Glossary
Script
Parenthetical
Also called Wryly
What is parenthetical in film production?
A parenthetical is a short direction in brackets, placed under a character's name and above or within their dialogue, that tells the actor how a line is said or to whom. It is meant for brief clarifications — (whispering), (to Maya) — not for blocking or action.
Readers and actors dislike overuse: a parenthetical on every line suggests the dialogue cannot carry its own meaning. Action that takes more than a few words belongs in an action line instead.
They are sometimes called wrylies, after the much-mocked direction (wryly).
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