us volumes about their state of mind.
Example: In The Wolf of Wall Street, Leonardo DiCaprio’s infamous “quaalude crawl” scene is a perfect blend of physical comedy and character desperation, giving him an unforgettable moment to perform.
Pro Tip: Think visually. How can your character’s movements amplify the drama of the scene?
Final Thoughts: Writing Scripts That Attract Talent
To write screenplays that actors beg to perform, you need to create roles that challenge, excite, and inspire them. Focus on crafting complex characters, dynamic scenes, and authentic dialogue. When your script offers opportunities for actors to showcase their range and connect emotionally with the audience, it becomes more than a screenplay—it becomes a performance waiting to happen.
