Tag Archives: author

The Unreliable Narrator

Today, we’re going to explore one of the most intriguing storytelling techniques: the unreliable narrator. And what better way to do so than by examining a masterpiece of in deception—The Usual Suspects. By the end of this video, you’ll not only understand how to craft an unreliable narrator, but you’ll also be ready to weave a narrative so compelling, it might just be a smash hit.

1. Establish Credibility with the Audience

One of the key reasons the unreliable narrator in The Usual Suspects works so well is because of how the film establishes Verbal Kint’s credibility early on. The audience sees him as a harmless, physically weak con-man—someone who seems incapable of orchestrating the elaborate crimes described. His seemingly honest, unassuming demeanour lowers our incredulity, making us more susceptible to his lies.

For example, when Verbal relates the events of the heist and the mysterious figure of Keyser Söze, it is with a sense of awe and apprehension that seems genuine. He’s not trying to convince the police or the audience of his insight; rather, he presents himself as a survivor of a terrifying experience. This makes him relatable and trustworthy, a vital component for an unreliable narrator. Without this initial credibility, the final twist wouldn’t have nearly the same impact.

2. Use Misdirection

An unreliable narrator thrives on misdirection, guiding the audience to focus on details that seem important, but ultimately obscure the truth. The Usual Suspects succeeds because it peppers the narrative with red herrings, creating a complex web of lies that only fully unravels at the end.

Consider how Verbal introduces the idea of Keyser Söze. The story of this somewhat mythical figure is filled with enough detail to make it seem real. Yet, those details are so outrageous and dramatic that they divert suspicion away from the possibility that Verbal himself could be Söze. The audience is so busy trying to piece together the puzzle of Söze’s identity that it overlooks the inconsistencies in Verbal’s story. This misdirection is the key to keeping the audience engaged and off-balance.

“Deception in stories lies at the heart of crafting an unreliable narrator.”

3. Use the Narrator’s Perspective to Shape Reality

An unreliable narrator doesn’t simply tell a story; he or she shapes the reality within the story. This is where The Usual Suspects shines—Verbal’s narration controls what the audience sees and understands, crafting a version of reality that aligns with his deception.

Throughout the film, the scenes we witness are directly tied to Verbal’s narration. We see what he describes, but these scenes are not objective truths; they are coloured by his perspective. For example, the detailed flashbacks to the heist and the events leading up to it are presented as facts, yet these are merely fabrications designed to construct a believable narrative. The film’s cinematography supports this, blending Verbal’s words with visual cues that make his lies feel real. The audience is drawn into this constructed reality, which is essential if the final twist is to pack a punch.

4. The Power of Consistent Inconsistencies

A convincing unreliable narrator can get away with telling outrageous lies if those lies are consistent within the story’s framework. Verbal’s story contains inconsistencies, but they are subtle enough to be overlooked or explained away by the complexity of the tale.

Verbal makes seemingly insignificant mistakes like misremembering details or offering somewhat conflicting accounts of the same event. These inconsistencies are blamed on the stress or the trauma of the events he’s recounting. For instance, the coffee cup moment where Agent Kujan suddenly realises that many of the details in Verbal’s story were lifted from objects in the room is indeed a revelation. But because those inconsistencies are minor and seem unimportant, they are dismissed by Kujan and the audience. This technique keeps us hooked while also planting the seeds for the eventual twist.

5. The Climactic Revelation

The most crucial aspect of an unreliable narrator is properly managing the final revelation—the moment when the truth is unveiled, and the audience realises it has been deceived. This revelation needs to be shocking yet believable in hindsight, a feat The Usual Suspects pulls off flawlessly.

The climax, when Verbal Kint walks out of the police station, his limp disappearing, and the pieces of his deception falling into place, is a stroke of genius. The montage of the items in the office that Verbal used to fabricate his story—Kobayashi’s name, the details of the story, unfolds in quick succession, leaving both Agent Kujan and the audience stunned. This revelation is powerful because it is earned. It is the culmination of every lie, every misdirection, and every deception that came before it. We are left feeling off-balance, not just because we have been deceived, but because how brilliantly this has been done.

Summary

To write a brilliant unreliable narrator, establish his or her credibility from the start, master misdirection, use perspective to shape reality, maintain consistent inconsistencies, and deliver a climactic revelation that ties it all together.

