Parenthetical

Definition

In scriptwriting, a parenthetical is a brief instruction or description included within the dialogue that provides context for the actor's delivery or action. These are usually written in parentheses and help convey tone, emotion, or specific actions that the character should perform while speaking, enhancing the overall storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parentheticals are often used to clarify how a line should be delivered, indicating emotions like anger, sarcasm, or excitement.
2. They are placed directly after the character's name in the dialogue section of the script.
3. While useful, excessive use of parentheticals can clutter the script and distract from the dialogue, so they should be used judiciously.
4. Parentheticals can also indicate specific actions the character should perform while delivering their lines, helping to visualize the performance.
5. In television scripts, parentheticals play an important role in maintaining pacing and ensuring that the intended tone is conveyed during production.

Review Questions

• How does a parenthetical enhance a character's dialogue and overall performance?
  • A parenthetical enhances a character's dialogue by providing essential context that helps actors understand how to deliver their lines. It indicates emotions or actions that accompany the dialogue, which can shape the audience's perception of the scene. By conveying specific nuances through parentheticals, writers ensure that performances align with their vision for the story and its characters.
• Discuss the potential drawbacks of using too many parentheticals in a script. What impact might this have on production?
  • Using too many parentheticals can lead to cluttered scripts that distract from the dialogue itself. When actors have to sift through numerous instructions, it can disrupt their flow and hinder spontaneous performances. Additionally, directors may find it challenging to maintain pacing during production if there are excessive notes for actors to consider, potentially affecting the overall quality of the performance.
• Evaluate how parentheticals can influence viewer engagement with a television script. What are some ways they can enhance storytelling?
  • Parentheticals can significantly influence viewer engagement by clarifying character intentions and emotions in a scene, thereby enhancing storytelling. When used effectively, they guide actors to deliver lines with the appropriate tone or physicality, which helps create a more immersive experience for viewers. By providing insight into subtext and character dynamics through brief instructions, parentheticals foster deeper connections between audiences and characters, making the narrative more compelling and relatable.

Related terms

Dialogue:

The spoken exchanges between characters in a script, which convey their thoughts, feelings, and relationships.

Action Lines: Descriptions of what is happening in a scene, typically written in present tense and providing visual context for the story.

Subtext:

The underlying meaning or emotional context behind the spoken words in a scene, which may not be explicitly stated but influences character interactions.