Opening Scenes and Characters - Conclusion

My analysis has shown that a key purpose of opening sequences, regardless of genre, is to introduce the central protagonist and other important characters to the audience. Often a filmmaker will show the character in action, revealing important traits that will be important to the narrative later in the film. Revealing these traits creates expectations for the spectator, which the filmmaker can fulfil or cheat at various points in the film.

I will consider introducing characters in my opening sequence, possibly establishing the film's protagonist(s), or even the antagonist, depending on which genre I choose to work in.