True story adaptations present unique challenges for episodic drama writers. Balancing with compelling storytelling requires careful research, , and creative interpretation. Writers must navigate legal issues, develop authentic characters, and craft engaging dialogue while respecting real events and people.
Visual elements play a crucial role in bringing true stories to life on screen. Collaboration between writers, designers, and directors is essential to create , costumes, and recreations of historical events. and critical reception also shape adaptation choices, influencing how writers present familiar or controversial subjects.
Historical accuracy vs dramatization
Explores the delicate balance between factual representation and dramatic storytelling in episodic dramas based on true stories
Examines how writers navigate the tension between historical fidelity and engaging narrative structures
Balancing fact and fiction
Top images from around the web for Balancing fact and fiction
UJ005: Figure 2.3 | Plot points on a story arc. The User's J… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Telling the Coaches Story | The Common Ratio View original
Is this image relevant?
Book Review: Truthful Fictions: Conversations with American Biographical Novelists edited by ... View original
Is this image relevant?
UJ005: Figure 2.3 | Plot points on a story arc. The User's J… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Telling the Coaches Story | The Common Ratio View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Balancing fact and fiction
UJ005: Figure 2.3 | Plot points on a story arc. The User's J… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Telling the Coaches Story | The Common Ratio View original
Is this image relevant?
Book Review: Truthful Fictions: Conversations with American Biographical Novelists edited by ... View original
Is this image relevant?
UJ005: Figure 2.3 | Plot points on a story arc. The User's J… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Telling the Coaches Story | The Common Ratio View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Requires careful consideration of historical events while crafting compelling storylines
Involves selective emphasis on certain aspects of a true story to enhance dramatic impact
Utilizes creative interpretation to fill gaps in historical records (conversations, inner thoughts)
Necessitates clear delineation between documented facts and dramatized elements
Artistic license in adaptations
Allows writers to modify or embellish certain aspects of a true story for narrative purposes
Includes creating , condensing timelines, or inventing dialogue
Enhances dramatic tension and pacing by rearranging or altering historical events
Requires justification for significant departures from known facts
Ethical considerations
Addresses the responsibility of writers to respect the real individuals portrayed in the story
Involves weighing the potential impact of on living subjects or their descendants
Considers the ethical implications of altering historical events for entertainment purposes
Explores the duty to present a balanced portrayal of controversial figures or events
Research and source material
Emphasizes the importance of thorough research in creating authentic and credible true story adaptations
Highlights various research methods and sources used by writers in the episodic drama genre
Primary vs secondary sources
Distinguishes between (diaries, letters, official documents) and interpretive works (biographies, historical analyses)
Prioritizes for direct insight into events and characters
Utilizes to provide context and fill gaps in primary source material
Evaluates the reliability and potential biases of different source types
Interviews and firsthand accounts
Involves conducting with living subjects or witnesses to gain personal perspectives
Incorporates oral histories and memoirs to capture unique voices and experiences
Addresses challenges of memory reliability and subjective interpretations in firsthand accounts
Utilizes techniques for effective interviewing and information gathering
Archival research techniques
Explores methods for accessing and navigating historical archives (digital databases, physical repositories)
Involves cross-referencing multiple sources to verify information and resolve discrepancies
Requires skills in deciphering and interpreting historical documents and artifacts
Addresses challenges of incomplete or conflicting historical records
Character development
Focuses on the unique challenges of crafting characters based on real individuals in episodic dramas
Examines techniques for creating compelling and authentic portrayals while respecting historical accuracy
Portraying real people
Involves in-depth research into the subject's personality, mannerisms, and motivations
Balances factual representation with dramatic interpretation of inner thoughts and emotions
Addresses challenges of portraying well-known figures with established public personas
Considers the ethical implications of depicting living individuals or recent historical figures
Composite characters
Combines traits or experiences of multiple real individuals into a single fictional character
Serves to streamline storytelling and represent broader historical trends or groups
Requires careful consideration to avoid misrepresentation of real events or individuals
Explores techniques for creating believable composite characters that serve the narrative
Fictionalized supporting cast
Involves creating fictional characters to interact with historical figures and drive the plot
Allows for greater creative freedom in exploring themes and relationships
Requires maintaining historical plausibility and avoiding anachronistic behavior or attitudes
