When we think of legendary film scores, John Williams' work stands out, not just for its iconic melodies but for how deeply these scores connect to characters themselves.
Williams doesn't just score a scene; he brings characters to life, giving them musical themes that reveal their struggles, triumphs, and complexities. His approach is so effective that about 80% of his work centers on character-based themes—a technique that makes his music resonate with audiences across the world.
Here’s how he does it and why aligning music with character motivations is the gold standard in film scoring.
Understanding Character-Driven Scoring
Williams’ process isn’t about crafting a catchy tune and fitting it to the visuals later. Instead, he digs into the characters—examining their core drives, weaknesses, and motivations—to create a musical expression unique to each one.
Think of Darth Vader’s “Imperial March” or Indiana Jones’ adventurous theme; these pieces capture their respective characters’ personalities and journeys in notes. The music feels inseparable from who they are because it’s written specifically with their motivations in mind. When you craft music around a character, it transcends being mere background—it becomes storytelling.
Why Character-Based Themes Stick with Audiences
When a theme matches a character’s journey, it stays with viewers long after the credits roll. Why? Because it links directly to the emotions we feel watching that character’s arc. Williams’ themes don’t just underscore a scene’s mood; they mirror the character’s evolution, making the music an essential part of the experience.
For instance, E.T.’s theme swells with innocence and wonder, following E.T. and Elliott’s journey in ways that dialogue alone can’t. This emotional resonance is why character-based themes are so memorable. Want your music to be unforgettable? Root it in the heart of your characters.
Building Your Own Character-Based Themes: 3 Steps to Get Started
To start writing music that aligns with your characters, follow these three simple steps:
- Identify Key Motivations – First, understand what drives each character. Are they on a quest for power, like Darth Vader, or are they driven by curiosity and wonder, like E.T.? Jot down each character’s central motivation in a single sentence. This is your guidepost.
- Translate Motivation into Musical Feelings – Next, turn these motivations into specific musical ideas. For instance, power could translate to bold brass sounds, while curiosity might take the form of airy woodwinds. Experiment with instruments and tempos that reflect each character’s unique drive.
- Refine Through Repetition – Like Williams, you’ll want each character’s theme to appear throughout the score. Let these themes grow or adapt as the character changes, using variations to echo the twists in their journey. Repetition with variation anchors the theme while keeping it fresh.
Let the Instrumentation Do the Talking
Williams knows that instrumentation can speak volumes about a character. Consider the bold brass in the “Imperial March”—it doesn’t just hint at authority; it announces a menacing power. On the other hand, Yoda’s theme uses softer strings and woodwinds, symbolizing wisdom and peace.
So, when choosing instruments, think about what each sound conveys. Ask yourself: Is your character’s journey aggressive, reflective, mysterious? Then, pair those traits with instruments that embody those moods. This approach gives your score depth, allowing the audience to feel the character’s essence without a single line of dialogue.
Matching Musical Structure to Character Arcs
Character-based themes aren’t static; they evolve as the character does. Williams often starts with a basic motif that grows in complexity as the character faces challenges and changes.
For example, Luke Skywalker’s theme in Star Wars begins with a sense of wonder and hope but gradually takes on a weightier tone as Luke’s journey unfolds. To replicate this, map out your character’s arc. Identify key turning points and reflect these shifts in the music. Maybe start with a simple, innocent melody that becomes darker or more layered as the character confronts hardships. This technique allows your theme to follow the character’s evolution, adding emotional depth.
Keeping Themes Memorable: Simplicity is Key
The most iconic character themes aren’t overly complex; they’re usually built on simple, repeatable motifs. Williams uses this to his advantage by creating short, memorable patterns that are easy to recall, like the five-note motif in Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
To apply this, focus on creating a concise musical phrase that encapsulates the character’s essence. Keep it simple and play it repeatedly with slight variations. This way, the theme becomes a musical hook, instantly recognizable and powerful in its ability to evoke the character.
Staying Consistent Across the Score
To make a character’s theme cohesive across a score, Williams repeats it in different scenes, sometimes subtly, other times prominently.
For example, Harry Potter’s theme (also known as “Hedwig’s Theme”) isn’t just played in grand moments; it’s woven throughout the films, sometimes in quiet, reflective scenes. This repetition creates a subconscious association between the character and their theme. To do this in your own work, use the theme in multiple contexts, adjusting volume, tempo, or instrumentation to fit the mood. Consistent repetition strengthens the character’s musical identity and helps build emotional ties with the audience.
The Power of Silence and Restraint
One of Williams’ less-discussed techniques is his use of silence and restraint. Instead of plastering scenes with music, he strategically places them, allowing silent moments to amplify the impact when the theme does play. This restraint is a masterclass in making music feel intentional rather than forced.
For example, in Schindler’s List, the sparse, haunting violin theme echoes the weight of the story without overpowering it. So, when working on your themes, don’t be afraid to leave space. Choose moments carefully for the theme to play—this will heighten its emotional impact.
Bridging Themes Across a Series or Franchise
In long-running franchises, character themes must be both adaptable and consistent, evolving without losing their core identity. Williams achieves this by using familiar motifs in new ways, like how he subtly modifies Princess Leia’s theme across the original Star Wars trilogy. This adaptability keeps the theme relevant as the character grows while maintaining continuity.
If you’re scoring for a series or franchise, use core motifs as a foundation, but allow room for evolution. This approach will enable you to stay consistent without feeling repetitive.
Bringing It All Together: The Magic of Musical Storytelling
At the heart of Williams’ character-based themes is storytelling. His music doesn’t just accompany a film; it narrates alongside it.
Every choice—from tempo and instrumentation to moments of silence—is deliberate, crafting a musical identity as distinct as the characters themselves. By centering your music around character motivations, you create themes that are more than sound—they’re extensions of the story.
So, when scoring, think beyond the notes and focus on the narrative. Let your music tell the story, creating a lasting impact that, like Williams’ work, stays with audiences for generations.
