Screenwriting: Basic Structure and Character Types

1. shows the protagonist being held back by weakness or something that is missing from their life; shows how hero must change.

• need

• desire

• opponent

• plan

2. shows how protagonist comes up with a goal toward which all else is sacrificed; leads the protagonist into direct conflict with an opponent.

• need

• desire

• opponent

• plan

3. shows the protagonist's adversary and their objective; should have a differing set of values but the same goal; defines the conflict.

• need

• desire

• opponent

• plan

4. shows the strategies the protagonist will use; should be focused on defeating the opponent and reaching the objective.

• need

• desire

• opponent

• plan

5. shows the encounters between the protagonist and their opponent; final conflict shows the audience which character's values are superior.

• battle

• revelation

• equilibrium

• pixar formula

6. shows the protagonist as they realize how to overcome their weakness/need; helps communicate the theme to the audience.

• battle

• revelation

• equilibrium

• pixar formula

7. shows how order is restored and protagonist's desire is gone; shows how protagonist has changed as a result of the conflict.

• battle

• revelation

• equilibrium

• pixar formula

once upon a time there was _____ every day _____ one _____ because of that _____ because of that _____ until finally _____

• battle

• revelation

• equilibrium

• pixar formula

a character the protagonist trusts and to whom they reveal their personality, thoughts, and goals.

• confidante

• dynamic character

• flat character

• foil character

a character who grows, learns, or changes as a result of the story's action.

• confidante

• dynamic character

• flat character

• foil character