Examines techniques for integrating fictional characters seamlessly into historical settings
Timeline manipulation
Explores strategies for adapting complex historical timelines into coherent episodic narratives
Addresses the challenges of condensing or expanding real events to fit television format
Condensing events
Involves compressing lengthy historical periods into manageable story arcs
Requires careful selection of key events to maintain narrative coherence and historical accuracy
Utilizes techniques such as montage or summary dialogue to convey passage of time
Addresses challenges of maintaining and relationship arcs in condensed timelines
Flashbacks and flash-forwards
Employs non-linear storytelling techniques to reveal character backstories or foreshadow future events
Allows for exploration of multiple time periods within a single episode or season
Requires clear visual and narrative cues to orient viewers in different time periods
Examines effective use of and to enhance dramatic tension and character depth
Narrative structure choices
Explores various structural approaches to adapting true stories (chronological, thematic, episodic)
Considers the impact of different narrative structures on audience engagement and understanding
Addresses challenges of maintaining historical accuracy while employing non-traditional storytelling methods
Examines successful examples of innovative narrative structures in true story adaptations
Legal considerations
Highlights the importance of understanding legal issues in adapting true stories for episodic drama
Examines potential legal pitfalls and strategies for protecting both creators and subjects
Rights and permissions
Involves securing necessary rights to adapt true stories or biographical material
Addresses challenges of obtaining permissions from multiple sources (subjects, estates, publishers)
Explores strategies for negotiating rights agreements and handling competing claims
Examines the concept of public domain and its implications for historical adaptations
Defamation and libel concerns
Addresses the risk of legal action for portraying real individuals in a potentially damaging light
Explores strategies for mitigating risks while maintaining dramatic integrity
Examines the concept of "public figures" and its impact on defamation claims
Considers the importance of thorough fact-checking and documentation to defend against legal challenges
Disclaimer usage
Explores the role of disclaimers in true story adaptations (beginning or end credits)
Examines different types of disclaimers (general, specific, statements)
Addresses the legal effectiveness and limitations of disclaimers in protecting creators
Considers the impact of disclaimers on audience perception and engagement with the story
Thematic focus
Examines strategies for identifying and developing central themes in true story adaptations
Explores how thematic elements can enhance the universal appeal of personal stories
Selecting key life events
Involves choosing significant moments that best represent the subject's character and journey
Requires balancing historical importance with dramatic potential and thematic relevance
Addresses challenges of condensing complex lives into cohesive narrative arcs
Explores techniques for highlighting pivotal moments that resonate with broader themes
Universal themes in personal stories
Identifies common human experiences and emotions within specific historical contexts
Examines strategies for making historical figures relatable to contemporary audiences
Explores techniques for balancing unique historical details with
Addresses challenges of avoiding anachronistic interpretations of historical events and attitudes
Social and historical context
Involves researching and accurately portraying the social, political, and cultural backdrop of the story
Examines techniques for seamlessly integrating historical context into character interactions and plot
Addresses challenges of explaining complex historical situations to modern audiences
Explores strategies for using historical context to illuminate contemporary issues and themes
Dialogue creation
Focuses on the unique challenges of crafting dialogue for true story adaptations in episodic drama
Examines techniques for balancing historical accuracy with engaging and dramatic conversations
Balancing authenticity and drama
Involves creating dialogue that reflects the time period while remaining accessible to modern audiences
Addresses challenges of avoiding anachronistic language or references
Explores techniques for incorporating period-specific idioms, slang, or formal speech patterns
Examines strategies for maintaining character voices while serving dramatic and expository purposes
Invented conversations
Involves creating plausible dialogue for scenes where no historical record exists
Requires thorough research into characters' personalities, relationships, and known views
Addresses ethical considerations of putting words in the mouths of historical figures
Explores techniques for crafting invented dialogue that feels authentic and serves the narrative
Voice and mannerisms
Focuses on capturing the unique speech patterns and verbal tics of historical figures
Involves researching existing recordings, transcripts, or contemporary accounts of speech habits
Addresses challenges of maintaining consistent character voices throughout a series
Examines techniques for using dialogue to reveal character traits and historical attitudes
Visual storytelling
Explores the importance of visual elements in bringing true stories to life in episodic drama
Examines the collaboration between writers, directors, and production designers in creating authentic historical settings
Period-appropriate settings
