by John Warren | Dec 22, 2018 | Lessons
The protagonist is the hero of your story. She is the person the audience follows. It is her journey that keeps us engaged and watching. The most important words in that last sentence are her journey. It sounds simple. If only it were. “Her” is a singular pronoun....
by John Warren | Dec 29, 2018 | Lessons
Everyone has an objective. You have one right now. All your friends, everyone you pass on the street, they all have an objective. An objective is the thing you want. It could be the new iPhone, a bike, a car, or a puppy. Boy wants girl. Girl wants boy. Money. Diamond...
by John Warren | Jan 13, 2019 | Lessons
This gets a little tricky. So, pay close attention. The protagonist must be flawed. I know, she’s the hero. How can she be flawed? It is important to remember: the protagonist doesn’t not start out a hero. The protagonist becomes a hero over the course of her journey....
by John Warren | Jan 15, 2019 | Lessons
The mentor is a great storytelling device. Typically, the protagonist meets the mentor in Act One or early Act Two. The mentor’s purpose (or “job”) is very straightforward: provide guidance for the protagonist. The mentor’s purpose / job is very...
by John Warren | Jan 16, 2019 | Lessons
The magical trio–Normal World, Inciting Incident, and Call to Action–is what makes your story “go.” They are the story engine that propels your protagonist into conflict and the unknown and gives your screenplay momentum to carry the audience...