How to Create a Protagonist

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Your protagonist is the most important character in your story. If you can nail this character, it will help the rest of your story fall into place.
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Instagram: @mowery
#Screenwriting #Protagonist #Storytelling

[@TylerMowery]

Get Practical Tools to Write Your Great Screenplay: www.practicalscreenwriting.com

[@jasonsingh6937]

You should watch anime, and I love ure vids

[@OutstandingScreenplays]

The protagonist BELIEFS are the most important for creating a believable character, so well said!

[@_thomas1031]

I see Lego batman posing in a Tyler Mowery vid....I click🤣🤙

[@pufelmulticolorido]

Great to see people giving props to the writing of Lego Batman. Underrated comedy masterpiece

[@samuelbrock]

Amen!

[@RevJ7]

But should it have ever been made ... hmmm ... no, it really shouldn't have. Fuckin trash.

[@nomoo519]

Among Us

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

@@RevJ7 can you give any valid reasons as to how it's trash?

[@ArabellaKFederico]

This is fantastic and I 1000% agree! I say this all the time. A thing I would add is that sometimes what the characters WANTS isn't always what they NEED to change. I would say, however, that can be used as more of a intermediate/advanced level of storytelling but both totally work

[@bumpv1997]

great video tyler you have helped me grow so much as a screenwriter

[@coffee5421]

Ive been watching your content for some years now, and I've never heard better writing advice. It's so simple. Every time I watch one of your videos, I have so much energy to write. You remind me of why writing is so addicting. Thanks for your hard work!

[@auntienyannyan]

Can I just say thank YOU because my writing has gotten waaay better after 3 weeks of your videos than a year of practice.

[@AscendantStoic]

It's always good to strengthen ones basics, building anything on weak foundations is always a recipie for failure, thanks for the video 👍

[@AntonWongVideo]

7:32 you look me dead in the eyes and tell me he didn't have a strong want and belief. He burned down the office for his stapler

[@amazingbro6723]

Can you do the villain version of this video?

[@francoarocha7287]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoTQoHl7gpmArLs here!

[@amazingbro6723]

@@francoarocha7287 yeah, I know

[@Dominik-K]

This one video actually explained so many things I never was able to explain. Faults I had with some of my favorite stories, they can be destilled to this one core topic. Thank you so much for making this clear to me

[@KiX-K4T13]

Tyler, this was awesome! Thank you so much. I think I figured out what I was struggling with most of all. My protagonist's beliefs were wrong for the story I'm trying to tell. I have the podcast saved, as well. I'm looking forward to listening in and hopefully learning something new that I can apply to my writing. I'm no professional, but I'm fighting and learning as much as I can. Been at it for a while though. Seriously, thanks again! This stuff is invaluable to me and others.

[@gregoryschrupp3800]

love this! watching all your stuff. the best thing you do is point out the obvious and hammer it home well. your work is appreciated

[@aditya.sri24]

Content is top notch. But content aside, your videos are edited and produced so well! Love this effort!

[@quixoticalmotionpictures]

What are your takes on films that have little-to-no plot, or where there's no strong 3-act structure, or where nothing much really happens, it's more characters just making connections? Films such as Her, Roma, The Florida Project, etc.?

[@michaels8620]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKOTZGqlrN51p68

[@quixoticalmotionpictures]

@Michael S LOL

[@DeezneyMinusNg]

Well you could say their WANT is to find said connections and they BELIEVE that once they do make that connection, their life will be better in some way The CHANGE could be that they discover themselves again by meeting people amd opening up. They understand things now. Things they didn't get before. Could be that they not understand "the type of people they're into" or "they finally realise what been missing" As for the three act structure, it is there but maybe not as in your face as most films. That's my view on the matter. Thank you.

[@ryankelly1840]

What I remember in The Florida Project was being compelled by something that felt really real, there was some open ended questions related to real characters that had enough of a pull to keep me in my seat and wonder what was gonna happened to them. Plus it had that documentary feel of getting a look into to something you don't normally see. Sean Baker knows his strengths and leans into it well

[@cmation7222]

I like how he talks about hacksaw ridge and lego batman in the same video. No shade to lego batman tho, just a funny contrast.

[@SEVICSAFRICA]

Thanks Tyler. This was fun to watch and educating as well

[@ChristianPencz]

Thank you as always for these videos. Without your indirect guidance I would not have been able to write and finish my first rough draft ever.

[@user-ic7ir7ui1t]

Mowery you are a great instructor, always I enjoy your teaching. Take Love ❤️

[@peterbehringer63]

Spot on...great expert resources you guys drew upon for this video tutorial.

