Story: Five Key Elements
A story is about an interesting character who wants something badly and is having trouble getting it. Simple and to the point: (Character + Want) / Obstacles = Story. However, if you must also ensure that you maximize audience connection while delivering a satisfactory ending.
If you accomplish all that, you will have achieved the five essential elements of a good story well told.
1. The story is about somebody with whom we have some empathy.
2. This somebody wants something very badly.
3. This goal is difficult, but possible to do, get, or achieve.
4. The story accomplishes maximum emotional impact and audience connection.
5. And the story comes to a satisfactory ending, not necessarily a happy one.
Latest Features
Latest Reviews
Multiple Stories in One Script
Screenwriting
Script Tips
So, you want to write a screenplay with multiple stories. It definitely can be done and done well. Take the 2006 Best Picture Academy Award winner Crash as an example. However, writing multiple storylines is no easy task, so it's best to stay simple, especially for the beginning writer. Even Crash – with its interweaving stories – is simple in structure. The story is told in chronological order with inter-related characters over a period of over only two days. Writer/Director Paul Haggis doesn't try to cover too many events, too much time, use non-related characters,…
Latest Features
Up (2009)
Screenplay
Five Plot Point Breakdowns
Screenplay Genre: Animation / Adventure / Comedy / Family Movie Time: 96 minutes 1. INCITING INCIDENT Carl Fredricksen, an elderly sour recluse still grieving from the loss of his wife, opens his door to discover Russell, a Wilderness Explorer scout, who explains that if he assists an old person, he will achieve his "assisting the elderly" badge, and then he'll become a "Senior" Wilderness Explorer. Annoyed with Russell's persistence, Carl sends him off to hunt a fictional Snipe that supposedly "burrows two blocks down." (00:15:26)
