The Secret to Great Characters - Characterization Explained

What is Characterization - the process of creating and building characters explained, including the two main types indirect and direct characterization with examples in film.
What is a Characterization? ►► bit.ly/wi-ch
StudioBinder Blog ►► bit.ly/sb-bl
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Characterization
00:44 - Characterization Definition
02:02 - Chapter 1: Direct Characterization
07:03 - Chapter 2: Indirect Characterization
12:37 - Chapter 3: Characterization in Casablanca
15:57 - Takeaways
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CHARACTERIZATION EXPLAINED
When authors and screenwriters create characters, they do so through a process called characterization. This generally involves providing information to the reader or viewer that builds these characters one layer at a time. By the end of the story, ideally, you would have a fully-formed character inside and out. When done right, the audience receives all this information without realizing it. In this video, we will uncover the two main characterization methods and their importance in creating dimensional, interesting, and engaging characters.
WHAT IS CHARACTERIZATION
Characterization is how writers present and describe their characters. Think about this - the task is to make the audience believe that the character is “real,” at least enough to empathize and engage with them. The audience must understand who these characters are based on how they look, what they say, how they act, where they live, what they wear, etc. A writer could just list off all of this information, but it’s usually more powerful for the audience to do their own assessment. Let’s look at the two main types of characterization.
DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
In literature, direct characterization is how the author describes the character. In film, unless there is a narrator providing the same information, direct characterization is what we can observe about a character. For example, their appearance. A lot can be communicated immediately through the wardrobe, physicality, and hair/make-up. We can also intuit much about them from their settings, like their homes, car, or how they blend in (or not) with their environment. This is the more objective characterization technique.
INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
The other main type is indirect characterization, which is what we can discern about a character through their behavior, actions, and dialogue. As you’ve heard, actions speak louder than words, and it is up to the audience to decipher these actions to complete the characterization. As Robert McKee notes, “The revelation of true character in contrast or contradiction to characterization is fundamental to all fine storytelling.”
Indirect and direct characterization can yield a character we believe in and root for.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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♬ SONGS USED:
"Pelicans" - Jimit
"A Battle in the East" - Rhythm Scott
"1986" - Angel Salazar
"In Love with Emi" - Fabien Fustinoni
"Double Espresso" - Francesco D'Andrea
"Merge" - Theatre of Delays
"Secret Weapon" - Evgeny Bardyuzha
"Main Title" - Angelo Badalamenti
"Perfect Day (Chris Lord Alge Mix)" - Hoku
"Theme for The Irishman" - Robbie Robertson
"Apartment #604" - Howard Shore
"Off to Work" - Michael Giacchino
"The Fall" - Hans Zimmer
"Dojo Tradition (Instrumental)" - In This World
"Yes I Am (Instrumental)" - Zach Sorgen
"Captain America Main Titles" - Alan Silvestri
"Future Markets" - Jonny Greenwood
"Dark Blood" - Jimmy Svensson
"Cantina Band" - John Williams
"The Throne Room and End Title" - John Williams
"Hand Covers Bruise" - Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
"Prologue: One Ring to Rule Them All" - Howard Shore
"A Moon Walk (Instrumental)" - Yehezkel Raz
"Medley (Laszlo / As Time Goes By / Orders / Die Wacht Am Rhein / Motor / Ilsa Returns / Telephone / Deutschland Über Alles / La Marseillaise / Plane)" - Max Steiner
"Medley (Paris Montage)" - Max Steiner
"Medley (At La Belle Aurore)" - Max Steiner
"Medley (It Had to Be You / Shine)" - Dooley Wilson
"A Glowing Light, a Promise" - Makeup And Vanity Set
"State Lines (Instrumental)" - Aaron Kellim
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Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Characterization 00:44 - Characterization Definition 02:02 - Chapter 1: Direct Characterization 07:03 - Chapter 2: Indirect Characterization 12:37 - Chapter 3: Characterization in Casablanca 15:57 - Takeaways

[@idreamofgenie2599]

I've just noticed something I like about StudioBinder's educational videos like this. StudioBinder draws from a wide range of types of films to illustrate its lessons. While there are plenty of the "critically acclaimed" and Oscar-worthy films referenced here (as there is certainly much to learn from them), StudioBinder's editors don't seem to look down on popular sci-fi, animation, superhero movies, etc., that some critics might not consider "art with a capital A." They reference all types of films matter-of-factly, and that helps give these videos a wider appeal. I appreciate that.

