Character Development

Even though my opening is only about one to two minutes, character development is still important. The main character is a teenage girl living in a controlled dystopian society. She is not dramatic or expressive. Instead, her personality is shown through small reactions and subtle hesitation.

She is someone who has grown up in this system, so she is used to following instructions. That is why she does not immediately panic when the voice speaks to her. However, I want the audience to see small cracks in her obedience. For example, when the voice says “Maintain pace,” she pauses slightly. When it says “Hesitation recorded,” she becomes more aware. These tiny reactions show that she is thinking, even if she is not openly rebelling.

Her character is meant to represent loss of individuality. She does not speak much in the opening because her world does not encourage self-expression. Most of her emotions will be shown through facial expressions and body language instead of dialogue. By the end, when she realizes she is being observed, the audience should feel her discomfort without her having to explain it.