Why does a character talk to the back of another character?

Why does a character talk to the back of another character? - Seductive young ethnic female with makeup in orange wig lying on bed and chatting on mobile phone

This seems to be commonplace in action TV series in movies: our hero talks to the villain, there is some exposition and instead of facing each other as civilised people tend to do, the villain will face the window (somewhat understandable), a picture on the wall (manners, villain), or the dark empty corner of the room (who would do that?).

Last example I have seen was in SPECTRE, where I remember characters like Oberhauser or Max/C going out of their way to show their back to Bond or M. Avengers are common offenders, they will routinely talk to the back of someone. Richelieu (Peter Capaldi) in the BBC series The Three Muskeeters seemed to take delight in showing his cape to people while talking. That's a few random examples.

I have noticed that for many years now, and every time it happens it makes me cringe, as it feels so unnatural (and it happens more and more). Is there any reason why this has developed so much? Does it come from theatre where both actors may have to face the audience?

I understand the basic goal of the scene, to make it more dramatic or ominous but I think the effect achieved is counter-productive, so I'm looking for a more detailed explanation if anyone has one.



Best Answer

Facing someone who speaks to you is done out of respect, interest, or out of a practical function of hearing the sound, and seeing the body language, and face expressions. All of that helps with communication and understanding.

When someone is turned away while spoken to, it is supposed to demonstrate the listener's contempt, disinterest, discomfort of the person speaking or what they are saying. In some cases what's being said is uncomfortable, unwanted and the listener simply does not want to "face the truth".




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Why does a character talk to the back of another character? - Crop young informal ethnic lady with bright makeup and short orange hair smiling while lying on stomach and talking on smartphone
Why does a character talk to the back of another character? - Worried casual female wearing protective mask and looking at camera while answering phone call against blurred background in city center during coronavirus pandemic
Why does a character talk to the back of another character? - Photo of Female Mobster Pointing the Gun on Man



When character talk to each other it is referred to as?

What is dialogue? Here's a quick and simple definition: Dialogue is the exchange of spoken words between two or more characters in a book, play, or other written work.

Whats it called when a character talks to the camera?

If an actor speaks directly to the audience, does something to the audience, or even simply notices the audience, it is known as "breaking the fourth wall". In a movie, or on television, this can be done by the actor speaking directly to the camera. This breaks a boundary normally set up or assumed by works of fiction.

How do you make your character talk?

Here are six ways to make characters' speech colorful and interesting:
  • Make characters' voices reflect their place and time. ...
  • Show characters' unique personalities in their speech. ...
  • Show background in how characters talk. ...
  • Use the 'shibboleth' to create realistic dialogue between outsiders and others.




  • 10 Best Tips For Writing Dialogue: Character Voice




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