[@TheDartholiver]

true, i didn't expect Dodgeball story in it

[@StudioBinder]

There are too many good films to be a snob

[@DLCS-2]

​@@StudioBinder thank you

[@AlberiStein-dn1ll]

I agree. I have learned a lot from this channel, and I simply can't follow along when it comes to other channels, for I feel they drone on, use piss poor examples or none at all. This channel is just amazing all around

[@janiv3987]

I tought this was a critic until the last sentence.

[@TrouvatkiDePercusion]

I swear to fucking God, this channel is like having a free Film, Television, and Literature academy degree delivered right to my home. This is incredible. The day that I'm solidly anchored someplace steady, and I have a consistent, long-term place-of-living and long-term job with a steady source of income, you guys will be the very first account I support on Patreon. I actually feel guilty over how much I've benefited from your wisdom.

[@StudioBinder]

we don't have a patreon, but a like and subscribe will do :)

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If you haven't yet then wait till you try their program/ app.. I was blown away by Studio Binder quality and functionality before everyone started screaming AI. Keep it up guys! Ill be using y'all again on my next project/ feature!

[@callmefox630]

A Film that I love to see used as a Example of Characterization is 12 angry men. Each juror in 12 angry men has different, distinct characterizations. Not necessarily complex, but each distinct enough to have every line and detail in the movie to point towards the characterizations.

[@LuisSierra42]

That movie is a masterclass in characterization because it's all dialogue

[@richardlopez2932]

​@@LuisSierra42 So is the Sunset Limited. Oddly, publishers argued that since the plot wasn't driven by action beyond the intentions of White and Black that it didn't count as a play. McCarthy put it in the category of novel in dramatic form making it one of a kind. He also wrote the screenplay, his best to date and one of only two to be adapted to film successfully.

[@StudioBinder]

Good example!

[@jitishchavan27]

What a coincidence I just watched 12 angry men today.

[@SevenPhotonsFilms]

These Studio Binder videos are pieces of art on their own....specially with this narrating voice 🤯

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

Characterization is what reveals the Character to the audience. Directly and Indirectly it's what defines the Soul of the Protagonist. Very Inspiring. Thank you StudioBinder.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

@@StudioBinder Your video about what makes A Great Villain in Movies is really Great. With Nolan, Fincher and PT Anderson for examples, it's Always inspiring. I wrote a comment about. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder for everything.

[@exxosetty]

The best film channel on KZbin. Thank you guys for all your work

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate it!

[@disneyfox5726]

Dear StudioBinder ❤ We want an explanation video on the dystopian genre.

[@JohnCenaKePapa]

We didn't want, we need

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Andra1150]

As always, great video! This is not quite a request, but please consider making a video related to this topic about Chemistry between characters - what it is, what kinds there are, etc. Often in movie reviews I hear that "there is not enough chemistry between the characters" and all that - it would be interesting to know in more detail how chemistry is created and by what factors it is achieved.

[@magnusbergqvist2123]

That would be interesting.

[@veragrig8645]

An amazing example of characterization is in the movie “Drive” with Ryan Gosling as leading actor. They show you the personage from the beginning and while nothing is said to him or by him, you have an exact understanding of who the person is through some personality traits shown in around a 2 minutes scene.

[@thenecromancer01]

Edna Mode deserves her own spin-off movie. If you Google the cast of the Incredibles, it lists Edna first. She’s even listed before the main characters, Bob and Ellen. I think that tells you everything you need to know about who the fan favorite character is

[@d4mdcykey]

The high quality of content on this channel is honestly astounding.

[@HighTechCinnamon]

Can't even begin to express how much I love these videos, y'all do amazing work!

[@richardlopez2932]

Some people sell their souls for giant houses and oil refineries, or maybe they learn how to play the guitar beyond human comprehension. These artistic monsters go their own way.

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you're enjoying them!

[@PROJECTUSMEDIA]

I will really appreciate if you guys can cover hyperlink characters in Storytelling. Characters that have their own plot, but their plots converge at a point down the story chain. Where the action of one directly or indirectly affects the life of the other.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@tekel2000ci]

I am planning to start shooting a couple short films this summer and i will put this channels name on every credits.

[@StudioBinder]

🔥🔥

[@aaronross9131]

These videos are the clearest, most entertaining instruction ever!

[@marcusjenkins5371]

I love the varied insights you share on filmmaking. I can sense your videos are parts what you learned from other sources and also your own philosophies on cinema 💯

[@daydreamerprod]

Great work studio Binder team and writers.. Thank You!

[@spinsandneedles]

Good transition at 5:55 from silenced phone call in Seven to car sound in The Incredibles. The action led the edit.

