Thread by @AGComedy

Hey #screenwriters- Are differentiated characters and dialogue a challenge? Or conflict itself? I just read this MIND-BLOWING book about types of behaviour, how they are seen by others, body language, and how to stress the types TF out. THREAD 1/

So I’m going to share takeaways to help you crack the “I need conflict” or “my characters are too similar” or “the dialogue sounds the same” or “No idea how my character would move through the world.” 2/

Also you can learn a lot about yourself and why you are misunderstood. The book is Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson. I/m about 2/3rd through and it’s so helpful I had to share it with y’all and then explain why it will ramp up your conflict. 3/

Before we get to the 4 types, quick thing- Re: conflict - As many of you know, my big thing is conflict comes from the characters’ differing answers to the thematic question). BUT IT’S MORE OMG and THIS IS A HUGE HACK FOR YOU 4/

One of Erikson’s arguments is that it’s not just how our type influences what we say- but other people’s type influences WHAT THEY HEAR. In other words, everything your character means to say is less important than how the other character interprets this. 5/

The lovely @wcmartell talks about the importance of misunderstanding in this amazing @filmcourage video -
And Surrounded by Idiots explains how the dynamic works in communication breakdown and conflict.
6/

So basically when it comes to core values and personality types there are four types- red, yellow, green, and blue. And people can be combinations of these. Here are how the types work and this is useful for writing and life, I PROMISE. 7/

Reds are your Dominant people. Ambitious. Driven. Competitive. Take the lead. Convinced of their version of reality. Others see them as dictators, aggressive, they don’t listen, they only focus on big stuff that’s important. 8/

Reds’ body language is very clear. They keep their distance, crush other hands during a handshake, they lean forward. They aren’t afraid of eye contact. Strong voice. They like body contact, if they can display their dominance. 9/

Want to make a Red stressed? Take away their authority. Or their challenges. Waste their time. Make them do the same thing over and over. This makes them work harder, or blame others and get super pissed. 10/

Yellows are the popular ones. Optimistic, energetic, fun, persuasive. Relationship-focused. They make you go to the after-party. Others can see Yellows as scattered, bad listeners, and a little careless in long-term relationships. They usually don’t follow-up on promises. 11/

Yellows’ body language - super touchy-feely. Lots of eye-contact. Arms all over the place. Friendly. They’re all over you and are emphatic. They smile a lot. They're probably loud. All about the vibe over everything. 12/

Want to make a Yellow stressed? Ignore them. Question what they say. Isolate them. Embarrass them in front of others. Call them on their shit. This makes them be even more extra, more extraverted. More random. 13/

Greens are serene. Or at least quiet. Calm, friendly, a little stand-offish. Great workers. Have trouble saying no and with confrontation, so are passive-aggressive. Others see Greens as stubborn, passive/disengaged. They are hard to get to verbally commit to stuff. 14/

Greens’ body language is pretty relaxed. Not big gestures. They lean back, especially if they aren’t sure about something. They seem to not care so much. Quiet. They rarely give anything away. 15/

Want to make a Green stressed? Through them in a new situation. Change fast. No privacy. Make them the centre of attention. This makes them go cold, insecure, and internalise blame. Though they also might sabotage behind the scenes. Tell on people 16/

Blues are analytical AF. A little cool. They’re all about plans and details. Numbers. Usually like to be alone a lot. Favour predictability. They come across as suspicious, independent, slow, dismissive. Don’t even try small talk with them. 17/

Blues’ body language is distant. Be careful touching them, though they don’t mind super-intense eye contact. Seem a little robotic. Speak slowly. 18/

Want to stress out a Blue? Challenge their knowledge or research. Make last-minute or risky decisions. Be emotional. Make mistakes. They’ll get pessimistic, lethargic, and they might disengage all together. They will internally FREAK OUT 19/

Of course most people are different combinations of types. And some work better (ie the two extroverted types Red and Yellow work better together than a extroverted/intro combo like Yellow and a Blue) 20/

The book also details how to best engage with each of the types, which is not only great for your characters, but you throughout life. Imagine knowing immediately how to talk to a Red! Or now you know what to say to a hot Blue at a party (actually a blue won't be at a party) 21/

Anyway, #screenwriters thought this could be useful because it’s really improved how my characters move in their world, with each other, how they communicate with each other, and has make the conflict so compelling and intrinsically human. Hope it helps you too! 22/

PS - the awesome book takeaway summary is here: hustleescape.com/book-summary-s… 23/

Also one more thing- the weird gender disclaimer ("I'm writing with he/him and hope everyone's got enough imagination to apply the situations to themselves") is annoying AF but the info in the book is super valuable. Take of that what you will.
Love y'all. 😊😊😊END THREAD

Also, should have tagged #screenwriting in this thread. DUR.