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4 – Protagonist and Antagonist: The Good, the Bad, and the Meh

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....

5 – The Objective: What Do You Want? (And No, “Love” Doesn’t Count)

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...

6 – Flaw, Resolution, and Inner-Need: You Get What You Need

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....

7 – Mentor and False Mentor: Why Are So Many So Creepy?

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...

8 – Normal World, Inciting Incident, and Call to Action: The Story Engine

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...
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