[@StudioBinder]

✔✔

[@oj_solomon_]

If you love film this channel is heaven just😍..so many references all in one place making alot of sense its beautiful..thank you Studio binder🙏

[@joaquinhernandez6940]

I always use setting to deliver the characterization of my protagonists. Currently working on a superhero movie where Harvard is an important aspect.

[@StudioBinder]

Nice!

[@musang789]

I love studio Binders they have educated me a lot

[@nictheartist]

Great video as always. Could you also do videos on the difference in structure and characterization etc for feature length films vs short films.

[@JunebugPresents]

Another great lesson. Good of you to include so many quotes from my first book on screenwriting.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@marwanel-aghoury8822]

One of my favorite channels in KZbin undoubtedly ❤️😎👌🎊 Keep going 💪

[@movieking9043]

This is so convenient bc I’m working on my first script and this was second thing I was worrying abt so this is so helpful thank u

[@StudioBinder]

Good luck!

[@rahul.rai.]

Thankyou studio binder, you guys are the Goat

[@fangirl_did_lie2733]

Ty for making these videos it helps me to analyze myself

[@mfk833]

Guys, you're so great. I love you content so so much.

[@nirajfilms1040]

Always love this channels content, as i have immanence love about film making...

[@TravisLee33]

Great informative video! Thanks for sharing.

[@erikbihari3625]

How about if someone goes for more slice of life or anthology like narratices akin to Bambi? That can serve both as a coming of age epic, and nature documentary/enviromentalist. Right?

[@richardlopez2932]

Please, continue.

[@StudioBinder]

Should be possible

[@erikbihari3625]

@@richardlopez2932. With what? I already said my piece.

[@erikbihari3625]

@@StudioBinder. Glad to hear it.

[@TarunBhatt]

Helpful♥️

[@pratikmemane955]

want to learn editing from the guy who edits studio binder videos

[@elvisfakicomedy7223]

Thank you Studio Binder, personally I enjoy your work, continue breaking down upto the actors and their methods

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate it!

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

My Favorite Characterizations are : -Rick Blaine in Casablanca (1942). -Dr. Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs (1991). -Travise Bickle in Taxi Driver (1976). -Harry Lime in The Third Man (1949). -The Joker in The Dark Knight (2008). -Mary-Jane Watson and Peter Parker in Spider-Man (2002). -Daniel Plainview in There will be Blood (2007). -Trinity in The Matrix (1999). -John Doe in Seven (1995). -John Coffey in The Green Mile (1999). -James Bond in Dr. No (1962). -Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Last Ark (1981). -Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo in Star Wars Episode 4 A New Hope (1977). And many other Cultural characters Characterization.

[@StudioBinder]

Nice choices!

[@AbhishekGupta-rg2jv]

Can you starts making detail reviews and analysis of classic movies like casablanca and the others as well.

[@StudioBinder]

we might!

[@hariganeshbabu7742]

"You're undoubtedly the worst pirate I've ever heard of." "But you have heard of me." HANDS DOWN THE BEST LINE INTRODUCTION TO A CHARACTER

[@ElSpo9]

Thanks for being here with us and sharing your knowledge with the world 🌎💯✨✨

[@StudioBinder]

Happy to :)

[@Boncomics]

7:33 "True character is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure."

[@dhruvurs9890]

Characterizations can be complex but some can be simple and intriguing as well!! There are many ways to characterize someone!! And my favorite characterization of a character in a film is Taxi Driver!!

[@StudioBinder]

One of the best examples!

[@BenRaphaelGarcia]

Studio Binder the GOAT

[@jamestolbert1856]

I love indirect and direct introduction

[@fangirl_did_lie2733]

Can you do videos on viral parallels? How are scenes similar but different in their own right? I'd love to learn more about that

[@AlleyKatPr0]

You make it far too easy for me: "The Never Ending Story" Wolfgang Petersen 1984. In the first ten minutes ALL main characters have their characterizations established directly and indirectly, but the scene that is the best for this is the meeting of the various representatives of the world and corners of Fantasia. They talk about 'the nothing' and how they, as characters, will seek assistance from The Child Empress. It's a great scene, with each resident having their own opinions on rocks, food, travel, fear, combat, comradely, unification for a common cause and it starts the figurative ticking clock of the story, being the goal of the protagonist. The scene that precedes it establishes Sebastian and his world, his relationship with his father, the loss of his mother, school bullies, escaping into fantasy and the scene that follows it; deals with the introduction to the protagonist and force of antagonism of the story that Sebastian is reading. No matter how old I get, I cannot stop watching the entire movie after that initial meeting scene when Sebastian starts to read the book for the first time and through the story learns the important lesson that his father cannot teach him: That it is okay to feel sad about the loss of his mother, and 'the nothing' is simply his inability to feel anything, and instead feels 'nothing' and is 'numb' as a consequence. ♥

[@StudioBinder]

Great pick!

