Screenplay/Script Writing: Ideas, Stories, and the Script

Stories are Character/s, imaginary or real, aspiring and moving towards a need/goal through adversaries (achieving it with a big idea / super powers) will make one a hero). More elaborately, Character/s, imaginary or real, faced with a conflict/problem/issue/situation and trying to understand/overcome/change it in spite of difficulties / limitations / oppositions from within or without (overcoming/changing it with a big idea / super powers) will make one a hero).

Please study the PDF below (only for academic use)

Stories and Film Scripting PDF

Stories have Shapes

Storytelling is an art form that has captivated humans since the dawn of civilisation. Whether through oral traditions, written literature, or visual media, stories have the power to entertain, educate, and inspire. At the heart of every great story lies a carefully constructed narrative that engages the audience and conveys a meaningful message.

According to Kurt Vonnegut, stories have shapes, the main ones are Man in the hole, boy meets girl, Cinderella, etc. Christopher Booker sticks to seven story types, like, overcoming a monster, ragas to riches, the quest etc.

Shape of a Story

Elements of Stories

The major elements of stories are:

Setting: it is the background against which the incidents of the story take place. In one form or another, setting is essential to the story. Often, the relevance of one particular story is lost in another setting.

Characters: A character portrays a set of functions in order to make the complete argument of a story. Several functions may be grouped together and assigned to a person, place, or thing that will represent them in the story. The functions one portrays defines the nature of the character. A player/character is like a vessel into which a set of character functions is placed.

Conflicts: Conflict is any struggle that characters must overcome to achieve their goal. There are External conflict - a ‘real world’ obstacle or antagonist. And Internal conflict – an inner turmoil that characters must confront before getting what they want or need.

Climax: The climax is the point at which the central conflict reaches the highest point of intensity. In a more general sense, the climax is any point of great intensity in a literary work.

Resolution: The resolution of a story is the conclusion. Also known as the denouement, the resolution is a literary term for the final plot points that occur after a story’s climax.

Plot: Plot is how the author arranges events to develop the basic idea; it is the sequence of events in a story or play. The plot is a planned, logical series of events having a beginning, middle, and end. The short story usually has one plot.

Theme: Theme is the central message, "moral of the story," and underlying meaning of a fictional piece; may be the author's thoughts on the topic or view of human nature. Stories should not only have length (duration) but also have depth, layers of meaning. It is the underlying message being communicated between spoken words and shown visuals. It makes a film layered. It connects to audience on a deeper level.

Point of View: Point of View is the the angle from which the story is told. first person/author participant, second person/author audience, third person/author observer: Story told by a narrator who sees all of the action. This person may be a character in the story.

Plot/Narrative Structure

Narrative structure is about two things: the content of a story (chronological action) and the form used to tell the story.

1. Three-Act Structure: The three-act structure is one of the most widely used plot structures in storytelling, especially in films. It consists of three main acts:

Act 1 (Setup): This act establishes the main characters, their relationships, and the world they inhabit. It also introduces the inciting incident or catalyst that sets the story in motion.

Act 2 (Confrontation): In this act, the conflict intensifies, and the protagonist faces increasingly difficult challenges and obstacles. This is where character development and the story's central conflict are explored in depth.

Act 3 (Resolution): The final act brings the story to its climax, where the protagonist faces the ultimate challenge or ordeal. After this climactic moment, the story resolves, leaving the characters (and the audience) with a new sense of reality or transformation.

2. Five-Act Structure (Freytag's Pyramid): Proposed by Gustav Freytag, a German novelist in the 19th century, the five-act structure is often used in plays and dramas. It consists of the following acts:

1) Exposition: Introduction of the main characters and backstory.

2) Rising Action: The conflict begins to increase, building tension.

3) Climax: The tension reaches its peak, marking the story's turning point.

4) Falling Action: After the climax, the tension and emotion begin to unwind.

5) Resolution: The final outcome and conclusion of the story's events.

3. Hero's Journey: Based on Joseph Campbell's work "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," the hero's journey is a cyclical structure that follows the archetypal journey of a hero. It consists of several stages, including:

- The ordinary world

- The call to adventure

- Crossing the threshold into a special world

- Facing tests, allies, and enemies

- The ordeal or central crisis

- Seizing the reward or transformation

- The return to the ordinary world

This structure is often used in mythological stories, fantasy, and adventure narratives.

4. Story Circle (by Dan Harmon): Inspired by the hero's journey, Dan Harmon's "story circle" is a popular structure in television writing. It consists of the following steps:

1) A character is in their comfortable, ordinary situation.

2) But they want something (a goal or need).

3) They enter an unfamiliar situation.

4) They adapt to the new situation.

5) They get what they wanted.

6) But they pay a heavy price for it.

7) They return to their familiar situation.

8) Having changed as a result of their journey.

These plot structures provide writers with frameworks to organize their narratives, create tension, and guide the audience through the story's various stages. Each structure has its strengths and is better suited for certain genres or mediums, allowing writers to choose the most appropriate structure for their storytelling goals.

Storytelling is a multifaceted art that requires a deep understanding of narrative elements, structures, and writing techniques. By mastering these principles, writers can create rich and engaging stories that resonate with audiences on a profound level. Whether crafting a novel, a screenplay, or a television series, the insights provided in this article offer a solid foundation for honing the craft of storytelling. Ultimately, the ability to weave compelling narratives is a powerful tool that has the potential to inspire, educate, and leave a lasting impact on society.

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