Involves researching and recreating accurate historical locations and environments
Addresses challenges of balancing historical accuracy with practical filming considerations
Explores techniques for using settings to convey social, economic, and cultural context
Examines strategies for creating visually engaging period settings that support the narrative
Costume and makeup design
Focuses on accurately representing historical fashion and personal grooming styles
Involves collaboration between writers and costume designers to convey character through clothing
Addresses challenges of sourcing or creating authentic period costumes on a television budget
Explores techniques for using costume and makeup to show character development over time
Recreating historical events
Involves researching and accurately portraying significant moments from the true story
Addresses challenges of balancing historical accuracy with dramatic staging and pacing
Explores techniques for recreating large-scale events (battles, speeches) within television constraints
Examines strategies for using to convey the emotional impact of historical events
Audience expectations
Examines the role of audience knowledge and preconceptions in shaping true story adaptations
Explores strategies for meeting or subverting audience expectations in episodic drama
Familiarity with subject matter
Addresses varying levels of audience knowledge about historical events or figures
Explores techniques for engaging both informed and uninformed viewers
Examines strategies for introducing necessary background information without overwhelming the narrative
Considers the impact of audience familiarity on storytelling choices and dramatic tension
Preconceptions and biases
Involves addressing common misconceptions or stereotypes about historical events or figures
Explores techniques for challenging or subverting audience expectations
Addresses the responsibility of writers in shaping public perception of historical subjects
Examines strategies for presenting nuanced portrayals of controversial figures or events
Critical reception considerations
Involves anticipating and addressing potential criticism from historians, critics, and the general public
Explores strategies for balancing artistic vision with historical accuracy and public expectations
Addresses challenges of adapting well-known stories or controversial subjects
Examines the impact of critical reception on the success and legacy of true story adaptations
Adaptation challenges
Focuses on the specific difficulties encountered when adapting true stories for episodic television
Examines strategies for overcoming common obstacles in the adaptation process
Book to screen translation
Involves condensing lengthy written works into episodic format while maintaining core narrative
Addresses challenges of adapting internal monologues and descriptive passages into visual storytelling
Explores techniques for restructuring book narratives to fit television pacing and episode breaks
Examines strategies for handling fan expectations when adapting popular biographical works
Multiple source integration
Involves synthesizing information from various historical sources into a cohesive narrative
Addresses challenges of reconciling conflicting accounts or interpretations of events
Explores techniques for weaving together multiple perspectives or storylines
Examines strategies for maintaining narrative focus while incorporating diverse source material
Conflicting accounts resolution
Involves navigating discrepancies between different historical sources or personal recollections
Addresses challenges of presenting a coherent narrative when facts are disputed
Explores techniques for dramatizing conflicting versions of events (multiple perspectives, unreliable narrators)
Examines ethical considerations in choosing which accounts to prioritize or how to represent conflicts
Key Terms to Review (44)
Adaptation challenges: Adaptation challenges refer to the obstacles and difficulties faced when transforming a true story or biographical material into a screenplay or episodic format. This process requires careful consideration of how to convey the essence of real events while maintaining dramatic tension and character development, which can lead to various creative and ethical dilemmas.
Archival research techniques: Archival research techniques refer to the methods and practices used to gather, analyze, and interpret historical documents and records in order to understand past events, figures, or narratives. These techniques are crucial when working with true stories and biographical adaptations, as they provide the foundational evidence necessary to create authentic representations of real-life events and people. By utilizing archival materials, writers can ensure their adaptations remain faithful to the source material while also infusing creativity into the storytelling process.
Artistic license: Artistic license refers to the freedom that creators have to deviate from fact or reality to enhance their artistic expression. This concept is especially relevant in the context of true story and biographical adaptations, where writers and filmmakers often modify events, characters, or timelines to create a more compelling narrative. The use of artistic license can lead to greater emotional impact and more engaging storytelling, even if it means straying from historical accuracy.
Audience expectations: Audience expectations refer to the preconceived ideas and beliefs that viewers hold about a narrative based on prior experiences with similar stories, genres, or characters. These expectations shape how audiences interpret events, character decisions, and story arcs, influencing their emotional engagement and satisfaction with the material presented.
