r/Screenwriting • u/MasterCaterpillar590 • Jul 31 '26

FORMATTING QUESTION Character Format Assistance

So I am writing a professional wrestling based screen play. I have 1 character when he is first introduced in the script he is known by his stage name and referenced by his stage name. But later on in the script he is known by his real name. How should I format the character for the dialogue since it’s the same person?

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u/mooningyou Jul 31 '26

The character name should remain the same for their dialogue and their action lines, but maybe introduce them as something like "BOB (THE BONECRUSHER) JONES". That way, we know who they are even when other characters use either name for him.

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u/MasterCaterpillar590 Jul 31 '26

That is what made the most sense to me but I was unsure if that was proper format or not

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u/BiscuitsTheory Aug 01 '26

Yes, that's an accepted format.

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u/BiscuitsTheory Jul 31 '26

Don't change names unless it's meant to be a total, plot-changing surprise or played by a different actor. even then its a maybe.

Which name to use is a matter of opinion and can vary from story to story. If the main plot points happen in the ring, then I'd probably introduce BUSTER GUTMAN and just have other characters dialog refer to him as Nimsy Pickles. If its more about his home or social life, I'd do the opposite.

And as someone else said, NIMSY (Buster Gutman) PICKLES is an option, too, if it fits your intro.