How can you create a character that is both realistic and fantastical?

1 Define your genre

The first step is to define the genre of your film and the role of your character in it. Different genres have different expectations and conventions for how realistic or fantastical a character can be. For example, a superhero film can have more leeway for exaggerated powers and costumes than a historical drama. Similarly, a protagonist or antagonist can have more freedom to be extraordinary than a supporting or minor character. Think about the tone, style, and theme of your film and how your character fits into it.

2 Research your sources

The next step is to research your sources of inspiration and information for your character. You can draw from various sources, such as myths, legends, folklore, comics, novels, games, or real-life people and events. You can also mix and match different elements from different sources to create something unique and original. However, you should also be respectful and accurate when using sources from other cultures, histories, or traditions. You should avoid stereotypes, clichés, or appropriation and acknowledge your sources when appropriate.

3 Develop your backstory

The third step is to develop your character's backstory, which is the history and background of your character before the film starts. Your backstory can explain how your character became realistic and fantastical, what their motivations and goals are, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and what their relationships and conflicts are with other characters. Your backstory can also provide opportunities for flashbacks, revelations, or twists in your film. However, you should also be careful not to overload your film with too much exposition or unnecessary details that can confuse or bore your audience.

4 Design your appearance

The fourth step is to design your character's appearance, which is how your character looks and sounds in your film. Your appearance can reflect your character's personality, mood, status, or origin. You can use various tools and techniques, such as costumes, makeup, props, voice, or special effects to create a realistic and fantastical look for your character. You can also use contrast, color, or symbolism to highlight your character's uniqueness or difference from other characters. However, you should also be consistent and coherent with your appearance and avoid distracting or unrealistic features that can break the immersion of your audience.

5 Write your dialogue

The fifth step is to write your character's dialogue, which is what your character says and how they say it in your film. Your dialogue can reveal your character's thoughts, feelings, emotions, or opinions. You can use different languages, dialects, accents, slang, or jargon to create a realistic and fantastical voice for your character. You can also use humor, irony, sarcasm, or metaphors to add depth, nuance, or subtext to your dialogue. However, you should also be clear and concise with your dialogue and avoid overusing or misusing words that can confuse or annoy your audience.

6 Test your character

The final step is to test your character, which is to see how your character works and interacts in your film. You can test your character by asking yourself or others some questions, such as: Is your character believable and relatable? Is your character interesting and engaging? Is your character consistent and coherent? Is your character relevant and meaningful? You can also test your character by getting feedback, reviews, or reactions from your peers, mentors, or audience. You can then use the feedback to improve, revise, or refine your character until you are satisfied with the result.