Scientists Are Sexy

Let’s talk about that old, worn-out stereotype of the “mad scientist.” I want to see more leading characters that are smart, good-looking and sexy. This recent article (Dr. Anthony Fauci inspired the 1991 romance novel ‘Happy Endings’) reminded me of scientist and filmmaker Randy Olson’s book, “Don’t Be Such a Scientist,” where he talks about how a story can appeal to audience’s brain, heart, gut and/or groin. The more of these things your story appeals to, the better the story is.

I would say that this idea also works for your characters. This idea is also in “Save the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need” by Blake Snyder. The scientist who is wrapped up in their research and ignores the world around them is boring. The scientist who befriends the neighborhood kid who has a reputation for being a troublemaker and together, they rig up a pulley system to deliver groceries to elderly neighbors is memorable. Why? Because the second idea appeals to more than just your brain.

Now, you still might be thinking, I have no idea how to make my scientist character sexy. Let’s start with some ideas to get those creative juices flowing. Think about the things that you find attractive and combine them with traits and ideas that appeal to you brain, heart, gut and/or groin.

A researchers who discovers the cure for a pandemic and texts, “Can’t stop thinking about you” to their love interest.

Or

The scientist that is passionate about his/her/their cause and commands a room with their looks or charm before you even know they are a scientist.

Or

The scientist that looks like a different person when they are wearing a t-shirt and jeans or a casual dress compared to business attire or a lab coat.

Or

The researcher that isn’t a shy introvert and instead is bold, confident and says, “Have dinner with me.”

Or

The scientist that helps a kid outsmart the school bullies.

Or

The researcher that is intrigued by the way someone else thinks.

Or

The scientist says the perfect thing to another character without even realizing it, “I hate having to deal with stupid people too.”

Are you looking for someone to bounce ideas off of or are you already working on a script and want to know how to make your story stand out compared to all the other ones? Contact me below.