Balancing authenticity and drama: Balancing authenticity and drama involves the careful consideration of how true events and emotional storytelling can coexist in a narrative. This balance is crucial when adapting true stories or biographies, as creators must weigh the factual integrity of the subject matter against the need to engage and captivate audiences. Striking this balance can enhance character depth, create compelling arcs, and bring truth to life while maintaining dramatic tension.
Balancing fact and fiction: Balancing fact and fiction refers to the process of combining real-life events, people, and experiences with fictional elements in storytelling. This approach aims to create engaging narratives that resonate with audiences while also honoring the truth of the subject matter. In true story and biographical adaptations, this balance can help to emphasize emotional truths or thematic elements that may not be fully captured by a strict adherence to factual representation.
Book to screen translation: Book to screen translation refers to the process of adapting a written narrative from a book into a visual format for film or television. This transformation involves not only translating the text but also interpreting the themes, characters, and plot points in a way that resonates with a new audience while often condensing or altering details for pacing and dramatic effect.
Character Development: Character development refers to the process of creating a believable, multi-dimensional character who grows, changes, or evolves throughout a story. This involves establishing the character's motivations, relationships, and challenges, allowing for dynamic interactions that can enhance narrative depth and engage audiences.
Composite characters: Composite characters are fictional figures created by blending traits, experiences, or backgrounds from multiple real individuals, often used in adaptations of true stories and biographical narratives. This technique allows writers to streamline complex narratives, emphasizing essential themes or conflicts while making the story more accessible to the audience.
Condensing events: Condensing events refers to the process of summarizing and compressing a series of occurrences into a more streamlined narrative that captures the essence of the original story while maintaining its emotional impact. This technique is essential in true story and biographical adaptations, where the source material may contain extensive details that could overwhelm or detract from the central themes. By condensing events, writers focus on pivotal moments that resonate with audiences, ensuring that the adapted work remains engaging and coherent.
Conflicting Accounts Resolution: Conflicting accounts resolution refers to the process of addressing and reconciling differing narratives or interpretations of events, especially in the context of true stories and biographical adaptations. This concept is crucial when adapting real-life events for dramatic storytelling, as it emphasizes the need to balance accuracy with artistic interpretation. Understanding how to navigate these conflicting accounts can enhance narrative depth and authenticity while maintaining audience engagement.
Costume design: Costume design is the art of creating clothing and accessories for characters in a film, theater, or television production to visually communicate their personality, status, and time period. Effective costume design not only enhances the storytelling by establishing the setting but also helps actors embody their roles, making them more believable. Costumes serve as a visual language that can convey themes and emotions, grounding characters in historical accuracy or symbolic representation.
Critical reception considerations: Critical reception considerations refer to the various factors that influence how audiences and critics perceive and evaluate a work, particularly when it comes to adaptations of true stories and biographies. These factors can include historical accuracy, narrative choices, character portrayal, and the emotional impact of the story. Understanding these considerations is essential for creators to effectively communicate the essence of the original material while also resonating with modern audiences.
Defamation: Defamation refers to the act of making false statements about an individual or entity that damage their reputation. It is important in the context of storytelling, especially in true stories and biographical adaptations, as these narratives often involve real people whose reputations can be at stake. Understanding defamation helps creators navigate the legal landscape when adapting true stories, ensuring they balance authenticity with respect for individuals’ rights.
Dialogue creation: Dialogue creation is the process of crafting conversations between characters in a script, ensuring that the exchanges feel authentic, engaging, and contribute to character development and plot advancement. Effective dialogue reflects the unique voice of each character while also revealing their emotions, motivations, and relationships with others, making it a critical element in storytelling.
Disclaimer usage: Disclaimer usage refers to the practice of including statements that limit the liability of the creators regarding the content presented, especially when dealing with true stories and biographical adaptations. These disclaimers clarify that the work may not be entirely factual, thereby protecting the creators from legal repercussions or misinterpretations about the truthfulness of the narrative.
Dramatization: Dramatization is the process of adapting a story into a dramatic format, often emphasizing emotional impact and character development. This method takes real events or narratives and transforms them into scripts for theater, film, or television, allowing audiences to connect with the material on a personal level through performance and visual storytelling.