[@markeggins890]

Very nicely edited videos with your blend of 'theory and practice'.

[@benjaminread5287]

I find it hard to build a character, or even a story from the beliefs or philosophical conflict first. My ideas for a story concept come before any consideration as to what the philosophical conflict is. Is that wrong, or is there a way around it?

[@joejoejoej9763]

Try looking up some eastern storytelling methods

[@3Prayt]

One way is: have an idea of what you want, write it all, then in the second draft identify what's your character arc and refine your story around it

[@StayFractalesque]

not wrong at all if in the end you have a bangin' script!

[@TheStoryBlueprint]

I think Lessons From The Screenplay’s video on Jurassic Park provides a great example of how that approach can work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIjdYnhppK2Xbtk

[@knucklescapricorn31]

That is such an interesting approach. Are you able to elaborate and provide an example of a story concept that you found hard to translate into a character's belief/philosophical conflict?

[@dead_fox]

Hello Tyler, thank you so much for making this video, it was extremely extremely helpful, I've been struggling for a while with a videogame protagonist that I am writing~

[@saucysoy2682]

I treat this channel as a master class

[@emmanuelsekyere8792]

This is a resourceful video. Thank you.

[@esther1994]

Thank you, Tyler!!!

[@faith4disney]

Very helpful! Thank you so much.

[@khanyomjamba4169]

I'll give you a shoutout when I grab my Oscar for best original screenplay.

[@PDKSHADES]

Thank you !

[@giovannibertoia8027]

Would love a video on how to go to find an intern/job in development or as a reader. Tips, advices and resources. Thanks Tyler!

[@IrondragonGamingYouTubeChannel]

yes! Another upload! Frantically starts looking around then yells into the other room "SOMEONE GET ME A NOTEBOOK!"

[@vestiario77]

thank you tyler You shine like a burning star

[@user-yu4rh6zj9x]

the only notification i open as soon as i see it!

[@randomrey6568]

Hey Tyler, Can you do a video on how to Subvert Expectations in Film/Writing a Screenplay?

[@Santoscortexxxxx]

Actually thank you 🙏🏽

[@TheVeganButcher]

These videos are just great

[@rajeshsukumaran6745]

REQUEST - please enlighten us on 'Multiple Protagonist screenplays "... - the structure of script, what engages and holds the audience throughout, how can it be a movie liked by majority audience, whats the writing process etc. if you can analyse successful such former movies, it would be great There aren't many resources available on this subject matter in KZbin or anywhere. Thanks Tyler. You're doing a wonderful job and insightful materials.

[@MacbethofGondor]

Great video

[@izzypizzie_1985]

Thank you

[@axeltamez8067]

Great video! Whatever happened to the weekly streams of you reading our scripts?

[@wtbofnc7880]

Thanks Tyler

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

That was a fantastic video. Quite vivid ideas about how a protagonist will drive your story. Came at a propitious time for me as I struggle to write my first story. I assume that you use these same principals in the stories you write. Please point to your novels so i can buy them and see how you put these ideas into action. Fantastic video. I can hardly wait to read your stories. *SUBSCRIBED!*

[@benjaminread5287]

He's a screenwriter, not a novelist.

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

He wrote a screenplay. A first draft. Check that out because he hasn't written any novels.

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

Hi Guys. Thanks for setting me straight. I'm starting out trying to learn how to write short stories first. Then maybe I'll turn it into a screen play. I think what he's saying applies to all storytelling. For screenwriting, I'd rather take advice from someone that has some experience under his/her belt. I really enjoy Scriptnotes, Film Courage and Writing Excuses. Don't get me wrong, I loved this video. He proved to me that he knows how to make great videos and has a working knowledge of how STORY works. Now I'm going back to my writing.

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

@@RobertShaverOfAustin Good luck!

[@ComicPower]

I've never it broke down in such a clear way. What your main character BELIEVES makes the story because they will make decisions based on those beliefs. Therefore the plot develops from that.

[@quieracollins5127]

Amazing

[@darkhound6461]

So joker is the protagonist of dark knight admitt it.

[@ruizma9826]

SOCIETY!!

[@vaspix008]

@@ruizma9826 society is literally the antagonist

[@KutWrite]

I don't know if you're serious, but I don't think he is. He's the most interesting character, but he doesn't change, nor does he change those around him (except those he kills). Batman is the one whose core belief is flawed (that he can save the apathetic city through Dent). In order to achieve his want, he must change, pretending to be evil and that Dent was good so the city will unite against him... and the real evil. Whether I buy that premise is another story... it's why I was rooting for Joker!

