GITS Script Reading and Analysis Series: “Michael Clayton” — Characters

Go Into The Story Script Reading and Analysis Series: “Michael Clayton” — Characters

This week we are analyzing the screenplay for the 2007 movie Michael Clayton written by Tony Gilroy.

You may download a copy of the shooting script here.

Today we discuss the script’s characters. Here is a list of the most prominent ones:

Arthur Edens

Marty Bach

Michael Clayton

Henry Clayton

Ivy

Karen Crowder

Barry Grissom

What’s your take on these characters? What narrative functions do they provide?

Here’s a fun question that has come up: Who’s the Protagonist?

Is there a Nemesis?

Does anybody go through any sort of metamorphosis?

Here is a transcript of a conversation Gilroy had with WAPO readers in 2007.

For Part 1 of this week’s series, go here.

For Day 2 on structure, go here.

EXCITING NEWS! In conjunction with this series, screenwriters Scott Frazier [@screenwritten], John Gary [@johngary], and I will be hosting a live-Tweet Michael Clayton screening event this Wednesday, March 28. If you wish to participate, at precisely 8PM PDT / 11PM EDT [U.S.] push “play” on a DVD or whatever version of the movie you have, then join in on Twitter as we will be commenting on the movie. Use the hashtag #mclay. Let’s spread the word on this, people. If this turns out to be popular, we may do something like this every month: live Tweet a movie.

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