THE STRUCTURE - ACT I (part II)

I didn't post about the scriptwriting basics for more than a week... So lets get updated!

I'm working on the first act of the structure. In my last post about the structure (here) I introduced the very basic beginning of the act I. The period when the story and characters are presented.

In the first act we have a certain establishment in a determined space and time. We also have a main character who is settled in that establishment. He/She is in an harmony (based on his own world/space) that is apparently balanced. This balance is probably boring and flat. Now, to progress the story, this balance needs to be shaken. the hero needs to be put unbalanced so in a situation that there are only two ways to follow: The hero balances again and the story ends, or the hero have to take decisions that put him in a journey that will change everything including the point of balance.

 

If you see the diagram that illustrates this post we are on the ACT I red label. Now I also wrote The appeal, The indecision, The motivation, not necessary in this order and not necessary only this three facts.

 

Why is this important. Simple to answer: Because that's what makes the story to spark. An event provokes the hero to move forward. If we want a story, we need this. Let's put this in a simple example.

 

Lets see an example:

 

A farmer lives in a small village with his wife. A horde of barbarians attack the village and kidnap the women and children. The farmer is asked to help the other men to save their families. He is not sure. He is confused and desperate. He think is life is destroyed  and his wife and children are dead and retires to the mountains to cry. When he is in the mountain, dreams about the good time with his wife and children. Someone brings him the news that they know all the women and children are still alive. He loses his fears and returns to the village to join the men in a journey to fight the barbarians.

 

There is an appeal for the farmer. To join the men and try to save their families. The man refuses is confused and escapes to the mountain, he doesn't feel strong enough to confront the barbarians. Finally a dream shows him how happy he was with his wife and children and he builds his confidence again when someone brings the good news. Now he has as motivation and returns to the village to join the men. Eventually he will lead them in a journey to recover their families.

 

The appeal, refuse, motivation, creates a more complex and interesting beginning for the story. That's the initial tension which grows to the first Plot Point. The moment when the true journey will start.

 

As an exercise just think about some of your favourite films. Try to identify the first act of the story and what event makes the hero to start his journey. You will find this in every movie.

 

CYA