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.
Today, we’re continuing to ponder the future of artificial intelligence, this time, through the lens of the thought-provoking movie, The Creator.
The film introduces us to a world where the boundaries between man and machine start to blur, leaving us questioning the very essence of what it means to be human. Should intelligent machines have rights? What about AI/Human hybrids?
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1: Concept and Plot
The storyline of The Creator is captivating. Set in a not-so-distant future, the film explores the impact of evolving AI technology in a world struggling to resolve emerging ethical dilemmas. It offers an interesting take on the practical and ethical relationships between humans and AI, exploring the potential consequences of playing God with technology.
One of the strengths of the film lies in its ability to balance the exciting elements of science fiction with an insightful examination of human nature. The story, which does not offer an iron-clad solution, does shine a light on the need to at least tackle the ethical questions surrounding AI and its impact on our society—before it’s too late. It leaves us thinking about these questions long after the credits have rolled.
2: Characters
The Creator delivers convincing performances that add depth to the story. The protagonist’s internal struggle and the moral dilemmas faced by other characters make for a compelling viewing experience.
What is rather impressive is the way the characters’ emotions and motivations are portrayed. This portrayal humanises the story, making it relatable despite the futuristic setting. We can’t help but empathise with the characters as they navigate the complex landscape of morality and technological advancement.
”The Creator forces us to contemplate the consequences of a future world where intelligent machines and Human/AI hybrids are commonplace.”
3: Cinematography and SFX
Visually, the film is impressive. It features arresting cinematography and mind-blowing visual effects that transport us to a future that feels both familiar and alien. The attention to detail in presenting the advanced technology and the seamless integration of CGI elements enhance the overall immersive experience, drawing us into the story.
The point from a story-teller’s perspective is that the visual elements are not just eye candy—they also play a crucial role in conveying the film’s central themes. From the jaw-dropping cityscapes to the detailed of the AI technology, every moment is a visual reminder that keep the human versus machine relationships top of mind.
4: Sound
The musical score, too, deserves a special mention. It succeeds in complementing the mood and ambiance of each scene, heightening the emotional impact of the story. The music doesn’t just fill the silence—it becomes an integral part of the narrative, guiding and strengthening our emotions.
5: Theme
Digging a little deeper, The Creator does not just lean on the dazzling visuals and compelling characters, it urges introspection. It encourages us to ponder upon on the ethical implications of advancing technology and the possible consequences of playing with forces beyond our control.
Lastly, in a world dominated by emergent technology, the film offers itself up as a cautionary tale. It’s a reminder that, as we push the boundaries of innovation, we have to tread carefully and consider the practical, moral and societal implications of our creations.
Summary
The Creator encourages us to ponder the very definition of life, its future practical and ethical challenges, and our current response to it all.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today, we’re studying compelling character construction through the lens of a dilemma. We’ll explore how a well-constructed dilemma can make a story memorable. Although one of the most unforgettable and diabolical dilemmas in all of film occurs in Sophie’s Choice, I have written about the film before. Today, therefore, we’re exploring its power through five building-blocks at work in Martin Scorsese’s gripping film, The Departed.
1. High Stakes/Risk
Our first building-block is high stakes—the higher the stakes or risk, the more gripping the dilemma, the more powerful the drama. In The Departed, the character Billy Costigan faces an immediate and life-altering choice. Should he betray his undercover identity and risk his life to expose the mole in the police force, or should he continue to play the dangerous game of deception? The stakes in the story are high indeed—exposure will result in death, but doing nothing risks the safety and integrity of the operation.
As writers we ought to create dilemmas where the consequences of the characters’ choices are strongly felt by the audience.
2. A Conflict with Morality
The conflict with morality lies at the centre of many compelling dilemmas. The Departed feeds on the moral ambiguity exhibited by Colin Sullivan. He is an undercover cop playing the role of a criminal, and has to grapple with the morality that his role forces on his day-to-day choices. Does he stay loyal to the criminal organisation that raised him, or does he betray it for the impersonal notion of justice and personal gain?