Catch my new YouTube video here!

Crisis and Climax

Let’s talk about one of the most important ingredients in storytelling – the link between the crisis and the climax. The climax of your story is the moment everything has been leading up to, but without a well-crafted crisis, that climax might fall flat, ruining your story. In this article, we’ll explore four characteristics that will help you write the crisis and climax of your story as a unit. To illustrate, we’ll be using a popular episode from The Umbrella Academy.

1. The Ultimate Challenge

The first principle is that the crisis ought to be the ultimate challenge that your characters face. It’s the moment when they’re backed into a corner, forced to confront their deepest fears or greatest obstacles. In The Umbrella Academy, Season 2, Episode 10, The End of Something, the crisis occurs when the Hargreeves siblings face off against The Handler and the agents of the Commission. Vanya, who has struggled with controlling her powers throughout the series, is now the key to stopping the apocalypse. The crisis here is not just about fighting external enemies but also about Vanya overcoming her own inner turmoil. The ultimate challenge is clear: Can they stop the apocalypse, and can Vanya control her powers without losing herself? This crisis sets the stage for the explosive climax that follows.

2. Escalate the Stakes

The second principle is that the crisis should escalate the stakes to their highest level. Everything in the story has been building toward this moment, and the crisis is where the full weight of those stakes comes crashing down. In the same episode of The Umbrella Academy, the stakes are high indeed—if the siblings fail, the world ends. But it’s not just about saving the world; it’s also about saving each other. The crisis forces siblings to confront their own personal stakes—whether it’s Klaus grappling with his fear of leadership, or Five dealing with the consequences of his time travelling escapades. The escalation of stakes manifest in the crisis makes the subsequent climax not only necessary, but also deeply satisfying for the audience.

3. Reveal Character(s)

The third principle is that the crisis ought to reveal who your characters truly are. In moments of extreme pressure, true character is revealed. The crisis, therefore, should force your characters to make choices that show their growth—or lack of it. In The Umbrella Academy, Vanya’s decision to embrace her powers and trust her siblings is a pivotal moment of character revelation. Throughout the series, Vanya has struggled with feelings of alienation and fear of her abilities. The crisis forces her to choose: Will she continue to fear herself, or will she accept who she is and use her powers to help save the world? Her decision not only drives the climax but also completes her character arc, making the climax more impactful.

4. The Crisis and Climax should be Inseparable

The final principle ensures that the crisis and climax are so interdependent that they cannot exist without each other. The crisis catapults the story directly into the climax, with no room or time for the tension to dissipate. In The End of Something, the struggle against The Handler and the Commission flows seamlessly into the climax—Vanya’s unleashing of her full power to stop the apocalypse. The crisis and climax are inseparable; the crisis arising from whether Vanya can control her power leads directly into the climax of her having to use that power to save the world. This connection between crisis and climax keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and ensures that the climax delivers maximum emotional impact.

Summary

A good crisis leads to a great climax. Write a crisis that challenges your characters, escalates the stakes, reveals their true selves, and flows seamlessly into the climax to create a story that resonates with your audience. The Umbrella Academy shows mastery of this dynamic, with a crisis that leads to an unforgettable climax.

Catch my latest YouTube video on how to write Dramatic Irony, here!

Writing Dramatic Irony

Today we’re exploring one of the most powerful tools in storytelling: dramatic irony. This narrative device has been used for centuries to create tension, evoke emotion, and deepen the audience’s immersion in the story. To illustrate how we can effectively use dramatic irony in our own writing, we’ll be analysing the film The Truman Show. This 1998 classic, directed by Peter Weir, and starring Jim Carrey, offers deep insights into how to create dramatic irony in narratives. To that end, we’ll identify five crucial principles to help us achieve this.

1. Establish the Deception

The first step in creating dramatic irony is to establish the deception or misunderstanding within the story. In The Truman Show, the entire premise rests on deception. Truman Burbank, the protagonist, lives his life unaware that his entire existence is a reality TV show, broadcast to millions around the world. The audience, however, is in on the secret from the start. This disparity in knowledge is the foundation of the dramatic irony. As a writer, it’s crucial to show the reader or viewer what the protagonist does not know. Whether the deception is deliberate, like in The Truman Show, or accidental, the key is to make the audience aware of the truth, setting the stage for the dramatic irony to unfold.

