Aaron Sorkin - How To Develop Characters

Summary

This video script delves into Aaron Sorkin's storytelling techniques, focusing on his unique approach to character development. The script explores how Sorkin’s protagonists are defined by their ambition, their failures, and the unconventional paths they take to success. It highlights the emotional and personal journeys of characters in films like *Moneyball*, *The Social Network*, and *Steve Jobs*, emphasizing the importance of relationships and self-awareness. The script also touches on Sorkin’s personal struggles, including his addiction, and how these experiences influenced his later works, particularly his emphasis on human connection and purpose.

Takeaways

• 😀 Characters in Aaron Sorkin's films are defined by their intentions and the obstacles standing in their way, with a focus on what they want and need.
• 😀 Sorkin's dialogue is known for its fast-paced, witty, and confrontational nature, but it's his character development that truly stands out in his works.
• 😀 His films often begin with protagonists facing failure, which creates empathy and establishes a strong foundation for character development.
• 😀 Sorkin's characters are typically ambitious, often driven by their past failures, and they strive to achieve unconventional goals in unconventional ways.
• 😀 While Sorkin's protagonists face external challenges, much of the conflict arises from the tension and power dynamics revealed through dialogue rather than physical confrontations.
• 😀 Sorkin often explores the theme of conventional vs. unconventional paths to success, with characters finding innovative solutions but at a cost.
• 😀 Success for Sorkin's characters often brings unintended consequences, such as strained relationships, lost friendships, or personal sacrifices.
• 😀 A central theme in Sorkin's recent works (since 2007) is the realization that what truly brings fulfillment is human relationships, not just professional achievements.
• 😀 Sorkin's writing is semi-autobiographical, reflecting his own struggles with addiction and his eventual recovery, which influenced the themes of his later works.
• 😀 In his personal life, Sorkin overcame a decade-long battle with cocaine addiction and has since experienced significant professional success, which includes winning an Academy Award.
• 😀 The modern era of Sorkin’s career is marked by a shift towards exploring complex human relationships, especially father-daughter dynamics, in films like 'Moneyball', 'Steve Jobs', and 'Molly’s Game'.

Q & A

How does Aaron Sorkin approach character development in his works?

Sorkin focuses on showing the audience what a character wants and the obstacles they face in achieving it. He uses intention and the tactics the character employs to overcome challenges to define who they are, rather than simply telling the audience about the character.

What role does failure play in Sorkin’s characters’ journeys?

Failure is a central theme in Sorkin's character development. His protagonists often begin their stories at their lowest point, facing personal or professional failure. This creates empathy for the characters and serves as a foundation for their growth as they pursue their goals in unconventional ways.

How does Sorkin differentiate his protagonists from others in film?

Sorkin's protagonists are unique because they are ambitious, driven by their past failures, and willing to pursue unconventional methods to achieve their goals. Their paths to success are filled with challenges, and they often face internal and external resistance.

What is the significance of the 'conventional vs. unconventional' conflict in Sorkin's works?

The 'conventional vs. unconventional' conflict is a recurring theme in Sorkin’s work, where characters challenge traditional methods to achieve success. This conflict is especially prominent in films like *Moneyball*, where characters confront established norms in their respective fields, but success often comes with unintended consequences.

How does Sorkin balance success with personal cost in his narratives?

In Sorkin’s stories, success is often accompanied by a personal cost. His characters might achieve their goals but lose important relationships, face ethical dilemmas, or experience emotional turmoil. This dynamic highlights the complexities of ambition and the consequences of pursuing success at any cost.

How does Sorkin incorporate his own life experiences into his writing?

Sorkin’s later works, such as *Moneyball*, *Steve Jobs*, and *Molly’s Game*, reflect a more personal touch, focusing on themes of human relationships and personal growth. These works are seen as semi-autobiographical, influenced by Sorkin’s own struggles with addiction and his journey toward understanding the importance of relationships over professional success.

What is the role of human relationships in Sorkin’s modern films?

In Sorkin's more recent films, human relationships, especially father-daughter dynamics, play a central role. The protagonists in these stories realize that true happiness and fulfillment come not from career achievements, but from meaningful connections with others, a theme that reflects Sorkin’s personal evolution.

What is Sorkin’s narrative technique when introducing protagonists at the beginning of his films?

Sorkin often introduces his protagonists at their lowest point, when they are facing failure. This approach fosters immediate sympathy from the audience and sets the stage for the characters' ambitious pursuits. Their journey begins from a place of struggle, which makes their eventual successes (or failures) more poignant.

How does Sorkin portray ambition in his characters?

Ambition is a defining trait in Sorkin’s protagonists. They are often driven by a desire to overcome their past failures and achieve something significant, whether that’s reinventing an industry or achieving personal redemption. This drive leads them to challenge norms and push the boundaries of what is considered conventional.

How did Sorkin’s personal struggles influence his writing, especially in his modern films?

Sorkin’s personal battles with addiction had a profound effect on his writing, particularly in his modern films. After his recovery, he began focusing more on the emotional and relational aspects of his characters, reflecting his own journey toward prioritizing personal relationships over professional success.