Character Development: JD

 Hey blog!

Today I'll be exploring how we can develop JD's character, as well as a few other characters, in our film opening.

JD as a character is a determined yet insecure underdog, driven by his dream of basketball greatness which was given to him by his brother's success. Throughout the film, JD would struggle with self doubt, seeking validation through external achievements and refusing to look within. Eventually, despite setbacks, JD’s character arc evolves from someone chasing his brother’s legacy to forging his own path. He reminds me of Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Zuko is banished by his father and is tasked with capturing the Avatar, and obsesses over this task. Eventually, Zuko forges his own path and joins forces with the Avatar. This dialogue between Zuko and his Uncle Iroh (a Sage figure) exemplifies this.

In the opening itself, the first way we'll develop JD is through contrast between expectation and reality. The opening scene sets up JD's internal expectations (a heroic shot, with a slow motion intense focus) vs. his harsh reality (airball, with sarcastic comments from his team and his coach.) It shows JD is a dreamer but lacks execution, and the comedy's humor highlights a contrast between his self perception and how others see him.

The second way is through mise-en-scene. As I've mentioned before, his bedroom will be decorated with basketball memorabilia, including posters, jerseys, a signed ball, and a framed photo with his older brother. The props emphasize his obsession with basketball and living up to his brother. I'll explore this deeper in a later post about mise-en-scene, but there's so much we can do, there's a lot of basketball memorabilia out there.

One example of a "basketball themed" room

The third way is through dialogue, which builds not only his character but others. His conversation with Coach Marcus creates a mentor-student dynamic, and JD's forced laughter suggests vulnerability. JD's talk with his mother creates contrast again, between her reminder that he doesn't need to be like Jason and JD's internal pressure. JD's response "Yeah, I know", juxtaposed by him looking at the ceiling shows denial and unresolved feelings.

Last but not least, JD's actions develop his character. JD trains alone at the gym, demonstrating his tough character. Visual cues of his struggle emphasize how his efforts don't immediately translate to success. Him watching his brother's highlight reels signifies both admiration and envy.

Archetypally, other characters start to be developed. JD is obviously the Hero on his journey. His older brother Jason represents a Shadow figure. Coach Marcus is a Mentor or Dispatcher. JD's mother is a Nurturer/Mother (duh). The main theme being developed here is of course the pressure of living up to expectations vs forging your own identity. It makes JD not just a funny underdog, but a multi-dimensional character.

See you next time.