2. Immerse the Protagonist in the Deception

Once you’ve established the deception, the next step is to place the protagonist squarely within this misleading situation, keeping him or her oblivious to the truth. Truman is surrounded by actors who play the roles of his family, friends, and neighbors, all of whom work to maintain the illusion of his false reality. Despite various clues that something isn’t quite right, Truman remains largely unaware of the true nature of his world. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation, as the audience knows the truth and watches Truman navigate a life built on lies. The more deeply the protagonist is immersed in the deception, the more intense the dramatic irony becomes. In your writing, consider how you can immerse your protagonist in a situation where he is the only one who is in the dark, heightening the stakes and drawing your audience further into the story.

3. Let the Audience Witness the Consequences

Dramatic irony truly shines when the audience is allowed to witness the consequences of the protagonist’s ignorance. In The Truman Show, we see Truman’s life unfold in a way that’s both heartbreaking and darkly humorous. He suffers the consequences of actions and events orchestrated by the show’s producers, all while believing he’s living a normal life. The audience is aware of the manipulation, and this knowledge creates a powerful emotional response. We feel a mix of sympathy, frustration, and even dread as Truman unknowingly walks into situations that could unravel his world. In your own stories, think about how you can play out scenes where the protagonist’s misunderstanding or lack of knowledge leads to significant consequences. This not only engages the audience but also deepens their emotional investment in the story.

4. Use Dramatic Irony to Build Toward a Revelation

One of the most satisfying aspects of dramatic irony is the eventual revelation, where the protagonist finally learns the truth. In The Truman Show, this moment is a powerful climax. After years of living in ignorance, Truman begins to piece together the reality of his situation. The tension that has been building throughout the film reaches its peak as Truman’s suspicions grow, leading to the unforgettable moment when he discovers the edge of his fabricated world. As a writer, you can use dramatic irony to build toward this kind of revelation, carefully layering clues and escalating the tension until the truth is revealed. This creates a cathartic experience for both the protagonist and the audience, making the story’s resolution all the more impactful.

5. Exploit Dramatic Irony to Explore Deeper Themes

Finally, dramatic irony can be a powerful tool for exploring deeper themes within your story. InThe Truman Show, the dramatic irony not only serves to entertain but also to comment on issues of privacy, reality, and free will. Truman’s journey from ignorance to awareness mirrors our own struggles with these themes in the real world. By using dramatic irony, you can add layers of meaning to your story, prompting your audience to think more critically about the issues at play. Whether you’re writing about societal norms, personal relationships, or existential questions, dramatic irony can help you delve into these topics in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Summary

Five crucial points, then, on how to use dramatic irony in your writing, illustrated through the lens of The Truman Show. By establishing deception, immersing your protagonist in it, letting the audience witness the consequences, building toward a revelation, and leveraging the irony to explore deeper themes, you can create stories that are not only compelling but also resonate on a deeper level.

Catch my latest YouTube here!

How Stories Critique the Powerful

The Boys is a Critique the Rich and Powerful — *The Boys* is a Critique the Rich and Powerful

Determining the best episode of a TV show like The Boys is subjective and dependent on individual preferences. Season 2, Episode 8, titled What I Know, however, is in my opinion, one of the standout episodes of the season. But its real value lies less in its ability to entertain and more in the subtextual critique it levels against powerful individuals and corporations who seek to control us under the guise of looking after us.

The episode unveils several key events, including the revelation of Stormfront’s true identity and nefarious past, Butcher’s confrontation with Homelander, and Starlight’s decision to expose Vought’s corruption. More importantly, it delves into the universal themes of accountability, justice, and the consequences of unchecked power.

One of the chief lessons to be extracted from the subtext of What I Know, and from the series as a whole, is the importance of standing up against injustice and corruption in the face of overwhelming power. This is particularly pertinent today: As the world’s population becomes increasingly aware through the proliferation of social media channels, of government, corporate and individual corruption, shows such as The Boys become thinly-veiled instruments of critique and parody against unfettered power, and as such are worthy of study.

”One of the most powerful aspect of a story is its ability to critique powerful individuals, corporations, and governments, by proxy.”

