First Draft

First Draft: Put Audiences in Your Characters’ Shoes With These Seven Ways to Elicit Empathy in Your Screenplay

Published by
Ken Miyamoto

1. Mourning the Loss of a Loved One

Having a character in mourning is an outstanding way to create empathy and add depth. In Lethal Weapon, Martin Riggs isn’t just a crazy detective with a death wish. He’s mourning the loss of his beloved wife. This creates an empathetic experience with the reader and audience that helps them better identify with what that character is going through.

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Ken Miyamoto

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