The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna 223 | Character Psychology Masterclass w/ Dr. Dan Siegel
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Nov 21, 2024 In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Dan Siegel, a renowned psychiatrist and bestselling author, shares profound insights on character psychology. He explores how childhood traumas shape belief systems and influence narrative arcs, highlighting the importance of emotional depth in storytelling. Siegel emphasizes the interplay of agency, bonding, and character development, urging writers to reflect on their own emotional histories for richer narratives. His analysis of stories like 'Inside Out' showcases how understanding psychological needs can create more relatable and transformative characters.
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Character Transformation Through Beliefs
- Use a character's belief systems to chart their transformative arc.
- Establish the character's beliefs about themselves and the world, then challenge and change them in Act Two.
Stories Shape Behavior
- Humans are storytelling creatures; we embed experiences into memories, intertwining them with temperament and beliefs.
- These beliefs, shaped by internal experiences and external influences, dictate our behaviors.
Origins of Beliefs
- Beliefs derive from repeated experiences, external influences (master narratives), and even basic survival instincts.
- Implicit beliefs, often unconscious, act as filters shaping our responses to situations.