If you expect to sell your screenplay to Hollywood you'll want a likable main character, otherwise the sky is the limit. Likeable takes a second place to interesting.

Regarding average pro and con you have to ask yourself is the movie a comedy? horror? or what? An average character might be very funny in a comedy while everyone else acts crazy, could make viewers relate in a horror movie, but might be dull in an action movie if not well handled.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

unlikeable is not really a bad thing. think of Ari on Entorauge. He is a prick but a FANTASTIC character. as for average, rj has it right.

"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick

I think the best rule is to write the movie you want to see, within budgetary limits of course. Have someone your trust read it and give you a 'no shit reivew' and take it seriously. Real reviews are painful, step back, take a few deep breaths, and then work the problems they brought up. If there is a rational reason such and such happens maybe you need to make that clearer. If not maybe you need to change what happens and why.

Never worry about what you think others really want, at least not until you have to jusitfy your costs to the money guys some day.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

What I'm really struggling with is that I have (what I think is) a good idea with potential. It is about an event not a person. Actually more of a what if this happened idea.

Basically I could make it about any one but obviously I want to create a character that is going to make the film the best it can be.

The trouble is how the story develops depends on who it happens too so I have to create a character but I don't know how to create a good character.

I guess the essence of the question is how do i create a good character?? How do you create yours??

Am I making any sense?

What are you trying to say in your movie. What is the theme. Say the action in your movie is about a giant boat sinking. If your theme is love conquers all you want to young love-birds as the main characters. If your theme is shit happens your main characters might be the crew. Figure out what you want to say and often the best angle to look at the story becomes apparant.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

Lol speaking from experience, your characters will always be liked by someone, no matter how stupid they are.
If its regarding the things that happen to him he can be extremely average if you want. Take Nick in the great Gatsby, technically hes the main character/narrator, but hes incredibl boring.

Make Love Not War!

ok answer the same question on the full productions! that should be the same! main charater is star.. so depending how you protray him is how well it does! and if you wish to do series!?:)?

www.stormtv.o.uk

I'd say the most important thing is that whatever the personality of your character, it must be really strong and interesting. So whatever you do, don't think "Well, if I make it compeltely neutral then it'll be completely inoffensive to everyone," because you are at risk of completely boring your audience. One of the most sucessful charactes of all time has to be Lady Macbeth- can you think of a less likeable character? Just make sure the character has depth...