Parenthetical

Definition

A parenthetical is a formatting element used in screenwriting to provide additional context or direction about how a line of dialogue should be delivered by an actor. It typically appears in parentheses immediately after the character's name and can indicate emotions, actions, or tone, allowing writers to guide performances without cluttering the script with excessive exposition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parentheticals are often used sparingly to maintain a clean script, as excessive use can disrupt the flow of reading.
2. They are typically formatted in lowercase unless they start with a proper noun or sentence.
3. When writing parentheticals, it's important to be clear and concise to ensure the actor understands the intent without ambiguity.
4. Parentheticals should only be used when necessary; if an actor can convey the emotion through context or action, it may not need to be stated.
5. Different styles of screenwriting may have varied approaches to using parentheticals, but they generally serve the same purpose across formats.

Review Questions

• How do parentheticals enhance the delivery of dialogue in a screenplay?
  • Parentheticals enhance dialogue delivery by providing actors with specific emotional cues and directions that clarify how lines should be performed. This helps convey the intended tone and context without over-explaining through narrative text. By guiding performances, parentheticals can lead to more authentic portrayals of characters and their feelings, ultimately improving the overall storytelling experience.
• Discuss the potential drawbacks of using parentheticals excessively in screenwriting.
  • Excessive use of parentheticals can clutter a screenplay and distract from the primary narrative flow. It can lead to confusion for actors who may struggle with overly complicated directions or interpretations of emotional cues. Additionally, heavy reliance on parentheticals can indicate a lack of confidence in dialogue or character development, as strong writing should ideally allow actors to infer emotions through context rather than explicit instructions.
• Evaluate how the use of parentheticals might differ between genres of screenwriting and what impact this has on character development.
  • The use of parentheticals can vary significantly between genres; for instance, in a comedy, they might be used more frequently to emphasize humor or sarcasm, while in drama, they might focus on subtle emotional nuances. This variation impacts character development by shaping how actors approach their roles—comedic parentheticals may encourage more exaggerated performances, whereas dramatic ones could lead to more introspective portrayals. Understanding genre-specific norms around parentheticals allows writers to tailor their scripts for optimal performance and audience engagement.

Related terms

Dialogue: The written conversation between characters in a screenplay, representing their spoken words.

Action Line: A description of the physical actions occurring in a scene, typically written in the present tense and providing context to the dialogue.

Slug Line: A heading at the beginning of a scene that indicates the location and time of day, helping to set the scene for the reader.