When you sit down to develop a character, there's a whole bunch of types you can go through, such as hand archetypes, as a jumping-off point. One of the ways I like to look at who I'm putting in my movies and TV shows is via a stock character. But what is a stock character, and how do they fit into storytelling? Today, we'll go over the definition, examples, and how writers use them. Let's dive in. Stock Character DefinitionStock characters are stereotypical characters that are instantly recognizable to the audience. These characters fill specific roles within the story and often adhere to conventional character traits. What Are Some Kinds of Stock Characters?In order to understand stock characters, you have to look at the kinds of characters we're talking about. I divided them into a few subcategories below. this is not an exhaustive list, just enough to get your brain working. Heroes: The Action Hero: Think of characters like John McClane (Die Hard) or Ethan Hunt (Mission: Impossible). They're tough, skilled, and ready for a fight. The Girl/Boy Next Door: These are the wholesome, relatable characters, often the romantic interest. The Reluctant Hero: Characters like Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit) or Shrek, are thrust into heroic roles against their will. The Mentor: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars) or Mr. Miyagi (The Karate Kid) are classic examples, providing guidance to the protagonist. Villains: The Evil King: Darth Vader (Star Wars) or Lord Voldemort (Harry Potter) represent this archetype. They want power and will...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Friday, 7 March