The art of sound pictures (1930)

104 the art of sound PICTURES 1. Traits apparently simple are often highly complex. 2. Certain traits are secondary and derived from primary character traits. 3. A trait may assume different aspects, depending upon the variations in the objects and situations which it faces. 4. Many unrelated traits may result in almost identical behavior in certain situations. We can distinguish these only after we have analyzed the characters as they behave in totally different situations. These are not rules for the writer. They are simply warnings from a psychologist, which, if taken seriously, may help you to avoid the blunders of many beginners. You succeed in depicting men and women in so far as you make each act unequivocal and significant. Now, what is it that makes an act thus? The full answer to this question would fill a volume, every page of which would be precious to the story writer. All we can say here must be simple and brief. But, in a few words, the way can be pointed out, so that you may pursue it as far as you choose. First consider the negative aspect. Some acts do not reveal character at all. It is true that a man’s nature may be involved in all of his acts, but that does not necessarily mean that his whole nature is expressed. It is, therefore, necessary to keep in mind the difference between acts which reveal character and those which do not. There are two kinds of acts: first, noncharacteristic acts, which are automatic responses to simple stimuli peculiar to the individual concerned, or ways of behaving which are more complex but which are not used to manage dramatic situations. Secondly, there are characteristic acts. These acts reveal the way in which an individual manages a total situation which involves a conflict of