characters introducing themselves

[avid-dreamer]

Me again! Ok, need some opinions here:
Now, let's say that your 3 main characters are together and meeting someone for the first time. How would you guys write each individual introduction without seeming repeticious? Especially if they all shake hands.

I've seen something like this in Indiana Jones:

EXAMPLE:

PETER
(introducing himself)
Peter Parker.

He shakes Mumford's hand. Jenny follows suit.

JENNY
And I'm Jenny Jones.

Now imagine there's a third person to introduce himself. How can that be added?

Thanks Again everyone!!

[clockwork]

I'd give all the hard work to one person.

Assuming Peter, Jenny and Mike are meeting Mumford...


PETER
Mr. Mumford. I'm Peter Parker.
(they shake)
And these are my colleagues Jenny and Mike.

They ad lib hellos, everybody shakes.

MUMFORD
How nice to finally meet you all.
Shall we get to work?


Unless you're revealing character with those greetings (Mike's greeting is brash and rude, say) or there's plot in the exchange, (Mumford recognises Jenny but chooses to say nothing, for example) then all of the individual hellos and how-do-you-dos are largely incidental and taking up space. A reader will fill in the blanks.

[avid-dreamer]

Oh, FABULOUS!!!!

THANKS AGAIN!:):Hug2:

[nmstevens]

Me again! Ok, need some opinions here:
Now, let's say that your 3 main characters are together and meeting someone for the first time. How would you guys write each individual introduction without seeming repeticious? Especially if they all shake hands.

I've seen something like this in Indiana Jones:

EXAMPLE:

PETER
(introducing himself)
Peter Parker.

He shakes Mumford's hand. Jenny follows suit.

JENNY
And I'm Jenny Jones.

Now imagine there's a third person to introduce himself. How can that be added?

Thanks Again everyone!!

The important thing to remember about introductions is that, primarily, the purpose is to introduce character to us, the audience, not so much to introduce them to one another (that can happen any time -- off screen, for instance, where it isn't bothering us).

So unless there is really some critical story reason why we (that is, the audience) needs to be hanging around for these introductions, you should really ask yourself why you aren't availing yourself of one of the wonders of modern cinema -- the cut.

BOB
Hey, Larry, I want you to meet some people.

LARRY
What people?

EXT. THE BEACH, DAY

Larry, Bob, SAM, GEORGE, and MARY BELL are walking together on the beach.

SAM
Larry, Bob speaks very highly of you. George and I
would love to have you join us. We all think you'd be perfect
for the company.

LARRY
I appreciate what you're saying. I'm flattered.

MARY BELL
I think you'd fit right in, too, Larry. You know, I work very closely
with all the new associates.

LARRY
Well, um -- thanks, Mary, but, I'm sure you realize that it's a big
step and -- I need to think about it.

GEORGE
Of course, of course. Take your time.


Cut right to the meat of the scene. No intros necessary.

NMS

[clockwork]

The important thing to remember about introductions is that, primarily, the purpose is to introduce character to us, the audience, not so much to introduce them to one another (that can happen any time -- off screen, for instance, where it isn't bothering us).

So unless there is really some critical story reason why we (that is, the audience) needs to be hanging around for these introductions, you should really ask yourself why you aren't availing yourself of one of the wonders of modern cinema -- the cut.

That's a fair enough point but there are going to be plenty of times when a cut isn't possible and I think that's what avid's asking - how to do it when you don't have any other choice.

I saw an episode of Fraiser today in which Frasier came into the living room in his dressing gown. Niles, Daphne and Martin were already there and there was an awkward moment when Frasier's girlfriend came out of the bedroom, clearly having spent the night. There were introductions all round before the woman made a hasty exit and the remaining characters discussed this development. Like I said above, for things like that, it's usually one character doing all of the heavy lifting - in this case, Frasier making all of the introductions with the other characters hand-shaking and ad libbing various greetings. Sometimes those little moments are going to be unavoidable, so knowing how to deal with them quickly and efficiently is important.

[LIVIN]

How would you guys write each individual introduction without seeming repeticious?

I wouldn't. Seriously. Ok, there might be some exceptions, but generally, it's boring and/or unnecessary.

[LIVIN]

There were introductions all round before the woman made a hasty exit and the remaining characters discussed this development.

Those introductions served a purpose of tension, I would suspect. Also probably alluded to the woman's comfort (or lack thereof) with the situation at hand.

[clockwork]

You would be correct.