[@darkhound6461]

Is not just that joker in this movies like professor in money heist he have plan and is so above others his plans works his belief was all humans just like him, even though he portrayed failing in the movie he actually won, by changing Harvey in villian and Batman into dark night he showed Gotham its actual colours.

[@ruizma9826]

@@vaspix008 no dude I meant, SOCIETY!!!

[@kellsliving3220]

some day i will be able to do this

[@bok-eye7757]

Although I admire Tyler's videos and I whole heartedly agree that the majority of protagonists should display a strong want and need, he tends to perdantically talk in absolutes. A point he over looks is the passive vs active character. Although an active character is more appealling, a passive character can still work in a screenplay as long as there is some type of conflict, whether it's as philosophical/dramatic tension, dramatic irony etc. There have been many successful (criticall and financial) films with passive characters such as Forest Gump, Giant Little Ones, The Graduate, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Being There, Boyhood, Manchester by the Sea, A Ghost story even some of the Harry potter films to name a few. Sometimes the structural box is just a box, don't let it contain you cus theres more than one way to skin a cat. Still an intructive video though, keep up the good work Tyler

[@audioengineeringtips]

cool thanks

[@inigo7776]

Hi Tyler thank you for your videos I'm taking part in a competition and you have been of enormous help. Btw what are the names of the music tunes you use?

[@emiliomanueldepedro9650]

You could make a video on how to write a good villain.

[@grahpayy]

You should make a video on how to write ensembles

[@alexbarr386]

Does this change at all when thinking about episodic storys. Like Rick and Morty don't have a longterm external want. They have temporary wants that is unique to each episode, then they return to a state of comfort, now having they're want fulfilled. I could be totally wrong here and I'm open to being told so. lol

[@mediarecap9874]

Can a character have a simple general want like enjoy his school life and make friends and still tell a good story?

[@applesauce155]

Keep in mind, protagonists don’t actually have to be hero’s. For example: Megamind

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

Megamind is a villain turned hero.

[@montyray6163]

I should definitely be a protagonist since my name is different

[@yunussutanti2788]

Wow, its 00:00 when this video comes out

[@duhzuala1779]

That was so beautiful, the way you presented the topics and themes were so perfect

[@Ousvec]

Tyler, can you please make a video about how to create 26 minutes long drama series? (Meaning half of the length of the normal one.) For example Tv series "Atlanta". What are the main points in creating drama that has less time to tell the story, but there should still be a drama.

[@benjaminread5287]

Watch some of his videos on the Dan Harmon Circle. It supposedly can be used for any length of structure. A scene, an act, a movie, a TV episode ect.

[@Mark-jv9ni]

4:15 This is why Griffith is such a pivotal character in Berserk since him and his dream basically turned everything against the protagonist.

[@DavidBubarYT]

Anyone else just trying to figure out how to create John David Washington

[@MosesTY]

Based on this video, Thanos is the protagonist of Infinity War then, right?

[@pochcalpadlos]

Hello, could you please make video about 127 hours movie? I think it's interesting, because character there is basically stuck in the place and doesn't move anywhere. His only WANT is to survive, but then in order to survive he has to cut his hand and get out of the place.. also its kind of complicated cause his BELIEF is that he can do everything alone, but at the end he call for help and cry even tho he actually saved himself alone.

[@ashinchakraborty5299]

Is change necessary for the protagonist or the supporting characters ? I might be wrong but I don't remember any character change in Scorsese movies like WTWS, Goodfellas. The last shot of these movies reveal the characters remain same as they were at the beginning. And I don't remember any supporting characters changing their beliefs too

[@SeidCivic]

No, change is not necessary. But the lack of character change should carry some sort of meaning behind it. Tyler made a video on character arcs, and I highly recommend watching it if you want to know more about it.

[@JoJo-xp6wr]

Can ideas and wants be ch through out the story?

[@JoshAtkinson]

I saw a few seconds of The Shining here and have to ask if you would ever do a horror structure video? Maybe Hereditary, The Exorcist, even something seemingly simple like Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Night of the Living Dead? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[@Ramen_Sensei]

Thank you!!!! This opened my mind and eyes even more!!! Keep Up The Good Work!!! 👍👍👍💪👊

[@fscottfitzgerald115]

Do you have a portfolio of Hollywood scripts that have been used and accepted?

[@SONICADVENTURES11]

Wouldn’t changing a protagonists moral/beliefs would be a good idea as well?

