Things for Aspiring Christian Playwrights and Screenwriters to Think On

In addition to being an actress, I'm also an aspiring screenwriter/playwright, and I've often mulled over the quandaries we Christian writers face. A while back, I asked my devout actor/screenwriter friend about choosing characters around which to center our stories. For example, are we believers justified in writing about persons (say, historical figures) who led lives of sin, but repented at the end? Should we automatically rule out subjects because their lives were less than exemplary if they were eventually redeemed? I want to write things which will delight my audiences while teaching subtle lessons as well, and my friend's advice was so excellent that I decided to share it with my fellow Christian writers out there; it ties in with what he told me about playing less-than-moral  characters. 

1. - The question you must ask is: "What is the reason for telling the story?" If you're glamorizing the character's bad deeds and tacking on the lesson at the end half-heartedly, that's not okay. Characters can and should have flaws because no one was perfect (except Jesus, of course, and his Mother Mary), and besides, perfect characters aren't very relatable or interesting to audiences. However, you don't want to make your audiences fall in love with characters who are ultimately evil - as my friend so aptly put it, "you have to remember that audiences are most vulnerable in a dark theater." You have to guide their emotions in a manner which will lead them to the truth, not to evil. Is your end goal to do that, or to show evil (as something to be avoided), or to inspire caution? All of these are fine intentions; to conclude, the best tales are those which sink deep into your mind and heart, causing you to ruminate over them, and which ultimately draw you to truth.

2. - When it comes to determining if certain historical characters or classic books are worthy subjects  (especially if the persons are very flawed but you do have a duty to tell the tale truthfully),
the key point to consider is: does it ultimately lead people to God? If so, it's worth telling. Cautionary tales are good, for example, and it's just fine to simply entertain people; a deep theme isn't required. As long as the story doesn't offend God, you're good.

3. - Things which offend God (which we ought to steer clear of): sin that can't be faked (e.g., profanity, nudity) versus those that can (murder, stealing, etc.). If you portray the virtue as good and  the sin (either simulated or implied) as evil, you're okay.

And there you have it, my friends. Pick up yours pens and create true beauty - my prayers go with you.

Image: Straying Thoughts by Edmund Blair Leighton (1913)