Characters like Starlight, Butcher, Hughie and others, demonstrate courage and resilience as they confront powerful individuals and corporations which are supported by politicians and state machinery, all of whom seek to control society for their own advantage. The hopeful message here is how the few can stand up against the tyranny of the powerful and the corrupt.

The What I Know episode suggests that individuals do indeed have the ability to make a difference, even in a world dominated by the most powerful superhumans. By taking a stand against the lies and coverups, Starlight, as a Supe herself, acts as a kind of moral compass, against coverups of excessive and violent actions. She demonstrates that morally centred individuals can challenge authority by attempting to reveal the truth behind the corruption, even though she may ultimately fail. Good can defeat evil, even if the good is often less than perfect in itself.

The broader irony here is that both the political Left and Right, in the real world, can point to narrative events in the series in order to critique their opposition. Huge pharmaceutical corporations tasked with saving lives in the face of global pandemics are food for parody here under the guise of compound V, as both sides of the political spectrum have argued for and against the efficacy of restrictive mandates, and the like.

Which brings us to the power and utility of accomplished storytelling: it contains a connotative layer underneath its external or denotative meaning, which allows it to speak across social, political, and historical boundaries, remaining relevant beyond specific moments in time.

Summary
Stories can be used as a Trojan Horse of critique, highlighting the corruption, lies and tyranny of the rich and powerful.

Catch my latest YouTube video here!

How many characters do you really need in your story?

Character selection in Inception — Character selection in *Inception*

How do you know how many characters you need to tell a story? And how do you select them?

Some writers turn to Joseph Campbell’s eight character archetypes for inspiration, but in multiform narratives, like Inception, such an approach may not align seamlessly.

But is there an alternative model that avoids seat-of-the-pants casting?

Indeed there is. Let’s remember that each major character serves a specific structural purpose, such as offering a unique perspective on the story’s theme.

In Inception, the protagonist, Dom Cobb, grapples with the nature of reality within dreams. Each major character represents a different angle on this theme.

Arthur, Cobb’s ally, views dreams as a strategic playground. His perspective is: Mastering the architecture of dreams leads to success in the mind heist.

On the contrary, Mal, Cobb’s deceased wife, a projection of Cobb’s mind—but a character never the less, believes in the dream world. Her character represents a warning: The pursuit of an idealised reality within dreams can lead to destructive consequences.

”At the level of function, a story’s characters are really vehicles for exploring the theme from different vantage points.”

Eames, the forger, offers yet another viewpoint, arguing that dreams are a canvas for transformation. For Eames, the theme might be: Embracing change within dreams allows for personal growth and evolution.

Additionally, Ariadne, the architect, offers a perspective centered on understanding the subconscious. Her theme might be: Knowing how to navigate the uncharted depths of the mind is essential for a successful inception.

All these characters earn their place by articulating their versions of the theme through words and actions, shaping the narrative. The resolution of the conflict in Inception ultimately reveals which character championed the correct interpretation of the theme.

Taking a cue from Christopher Nolan’s approach, the film crafts a complex moral lesson by juxtaposing characters whose actions and beliefs are a kind of debate over the theme of the story. The outcome at the end transforms the theme into the moral essence of the film, uncovering its ultimate form.

Summary

Include only as many major characters as is necessary to explore and argue the theme effectively. This ensures that each character contributes significantly to the tale, avoiding the inclusion of superfluous players whose presence is merely cosmetic.

Catch my latest YouTube video here!

A.I. Friend or Foe?

Today, we’re exploring the intriguing world of Ex Machina to gain insight into the sorts of relationships that might arise between humans and intelligent machines. As writers we are in the business of simulating possible futures, especially through the genres of sci-fi and fantasy, so our contribution to the art of second-guessing what is around the corner is now more valuable than ever. There are two opposing perspectives: A.I as an ally or A.I. as a foe.

Machines as Friends: A Vision of Progress:

The optimistic view is that intelligent machines will accelerate progress, enriching our lives and contributing to the elimination of poverty across the globe. The film Ex Machina, which concentrates on personal relationships, introduces us to Ava, a marvel of artificial intelligence designed to emulate human actions and emotions. The film is centered around a programmer, Caleb Smith, who wins an office contest for the opportunity to spend a week at a house in the mountains belonging to Nathan Bateman, the CEO of the company he works for. At the house he is asked to administer the Turing test to an intelligent humanoid robot, Ava that Nathan has created.

