Syd Field Character Activity

In preparation for the film, we were tasked with composing a page-long description of our character.

So, enter Walter Johnson, the star of the film.

INTERIOR: Walter Johnson is a 19-year-old  male living in a dorm on the San Francisco State University campus. Born in a small city in Arkansas, Walter decided to attend school in San Francisco because he thought he would be more interested in technology, but has not found his niche as of yet. Walter is an only child, having grown up in a comfortable but humble lower-middle class family. No major physical or mental challenges have affected Walter growing up, apart from a slight amount of Social Anxiety Phobia, which set him apart during his first few years in school.  While relatively smart, Walter is often bored by the material taught in his classes and is prone to some mischief when his mind goes errant. His parents, supporting and nurturing, always help him get out of trouble and correct mistakes. Walter did not change very much in middle and high school, only tried to “rebrand” himself as a ‘jock-ish’ individual. To retain this “status,” Walter will often act without thinking, which continues to land him in trouble with the authorities, although nothing major. Walter’s teachers identify a potential in him, a potential reflected in his SAT and ACTs, but he continues to do poorly in high school and barely completes his college applications.

EXTERIOR: Having put little effort into his applications, Walter is forced to attend his safety school of SF State. His general lack of organizational skills and experience with adult liberties means Walter spends a good portion of his freshman year at parties and not in class. At these parties, Walter is mindful enough not to consume any alcohol, but acts in irresponsible ways, often acting brashly to get attention from his friends. Walter participates in work-study programs, but otherwise receives a majority of the money from his parents in Arkansas, who work several jobs to raise enough money for his education. Walter’s group of friends invite him to parties mainly to see him acts irresponsibly, but one friend, Josh, is much more supportive of him. Josh is more studious, but enjoys Walter’s company. Walter, however, often ignores Josh’s sound advice on how to remain organized. At the party in which the narrative begins, Josh cautions Walter, warning him that he is acting very strangely. Apart from Josh, Walter does not have many friends, although he will do anything for attention from the “cool kids.” Walter does not have any girlfriends, either, but likes one of the girls in his class. That feeling is rarely mutual, as she is repulsed by his attitude towards classwork. When Walter is alone, he is taunted by the fact that he has not achieved much with his life. He has goals beyond college, but he knows his ability to act in ways that will get him to these goals are slowly diminishing. With each party he attends, Walter knows he is also giving up on his dreams to become an IT technician, and is frustrated that he cannot simultaneously be a part of the “cool kids” groups and a still be studious. Walter is prepared to make a change to positively benefit his life, no matter the price. This will become a reality when the narration begins, as he is absorbed into a coming-of-age plot that will transform the way he appreciates his life.