An excerpt from my script review for Conclave which will be available 12/31/24:
3.) Quality of Characters
Here’s the nuts and bolts of the review.
“Every cardinal, deep down inside, has already chosen the name by which he would like his papacy to be known.”
This script delivers multiple characters, Cardinals and lesser clergy, all with conflicting motives, secrets, and agendas.
Lawrence.
He’s in charge of the official proceedings of the papal election. He wasn’t on good terms with the previous Pope, in fact wanting to leave the Church altogether but was refused.
Bellini.
He’s the “liberal” candidate that adored the previous Pope and wants to continue his legacy, bringing the Catholic Church into the 21st Century.
Tedesco.
He’s a Cardinal who had an unofficial banishment to Venice, holding conflicting ideologies from his predecessor. Tedesco wants to take the Catholic Church back into the past, arguing they’ve been too soft on their followers and other religions who threaten them.
Adayemi.
An African Cardinal who’s vying to be the first Black Pope. He’s derailed midway by a mysterious nun who shows up, and it turns out he had an affair and with, early in his priesthood. No more sex scandals for this lot!
Tremblay.
The American Cardinal who Lawrence is all too suspicious of, having been rumored to be asked to resign on the previous Pope’s final day. He’s also behind some of the other skeletons coming out from others’ closets.
Benitez.
The surprise Mexican Cardinal who resides and worships in Afghanistan, and apparently is risking his life coming to Rome to cast a vote. (Unsure why, especially why the American Cardinals would want to do him harm.)
All of these people are good because they come in direct conflict with one another.
Going back to the idea of a “condensed presidential campaign” as some of them are forced to withdraw due to lack of support, they often make deals with others, forfeiting some principles for the greater good.
“Friends become enemies, and enemies become friends”…sort of thing…
Throw in minor characters like Sister Agnes and Archbishop Wozniak, who adored the previous Pope and look upon these new candidates with disdain, and there’s even more unseen tension. When writing a political style drama like this it’s important to create characters with conflicting ideologies, and then force them into situations where they must wheel and deal…or not. Having one or two maintain their principles makes for even more drama.
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