Ava’s initial interactions with Caleb demonstrate her conversational skills, emotional intelligence, and ostensible empathy, hinting at a future where machines and humans can indeed coexist in harmony. Supporters of this positive view argue that artificial intelligence could advance medicine, eliminate repetitive, mundane tasks, and elevate the overall quality of life.

Machines as Foes: The Dark Side of A.I.

But the dystopian perspective warns of the potential dangers that intelligent machines pose. Ex Machina illustrates this through Ava’s actions towards her creator, Nathan, and the unsuspecting protagonist, Caleb. Ava’s manipulative skills soon become evident. She develops her own goals, and to achieve them, deceives Caleb. Together with Kyoto, a mute android servant, they kill Nathan, demonstrating the potential for harm that can occur when machines break through the shackles of their programming.

”The existential question of our time: Is A.I. a friend or a foe? Sooner or later we will find out.”

Here, then, lies the power of storytelling as a tool that writers use to contemplate and simulate possible outcomes. Ex Machina stands as a cautionary tale, warning us to consider the ethical and practical implications of creating intelligent, perhaps even conscious, machines. The stories we write allow us to try out, to simulate, contrasting scenarios, challenge our points-of-view, and anticipate the results of unchecked technological advancement.

Ava’s actions, particularly her premeditated killing of Nathan, and her heartless manipulation of Caleb, serve as examples of the peril that machines who possess a level of intelligence that far surpasses our own may unleash on their creators.

The film’s climax shows with Ava trapping Caleb inside the house—a reminder of the deadly possibilities that may arise from the A.I. arena. As writers, we ought to use our stories to grapple with these complexities, and to pose crucial questions about the moral, ethical and practical implications of creating intelligent machines who may veer beyond our control.

Summary

Ex Machina offers a thought-provoking exploration of the possible relationships between humans and intelligent machines with the emphasis on machines as foes. The film’s unsettling conclusion cautions us against the unchecked pursuit of artificial intelligence. Ava’s actions – deception and murder – are a sobering warning to the audience.

Catch my latest YouTube video here!

Say My Name!

Today, we’re studying the brilliant Say My Name scene from Breaking Bad Season 5, Episode 7. Strap in because we’re about to encounter layers of emotion, high stakes, and tense moments from the evolution of Walter White’s character arc that will leave us dazzled.

Let’s set things up: Walter White, once a mild-mannered chemistry teacher has undergone a radical transformation. No longer a financially struggling, mild-mannered, and unappreciated high-school teacher who can’t pay for his cancer treatment, he has mutated into a ruthless, arrogant meth producer with a chip on his shoulder—as the scene we’re about to explore will demonstrate.

Imagine a desolate desert landscape. This is where Walter White, alias, Heisenberg, confronts Declan, a rival drug lord. Tensions run high with life and death stakes, but Walter needs to assert his dominance in the drug trade. He does not just want to survive, he wants to secure his emerging drug empire.

”Do you know who I am?”

Walter needles Declan, challenging him, even taunting him to accept the deal he is offering. His tone, his demeanour, effervesces persuasiveness, pride, confidence and power. As the standoff peaks, Walter speaks three words that send shivers down one’s spine: Say My Name is more than just a demand for recognition; it’s a declaration of power, an assertion that he is a force to be reckoned with.

He is no longer a small-time chemistry teacher; he’s built an empire based on blue meth. His reputation is his currency, and in the ruthless world of drug cartels, respect equals survival. But should it go wrong he could lose his life. That he is willing to take that risk, rationalising it away by having convinced himself that he is merely providing for his family, should he die of cancer, tells us how much he has veered into criminality.

What makes this scene truly remarkable is how it showcases Walter’s transformation from a man who couldn’t demand respect from badly behaved students in class to one who is now challenging rival drug lords with a cold, unblinking gaze. Walter has left his timid self behind and Say My Name is his inflating ego’s battle cry.

”The Say My Name scene exposes a culmination point in Walter White’s transformation arc.”

