Character Profile

Hey everyone, so below is my character development for my protagonist. I got the questions from a past project that we had to do in class where we also had to create and develop characters.

Name: Leah Winters

Age: 18

Occupation: Senior student in high school (12th grade). She always wanted to study Fine Arts in the Yale School of Art, but nowadays, she's considering studying at Hunton College, a more affordable, local option.

Where was your character born?  Manhattan, New York, U.S.A.

Characteristics associated with socioeconomic status: 

She used to be very wealthy, living a high class life. Leah's father was a very successful businessman, which is why when he died, her mother and her social status dropped a bit, to a medium-high socioeconomic status. Once her mother got sick,  and her father's fortune continued to dwindle, she is at a medium to low class.

Typical emotional characteristics associated with personality: 

Leah is very mature for her age. As she was raised surrounded by high status people, she has a very sophisticated aura. However, there is a depth to her, a kind of sweetness and deep passion for who she loves and what she dedicates her time towards. Leah has a very small circle of friends, since she's usually very shielded and selective. Sometimes she can come off as a bit standoffish, but really she is more observant and thoughtful of the outside world. 

What was his/her childhood like? 

Leah had a very privileged childhood. As an only child, she was cherished by both of her parents, treated as a princess. Her parents appreciated her talent with painting from a young age, and they fostered it throughout her young life. When she was 12, her father was shot by a street thief and passed away. 

What does your character enjoy doing? How would your character spend a free day? 

Leah's passion has always been painting. Ever since she was little, Leah always had a paint brush on her hand. Any free time that she has, she channels into painting. She enjoys going with her mother to Central Park for their weekly picnic, where her mother relaxes and watches Leah paint.

What defining events have occurred in his/her life?

When she was 12, Leah's father tragically passed away in a freaky thievery gone wrong, resulting in her father being shot and killed. This deeply affected Leah, who had a very close relationship with both of her parents. It was then that Leah became more introverted, and began using her talent to channel her emotions and cope with her problems, rather than painting just for fun. To top it off, Leah's mother was diagnosed with a terminally ill disease when Leah was 16. Knowing that she was eventually going to become an orphan, Leah became dependent of her paintings, thinking that they were the only things that could never be ripped away from her. 

What values or morals does your character possess?

One of Leah's priorities has always been family. Moreover, she is an advocate for animal rights. When she was richer, she used to donate thousands to local shelters. Lastly, she's a fierce believer of the arts, and their importance in the school system. 

Overall, I think this character analysis really helped me further develop my story, and understand why Leah becomes frustrated in the opening scene. Now, I feel that I can start my filming process and accurately direct my actress as to what emotions she should be portraying to really become Leah Winters.

-Isa