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Story Elements

The document discusses key elements and stages in storytelling structures. It examines character goals in Tables 13 and 14. It then outlines various stages in story progression, including the opening image, theme being stated, catalyst, debate, breaking into two worlds, midpoint, all being lost, dark night of the soul, breaking into three, and final image. It explores how these stages typically unfold in a narrative and the purpose each serves to the overall story arc.

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Tony Dushkov
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375 views

Story Elements

The document discusses key elements and stages in storytelling structures. It examines character goals in Tables 13 and 14. It then outlines various stages in story progression, including the opening image, theme being stated, catalyst, debate, breaking into two worlds, midpoint, all being lost, dark night of the soul, breaking into three, and final image. It explores how these stages typically unfold in a narrative and the purpose each serves to the overall story arc.

Uploaded by

Tony Dushkov
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Story Elements

Truby, Vogler, Hauge, McKee, Snyder, Howard, Iglesias, Soth, Gulino, Williams & Sheridan
For Educational Use OnlyNot For Sale or Commercial Distribution.

Tables 13 and 14 examine each of the characters and their goals.

Opening Image: Sets up the tone, genre, and initial salvo of the movie. A before snapshotthe opposite of the Final Image. Theme Stated: Usually spoken to the main character, often without knowing what is said will be vital to his surviving this tale. Its what your movie is really about. Set-up: The first 10 pages of the script must grab the reader, and introduce or hint at introducing every character in the A story. Catalyst: The telegram, the knock on the door, the act of catching your wife in bed with anothersomething that is done to the hero to shake him. Its the movies first whammy. Debate: The section of the script, be it a scene or a series of scenes, when the hero doubts the journey he must take. Break into Two: Where we leave the thesis world behind and enter the upside down antithesis world. The hero makes a choice and the journey begins. B Story: The love story, traditionally, but actually where the discussion about the theme of a good movie is found. Fun and Games: Here we forget plot and enjoy set pieces and trailer moments and revel in the promise of the premise. Midpoint: The dividing line between the two halves of the movie, after which its back to the story as stakes are raised, time clocks appear, and we start putting the squeeze on the hero. Bad Guys Close In: Both internally (problems within the heros team) and externally (as actual bad guys tighten their grip), and real pressure is applied. All Is Lost: The false defeat and the place where we find the whiff of death because something must die here. Dark Night of the Soul: Why hast thou forsaken me, Lord? That part of the script where the hero has lost all hope. Break into Three: But not for long! Thanks to a fresh idea, new inspiration, or last minute action or advice from the love interest in the B story, the hero chooses to fight. Finale: The synthesis of two worlds: From what was, and that which has been learned, the hero forges a third way. Final Image: The opposite of the Opening Image, proving a change has occurred. And since we know all stories are about transformation, the change had better be dramatic!

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