Jessica Nile Brunelle
2 min readJan 22, 2024

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🔍 What Makes a Character as Explosively Engaging as Dr. Gregory House? 🔍

Dr. Gregory House is the definition of a volcanic character due to his brilliant yet conflict-driven personality. His sharp wit, complex mind, and constant battles with personal and professional dilemmas make him a captivating figure in character writing. How can you infuse this level of intensity and conflict into your characters? Here are 10 ways:

  1. Intellectual Brilliance: House’s medical genius sets him apart. Equip your character with a unique intellectual prowess that drives the narrative.
  2. Sardonic Humor: His biting wit is iconic. Infuse your character with a sharp sense of humor that defines their interactions.
  3. Complex Morality: House often operates in moral grey areas. Create characters who challenge conventional morality.
  4. Deep-Seated Internal Conflicts: House struggles with pain, addiction, and emotional barriers. Craft characters with profound internal conflicts.
  5. Cynical Worldview: His cynicism shapes his relationships and decisions. Develop a character with a distinct, perhaps unconventional, worldview.
  6. Confrontational Interactions: House’s interactions are often confrontational, revealing character layers. Use conflict in dialogues to reveal depth in your character.
  7. Personal Vulnerabilities: Despite his exterior, House has vulnerabilities. Balance your character’s strengths with their weaknesses.
  8. Unpredictability: House is unpredictable in his methods and decisions. Create unpredictable plot points that reflect your character’s nature.
  9. Professional Excellence Amid Personal Chaos: Despite personal struggles, House excels professionally. Show your character’s competence in their field, contrasting with personal turmoil.
  10. Transformation and Growth: Over the series, House experiences growth. Illustrate how your character evolves through their experiences.

Creating a character as complex and volcanic as Dr. House involves balancing intellectual brilliance with emotional depth, humor with pain, and cynicism with vulnerability. Use these elements to craft characters that leave a lasting impact on your audience.

#Screenwriting #CharacterDevelopment #DrHouse #ConflictDriven #WritingTips

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Jessica Nile Brunelle

Screenwriting visceral character-driven dramas/dramedies about tragic and emotionally damaged characters who find peace and hope.