Character: The Art of Role and Cast Design for Page, Stage, and Screen

McKee does present some creative ways to design characters, from central protagonists with multiple dimensions to secondary characters and supporting cast. He defines what dimensions are and how to generate complex personalities from contradictory traits, such asOpenness/ClosenessConscientiousness/CapriciousnessExtraversion/IntroversionAgreeableness/ArgumentativenessRationality/NeuroticismPragmatic/IdealisticObedient/DefiantTruthful/DeceitfulBrilliant/BlunderingProtecting/JeopardizingHonorable/ThievingCool/RagingLoyal/UnfaithfulThe book draws examples from novels like Harry Potter as well as plays like Shakespeare's Hamlet, screenplays and movies, TV series like Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad.He defines cliché as well as when to use one:"A cliché is a once-superb idea that's been copied to death and is now done without originality. As Henry James pointed out, clichéd characters are used but never used up. Are the old miser, young spendthrift, penny pincher, gambler, drunk, and teetotaler never to appear again because they've been done before? Of course not. In the hands of an imaginative writer, a stock can be wonderfully idiosyncratic."He describes situations where clichés may suffice, and where and how to be original, by providing a fresh view or unforeseen combination of dimensions."To evolve him into a complex protagonist, we need to transform his traits into dimensions. As noted above, when one trait consistently contradicts another, the tension between them fuses into a dimension. So, let's take each of his traits, imagine its opposite, and see where that leads."He deep dives common tropes like the Collector, the Player, the Obsessive, the Businessman, as well as ways to twist them into something unique, unexpected, and interesting.He shows how to use subtext and reader expectation to go beyond surface observations, and into more suspenseful, imagined personas, so different readers can relate in different ways.Only problems are1.) Too much sexual innuendo. Many of the examples talk about cheating, adultery, sex life, and killing people, which is not appropriate for middle grade or young adult literature. In fact, the author rarely discusses reaching a young audience at all. Everything seems aimed at the cynical, jaded adult.2.) Too much fluff and theory without getting to the point. Hooking the audience, vignetting a character in a few lines, and other tactics for high-concept character go largely untouched. He assumes we can hold the reader to see the entire character, when in reality, we're not all established Pixar studios with the luxury of a patient viewer/reader.3.) Not enough in-depth discussion of how to chart, plan, and profile a protagonist in terms of process. Everything written is prose, with a few diagrams for cast design. The book is dense, but mostly with theory and examples of existing works. I'd have appreciated more step-by-step processes and creating from scratch, rather than commenting on what already exists. We're creators, after all, not commentators!Otherwise, a solid manual with inspiring, original examples!

Robert McKee is an expert in pretty much anything major related to screen and stage. So, what he writes deserves attention and consideration.

I’ve been looking forward to this book, and it is stellar. In all the best ways, it challenges the reader to think more broadly and deeply about creating compelling, complex characters. It gives helpful insights on developing characters for different plots and purposes, how to design the surrounding cast, and how to avoid pitfalls that break the reader’s/audience’s bonds with a character and trust in the story. As always, author Robert McKee offers plentiful examples and fascinating in-depth case studies to illustrate the concepts.McKee is the master of teaching storytelling for page, stage, or screen, and the list of works created by McKee alumni on the book’s back cover makes vivid the impact he’s had on writers’ careers and the stories that have become beloved the world over. It’s no surprise here that his breadth of knowledge and ease with the subject matter soar off the page. He draws on a stunning range of literary, philosophical, show business, and film expertise as well as insights on human psychology to help you understand character creation—and also yourself as an author struggling through the process of creating art. You always feel McKee has your back.I have McKee’s other books, "Story" and "Dialogue," and this one complements them nicely. But even if you don’t have the other books and/or haven’t attended one of McKee’s famous seminars (I haven’t yet, but it’s on my wish list), this book stands on its own with helpful background on story elements and principles interwoven into its exploration of building characters with unique self-stories and believable motivations. I can see even people not pursuing a writing or film career enjoying all the analyses and the opportunity to gain a more nuanced perspective on what makes a great fictional character.McKee’s passion for his endeavor comes through in every chapter, conveyed with his signature candor, wit, and wisdom. It inspires me to work harder to become a smarter, better, and more honest writer. I know I will return to this book again and again.

I have listened to all three of McKee's book on screenwriting, with the hardcopies in my lap so I could highlight passages that I felt were especially relevant. His narration is flawless. He speaks clearly and moves at a perfect pace for comprehension and note taking. It is no wonder that he is so in demand as a lecturer.The content of the book, of course, is the most important thing and McKee presents it exactly the way we all should be writing - without a single extra word. Every line is on target, says exactly what needs to be said with the perfect economy of words. He will say it again - sometimes for the sake of repetition so we hear it, but also in other contexts or relating to other forms than the Screenplay and sometimes in summary at the end of a section, but he does not phrase it 10 different ways and force us to sit through that, nor does he relate anything to the time his cousin from Schenectady was telling his wife Florence how to ski,... There is no fluff. Not so much as a comma where one needn't be. These books tell you exactly what you need to know, and if you listen to the Audible version he will tell you the same thing, in an appropriately authoritative tone carefully modulated to maximize the experience for the reader who is reading to learn something. I've heard his narration described as "condescending," and I could see how somebody might make that mistake. We are not accustomed to hearing finely crafted elocution in this country. Even out presidents don't seem to make an effort anymore. I appreciate Robert McKee's care if ensuring that I can listen, process what I hear, while also making a note of it.

Robert McKee not only pulls you out of darknesss of writing cliche and crafting mundane characters, but also helps you understand why story, and why unfolding via character. Chraracter drives the story while story propels the character to an adventure beyond imagination. The world of character with various insights makes the reader or the audience fascinated with a universe alien (fictional) yet feels so real. Write your character wity the tools of Mckee and you may pleasantly shock your own ability to a write a good story well told. Bravo.

All his books are so well written. Even if you don't plan on writing a screenplay you will garner much insight into the human condition.