This moral tug-of-war keeps the audience engaged it bears witness to the internal struggle that defines Sullivan’s character. As writers, we ought to dig into the moral complexities of our characters, forcing them to confront their values and weaknesses as they make decisions that challenge their integrity and existence.
3. Personal vs. Public Interests
The third building-block involves the clash between personal and public interests. In The Departed, the characters are trapped in a web of competing loyalties: Does Sergeant Dignam reveal the truth about the mole within the police force at the cost of endagaring his own safety and that of his colleagues? Quite the dilemma.
This conflict between personal loyalty and the greater public good adds complexity to the story. As writers, we ought to create dilemmas that force characters to question allegiances by exploring the tension between what is best for themselves versus what is best for the wider public.
”A strong character dilemma is one of the most effective ways to showcase internal and external conflict within a single character, and have it spread to other characters, heightening the tension and forward thrust of the story.“
4. Time Sensitivity
A ticking clock intensifies the pressure to resolve a dilemma by forcing the action. In the film, the characters are constantly up against the clock in trying to find the mole. The longer it takes, the more lives are put at risk, the greater the chance of being exposed.
The urgency drives the story forward relentlessly, creating a sense of immediacy that keeps the audience captive. We too should use time as a tool, trapping our characters in tight spots where each minute, each hour places them in a more precarious situation, and where every decision carries serious, perhaps even life-threatening, consequences.
5. Unpredictability
The outcome of any great dilemma should not be predictable. In The Departed, the true identities of the mole and the undercover cop are shrouded in mystery. This uncertainty heightens the tension, leaving the audience guessing, until the final, shocking moments when the truth is revealed.
As writers, we ought to use the unexpected, crafting twists and turns that complicate our characters’ dilemmas and keep readers and viewers on edge. The surprise that occurs when the dilemma is finally resolved, can be a powerful tool in crafting memorable and impactful stories.
Summary
Use five building-blocks to craft a powerful dilemma: high stakes, morality, personal vs. public, time sensitivity, and unpredictability. This will enrich our characters and make our stories more memorable.
Today, we’re examining Act 3 of a story, with reference to The Dark Knight. We uncover five powerful principles to help you propel your own Act 3 to loftier heights. So, strap on your seatbelts because Gotham’s about to face its worst day of reckoning.
1. Intensity and Escalation
A memorable Act 3 rides on the energy of escalating intensity and tension. In The Dark Knight the third act hurls us into the crescendo of the conflict between Batman and the Joker. From the Joker’s explosive actions, the intensity is relentless. We are gripped by unfolding events as we try to steady ourselves before the next twist hits.
2. Character Transformation Arcs
Act 3 is the place where one or more character completes his or her transformation arc. Indeed, what is a hero without transformative sacrifice? Batman, fearing for Gotham’s future, makes a jaw-dropping decision. To preserve the hope that Dent’s law-and-order legacy represents, Batman covers for Harvey’s crimes, which allows for the establishing of the Dent Act that will impose harsh penalties upon criminals—this in an attempt to stem crime.
Additionally, we witness the outcome of Harvey Dent’s tragic physical change, from the man who was once Gotham’s ‘White Knight,’ to one who has been consumed by disfigurement and mental-illness as Two-Face. Act 3, you see, demands that characters confront their inner demons, and shows the consequences of failing to defeat them. The Dark Knight showcases this brilliantly, giving us a haunting look into Dent’s descent into schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder.
”Act 3 ought to leave the reader or audience with a feeling of completion in the work itself—even when the ending is inconclusive or ambivalent.”
3. Unpredictable Twists
Much of Act 3 turns on unpredictabile and electifying twists. Here too, The Dark Knight keeps us on the edge of our seats. Batman’s decision to take the fall for Dent’s crimes? That was unpredictable. As was the resolution to the explosive ferry scenes. The Joker’s chaotic plans as a whole, too, weave a tapestry of unpredictability, leaving us off-kilter and breathless with anticipation.