[@Lonelyeco]

Never thought of it like that. But I do love that movie and the sequel.

[@AlleyKatPr0]

@@Lonelyeco Yup, Sebastian simply cannot see a future of hope due to the loss of his mother, and as such at the end he can finally imagine a future, and defies his father but NOT 'keeping his feet on the ground', but allowing imagination to free his mind of 'The Nothing', being the emptiness inside the frozen mirror of himself he confronts Atreyu, symbolically being the manifestation of his ability to fight and confront the loss of his mother. In the end he wills Atreyu to win (himself) and as Atreyu dissappears, and he takes the place of Atreyu beside The Child Empress, he who he named as 'Moon Child' which was the name of his mother. By doing so, he saved the (now) personification of his Mother (The Child Empress) and so long as he chooses to imagine a future, she will live on, in him. His mother, figuratively in his mind, is able to save him and by filling Fantasia, he fills the emptiness inside of him, and learns to have feelings through cathertic experience, rather than shutting down his emotions. The 'swamp of sadness' is a warning to him, that sadness can envelope you and you can drown if you let it... Great movie for kids to learn about emotions...other examples are 'The Iron Giant' and of course 'Inside/Out'. Emotions are tough on kids, movies can give great context to them, teaching them it's okay to have them.

[@richardglady3009]

Wonderful video…as always. Thank you!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@soildsnake4095]

A video on types of characters please

[@richardlopez2932]

If you actually go and watch movies you're familiar with with a couple of the rules the videos mention in mind you're bound to learn more on your own without having every insight spoonfed to you like an invalid. 🎉

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@siddharthnath7917]

Amazing and informative as usual! How about a video on Paranoia in film? Or Horror, it's types, tropes and how it is achieved.

[@StudioBinder]

not a bad idea!

[@chotimahchotimah2711]

Always when I need it. Thanks!❤

[@StudioBinder]

Enjoy!

[@cacomartin]

absolutely beautiful master lesson!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@tboyjaydee]

the narrator makes me feel like I'm listening to the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy and I love that 😊

[@JosephLewis07]

I will thank you in my Oscar speech, StudioBinder.

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Awesome.....more please

[@deborahpappas7334]

These videos make my good, GREAT. 🙏

[@StudioBinder]

🙌🙌

[@shanmukh747]

Hey Studiobinder, can you explain, in your upcoming videos, what a 'Point of No Return' is and where and how many times do they occur in a complete story and their contribution to the plot & (most importantly) to different types of character arcs in various stories and movies?

[@StudioBinder]

we might!

[@shanmukh747]

@@StudioBinder Thank you!

[@Yolocheese]

Thank you for this!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@hambatuhan3165]

Great video as always

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@ericwilliams626]

Characterization is pretty simple but you can make it complicated. Essentially all it is consisting of is revealing a characters angle on life or the plotline. What do they want and how will they get it. This defines the character in the audiences mind. This is why the visual aspect of characterization is important but mixing what they say as well. Michael Corleone's characterization was a rejection of the Italian family stereotype to be a law abiding family man, then losing himself in understanding what he was good at, taking control of the family business at any cost. He learned it, we learned it with him. This is what made his interesting because it was together. The Joker knows who he is and we learn of his choices as the story progresses. You know because evil is just evil, it's not as interesting as a man realizing he has another side to him.

[@StudioBinder]

👌

[@lubanestube]

AMAZING as always ...

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@NoobDirector]

Hi Studio Binder love your videos. Can you also start a section breaking down Acting process or actors approach towards acting, i.e how to prepare for acting out a character?

[@StudioBinder]

we're looking into it!

[@NoobDirector]

@@StudioBinder Thank you so much ❤

[@oliviah.4741]

Citizen Kane has a great characterization as far the beginning introduction in the newspaper reel.

[@Sarx88]

This channel is so good

[@StudioBinder]

💖💖

[@erikbihari3625]

Thanks for once again enlightening experience. But,"there's more than one way to skin a cat", so, may i inquire about a future video where we explore the other side of this coin? I'm curious.

[@StudioBinder]

What is the other side?

[@erikbihari3625]

@@StudioBinder. That doesn't focus on characters that mutch, like bambi.

[@groundbreakerexplore]

Interesting video! keep it up with your content! stay safe there! stay in touch with you!

[@Romeses33]

Great video!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks!

[@kashinathpalkar2602]

Very informative information

[@StudioBinder]

That's the goal!

