Linda Seger

Definition

Linda Seger is a renowned screenwriting consultant and author known for her contributions to understanding screenwriting structure and character development. Her work emphasizes the importance of storytelling techniques, which play a crucial role in effectively delivering exposition through dialogue and successfully pitching screenplays.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Linda Seger emphasizes the significance of strong character arcs to engage audiences and make stories compelling.
2. She advocates for using natural dialogue to convey exposition without overwhelming the audience with information.
3. Seger's approach to pitching involves understanding the core message of the screenplay and articulating it clearly to potential buyers or producers.
4. She has authored several books on screenwriting, including 'Making a Good Script Great,' which serves as a foundational text for aspiring screenwriters.
5. Seger encourages writers to analyze successful films and scripts to identify effective techniques in exposition and character development.

Review Questions

• How does Linda Seger's approach to character arcs enhance the delivery of exposition through dialogue?
  • Linda Seger's approach emphasizes that well-developed character arcs allow for more natural and engaging dialogue that can convey exposition seamlessly. When characters have clear motivations and growth throughout the story, their conversations can reveal essential background information without feeling forced. This helps maintain audience interest while also providing necessary context, making the exposition feel organic rather than overtly expository.
• In what ways does Linda Seger's concept of a logline play a critical role in the process of pitching a screenplay?
  • Linda Seger's concept of a logline is crucial because it distills the essence of a screenplay into one concise sentence that captures the central conflict, character stakes, and theme. A strong logline not only helps grab the attention of producers or agents during a pitch but also serves as a guiding tool for writers throughout their creative process. By focusing on what makes their story unique and engaging, writers can create compelling pitches that resonate with audiences.
• Evaluate how Linda Seger's insights on exposition can influence the overall effectiveness of a screenplay's narrative structure.
  • Linda Seger's insights on exposition can greatly enhance a screenplay's narrative structure by promoting techniques that allow for smooth integration of background information within character interactions. By emphasizing the use of subtext and authentic dialogue, her approach enables writers to weave essential details into scenes without disrupting pacing or viewer engagement. This focus not only enriches character development but also strengthens the emotional impact of the narrative, making it more relatable and memorable for the audience.

Related terms

Exposition:

The part of a story that provides background information to the audience about the characters, settings, and events.

Logline:

A brief summary of a screenplay that outlines the main conflict, characters, and stakes, often used in pitching a screenplay.

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often tied to their motivations and conflicts.