Writing a screenplay is both an art and a craft, requiring a balance of creativity, structure, and discipline Bardya. Many aspiring screenwriters fall into common traps that can weaken their scripts. If you want to improve your storytelling and make your screenplay more compelling, avoid these five mistakes—and learn how to fix them.
1. Weak or Unclear Protagonist
The Mistake: Some scripts fail to establish a strong main character. The protagonist may lack clear goals, motivation, or a compelling character arc, leaving audiences disconnected.
How to Fix It: Define your protagonist’s objective early on. What do they want, and why? Make their goal specific and emotionally resonant. Ensure they undergo change over the course of the story—whether it’s personal growth, redemption, or a hard-earned lesson.
2. A Slow or Unfocused Beginning
The Mistake: Some screenplays take too long to get to the story’s core conflict, losing the audience’s interest. Others overload the beginning with unnecessary exposition.
How to Fix It: Start with a strong hook—a moment that immediately grabs attention and sets the tone. Introduce your protagonist and their dilemma quickly. Keep exposition minimal in the opening scenes and let information unfold naturally through action and dialogue.
3. Flat or Overwritten Dialogue
The Mistake: Dialogue that sounds unnatural, overly expository, or lacks subtext can make scenes feel forced.
How to Fix It: Read your dialogue out loud. Does it sound like real conversation? If not, trim it down. Avoid having characters state exactly what they feel—use subtext to create depth. Let their actions and choices reveal their true emotions instead.
4. A Sagging Second Act
The Mistake: Many scripts suffer from a middle section that drags, with repetitive scenes and weak conflict.
How to Fix It: Keep the second act dynamic by raising the stakes. Introduce twists, complications, or character setbacks to maintain tension. Ensure each scene pushes the story forward and leads to the climax.
5. An Unsatisfying Ending
The Mistake: A rushed or predictable ending can leave audiences disappointed. Some screenplays wrap up too neatly, while others feel unresolved.
How to Fix It: The ending should feel inevitable yet surprising. Make sure it ties back to the protagonist’s journey and resolves key storylines. Test different endings to find the most emotionally impactful resolution.
Final Thoughts
Screenwriting is a learning process, and even seasoned writers make mistakes. The key is to recognize these common pitfalls and refine your script through rewriting and feedback. By strengthening your protagonist, sharpening your dialogue, maintaining momentum, and crafting a powerful ending, you’ll be on your way to writing a compelling screenplay that resonates with audiences.