Parts of a Screenplay

The scene description, character movement, and sounds as described in a screenplay.

• Action

• Actors

• Scene

• Beats

Reread paragraphs 1–4 of the screenplay and notice how these paragraphs appear to be handwritten by the narrator. How does this handwritten introduction affect the reader’s understanding of the other characters?

• It helps readers understand that the other characters think the narrator is guilty.

• It encourages readers to believe that the other characters are just as scared as the narrator.

• It convinces readers that their view of the characters will be different from the narrator’s view.

• It helps readers understand that their view of the other characters is affected by the narrator’s state of mind.

Which quotation from the screenplay best supports the answer to Part A?

• I’m not hungry. (paragraph 13)

• You think we’re going to win? (paragraph 23)

• Any questions you have, write them down . . . (paragraph 38)

• I’m writing this whole thing down as a movie. (paragraph 39)

Together, what purpose do these two direction lines in paragraphs 17–18 serve in the screenplay? FADE OUT as last prisoner from the van enters rear of courthouse. FADE IN: INTERIOR COURTHOUSE. We are in a small room used for prisoner-lawyer interviews. A guard sits at a desk behind STEVE.

• They suggest that Steve will be found guilty.

• They suggest that all the prisoners are going on trial.

• They indicate that there is a change of perspective.

• They indicate that the rest of the story will take place in the courthouse.

Why is paragraph 5 important to the screenplay?

• It describes the camera’s movement.

• It explains that the story is set in Manhattan.

• It establishes that the story is about crime.

• It informs the audience about the time of day.

the text for a film, the script

• screenplay

• scene

• film set

• dramas

a script for a film including dialogue and descriptions of characters and sets

• screen

• play

• screenplay

• scene

What is the primary purpose of dialogue in a screenplay?

• To describe the setting

• To reveal character thoughts and emotions

• To provide background music

• To outline the plot structure

Which part of a screenplay provides detailed descriptions of the environment and actions?

• Dialogue

• Action

• Character

• Transition

In a screenplay, what does the term 'fade in' typically indicate?

• The beginning of a scene

• The end of a scene

• A change in location

• A character's internal thought