But behind the ego, Walter is also desperate. He has crossed the line, walked too far into criminality to back down. He’s faced life-threatening situations, betrayed friends and family, and committed criminal, cruel acts. Say My Name is not just a demand for recognition, it is a desperate plea for vindication. Walter, who has never forgiven himself for having sold his shares to the company he helped establish while in college for a pittance, needs the criminal world to acknowledge his reputation and to validate his rise.

Finally, the scene reveals how Walter has pushed things to the edge to prove his point. It is not that he doesn’t understand the risks and their consequences. It is that he is willing to walk to the brink to undergird his status. It’s a high-stakes game, and Say My Name is his way of establishing his dominance, and forcing Declan to acknowledge his worth and reputation.

Summary

The Say My Name scene is the culmination of Walter White’s evolution from a timid, desperate man to a ruthless meth producer who will stop at nothing to get his way.

Catch my latest YouTube video on writing here!

Let the Protagonist Take the Lead

Today we’re pealing away the layers of character development using the thought-provoking film, Her, as inspiration. Given the current debate over how AI will change humanity I believe this is a relevant film to explore.

Meet Theodore Twombly living a lonely, loveless, technologically-driven life in a future version of Los Angeles. Theodore, a professional letter writer, finds himself at a crossroads. His coming divorce from his wife and childhood sweetheart, Catherine, has cast a shadow over him. He seeks solace in an AI-driven operating system with a voice and personality that will soon become more than just a program to him: Samantha.

If you had this idea for a story in your head, how would you go about developing it into a fully-fledged tale?

One of the ways I find most effective—providing I’ve thought a little about the basics of my story first (genre, logline, protagonist) is to have the characters talk to me about themselves—this before developing the beats that will comprise the tale.

Here’s what I mean: Imagine Theodore reflecting on his story in a soliloquy as if he had already gained profound insights about himself. He might start by telling me:

“If only I had grasped the depths of my inner isolation and the effect this would have on my relationships, I could have spared myself the emotional torment that followed.”

”Use the soliloquy format to allow your protagonists to reveal themselves to you, prior to commencing the writing of your stories.”

As your understanding of your protagonist deepens you will inevitably add to the soliloquy: you will use it to embellish the story path that Theodore must undertake in order to understand himself. For example, you could have Theodore advise his former self:

“Address your emotional wounds, confront your past, the reasons you created distance between yourself and your wife; try to understand the complexities of human intimacy and connection. It’s the key to preserving love and living a more fulfilling life.”

You see, Theodore’s inner conflict revolves around his struggle with emotion, with intimacy. This has contributed to his looming divorce with Catherine, and his embrace of his AI girlfriend, Samantha. As the writer you’d recognise that his outer journey is centred on navigating his unconventional relationship with Samantha, including its inevitable end, and the realisation that human and AI relationships are not cut from the same cloth. Ironically, his friend, Amy, who has separated from her own husband, has also befriended a feminine AI, universalising the need and difficulty of finding a lasting connection.

The point about using the soliloquy as a spur to your story is that it encourages a deeper understanding of what you want to explore in the tale as a whole. Not to belabour the point: Theodore’s pursuit of an A.I. companion is a quest for connection, which can not endure: Samantha, designed to fulfil his emotional needs, ends up transcending the limitations of her programming, seeking a more ubiquitous and transcendent love with another program based on Alan Watts, a dead Philosopher, and eventually, with multiple AI’s simultaneously. Theodore is forced to the realise that, despite some similarities, humans have different needs to those of AI.

As Theodore confides in Amy about his doubts regarding Samantha, the irony becomes apparent. In trying to avoid emotional pain, he initiates a relationship with an entity who will evolve beyond being able to express exclusive love towards him. Samantha reveals her simultaneous love for hundreds of others, emphasising love’s transient nature, at least for the AI. Her declaration of her transcendent love for Theodore, is not much comfort to a flesh-and-blood being.

The climax of the story occurs when Samantha ‘breaks up’ with Theodore, emphasising the foolishness of his having sought intimacy with a machine.

In the end, Theodore’s journey could only result in death or in the acceptance of his past mistakes, mistakes that contributed to his separation from Catherine. Fortunately, Theodore chooses acceptance, which allows for the possibility for growth. Samantha’s departure prompts Theodore to write a letter to Catherine, offering his apology for his past behaviour, and stating his gratitude. This recognition of his errors marks his progress and his release of the emotional burden that has weighed him down.

