The 25 Most Iconic Character Descriptions in Film History

By Ken Miyamoto · September 28, 2020

How do you write a character description in a screenplay? It’s a simple question, with a seemingly simple answer, right? Well, not really. Because it turns out that there’s no one correct way to write a character description in your script. But there are some general rules that most professional writers follow. Namely, less is more.

Keep your character descriptions short, sweet, and to the point. Script readers would rather see the character’s actions and reactions throughout the screenplay define them. But if you need to find creative ways for your characters to make their entrance, you have some options. Here are 25 ways you can create well-written and creative character descriptions in your next screenplay.

How to write great character descriptions

Start with the basics: Name and age formatting

Always format a CHARACTER’S NAME IN ALL CAPS. When a character first appears within the script, putting their name in CAPS allows the reader to pay special attention to that entrance. It stands out on the page. Next, put their age-range in parenthesis (30-45 years old). This lets the reader visualize the character and it helps the producer and the casting department know what age-range of actors to cast.

Choose physical descriptions that foreshadow their character type

You are not the wardrobe department supervisor, so you don’t need to worry about going into detail about every piece of clothing the character is wearing. But you can find a fragment or sentence that describes a visual character type. Is your character wearing a hat? Are they in a slim-fitting suit? Are they in a bathrobe with a White Russian in hand? Simple visual details like an outfit help readers visualize the character.

Use a single sentence that defines character traits

The most creative screenwriters can craft a sentence that instantly defines what this character is about. At least, that’s the goal when the reader is first introduced to them. Readers should instantly get an impression of your characters from this single sentence description:

You don’t want to mess with this guy
He has secrets that no one will ever know
She’s stronger and more determined than anyone in the room

25 iconic character descriptions in film

Rules are meant to be broken, and guidelines are just that — guidelines. So beyond these general directives character descriptions are a land of gray area. And within that gray area are some iconic cinematic characters that were described within their respective screenplays in various ways, formats, and styles. Here are twenty-five iconic character descriptions as they were first introduced. Take what you love from them and leave the rest behind as you create your own character description style.

Note: Some of these screenplay character descriptions may not reflect the final visual character depictions on screen.

Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs

Hans Gruber in Die Hard

Download Die Hard script for free here (PDF).

Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark

Download Raiders of the Lost Ark script for free here (PDF).

Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Download Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl script for free here (PDF).

John Coffey in The Green Mile

Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo in Star Wars

Download Star Wars script for free here (PDF).

Michael Corleone in The Godfather

Download The Godfather script for free here (PDF).

Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid

Norman Bates in Psycho

Rick Blaine in Casablanca

Download Casablanca script for free here (PDF).

Rocky Balboa in Rocky

Sarah Connor in The Terminator

Download The Terminator script for free here (PDF).

The Terminator in The Terminator

Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver

This last example from a 1967 Oscar-winning film reflects how the times have changed — and continue to change — for the better.

Virgil Tibbs in In the Heat of the Night

Learn more about Screenwriting Basics: Everything You Need to Know About CAPS!

Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison for Sony Studios and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures.

He has many studio meetings under his belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. He has had a previous development deal with Lionsgate, as well as multiple writing assignments, including the produced miniseries Blackout, starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haylie Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric La Salle, and Bruce Boxleitner, and the feature thriller Hunter’s Creed starring Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman, Wesley Truman Daniel, Mickey O’Sullivan, John Victor Allen, and James Errico. Follow Ken on Twitter @KenMovies