One Weird Question I Ask Myself About Every Character I Write

Whether you’re working on a screenplay, novel or short story, “the Bus Test” will help you develop characters who feel authentic and complex.

Next week, Bill Gullo joins us to lead Screenwriting Boot Camp: 8 Weeks to a “Vomit Draft.” In eights two-hour sessions, Bill will share his tips and tools for outlining and plotting, structure, theme, cinematic flair and more. If you’re ready to write your screenplay in 2026, sign up now! Today, we’re sharing this post from Bill, in which he offers up some insight into how he thinks about developing characters for the screen.