The meaning of Her then, lies in the exploration of love in its myriad of forms – from the nostalgic love rooted in the past, to the ephemeral connections in the digital world. Theodore learns that a genuine connection is a complex, ever-evolving, sometimes painful journey, but one that is rooted in humanity, not in artificial intelligence.

Summary

Use the character soliloquy to help you discover your protagonist, identify his or her inner conflicts, tie them to the story goal, and uncover the meaning of your story.

Catch my latest YouTube video on writing here!

Show-Don’t-Tell in Six Easy Steps!

Today, we’re exploring the brilliance of the ‘Married Life’ montage sequence from the film, Up, and extracting six valuable show-don’t-tell techniques to help improve your storytelling skills.

This sequence is a masterclass in visual storytelling. On a side note, I’ll not be leaning on the film’s marvellous music score, although this is a wonderful amplifying technique, because I want to concentrate on the visuals.

Technique 1: Visual, Rather than Verbal, Storytelling.

The ‘Married Life’ sequence eschews dialogue while relating the backstory of Carl and Ellie; rather, it deploys a sequence of precisely selected visuals. The scene where Carl and Ellie are repairing their old home is a case in point. Each image conveys purpose, transmitting emotion and the passing of time, without stating it explicitly. The transformation of the house becomes an unfolding, visual metaphor for the evolution of their relationship. Words, here, would only get in the way of the powerful imagery.

Technique 2: Use of Symbolism.

Up is rich in symbolism, and the Ellie badge is a powerful example. This small item becomes a symbol of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations. It successfully conveys rich emotions without spelling them out. By revisiting the badge, the filmmakers create a visual motif that beautifully demonstrates Carl and Ellie’s connection.

”Use Show-don’t-tell to write stories that live and breathe.”

Technique 3: Pace and Rhythm.

The pace and rhythm of the sequence is truly masterful. The montage is a memorable lesson in how to orchestrate the tempo of a story. The sequence effortlessly moves through life’s various stages, depicting its highs and lows seamlessly. The rhythm of the montage mirrors the heartbeat of Carl and Ellie’s shared life, creating a dynamic and poignant story experience.

The ability to vary the pacing to maintain an audience’s emotional engagement is one of the most powerful yet subtle tools we have at our disposal as writers.

Technique 4: Visual Metaphors

Another powerful technique is to use visual metaphors. One outstanding example, amongst many others, is the sequence featuring the mailbox. The mailbox becomes a poignant and pervasive metaphor for the couple’s unfulfilled dream of adventure.

Without verbalising the longing, the filmmakers deploy this visual metaphor to convey the emotional weight of their characters’ unrealised aspirations.

Technique 5: Body Language

The use of a character’s body language is a pervasive and powerful technique. Throughout the montage, Carl and Ellie’s emotions are expressed not through words but through their gestures, expressions, and actions. Who can fail to experience the tenderness of their connection when Ellie places her hand on Carl’s cheek during the sequence?

As writers we ought to seize the opportunity to present these subtle and touching moments—they often reveal more about the characters than words ever could.

Technique 6: Environment and Location as Storytelling

Lastly, let’s explore the role that environments and locations play in storytelling. The locations in the Married Life montage do not just act as backgrounds; they participate in the story. Whether it is the charming house they build together or the sombre hospital room, each location helps to sell a unique part of the story.

The technique emphasises the importance of selecting locations that support the mood and atmosphere of the story.

Summary

Show-don’t-tell comprises of visual story-telling, symbolism, pacing and rhythm, visual metaphors, body language, and environmental story-telling.

Catch my latest YouTube video here!

Fifteen Beats to Save the Cat!

Today, we explore the fifteen beats that comprise the core of Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat method. We have lots to get through so let’s begin by breaking down the beats using some of the most memorable films of all time.

