Parenthetical
A parenthetical is a writing tool used in screenplays to give brief instructions about how dialogue should be delivered or what a character is doing while speaking. It appears in brackets between a character's name and their dialogue. Screenwriters use parentheticals to help actors and directors understand the intended emotion or action during a line delivery. Sometimes called "wrylies" in the industry, these are important elements in screenplay formatting that help bring a script to life by adding context to the dialogue.
Examples in Resumes
Developed clear character emotions through strategic use of parentheticals in dialogue scenes
Refined script clarity using wrylies to guide actor performance intentions
Enhanced screenplay readability by implementing precise parenthetical directions
Typical job title: "Screenwriters"
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Where to Find Screenwriters
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you decide when to use or avoid parentheticals in a screenplay?
Expected Answer: A senior writer should discuss how parentheticals should be used sparingly and only when necessary for clarity, explaining how overuse can make a script feel amateur and how stronger action descriptions or dialogue might better serve the story.
Q: How do you balance character direction through parentheticals while still leaving room for director and actor interpretation?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of industry expectations, explaining how to provide essential emotional context while respecting the collaborative nature of film and television production.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are some common mistakes writers make with parentheticals?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify issues like overuse, stating the obvious, or using them for action that should be in scene description, while explaining proper usage for character emotion and delivery.
Q: How do you use parentheticals to enhance character development?
Expected Answer: Should explain how parentheticals can reveal character traits and emotions that aren't explicit in dialogue, while maintaining script economy and readability.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the proper formatting for a parenthetical in a screenplay?
Expected Answer: Should know that parentheticals appear in parentheses on their own line between character name and dialogue, and should be brief.
Q: What types of information belong in parentheticals?
Expected Answer: Should explain that parentheticals are for brief emotional cues or small actions that happen during dialogue, not for major actions or scene description.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic screenplay formatting
- Understanding of parenthetical usage
- Simple character direction writing
- Standard industry software operation
Mid (2-5 years)
- Effective emotion and action direction
- Strategic use of parentheticals
- Script revision and polish
- Understanding of production needs
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced character development
- Mentoring junior writers
- Script consultation
- Industry standard mastery
Red Flags to Watch For
- Overuse of parentheticals in sample scripts
- Using parentheticals for information that belongs in action lines
- Lack of understanding of standard screenplay format
- Writing obvious or redundant parentheticals
Related Terms
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