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Did you not watch the whole video? He covers that. Go to 8:13. Either the beliefs of your protagonist will change. Or the beliefs of the characters around them will change.

[@O.B.E.A.S.T.T.]

Making a star wars fan story making a jedi the good guy/protagonists

[@tskty]

Bro, can you please make a video on H.P. Lovecraft and how to write like him ? Also, how do you make a psychological thriller story with a light and dark tone in the same story ? I am struggling with it because my protagonist Noah, who is a detective(private) has come to village which is said to be haunted. There he meets Oliver who is a journalist and has come to know the truth. I won't explain much because it will spoil the story, but I want a dark tone with the murders but a light tone with the life of Noah(detective) and Oliver. How can I do it ?

[@Victor-yc8fd]

And that's why the main protagonist of Lord of the Ring isn't Frodo, it's Sam

[@Lasmelan]

Elaborate?

[@kandoundou23]

@@Lasmelan He won't elaborate because what he wrote doesn't make sense. I might be wrong but just wait and see if he does. LOL

[@Lasmelan]

@@kandoundou23 You were right. :P

[@initialdtakumi]

But what about characters that don't have strong beliefs, are not very dricen nor they have much stamina? I think some movies do have great stories with protagonist that are rather only reaction to the environment. Example: The Perks of being a wall flower I do agree that any protagonist needs some beliefs to be challenged in the story though. Maybe is a limiting belief or the oposite, But it there has to be some inner war/conflict

[@tezzag818]

Please name the movies you’re using, even in small font (like StudioBinder) as I would love to follow up and see them.

[@allenhaynes9306]

James Owens!!! Protagonist

[@cyrusmalvecino5956]

Me about to apply this to my life:

[@dsr5946]

Tyler Mowery Notification squad💪🔥

[@MAVRICK1969]

What happpend to the reading scripts live

[@theresa1041]

Hey Tyler, I've got no Facebook, otherwise I'd ask the question there. I’ve got a problem. I want to build a female character that is afraid of doing what she wants, because of her own beliefs. My shortfilm is about a sad and frustrated girl that is suffering because she wants something but she doesn’t allow herself to go after it. She is caught in her own thoughts and Cleary unhappy with her situation. She blames her life, persons she loves and the circumstances but actually it’s only her thoughts that holding her back. She challenges her relationships she has and destroys her own self worth more and more. The shortfilm is about recognizing that her life is not the problem, instead her thoughts are. I’m not sure if this is too weak but I don’t know how to make it more interesting. I really want to say something but I don’t know how. Do you think it's too weak or do you have any idea how I can make it stronger? Thank you so much for your videos! Theresa

[@sadyoshhours2769]

Ily.

[@joyalpatel9104]

The thumbnail is so wallpaper material lol

[@squali1930]

Potent Beliefs.

[@jessebrucepinkman9834]

The protagonist doesn’t necessary have to be 100% good. Take Jason Bourne, he is the main protagonist but has done some pretty terrible things and does some bad things throughout the series. The antagonists in the Bourne films are not evil either, they are unethical at times but are just doing their jobs

[@ShizuruRavenRobin026]

Wish the ppl who made shows I watch would watch this caz the mc in one show I'm watching isn't the best main character the side character act better

[@Bob-ol3yg]

I gave goals before beliefs, that's my biggest mistake

[@RaphaelCGA]

and now I REALLY see the genius of The Burning Wheel RPG system. At the core of the character are the character's beliefs and it is through achieving or changing those beliefs that give players exp and level up characters.

[@filmstonereviews4018]

Just wondering, why haven’t you gone on your Letterboxd in the past few months, almost a year.

[@zlch4021]

A quick tip (literally) watch these at 1.5 speed

[@guionismoestilohollywood8919]

I liked the video, but you could've found better examples of good protagonist, lego batman?

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

Why? What's wrong with having Lego Batman as an example?

[@Phantomselbst]

!!

[@TheGoddon]

This guy eats Robert Mackee’s story for dinner.

[@nathanwall2808]

Challenge: do a video without mentioning Sicario or Whiplash.

[@suzannemcauley]

I always learn a lot from Tyler’s videos, but I kind of want to point out that like 90% of the protagonists in these clips are male. I’m glad he included Kate from Sicario, I just wish stories about women got more attention and recognition (and not just the stories about women that are written and directed by men)

[@elfascisto6549]

I wholeheartedly disagree.

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

Why?

[@mdtisthebest6249]

This explains why most characters are boring