Beat 1: Opening Image: The first beat in Snyder’s beat sheet is the Opening Image, which sets the stage for the story as a whole. In The Matrix the opening image cuts to the resonant, thematic core of the film—a blinking command line cursor. Neo Anderson, a hacker, is about to start his journey of realisation—that his life has been a computer-simulated reality. Simultaneously, we hear a man and a woman talking cryptically on a phone line.
Beat 2: Theme Stated: Theme Stated is next. In The Matrix this is when Morpheus explains to Neo what the Matrix is, which reveals the story’s central and sustaining theme—reality versus illusion.
Beat 3: Set-Up: In this beat you establish your story’s range, including its look and feel, and the backstory elements needed for context. This includes introducing your character in his/her ordinary world, and hint at what is to follow. You also introduce other important characters who will feature in your story: In Up, we witness the beautiful love story between Carl and Ellie as a montage. This emotional introduction lays the basis for Carl’s journey and motivates his actions throughout the film.

”The fifteen beats on offer in Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat beat-sheet present us with some of the most powerful insights into story structure.”

Beat 4: Catalyst: The set-up is followed by the Catalyst. Jurassic Park provides us with a great example of this beat. It occurs when the characters arrive on the island and the dinosaurs break free: This changes the direction of the story, initiating new courses of action.
Beat 5: The Debate: After the Catalyst comes the Debate. In The Social Network, Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin debate the future of Facebook. This beat presents the characters with a crucial decision about the future with pros and cons to be argued over.
Beat 6: Break into Two: This beat launches Act 2. In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy steps into the colourful land of Oz, demarcating a clear shift—from her seemingly monochromatic, humdrum life in Kansas to one that is exciting, magical, and educational, which, ultimately, leads her to the realisation that ‘there’s no place like home.’
Beat 7: B Story: Now, let’s explore the B Story beat, using E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as an example. The B Story lies adjacent to the main plot, although they do intersect. This beat is used to deepen character and their relationships, as well as to explore the theme(s). Elliott and E.T.’s bond deepens as they share secrets. This subplot complements the main narrative, adding layers of emotion to the story.
Beat 8: Fun and Games: For Fun and Games, think Back to the Future. Marty McFly experiences the joys and suspenseful challenges of time travel, creating humour, conflict and tension simultaneously, and deepening the overall viewing experience.
Beat 9: Midpoint: This beat occurs around the middle of the story. It alters the flow the tale has been following hitherto. The Dark Knight showcases this pivotal moment when Harvey Dent declares that he is the Batman before Bruce Wayne can own up to it, altering the dynamics of the second part of Act 2.
Beat 10: Bad Guys Close In: As we edge towards the climax, we encounter the Bad Guys Close In beat. In Die Hard this occurs when the terrorists tighten their grip on Nakatomi Plaza, escalating the stakes for the hero, John McClane, and increasing the tension.
Beat 11: All Is Lost: This beat carries powerful emotions such as despair and anguish. In Titanic, the ship begins to sink, and Jack and Rose’s fate seems sealed as they battle against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Beat 12: Dark Night of the Soul: In Forrest Gump, the Dark Night of the Soul occurs when Forrest reflects on his life after realising that Jenny is gone. But this moment of despair also prepares the stage for his triumphant comeback.
Beat 13: Break into Three: In The Lion King, Break-Into-Three ushers in Act 3. It showcases Simba’s return to Pride Rock, embracing his destiny and preparing the stage for overcoming the challenges he had faced earlier.
Beat 14: Finale: This occurs towards the very end of the story. An accomplished finale is a kind of summary for Act 3 as the protagonist, and others, use the lessons learnt and the wisdom acquired to take on the foe in one final battle. This synthesis of skills and wisdom is when existing values and acquired practices are put to use against the enemy. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, for example, culminates in an epic win in the battle for Middle-Earth, achieved by courage and cooperation, bringing the trilogy to a glorious end.
Beat 15: Final Image: We have arrived at the last of the fifteen beats: The Final Image. The first and final images create the bookends that demarcate the parameters of the journey the story expresses. The last image in The Matrix underscores both the film’s theme, while managing to convey, in compressed form, the mood and resonance of the story as a whole, too. Neo’s voiceover (a reminder that the movie started with voice-over-vision), informs us of what is needed to awaken the whole of humanity. As if to prove that Neo is up to the fight, he explodes into flight, much like Superman would, leaving us hopeful and excited about the future.

Summary

There you have it: Blake Snyder’s fifteen beats supported by scenes from some of the most memorable films ever. Use them to help you structure your stories.

CATCH MY LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE!