Parentheses in a screenplay – often called ‘wrylies’ by industry insiders – are small, unassuming tools that wield considerable power. They house director’s notes, actor’s instructions or subtle scene descriptions, all within the confines of a character’s dialogue block. While overuse can be amateurish and frustrating for a reader, strategic and subtle use can be the mark of a truly effective, polished script.
1. Focus on the Subtext, Not the Action
The primary function of a parenthesis is to clarify the subtext or internal state of the character that isn’t immediately clear from the dialogue alone.
The Golden Rule: If the action can be written in an action line, it should be. Reserve parentheses for tone, attitude, emotion, and subtle vocal shifts (e.g., whispering, sarcastically, mumbling, a beat).
2. Guide the Reader’s Voice
Effective parentheticals act as an auditory cue for the reader, ensuring the line is heard in the writer’s intended way. This is particularly vital when a line could be interpreted in multiple ways.
Marking Pauses or Tempo: Use “a beat” or “a slight pause” to indicate a meaningful moment of silence or hesitation.
3. Keep Them Brief and Single-Line
A parenthetical should be a quick, single-word or two-word note. If your instruction starts spanning multiple lines, it’s a sign that the action or description is too important for the parenthesis and needs to be moved to an action block before the dialogue.
Maximum Impact Principle: The shorter the note, the more likely the actor and director are to pay attention to it. Long, verbose instructions will most likely be skipped over or downplayed.
4. Use Them to Contradict the Dialogue
One of the most powerful uses of a wryly is to create dramatic irony or tension by forcing the character to say one thing while feeling or expressing another. If a character narrows their eyes or touches their mouth when they say something, it can indicate they’re lying or hiding something.
5. When in Doubt, Leave It Out
A seasoned screenwriter understands that the best scripts trust the scene and the dialogue to convey the emotion. If the dialogue is strong enough, or if the action block already sets the tone, the parenthetical is redundant.
By exercising restraint, you focus the reader’s attention on the moments where the parenthetical is truly essential, maximizing its impact and ensuring your script feels professional, concise and ready for production.