Why Do Characters Differ in Movies and Books?

One of the most common discussions among readers and viewers alike is the discrepancy between characters as presented in a book and how they are portrayed on screen. Why do screenwriters often choose to deviate from the original material when adapting a book into a film? This debate has sparked countless discussions and debates, but one key reason is that movies and books are fundamentally different mediums, each with its unique strengths and limitations. This article explores the reasons behind these differences and the importance of adapting characters for the cinematic format.

The Limits of Description in Books

The primary reason for character differences lies in the distinct nature of these mediums. Books rely heavily on written language to convey information, while movies use visual elements. A written description of a character's traits and actions is more detailed and nuanced, but it lacks the immediacy of visual representation. For example, a description of James McAvoy’s acting during a scene where his character's personality changes is rendered less subtle and more obvious in the book than it would be in the movie.

The way the character is written in the book works perfectly, but since it is a book, it relies a lot on telling instead of showing. This just wouldn't work at all in a movie.

This is why in his book, The Truth, Terry Pratchett didn't attempt to describe the subtle changes in a character’s mannerisms. Instead, he flatly stated which personality had taken over, acknowledging the limitations of the written medium in conveying such nuances.

Practicality and Adaptation

Another important reason for character differences is that some books cannot be effectively adapted due to practical or technical constraints. Jennifer Lawrence’s representation of Katniss Everdeen is often criticized for her size and build, but in the movie, Katniss was depicted as a well-fed, strong, and capable hunter.

Here’s the argument for her portrayal: Where it doesn't make sense for Katniss to be small and skinny, as she is a character who hunts and feeds her family, her well-fed and athletic appearance aligns better with her backstory and role in the story.

Note that some other performances in similar roles were too different from the book, such as Josh Hutcherson's portrayal of Dantu, who was far too small for a physically strong character.

The Visual Nature of Movies

Movies are fundamentally visual mediums, which means that visual choices become crucial for character portrayal. This requires a different approach compared to books where the narrative can be more abstract and less dependent on immediate visual cues. For instance, the character of Yennefer in the Netflix series The Witcher doesn’t look like the book version, but she is still an excellent character, played perfectly by Anya Chalotra.

The character of Uthred, portrayed by Alexander Dreymon, is another example where visual differences were necessary for the adaptation. Uthred in the book is described as tall and blond, but for the show, Dreymon's portrayal as a shorter and darker character worked better:

His performance was so flawless that it is impossible to imagine anyone else playing him now, despite the visual differences.

Much like how Morgan Freeman, who is not a redheaded Irishman, brought an unmatched authenticity to his role, visual casting choices can sometimes be as effective as strictly adhering to the original descriptions.

Conclusion: Embracing Adaptation

Character differences between books and movies are often a result of the fundamental differences between these mediums. While books provide a detailed written narrative, movies rely on visual storytelling, which often necessitates changes to the original material. Suiting characters to the visual and technical constraints of the screen is crucial for the success of film adaptations, even if it means deviations from the written original. Understanding these differences can help readers and viewers appreciate and enjoy the unique interpretations of beloved stories in both novels and films.