Film Structure & Characters

The Three Universal Elements of a story include:

• Main Character

• Goal

• Obstacle / Conflict

• Rhetorical Situation

• Preproduction, Production, & Post-production

What is the "secret sauce" to all good stories?

• A likeable antagonist.

• An unattainable goal.

• Empathy.

• Special effects.

Which is the best description of a story's antagonist?

• The character who is in the way of the protagonist.

• The villain who inspires audience support despite illegal/immoral activities.

• The supporting hero who pursues the same goal for a different reason.

• The character who represents a dire outcome if the protagonist doesn’t achieve the goal.

Which is the best description of a story's anti-hero?

• The character who is in the way of the protagonist.

• The villain who inspires audience support despite illegal/immoral activities.

• The supporting hero who pursues the same goal for a different reason.

• The character who represents a dire outcome if the protagonist doesn’t achieve the goal.

Which is the best description of a mirror character?

• The character who is alike to the protagonist, but illuminates the dark side of the protagonist.

• The villain who inspires audience support despite illegal/immoral activities.

• The supporting hero who pursues the same goal for a different reason.

• The character who represents a dire outcome if the protagonist doesn’t achieve the goal.

Which is the best description of a victim character?

• The character who is alike to the protagonist, but illuminates the dark side of the protagonist.

• The character who gives the protagonist knowledge to achieve the goal.

• The supporting hero who pursues the same goal for a different reason.

• The character who represents a dire outcome if the protagonist doesn’t achieve the goal.

Which is the best description of a mentor character?

• The character who is alike to the protagonist, but illuminates the dark side of the protagonist.

• The character who gives the protagonist knowledge to achieve the goal.

• The supporting hero who pursues the same goal for a different reason.

• The character who represents a dire outcome if the protagonist doesn’t achieve the goal.

Which act identifies when and where the story takes place, introduces the protagonist, hints at what the goal will be, and introduces a threat to the protagonist's goal?

Which act shows the protagonist working towards the goal and encountering obstacles that provide an emotional roller coaster for the audience?

Which act includes a climatic scene in which the protagonist displays a big act of bravery, compassion, or honesty and also includes a post-showdown resolution with new understanding or enlightenment for the protagonist?