S1E1_The Genesis of Characters: "How a High School Friendship led to a Masterpiece"_UNFILTERED

Show Notes

 

Welcome to the first episode of the Character Series from the Pages Podcast! In this deep-dive, we explore the origins of BoJack Horseman and the power of character-driven storytelling. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of each chapter, highlighting the key insights and takeaways.

 

INTRO

We open with the story of how BoJack Horseman began: a simple email between Raphael Bob-Waksberg and Lisa Hanawalt, high school friends whose creative partnership would lead to one of the most acclaimed adult animated shows on Netflix. The introduction sets the stage for why BoJack Horseman is the perfect case study for this series, emphasizing the centrality of character in storytelling and teasing the episode’s exploration of how friendships and dreams can shape creative projects.

 

ICEBREAKER HOOK

The hosts reflect on the rarity and significance of maintaining childhood friendships into adulthood, using Raphael and Lisa’s relationship as a springboard. Listeners hear a range of perspectives from friends around the world, sharing how early bonds can influence life paths, careers, and personal growth. The segment is both relatable and thought-provoking, inviting the audience to consider their own lasting connections.

 

PART A – High School Friendship & Childhood Dreams

Betty and Rita discuss the realities of keeping in touch with high school friends, the impact of distance (both physical and emotional), and the difference between friendships of proximity and those built on shared dreams. The backstory of Raphael and Lisa’s friendship at Gunn High School in Palo Alto is explored, highlighting how their mutual passion for theater and art laid the groundwork for future collaboration. The segment underscores the importance of compatibility, shared interests, and perseverance in sustaining meaningful relationships.

 

PART B – Storytelling and Childhood Dreams

This chapter follows Raphael and Lisa as they pursue their respective dreams after high school, navigating the challenges of early careers in the arts. Their continued collaboration, even across cities, is a testament to dedication and adaptability. The hosts discuss the realities of creative careers, the role of luck (or grace), and the importance of consistency and risk-taking. The story of how BoJack Horseman was conceived—born from a period of uncertainty and a desire to work together again—serves as inspiration for aspiring creators.

 

PART C – Where Do Story Ideas Come From?

The hosts break down the sources of story inspiration, distinguishing between external (environment, observation) and internal (personal experience, imagination) origins. They debate the merits of plot-driven versus character-driven storytelling, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach tailored to the story’s message. The creative process behind BoJack Horseman is examined, showing how Lisa’s lifelong love of anthropomorphized animals and Raphael’s personal experiences combined to shape the show’s unique tone and characters.

 

PART D – The Genesis of Characters and Why It Matters?

This section delves into the philosophical and practical importance of well-crafted characters. The hosts use examples from anime and literature to illustrate how poorly written characters can undermine a story, while memorable ones leave a lasting impact. The etymology of “character” is explored, connecting the concept to soul, individuality, and emotional resonance. The discussion emphasizes that great storytelling manipulates empathy, making audiences care deeply about the fates of fictional beings.

 

CONCLUSION

The episode wraps up by reflecting on BoJack Horseman’s cultural impact and the enduring relevance of character-driven narratives. The hosts preview future episodes, which will further dissect character design and archetypes, and encourage listeners to follow the podcast for more insights. The conclusion reinforces the idea that characters are not just vehicles for plot, but can themselves be the heart of a story.

 

 

Timestamps

 

00:00 INTRO

02:33 ICEBREAKER INTERVIEWS

14:19  PART A - HIGH  SCHOOL FRIENDSHIP & SHARED PASSION

32:02 PART B – CHASING CHILDHOOD DREAMS

50:09 PART C - WHERE DO STORY IDEAS COME FROM?

01:12:42 PART D - THE GENESIS OF CHARACTERS AND WHY IT MATTERS

01:27:25 CONCLUSION

 

 

Research references:

https://www.awn.com/animationworld/raphael-bob-waksberg-talks-bojack-horseman

https://www.promly.org/post/bojack-horseman-the-psychology-of-consequences

https://culturetrip.substack.com/p/the-meaning-of-life-according-to-e20

https://www.awn.com/animationworld/raphael-bob-waksberg-talks-bojack-horseman#:~:text=That%20kind%20of%20gave%20me,That%20was%20the%20basic%20genesis.

https://www.grouchoreviews.com/interviews/6334f8485fe75d1811c627e8#:~:text=Raphael%20Bob%2DWaksberg:%20But%20actually,to%20be%20on%20a%20sitcom.

https://medium.com/@k.albasi/bojack-horseman-from-pitch-to-production-7febef1368a#:~:text=Tracing%20an%20idea%20back%20to,Me%20Over%2C%20Pour%20Me%20Out.

https://laist.com/shows/the-frame/how-artist-lisa-hanawalt-designed-the-wonky-world-of-bojack-horseman#:~:text=I%20went%20to%20UCLA%20and,as%20inspiration%20for%20starting%20BoJack.

https://www.vulture.com/2018/09/bojack-horseman-oral-history.html#:~:text=The%20email%20from%20Raphael%20Bob,getting%20to%20know%20you%E2%80%9D%20meeting.

https://drawnandquarterly.com/press/cbr-talks-bojack-horseman-lisa-hanawalt/#:~:text=Lisa%20Hanawalt:%20When%20he%20first,drawing%20one%20pose%20to%20start.

https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/an-oral-history-of-bojack-horseman-creator-raphael-bob-waksberg-talks/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20remember%20looking%20out%20on,a%20way%20to%20be%20happy.%E2%80%9D

https://theconversation.com/bojack-horseman-the-alcoholic-animal-is-part-of-a-long-tradition-of-understanding-humans-130409#:~:text=Read%20more:%20Netflix's%20BoJack%20Horseman,Roman%20de%20Renard%20(1930).

https://youtu.be/f6F_CF7Yvo0?si=R3xNfyUiB8UHQzN9

https://literaryterms.net/when-and-how-to-write-a-character/

https://www.scribophile.com/academy/a-character-anatomy-seven-places-where-character-meets-story

https://darlingaxe.com/blogs/news/character-versus-plot?srsltid=AfmBOooKMna4Hj8YOdt_NJihCte6m6m1v3_e0FVPFhbePsMhuWtHZL4u

https://jerichowriters.com/character-driven-vs-plot-driven-stories/

https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-write/good-writing-habits/plot-driven-vs-character-driven-story

https://mythcreants.com/blog/questions/what-is-the-difference-between-a-character-driven-and-plot-driven-story/

https://nybookeditors.com/2017/02/character-driven-vs-plot-driven-best/

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-plot-driven-vs-character-driven-stories

https://www.vulture.com/2018/09/bojack-horseman-oral-history.html

https://www.writerswrite.co.za/the-best-quotes-about-creating-characters/

https://youtu.be/z42p3s-cueg?si=3z1yt2N4jFXSQYvG