LEARNING ABOUT WRITING BY NOT WRITING. WHAT?

I have a summer writing assignment for you but don’t worry, it won’t be graded and it’s something you can do with family and friends. It doesn’t even require pen, paper, or opening a Word document. But trust me, it will help your writing tremendously.

Here’s what you need: A TV or computer, a comfortable chair, pillow and blanket, and snacks.

Here’s the assignment: Watch TV. Specifically, Stranger Things 2 and Brooklyn 99.

What’s the purpose of this assignment? To learn about characters.

Stranger Things 2 is one of the best examples of character arcs I’ve seen, heard, read, or wrote. Besides the fantastic writing, what I find most impressive is the character development isn’t limited to one character, or even two. It’s all of them. Below are two examples (I won’t go into too much detail in case you haven’t watched it yet):

Steve – at the beginning of season two, we see Steve as, not quite self-centered, but definitely focused more on himself and his love life than anyone else. As the season progresses and comes to an end, he has developed into a person who puts himself above others, to the extent of risking his life.

Hopper – in season one, we learn his daughter died and his marriage fell apart. He was unhappy, bitter, and while he was willing to help others, he wouldn’t allow himself to really feel. Throughout season two, he continues to help others, but he also opens himself to caring for others, especially when he knows it may end in pain and loss.   

What makes this season binge-worthy is the fantastic writing. Whether or not this is the genre for you, the true understanding of story and character development can’t be denied. I’ve given you general descriptions, but it’s the details of how the characters grow that is truly exceptional. The character arcs influence the plot just as much as the plot helps the characters grow. As any good story does, it challenges them, putting them in situations where they’re pushed to grow or fail.

Brooklyn 99 has one of the best cast of characters I’ve ever seen. And I’m a HUGE fan of Friends, How I Met Your Mother, and The Office. But no other show has characters with such interesting, fun, and unique quirks like this. Every character (main and secondary) has one or two (or more) traits that influence their everyday activities as police officers, and the specific plot for each episode.

Their traits are such a part of their personalities, they exist flawlessly and seamlessly in each scene. (A definite nod to the actors, but without decent scripts, they can only go so far.) The quirks are not limitations and don’t interfere with their arcs or breaking out of their defined roles. Below are three examples:

Jake – a thirty-something, stuck at fifteen, detective. He’s rough around the edges, fiercely loyal, and has clear daddy-issues. He has an obsession with the movie Die Hard and winning.

Captain Holt – a proud Black gay police captain. He’s deeply into the arts, proper grammar, and rules. He’s stiff and structured, but knows how to have fun. Or at least he’s learning.

Terry– a police sergeant who is extremely proud of his muscles, has an obsession with yogurt, and frequently refers to himself in third person. Outwardly he’s tough, but inside he’s a teddy bear.

So here you are binge watching (because you won’t be able to stop yourself) TV shows and learning about characters, arcs, and personalities without writing a single word. If you’ve already seen these shows, I encourage you to watch them again from a writer’s perspective.

These shows may not interest you. I completely understand that. Okay, no, I don’t. But, there are many others out there with fantastic writing and characters. Please let us know what TV shows or movies have helped your writing.