Story Structure for Screenwriters
Part One
June 25th, 2020
by Staff
It's hard to believe that just 40 years ago a modern screenwriting manual didn't exist until really Syd Field came along. Since then we've seen a proliferation of manuals and experts present their take on proper screenwriting structure and form. Even if you do not believe in the idea of consciously thinking about story structure as you write, having structure in mind as you conceptualize your story and frankly when you outline (if you outline) is probably something you do subconsciously if not with intention.
There is no formula to writing, only guidelines and principles perhaps. Take the following with a grain of salt, but we highly recommend you consider structure at some level in the writing process!
Probably have to start with:
18 Stages of the Hero’s Journey (from “The Hero With 1000 Faces” by Joseph Campbell)
I. SEPARATION/DEPARTURE
1. The Call to Adventure
2. Refusal of the Call
3. Acceptance of the Call
4. Supernatural Aid
5. Crossing of the First Threshold
6. Entering the Belly of the Whale
II. INITIATION
7. Road of Trials
8. The Meeting with the Goddess
9. Woman as Temptress
10. Atonement with the Father
11. Apotheosis
12. The Ultimate Boon
III. RETURN
13. Refusal of the Return
14. Magic Flight
15. Rescue From Without
16. Crossing of the Return Threshold
17. Master of the Two Worlds
18. Freedom to Live
The Classic 3-Act... Basic
6-Stage Plot Structure (Michael Hauge)
- Setup – Living fully within identity
- New Situation – Glimpsing, longing or destiny; glimpse of living life in Essence
- Progress – Moving towards Essence without leaving identity
- Complications & Higher Stakes – Fully committed to Essence but growing Fear
- Final Push – Living one’s Truth with everything to lose
- Aftermath – The Journey complete, Destiny achieved
5 Beats of the “Story Spine” (from “How to Make a Good Script Great” by Linda Seger)
- Set-Up
- First Turning Point
- Second Turning Point
- Climax
- Resolution
PART 2 coming next week!
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