Their Eyes Were Watching God Character Analysis

After the mysterious death of a young fiancé, the men in her life gather for her funeral and discover that she wants one of them to become the guardian keepers of her children, but they soon begin to suspect that there’s something very evil and sinister about the kids.

BRIEF SYNOPSIS
In Scotland, 1910, Dr. FERGUS CAUSEY (46) proposes to PIPPA (30). She accepts his marriage proposal as her two young children, ROSALIND (10) and HOLLIS (7), watch on. Their expressions turn dark. A flock of birds plummet to their deaths.
Weeks later, Pippa, looking aged, dies. CALLUM HEALY (38) and PIERS RUTLAND (40) arrive in town for Pippa’s funeral and for the reading of her will. Fergus mourns and receives help from GUNNA KERR (30), Mrs. GLAS, the housekeeper,

The gloomy setting nicely establishes the gothic ambiance. There are some well-crafted and very chilling supernatural events like the birds plummeting to their deaths, shadows, and the sense that evil is lurking around them. There are solid themes about fate. More importantly, the script explores the concept that inside each one of us lurks a “darkness” that makes us do terrible things.
While there’s a lot to like about the premise of spooky kids, there’s room to further develop the pilot. The areas to discuss include the structure, the pace, the tension, and clarifying the goal for the series. In addition, more character development is suggested, especially in regards to who is driving the series.
The objective for any pilot is to clearly demonstrate to the audience and to the potential producer what this series will look like and that it can make for a long-term series. This objective hasn’t been fully achieved at this point.
First, the opening teaser is strong. The tone is established and, as mentioned, the idea of the birds plummeting to their death and then the death of Pippa hooks the audience.
However, after the opening teaser, the pace feels sluggish. The pilot relies too much on the draft of the feature screenplay versus being structured for a TV pilot and

Consider creating a ticking clock tension.

Clarify their motivations for honoring the bequest. If they are interested in some inheritance or the “fortune” then this needs to be highlighted. One could imagine them staying if they think being the keeping will allow them to inherit her fortune.
If Gunna is a witch, consider ending the pilot on this reveal and other cliffhangers, such as the reveal that the kids haven’t aged. There are hints to this, but the audience might not fully absorb it.
The characters are intriguing. Make sure each has an external goal, inner conflict, and interpersonal conflict. Establish their weaknesses and their points of view. Give them secrets.
Callum is a likable character and he relates with the audience. The idea that he’s fearful of the water nicely adds depth to his personality. If he’s the central character, make sure this is clear.
Callum has feelings for Gunna. Gunna is an intriguing character and there’s something mysterious about her. If she’s a witch, which adds depth to her character, consider revealing this to the audience as this will make for another strong hook. It will also create anticipation. The audience knows what she is, but the other characters don’t. Keep developing the chemistry between Gunna and