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How Stories Work

This document provides a primer on writing a screenplay, emphasizing the importance of a clear character goal, strong opposition, and an emotionally satisfying ending. It outlines the structure of a screenplay, detailing the beginning, middle, and end, along with key turning points that drive the narrative forward. The focus is on visual storytelling and the need for dramatic tension through peaks and valleys in the plot.

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gustavof07duarte
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7 views

How Stories Work

This document provides a primer on writing a screenplay, emphasizing the importance of a clear character goal, strong opposition, and an emotionally satisfying ending. It outlines the structure of a screenplay, detailing the beginning, middle, and end, along with key turning points that drive the narrative forward. The focus is on visual storytelling and the need for dramatic tension through peaks and valleys in the plot.

Uploaded by

gustavof07duarte
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to Write a Screenplay: A Primer

Write a script that features a character that has a clear and specific goal or desire, and there is strong opposition to that goal, leading to a [[crisis]] and an
emotionally satisfying ending.

Present a well-crafted story built on an original concept or premise and featuring a fascinating character with which people can become emotionally involved.

The Strength of the Screenplay Form


A movie is primarily visual. Yes, it will contain dialogue - it may even deal with internal things - but it is primarily a visual medium that requires ==visual
writing.==
A screenplay will focus on the visual and emotional aspects of the scene.
Showing through action usually works better than telling with dialogue.

The Importance of Being Structured


A screenplay is about:

90-110 pages
Beginning / 15-25 pages
Middle / ~50 pages
End / 10-25

- Setups, Complications, and Resolution

- Beginning:

1. Set up the story


2. Grab the reader's attention
3. Introduce your thesis
4. Establish the situation for conflict

- Middle:

1. Complicate matters
2. Develop conflict
3. Build to crisis

- End

1. Conclude story
2. Resolve conflict
3. Payoff

The Two Key [[turning points]]

Turning Point 1:

Ends Act 1 (Beginning) and moves the reader to Act 2 (Middle)


It could be called [[big event]] because it usually dramatically affects the central character's life.

Turning Point 2:

Moves the reader into Act 3 (The End) and the final showdown.
This is the [[crisis]]
Of all crises in your story, this is the one that forces the central character to take the final action, or series of actions, that will resolve the story.

- How Big an Event?

The [[big event]] does not involve bombs or a car chase. The big event is "big" in terms of its meaning to the central character.
- [[crisis]] Management

In terms of dramatic tension and conflict, your story also needs peaks and valleys. Remember that the peaks ([[turning points]]) should get generally higher as
the story progresses.

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