Learn from a top Creative Executive at Zero Gravity Management (OZARK, THE ACCOUNTANT) whose developed over a dozen feature films!

Walk away with a character arc structure you can apply to your own script—plus writing exercises and a development worksheet!

Great stories start with great characters. A unique hook will grab a reader’s attention — but it’s your protagonist who keeps audiences hooked, emotionally invested, and wanting to keep turning the pages. Your audience will come to the theater for your premise, but they will stay for your characters. Without a compelling lead, even the strongest hook can fall flat. But when you nail your character’s arc, everything clicks. Your reader connects with your story, and your screenplay comes alive. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll learn how to craft powerful character arcs that not only serve your story but elevate it—making your work more emotionally resonant, structurally sound, and commercially appealing!

Many writers fall into the trap of crafting characters who don’t evolve in satisfying or believable ways. Maybe the change feels unearned, the climax misses emotional payoff, or the arc just doesn’t line up with the story’s structure. Even seasoned writers sometimes struggle to balance story beats with character development. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I give my protagonist a real journey?”—this interactive webinar will give you the clarity and tools to do just that.

Meet Sean Aversa, a Creative Executive at Zero Gravity Management, the company behind OZARK and THE ACCOUNTANT. Sean has worked with top writers, directors, and producers to develop dozens of feature films. His deep understanding of story, structure, and character has made him a trusted partner to major players like Netflix, Disney Branded TV, WME, CAA, and IAG. With past roles at Bold Films (WHIPLASH, NIGHTCRAWLER) and Atchity Productions (THE MEG).

You will walk away with a full understanding of how to design emotionally satisfying, commercially appealing character arcs. Sean will guide you through the foundational principles of protagonist development and how a character’s journey connects to story structure. You’ll explore how to build arcs through theme, flaw, and relationships, and how to identify those critical emotional beats that deepen audience connection. Through breakdowns of popular film and television characters, you’ll learn how to apply these tools to your own work and leave this webinar with a clear strategy for elevating your script.

PLUS! You will receive the following handouts to help you:

• List of Recommended Viewing Ahead of the Webinar

• Protagonist Character Development Writing Exercise Worksheet

• Intro To Character Arcs

• The 3  Foundation of a Great Protagonist

• What Makes An Audience Connect With A Character?
  
  

• The Building Blocks Of A Character Arc

• The Character Arc’s Relationship To Story Structure

• Mapping Where the Beats of An Arc Line Up With The Beats of An Act

• Timing the Character’s Leap of Faith

• Introducing the Character’s Lowest Moment (Or Greatest Triumph)

• Types of Character Arcs

• The Difference Between A Comedic & Tragic Arc

• The elements of a Comedic Arc Structure

• The elements of a Tragic Arc Structure

• Identifying a Character’s Flaw / Dilemma

• The Nutshell Technique

• Breaking Down A Few Films Using The Nutshell Technique
  
  

• Developing Your Protagonist

• What is My Protagonist’s Relationship to The Narrative?

• Pairing the Right Protagonist With The Right Story

• How Does Theme Impact My Protagonist?

• What is My Protagonist’s Relationship to The Other Characters?

• The Protagonist / Antagonist Relationship

• The relationship to your Supporting Characters

• How To Find The Beats of An Arc In Between The Pinch Points Of Story Structure.

• 3 Tips For Crafting Commercial Protagonists

• An in- class Character Writing Exercises
  
  

• Case Studies: Effective Character Arcs In Popular Media

• Examples of Comedic Arcs

• Examples of Tragic Arcs

• Examples of communicating your Character Arcs Visually
  
  

• Writing Character Arcs For Television

• The Creative Engine For Your Character

• Crafting A Character Arc For A Pilot (Micro-Arc)

• Crafting A Character Arc For A Season/Series (Macro-Arc)

Q&A with Sean

• Screenwriters at any stage developing a feature, pilot, or series who want stronger emotional connection in their work

• Writers looking to better understand how character arcs and story structure support each other

• Creatives eager to improve the commercial appeal of their protagonists for today’s marketplace