Most writers become focused on the complexity of the plot. Maybe you've written a script that has somehow become so crowded that you haven't had the space to make everything work properly. Or maybe you've read scripts like that. They are overloaded with "plot" and end up with characters that are too simplistic to be believable or to involve the reader.

Sadly even many books and screenwriting tutors focus on rather simple characters - perhaps because they are easier to teach. But they don't provide us with the interest and subtlety that you get from great movies, plays and novels. They are less like icebergs than overloaded car ferries! Sluggish and unbalanced.

Great writers know that the greatest works are like icebergs. The outer story - above the surface - is kept as simple as possible to leave room for the characters' inner stories - deep down - to be complex and involving. From Shakespeare to Robert Towne and Charlie Kaufmann, Hamlet to Chinatown, the greatest writing gives you a story that can be summed up in a few sentences, and characters that will go on being written about for many years to come.

So here's the tip: start your story with character - whatever the genre. Cut back the structure of your plot ruthlessly and make sure that every story beat reflects the inner workings of your characters. Give your audience credit for knowing and caring about other human beings.

Above all don't force your characters into a cliché shape that the story seems to demand.  

Of course, it's easy to say this and not so easy to do. You need skills and the chance to practise those skills.

There are nine other key skills and tips that you need to avoid creating characters that will kill your script. With them you can create compelling characters that audiences (and script readers) will want to remember for the rest of their lives.

Many of the ScreenLab workshops deal with one aspect or another of character, because character is central to every script. Click here for details of our next seminars.

Our next workshop to focus specifically on character alone takes place on Saturday, July 17 2010: Writing Compelling Characters - to give you the essential skills - and the chance to practise them - to help you weave your artistic magic. If you missed our last one put this one in your calendar now!