[@triple_thrice]

the cut from mulholland dr to legally blonde is… perfect

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it :)

[@auguststafford]

Watching this, I'm struck at how Rick in Casablanca and Oscar Schindler in Schindler's List are very similarly characterized throughout both films. Knowing Spielberg, this was not an accident!

[@kyanshi]

"That f***cking nobody... is John Wick." God I love that line! And it gives you a real sense of how dangerous he is if he's got the Russian mafia scared of him!

[@Vagolyk]

These educational videos make me want to watch movies.

[@animetrix9001]

Sir one question, what is a movie ?

[@StudioBinder]

a motion picture

[@user-mx6il5xo5g]

I LOVE YOU, GUYS! ❤❤❤❤ VIVE LE CINEMA! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@prathamchavda7059]

Please, make a case study explanation on ss. raja maulis's style of Characterization.

[@StudioBinder]

For which film and character?

[@husseinkokash6954]

Can you do directors style video about james gunn please

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@dhruvurs9890]

Robert McKee’s work should be used more often to analyze movies and the aspects of it!!

[@StudioBinder]

He's a great resource!

[@splitscreened]

Hey @studiobinder can you also do ‘Tridimensionality’ of characters based on Lajos Egri’s ideas of building characters

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@berdaulet_]

Nice 👍

[@StudioBinder]

👍👍

[@oskaretc]

can we agree that we're at the point where we can all drop the "please like and subscribe" spiel? it woiuld be so, so nice.

[@jensaggergren4666]

Who narrated this? Great voice!

[@jonathansendker7871]

Watching this to learn how to give myself a character

[@bollywoodfightactionreacti9189]

Superb

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@paulpeterson4216]

I love a spoiler alert for a movie from 80 years ago

[@alejandrovargasaguilar6180]

What a way to end a video. The term show not tell encapsulates the beginning of raiders of the last ark. Although dialogues also help a lot for this, specially the smart ones like Sorkin scripts. Too many characters on this video to mention. Another great example are the 12 angry men, each one has a unique way of being that doesn't need names. Other master of this is Scorsese. Just look how he used the voice in off on taxi driver but to be bust into images more than dialogues. That is pure craft.

[@StudioBinder]

Exactly!

[@freedfalchion9860]

The voice sounds familiar; you using elevenlabs for your narration?

[@tavishmankash1888]

HAVE A GR8 DAY!

[@StudioBinder]

You too!

[@chariots8x230]

I misread the title and thought it said “The Secret to Great Chapters”. So, I clicked on the video, but then started to wonder what characterization had to do with writing a great chapter lol.

[@MWEZIYA]

hello can i ask if this video is monetized?

[@dingus6276]

What's the music that starts at 0:20 ?

[@SyoDraws]

I'm also asking this question. I can't find the song in the description for some reason.

[@jishaarin8120]

Which form of Characterization is used for Andy Dufresne in the Shawshank Redemption?

[@StudioBinder]

Both are used

[@Kyoto_Ed]

Character is action

[@NATUREDRAWINGS]

Interesting

[@StudioBinder]

we hope so!

[@miroskh3567]

I think it would be wiser if the videos were shorter then people would be more willing to watch them cause they know they can finish it

[@StudioBinder]

Perhaps but we're not trying to make the videos a certain length, just as much is needed to properly cover a topic

[@miroskh3567]

@@StudioBinder maybe splitting them into certain lengths?

[@MiguelNdiweni]

This is interesting we introduce your character in a movie

[@StudioBinder]

A lot of creative ways to do it!

[@michaelcain9324]

So, in the movie Mr. Brooks, the direct characterization is him, a successful businessman, receiving an award. The indirect characterization is him stepping out of that life to go kill the couple in their apartment. One is how he is presented to the audience, and how others perceive him. The other is showing us what he does, his actions. I like it We can use one, or the other, or both.❤

[@StudioBinder]

Use everything you can!

[@mahadevanmaha9563]

2:19 Song name, please?!

[@SyoDraws]

Francesco D'Andrea - Double Espresso

[@jacindaellison3363]

How ironic, I just sad Casablanca yesterday!

[@StudioBinder]

Did you like it?

[@jacindaellison3363]

@StudioBinder yes, it was great movie!

[@user-xo1nb8dp1n]

THIS IS SO HARD

[@Boncomics]

8:13 ROCKET RACCOON is the only North American raccoon who doesn't look and turn away from the large human hand reaching into the cage.

[@Dreddwinner]

❤

[@StudioBinder]

❤❤

[@pixeljc]

How a story become great? 🤔🤔

[@StudioBinder]

Characterization is one step to it :)