Ethical considerations: Ethical considerations refer to the moral principles and guidelines that influence decision-making, especially regarding the representation of individuals and events in storytelling. These considerations are crucial when adapting true stories and biographies, as they involve respecting the rights and dignity of real people, particularly when their lives are portrayed in a dramatic or artistic context. Additionally, legal aspects often intersect with ethical considerations, especially when it comes to copyright issues and ensuring that adaptations do not infringe upon an individual’s reputation or privacy.
Familiarity with subject matter: Familiarity with subject matter refers to the depth of understanding and knowledge a writer has about a particular topic, which significantly influences the authenticity and effectiveness of their storytelling. This concept is especially critical in true story and biographical adaptations, as the writer's intimate knowledge can shape how real events are portrayed, character development is constructed, and thematic elements are highlighted. A strong grasp of the subject matter allows for nuanced storytelling that resonates with audiences and captures the essence of the individuals or events being depicted.
Fictionalized supporting cast: The fictionalized supporting cast refers to characters that are created or altered for narrative purposes in adaptations of true stories or biographies. These characters often serve to enhance the storyline, provide dramatic tension, or fill in gaps where historical details are sparse, allowing for a more engaging and cohesive narrative structure.
Firsthand accounts: Firsthand accounts are direct narratives or descriptions provided by individuals who personally experienced an event or situation. These accounts are vital in storytelling, especially in true stories and biographical adaptations, as they offer unique insights and emotional depth that come from personal involvement and perspective.
Flash-forwards: Flash-forwards are narrative devices that allow a story to jump ahead in time, revealing events or situations that will occur later. This technique can create suspense, foreshadow outcomes, and deepen audience engagement by providing insight into future developments, making it a valuable tool in maintaining narrative continuity and enhancing true story adaptations.
Flashbacks: Flashbacks are narrative devices used to interrupt the chronological flow of a story, allowing the audience to gain insight into past events that shape a character's present circumstances. This technique enhances narrative continuity by providing essential context and backstory, deepening audience engagement through emotional resonance and dramatic tension.
Historical accuracy: Historical accuracy refers to the degree to which a narrative, whether in film, literature, or other forms of storytelling, faithfully represents the actual events, characters, and contexts from history. This concept is vital for both historical and period dramas as well as true story and biographical adaptations, where the expectation is to capture the essence of real events while also engaging the audience. Achieving historical accuracy often requires a balance between factual representation and artistic interpretation, impacting how stories are perceived and understood.
Interviews: Interviews are structured conversations where one person asks questions to gather information, insights, or personal experiences from another. In the context of true story and biographical adaptations, interviews are vital as they provide authentic voices and perspectives that can shape narratives, bringing depth and realism to storytelling. They often serve as primary sources for writers seeking to portray real-life events and characters accurately.
Invented conversations: Invented conversations are fictional dialogues created by writers to convey emotions, themes, or character development in a narrative. These conversations serve to explore ideas and relationships that may not have occurred in reality, allowing for greater dramatic impact and deeper storytelling.
Legal considerations: Legal considerations refer to the various legal issues and regulations that must be taken into account when creating and distributing content, especially in the entertainment industry. These include intellectual property rights, licensing agreements, contracts, and liability concerns that ensure the protection of creators and their work while complying with laws. Addressing legal considerations is vital for avoiding disputes and ensuring that the project can be successfully pitched and sold, particularly when adapting true stories or biographical content where rights and accuracy are paramount.
Libel concerns: Libel concerns refer to the legal issues that arise when a written statement falsely injures a person's reputation. In the context of storytelling, particularly in adaptations of true stories and biographical works, creators must navigate these concerns to avoid potential lawsuits from individuals or organizations depicted in their narratives. This balance between creative expression and legal responsibility is crucial when representing real-life events and characters.
Multiple source integration: Multiple source integration refers to the practice of combining various narratives, perspectives, and pieces of information from different sources to create a cohesive story or depiction. This approach is crucial when adapting true stories or biographical accounts, as it allows for a richer, more nuanced portrayal of events and characters by weaving together diverse viewpoints and details that might not be evident from a single source.
Narrative structure choices: Narrative structure choices refer to the decisions made by writers regarding how to arrange and present the story elements in a dramatic work. These choices influence the pacing, tension, and emotional impact of a story, allowing writers to shape audience engagement. In the context of true stories and biographical adaptations, narrative structure can significantly affect how the real-life events are perceived and understood by viewers, enhancing the storytelling experience.
