First, what are they?
Parentheticals, or actor/character directions, or “wrylies,” are those little descriptions that sometimes appear after a character’s name, in dialogue blocks, to spell out tone, intent or action.
In the poorly written example below (see Rule #1), the parentheticals are “(breathlessly)” and “(confused)”:
The Loyal Squire bursts through the door. Collapses on the ground. Pulls a bloodied envelope from his pocket.
LOYAL SQUIRE
(breathlessly)
I may not live... to see tomorrow my liege... But I die knowing... that I have served thee well.
KING
(confused)
I’m sorry. Who are you?
10 Rules for Using Parentheticals
1. Don’t use parentheticals when it’s redundant or obvious
It’s a common mistake to use parentheticals in places where the emotion or intent of the dialogue is already obvious (my example above, for instance).
Many actors dislike parentheticals — it’s their job to interpret the emotion, etc. of the scene based on the dialogue provided. So it’s very important to use them sparingly for emotional cues, and only when it would otherwise be unclear…
2. Use parentheticals to avoid confusion
Take the following dialogue, for example:
GRANNY
How did you like my stew? It’s an old family recipe.
BILL
I hated it.
That’s very different than the following (especially when developing a character):
GRANNY
How did you like my stew? It’s an old family recipe.
BILL
(sarcastically)
I hated it.
3. Don’t use parentheticals to direct minor actions
Similar to Rule #1 (where you’re needlessly directing an actor’s emotions), it’s also a faux pas to overuse them for an actor’s actions.
Example of POOR usage:
DOUG
(index finger massages his right temple)
There must be a way out of here. We have to think.
ELANOR
(purses lips)
I can’t come up with anything.
DOUG
(scratching neck)
Have you tried opening the door?
ELANOR
(shaking head)
No, not yet.
Leave the decisions of those minor actions up to the actor. In the example above, all of the parentheticals should be removed.
Note: If your character has a specific quirk, that’s pivotal to your story, you have a bit more leeway in this regard. But even then, you may be better off including such mannerisms in a line of description.
4. Use parentheticals for quick, significant actions
Often times, you can save several lines by slipping quick and significant actions into the dialogue block. And since some execs only read the dialogue blocks of a script to save time, this practice can even provide some much-needed clarity.
Example of GOOD usage:
GARY
Son of a bitch. You got blood on my shirt!
(kicks the body)
And now my shoe!
5. Parentheticals should never come at the end of a dialogue block
Example of INCORRECT usage:
SCOTT
I told you not to disturb me!
(throws pen at the door)
If the action follows the dialogue, simply pull it out and make it a separate line of description:
SCOTT
I told you not to disturb me!
He throws his pen at the door. It rebounds. Hits him in the eye.
6. Don’t use parentheticals for the actions of a different character
While one actor is speaking, you can’t describe another actor’s actions.
Example of INCORRECT usage:
PETE
There are ninjas all over the place!
(Bruno steps to the window)
What are we gonna do man?
Instead, you would use:
PETE
There are ninjas all over the place!
Bruno steps to the window. Stares bug-eyed.
PETE
What are we gonna do man?!
7. Don’t use parentheticals for sounds or camera directions
Example of INCORRECT usage:
FRED
(WIND HOWLS)
We need to get to that house on the hill!
SHAGGY
(steps INTO FRAME)
Like, you mean that creepy one everyone said was haunted?!
Instead you would write something like:
The WIND HOWLS. Whips at the group’s hair and clothes.
FRED
We need to get to that house on the hill!
SHAGGY
Like, you mean that creepy one everyone said was haunted?!
I left out the “steps INTO FRAME” part. Don’t specify camera directions (in your spec script) unless they’re critical to the comprehension of your scene. Leave that up to the director.
8. Don’t capitalize the first letter of parentheticals
Example or INCORRECT usage:
BRAD
(Gritting his teeth)
I couldn’t be happier.
Example of CORRECT usage:
BRAD
(gritting his teeth)
I couldn’t be happier.
9. Use correct punctuation in parentheticals
In those rare cases where you need to specify multiple actions in your parenthetical, don’t use periods, dashes or ellipses.
Example of INCORRECT usage:
WOLFGANG
(looks up from clipboard... smiles -- waves them through with gun.)
Don’t worry. I will not waste my time with you.
First of all, that’s a lot to put in the parenthetical. The first two parts, if not all the parts, should probably have been written as scene description. But for purposes of this exercise, semi-colons are the answer…
Example of CORRECT usage:
WOLFGANG
(looks up from clipboard; smiles; waves them through with gun)
Don’t worry. I will not waste my time with you.
10. Don’t use a pronoun to start the parenthetical
Example of INCORRECT usage:
DAVE
(he winks at Betty)
Sure Sarah, I’ve always thought you were the prettiest.
Instead, you would simply write:
DAVE
(winks at Betty)
Sure Sarah, I’ve always thought you were the prettiest.
For an expanded investigation of the correct way to use parentheticals, I highly recommend the following Amazon books:
About Trevor Mayes
Trevor Mayes is a professional screenwriter and script consultant. Through his website, Scriptwrecked, he helps screenwriters at all levels improve their craft.