Character Development
Examine backstory, needs, conflicts, identity, and internal contradictions.
For Writers & Directors
The psychology beneath the text.
Collaborative exploration of the motivations, contradictions, relationships, and emotional logic that make characters and stories believable.
Creative Collaboration
Why does this character do that?
Behavior tells a story—even when the dialogue does not.
Psychological dramaturgy can help writers and directors explore what characters want, what they fear, what they conceal, and why they make particular choices.
Through detailed psychological script analysis, Dr. States traces characters’ psychological arcs, deepens understanding of their inner lives, and supports writers and directors in bringing psychological accuracy and depth to the forefront of the story.
Her approach respects the expertise, goals, and artistic direction of each writer and director. She offers insight, thoughtful questions, and possibilities that serve their vision, with creative decisions remaining in their hands.
From script development to rehearsal, this collaboration creates space to explore the emotional logic of the work while honoring its artistic intent.
Relationships & Power
Investigate attachment, conflict, influence, loyalty, rupture, and repair.
Story & Behavior
Clarify psychological through-lines and strengthen the credibility of character choices.