Parenthetical
A Parenthetical is a writing tool used in screenplays and scripts that helps give actors and directors additional information about how a line should be delivered or what a character is doing while speaking. It appears in brackets between a character's name and their dialogue. Writers use parentheticals (also called "wrylies") to show emotions, actions, or directions that aren't obvious from the dialogue alone. Think of it as stage directions embedded within the script. For example, instead of just having a character say a line, the parenthetical might indicate they say it "(while laughing)" or "(nervously)".
Examples in Resumes
Created character depth through strategic use of Parentheticals in award-winning short film scripts
Refined dialogue delivery using Parenthetical direction in television episodes
Taught proper Parenthetical usage in screenwriting workshops
Typical job title: "Screenwriters"
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Where to Find Screenwriters
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you decide when to use or not use parentheticals in a script?
Expected Answer: A senior writer should explain that parentheticals should be used sparingly and only when the emotional context or action isn't clear from the dialogue itself. They should mention how overuse can make a script feel amateur and how they trust actors to interpret the material.
Q: How do you balance directorial freedom with necessary character direction in your scripts?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how they use parentheticals strategically to convey essential character moments while leaving room for director and actor interpretation. Should mention experience working with directors and understanding what information is crucial versus what can be left open.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are some common mistakes writers make with parentheticals?
Expected Answer: Should identify issues like overuse, stating the obvious, directing camera movements in parentheticals, or using them for information that should be in action lines.
Q: How do you use parentheticals to enhance character development?
Expected Answer: Should explain how parentheticals can reveal character traits, emotional states, and subtext that might not be apparent in dialogue alone, while giving examples.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a parenthetical and when should you use one?
Expected Answer: Should explain that parentheticals are brief descriptions in parentheses that indicate how dialogue should be delivered or what action a character is taking while speaking.
Q: What's the proper formatting for a parenthetical in a script?
Expected Answer: Should know that parentheticals go on their own line between the character name and dialogue, are indented, and should be brief and lowercase in parentheses.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic script formatting
- Understanding of parenthetical usage
- Simple character direction writing
- Proper screenplay layout
Mid (2-5 years)
- Strategic use of parentheticals
- Character emotion conveyance
- Dialogue enhancement
- Script revision and editing
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced character development
- Script supervision
- Collaboration with directors
- Mentoring junior writers
Red Flags to Watch For
- Overuse of parentheticals in sample scripts
- Using parentheticals for camera directions
- Writing obvious actions in parentheticals
- Including too much direction that should be in action lines
Related Terms
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