Television and film writers often say, “Character is king” or “Character drives story,” but rarely does anyone talk about the simple mechanics that make up a well-designed, fully fleshed out character. Just like any other structural element of crafting a story, there are a series of concepts and hacks that can turn a boring, flagging protagonist into one audiences can’t get enough of. Former film critic turned screenwriter C. Robert Cargill (Sinister, Marvel’s Doctor Strange, Locke and Key) will discuss building a character from the ground up – from initial story plotting to diagnosing weak characters in complete scripts.

[Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.]