Period-appropriate settings: Period-appropriate settings are the environments, locations, and backdrops in storytelling that accurately reflect the time and place in which the story is set. This involves careful attention to historical details, cultural norms, architectural styles, clothing, and language to create an immersive experience that resonates with the audience. Authenticity in period settings is crucial for true story and biographical adaptations as it helps viewers connect more deeply with the characters and their experiences.
Portraying real people: Portraying real people refers to the artistic representation of individuals who have lived in reality, particularly in the context of storytelling through drama. This involves capturing their essence, experiences, and unique traits to create a believable character on screen or stage, often based on true stories or biographical adaptations. This approach can add depth and authenticity to narratives, inviting audiences to connect with real-life experiences and events.
Preconceptions and biases: Preconceptions and biases refer to the preconceived ideas or opinions that individuals hold, which can influence their perception and interpretation of events, characters, and narratives. These notions often stem from personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, or societal influences, impacting how stories—especially those based on true events—are understood and portrayed.
Primary sources: Primary sources are original materials created during the time under study or by individuals directly involved in the events being documented. These sources provide firsthand accounts, offering a direct glimpse into the past, which is crucial for understanding historical and biographical narratives.
Recreating historical events: Recreating historical events involves the artistic representation and dramatization of real-life occurrences, often drawing from documented evidence, eyewitness accounts, or biographical sources. This process allows creators to bring past experiences to life through narrative storytelling, capturing the essence of those moments while often adding layers of interpretation or emotional depth. It can serve to educate audiences, foster empathy, and spark discussion about historical contexts and human experiences.
Rights and permissions: Rights and permissions refer to the legal authorizations needed to use, adapt, or reproduce someone else's work, particularly in storytelling and adaptations. These legal agreements ensure that the original creators are compensated for their work and have a say in how their stories are presented, especially important when adapting true stories or biographical narratives where accuracy and representation are crucial.
Secondary sources: Secondary sources are documents or recordings that interpret or analyze primary sources, providing context, commentary, or critique. They play an important role in understanding historical events and figures by offering perspectives that help frame the original material. In storytelling, especially in historical narratives and adaptations of true stories, secondary sources can help writers craft more nuanced characters and settings based on research and scholarly interpretations.
Selecting key life events: Selecting key life events refers to the process of identifying significant moments in a person's life that are pivotal in shaping their identity, choices, and experiences. This process is crucial when adapting true stories or biographies into episodic drama, as it allows creators to focus on the most impactful events that resonate with audiences and drive character development.
Social Context: Social context refers to the environment or setting in which a story takes place, including the cultural, historical, and social factors that influence characters and events. It shapes the behaviors, motivations, and interactions of individuals within a narrative, helping to inform audiences about the underlying themes and issues present in the story.
Thematic focus: Thematic focus refers to the central idea or underlying message that guides a narrative, providing coherence and direction throughout a story. In the context of true story and biographical adaptations, thematic focus helps to highlight the significance of real-life events and characters, shaping how audiences perceive and interpret the narrative.
Timeline manipulation: Timeline manipulation is a narrative technique used in storytelling where events are rearranged, altered, or presented out of chronological order to enhance the emotional impact, create suspense, or convey complex themes. This approach allows creators to play with time, revealing character backstories or plot twists at strategic moments that may not follow the linear progression of events.
Universal Themes: Universal themes are fundamental ideas and concepts that resonate with a wide audience, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries. They often explore the shared experiences and emotions of humanity, such as love, loss, identity, and conflict, making them relevant to various stories, including those rooted in specific historical events or personal narratives.
Visual storytelling: Visual storytelling is the use of images, visuals, and actions to convey a narrative or emotion without relying solely on dialogue. This method emphasizes the importance of visuals to establish context, mood, and character arcs, creating a more immersive experience for the audience. It integrates elements like framing, color, lighting, and composition to communicate themes and drive the story forward.
Voice and mannerisms: Voice and mannerisms refer to the distinct ways in which a character expresses themselves through their speech patterns, tone, and physical gestures. These elements are essential in true story and biographical adaptations as they help bring real-life figures to life on screen, allowing the audience to connect with their personalities and experiences.