Character Extensions—These are extensions that are used generally to tell the reader whether or not a character is speaking in the scene and cannot be seen, or whether their speech is a narration, thoughts, over the phone, etc.
Formatting
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Placed on the same line but directly after the Character Name. |
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Surrounded by parentheses. |
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ALL CAPS. |
There are two extensions that are usually used.
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(O.S.)—Off Screen. Denotes a character that can be heard but is off camera. |
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(V.O.)—Voice Over. Denotes a character's narration, thoughts, or dialogue heard in the soundtrack that is not taking place in the actual scene. |
EXAMPLE:
JAMIE PIPES IN FROM THE KITCHEN.
JAMIE (O.S.)
Don't even bother Amir.
AMIR TAKES A BREATH IN TO SPEAK.
TINA GLARES UP AT HIM WITH AND POINTS A SCOLDING FINGER.
AMIR (V.O.)
(ECHOEY THOUGHTS) She always does this to
me.