Character Introductions:
the Capital Letters Rule

Character introductions in a screenplay serve as the audience's first impression of the individuals who will inhabit the story's world. These introductions must be clear, concise, and follow industry-standard formatting. One crucial aspect of character introductions is the "Capital Letters Rule", which helps screenwriters emphasize a character's importance in the narrative. In this blog entry, we'll delve into the significance of the Capital Letters Rule and provide insights on how to apply it effectively.

The Capital Letters Rule

In screenwriting, the Capital Letters Rule is a convention used to highlight the first appearance of a character in a screenplay. When a character is introduced for the first time, their name is written in all capital letters within the action description. This signals to the reader, actors, and production team that this is the character's initial entrance in the story. Here's an example:

In this example, 'JANE DOE' is written in all capital letters, indicating that Jane is being introduced for the first time in the screenplay.

Why Use the Capital Letters Rule?

• Clarity: The Capital Letters Rule immediately draws attention to a character's introduction, ensuring that the reader recognizes this pivotal moment in the script. It eliminates any ambiguity about whether the character has appeared before in the story.
• Production and Casting: For the production team and casting directors, capitalizing a character's name signifies that this is the character's first appearance. This helps them keep track of actors and characters during the pre-production and casting phases.
• Emphasis: By using capital letters, screenwriters emphasize the character's presence, suggesting their importance in the narrative. This can be especially useful when introducing key characters or protagonists.

When to Apply the Capital Letters Rule

The Capital Letters Rule should be applied specifically when a character is introduced for the first time in the screenplay. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Initial Appearance: Use all capital letters for the character's name the first time they appear in the script, typically when they enter a scene or become relevant to the story.
• Subsequent Mentions: Once a character has been introduced, subsequent mentions of their name in the action description can be written in standard title case (e.g., "Jane Doe").

Consider this example from a screenplay:

In Conclusion

The Capital Letters Rule is a straightforward but crucial aspect of screenwriting that ensures clarity, emphasizes character introductions, and aids production teams during pre-production and casting. By following this convention, you enhance the readability and professionalism of your screenplay, making it easier for both readers and production professionals to navigate your story's world.

Happy writing!

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