ABSTRACT
The guiding principle behind developing strong characters is the characters' Motivation. In adaptations, the screenwriter is not trying to create a character's Motivation, as much as they are trying to uncover it. Their Motivation should already be a part of the source material. When conceptualizing Motivation, consider each character within the context of their entire life. This is easier when adapting a novel or a comic series where ample time has been spent explaining a character's backstory and extended world. Once a character's Motivations have been determined, the next step is to start thinking about their Objectives. Good storytelling occurs when the writer is able to synthesize the Intentions, Objectives, and Motivations of each character. On an intermediate level, notice that well-written dialogue communicates ideas and emotion between the screenwriter and the audience that the characters themselves are not aware of.
