IGWEBUIKE: African Journal of Arts and Humanities

This study compares the unique approaches utilized by Hollywood and Nollywood screenwriters in developing characters. It fills an identified gap in studies by identifying these approaches, especially between Hollywood and Nollywood. Hinged on Stuart Hall’s Representation Theory and utilizing the Thematic Analysis method, this study analyzes the character development approach of the protagonists in Brittany Runs a Marathon and Size 12. Findings reveal that while both industries share similarities in that they evoke empathy and promote character transformation, they differ in their approaches. Hollywood is tilted towards individual psychological realism, while Nollywood focuses on expressions that are performative, cultural, and moralistic. Also, the unique approaches in constructing protagonists further reveal that representations can take on varying approaches, hence reinforcing Hall’s position that representations are contextual. The study therefore recommends screenwriters’ training to promote authentic and unique character development and further research into character development approaches in different film industries.

Open Full Text (PDF)