4. High Stakes and Consequences
When we enter Act 3 of a story we enter the realm of elevated stakes and irreversible consequences. Here, each action has a powerful impact. The repercussions of Batman’s sacrificial decision ripples through Gotham, leading to the establishment of the ‘Dent Act.’ The high-stakes are not just personal, they mould the future of an entire metropolis, leaving us questioning the very essence of heroism.
5. Climax, Denouement and Resonance
Finally, let’s talk about the climax, resonance and the denouement that must occur in every Act 3. In The Dark Knight, the climax of the conflict is the strongest it can be, seeing it is rooted in a dilemma for the protagonist—the Joker has kidnapped Harvey Dent and Bruce Wayne’s love interest, Rachel Dawes, which places Batman in an impossible dilemma: who to save.
Additionally, The Dark Knight‘s Act 3 doesn’t just end, it resonates with consequences beyond its immediate conclusion: The denouement that follows offers a satisfying, yet thought-provoking resolution. Commissioner Gordon’s speech, for example, reflects on the consequences of the chaos, providing some closure while leaving us with lingering questions. This is the hallmark of a well-crafted Act 3: a climax leading to a resolution that resonates beyond the diegetic confines of the story, ensuring that the tale lingers in our minds long after the final credits roll.
Well, there it is, five must-have principles for a strong act three: escalation, character transformation, unpredictability, high stakes, and a resonant denouement.
Which of these principles resonate most with your writing style?
Summary
The five must-have principles for a strong Act 3 are: escalation, character transformation, unpredictability, high stakes, and a resonant climax, resolution and denouement.
Today, we’re plunging deep into the narrative heart of a story—the Midpoint where your tale takes a sharp turn. We’ll study how this narrative beat divides Act 2 into two parts, A and B, drawing on the acclaimed film, The Dark Knight.
Before we fly right into the Batcave, let’s note that there are different types of midpoint, such as the False Victory, the False Defeat, the Setback, the Reversal, the Twist to name only a few. Sometimes, two or more will combine to produce a more complex midpoint.
In The Dark Night the midpoint is served with a twist. But, how exactly does the midpoint tie into the broader structure of the story? Well, let’s start by understanding that the midpoint is the scalpel that splits Act 2 into two related, but distinct sections.
”The midpoint divides Act 2 into two parts. It changes the direction of the story.”
In The Dark Knight the midpoint occurs when Harvey Dent turns himself in as Batman to the police, before Bruce Wayne can own up to it, while Bruce stays silent. This allows the Joker, with typical chaotic brilliance, to take center stage and shatter Bruce’s plans. To make matters worse, Dent, who now has his reputation as a law-and-order DA torn to shreds, will undergo a horrific facial disfigurement and personality change, which will add to Batman’s problems, altering the course of the story.
The midpoint, which has trapped Batman in a moral dilemma, then, simultaneously propels us from the first half of Act 2 to the second, marking a shift in the narrative’s trajectory. Before this moment, Batman’s mission revolved around dismantling the mob’s power and fostering Harvey Dent as Gotham’s symbol of justice. The beats leading up to this were a series of triumphs—Batman’s victories and the public’s growing faith in Harvey Dent.
But Gotham has now been thrust into disarray. Dent is no longer an ally. Batman loses control of the situation, the mob embraces chaos, and the Joker grabs the spotlight, pushing the city close to the brink. Batman’s goal has changed. It’s no longer just about cleaning up the mob; it’s about controlling the chaos, and later, deciding who to rescue—Harvey or Rachel. This shift sets up the escalating conflict that defines the chaotic energy that is unleashed in second half of the film. The Midpoint, centered around Harvey Dent’s surprising admission, and Wayne’s telling silence, has changed the trajectory of the story.
Summary
The Midpoint transitions the 1st half of Act 2 to the 2nd half, while changing the trajectory of the story.
