Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Character profiles & introductions · Core

Character breakdown

Also called: character list, cast breakdown, character descriptions

ELI5

A quick guide to who the characters are and what matters about each one.

Used in conversation

“The character breakdown should show function, desire and contradiction—not just age and appearance.”

Definition

A concise list or set of profiles describing the principal characters and the dramatic information needed to understand or cast them.

Here “Character breakdown” means: A concise list or set of profiles describing the principal characters and the dramatic information needed to understand or cast them.

Pitch context

Used in decks, bibles, casting documents and treatments to make the ensemble quickly legible.

Why it matters: A strong breakdown distinguishes dramatic function from superficial description.

Connected terms

  • Character profileA character profile is often a fuller individual entry.
  • CastingCasting translates character information into a search for performers.
Sources & evidence · 3

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.