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plot driven screenplay and character driven screenplay

The document discusses the differences between plot-driven and character-driven screenplays, highlighting their key features and providing Telugu film examples for each. Plot-driven narratives focus on external conflicts and action, while character-driven stories emphasize internal struggles and character development. It also notes that many modern films blend both approaches to create engaging narratives.

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anuradha umarji
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12 views

plot driven screenplay and character driven screenplay

The document discusses the differences between plot-driven and character-driven screenplays, highlighting their key features and providing Telugu film examples for each. Plot-driven narratives focus on external conflicts and action, while character-driven stories emphasize internal struggles and character development. It also notes that many modern films blend both approaches to create engaging narratives.

Uploaded by

anuradha umarji
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Plot-Driven Screenplays vs.

Character-Driven Screenplays

When it comes to screenplay writing, plot-driven and character-driven


stories are two distinct approaches. Understanding these will help you craft
engaging narratives, whether you focus on building complex plots or rich,
evolving characters. Let’s break down each concept with detailed notes and
Telugu film examples.

Plot-Driven Screenplays

In plot-driven screenplays, the plot or story events are the primary focus.
The characters’ actions are largely shaped by external circumstances or
events in the story. The narrative advances because of the twists and turns
in the storyline, leading to more emphasis on what happens next rather
than deep exploration of a character's psyche.

Key Features:

1. External Conflict: The conflict in the story often comes from external
forces, such as villains, situations, or circumstances.
2. Twists and Turns: A plot-driven narrative usually relies heavily on
twists, suspense, and unexpected outcomes.
3. Action-Oriented: Events and action sequences move the story
forward. The audience is engaged primarily by what happens rather
than why it happens.
4. Goals and Objectives: The characters' goals are clear, and the story
revolves around how they achieve or fail to achieve them.

Telugu Film Examples of Plot-Driven Screenplays:


1. Baahubali (2015 & 2017)
Directed by: S.S. Rajamouli
This two-part epic revolves around the grand conflict between
kingdoms. The story focuses on the hero’s journey to reclaim the
throne, with the plot being driven by large-scale battles, betrayals, and
revelations. The characters are defined more by their roles in the
conflict rather than deep personal transformations.
2. Arjun Reddy (2017)
Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
While the film has strong character elements, it is the sequence of
events (breakup, career struggles, addiction, recovery) that drives the
story forward. The protagonist’s actions are reactions to major life
events rather than internal reflection.
3. Maharshi (2019)
Directed by: Vamshi Paidipally
The story revolves around a successful businessman returning to India
to help farmers. The film progresses through a series of events that
push the protagonist toward resolving the primary conflict of rural
distress.
4. Kshanam (2016)
Directed by: Ravikanth Perepu
This suspense thriller is driven by the plot, where a man returns to
India to investigate the mysterious disappearance of his ex-girlfriend’s
daughter. The film focuses heavily on the mystery and reveals, with
the twists propelling the narrative forward.

Character-Driven Screenplays

In character-driven screenplays, the characters and their internal


struggles are the focal points of the narrative. The plot unfolds as a result
of the characters’ decisions, personal growth, and emotional journeys. These
stories delve into the psyche of the characters, exploring their relationships,
motivations, and transformations.

Key Features:

1. Internal Conflict: The drama often stems from the internal struggles
of the characters, such as their emotions, past traumas, or moral
dilemmas.
2. Character Development: A significant portion of the narrative is
spent developing the characters, showing how they grow or change
over time.
3. Relational Focus: These stories often focus on relationships, human
emotions, and character interactions rather than external action.
4. Emotional Journey: The characters’ emotional arcs are central to the
story’s progression.

Telugu Film Examples of Character-Driven Screenplays:

1. C/o Kancharapalem (2018)


Directed by: Venkatesh Maha
This film is an anthology of four stories about love, set in the small
town of Kancharapalem. Each story is driven by the characters’
personal desires, flaws, and emotional journeys, rather than by major
plot events. The simplicity and depth of the characters make the film
captivating.
2. Vedam (2010)
Directed by: Krish
The film intertwines the stories of five different individuals, each driven
by their internal motivations and personal struggles. The plot emerges
from the characters’ choices and interactions, leading to a climactic
point where their stories converge.
3. Malli Raava (2017)
Directed by: Gowtam Tinnanuri
A romantic drama that explores the characters’ relationship over
different stages of life. The film focuses more on the emotions and
inner conflicts of the protagonists rather than a fast-paced storyline,
offering a deep dive into their personal growth.
4. Pelli Choopulu (2016)
Directed by: Tharun Bhascker
This film focuses on the journey of two characters, Prashanth and
Chitra, who meet during a matchmaking session. It is their individual
growth, dreams, and internal struggles that drive the film, making it a
character-centric narrative.

Comparison of Plot-Driven vs. Character-Driven Screenplays

Feature Plot-Driven Films Character-Driven Films


Events and actions that move Personal growth, relationships,
Focus
the plot forward and emotions
External (situations, villains, Internal (emotions, dilemmas,
Conflict
circumstances) personal struggles)
Fast-paced, driven by twists and Slower, focused on character
Narrative
suspense development
Character Characters change due to Characters grow through
Arc events outside their control internal reflection

Examples
Baahubali, C/o Kancharapalem,
(Telugu)
Hybrid Approach: Mixing Plot-Driven and Character-Driven
Elements

While some films clearly fall into either category, many modern screenplays
blend both plot-driven and character-driven elements. A strong plot can push
characters to evolve, and deep character arcs can make a plot more
engaging. Many successful Telugu films find a balance between these two
approaches.

Example of a Hybrid Approach:

1. Jersey (2019)
Directed by: Gowtam Tinnanuri
While the plot of the film focuses on a man’s comeback in cricket, it is
his emotional journey, internal conflict, and personal growth that form
the heart of the story. His decisions shape the plot, but the story is
deeply rooted in his character arc.
2. Eega (2012)
Directed by: S.S. Rajamouli
The film is plot-driven, focusing on the revenge of a man reincarnated
as a housefly. However, the film also explores character-driven
emotions like love and vengeance, making the plot more engaging
through these relationships.

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