The World of the Story

Time

Landscape

Customs

Location

Architecture

Local language

History

Work rules

Place

Culture

Weather

Irony or Contrast

Social rules

Fish out of water

Emotions of the Story/ Passions

What indicates that the screenplay writer was passionate about this story?
Why is it important for this story to be told?
How are emotions of characters portrayed?
Which scenes provide an emotional catharsis for the viewer?
Themes: What are the themes of this story?
Heros Journey: 1. THE ORDINARY WORLD A myth begins with the hero in his own
element. 2. THE CALL TO ADVENTURE A problem or challenge is presented that will
unsettle the ordinary world of the protagonist. 3. THE RELUCTANT HERO The hero
balks at the edge of adventure. He faces his fears concerning the unknown. 4. THE
WISE OLD MAN The hero acquires a mentor, who helps the hero make the right
decision, but the hero must undertake the quest alone. 5. INTO THE SPECIAL
WORLD The hero makes the decision to undertake the adventure and leaves his
own familiar world behind, to enter a special world of problems and challenges. 6.
TEST, ALLIES AND ENEMIES The hero confronts allies of his opponent, as well as his
own weaknesses, and takes action while dealing with the consequences of his
action. 7. THE INMOST CAVE The hero enters the place of greatest danger, the world
of the antagonist. 8. THE SUPREME ORDEAL The dark moment occurs. The hero
must face a crucial failure, an apparent defeat, out of which he will achieve the
wisdom or ability to succeed in the end. 9. SEIZING THE SWORD The hero gains
power. With his new knowledge or greater capability, he can now defeat the hostile
forces of the antagonist. 10. THE ROAD BACK The hero returns to the ordinary world.
There are still dangers and problems as the antagonist or his allies pursue the hero
and try to prevent his escape. 11. RESURRECTION The hero is spiritually or literally
reborn and purified by his ordeal as he approaches the threshold of the ordinary
world. 12. RETURN WITH THE ELIXIR The hero returns to the ordinary world with the
treasure that will heal his world and restore the balance which was lost.
Plot points are structural reference points that can take many forms: a characters
realization, a decision, a twist or turn in events or the climax.

Russin, Robin U.; Downs, William Missouri (2012-06-25). Screenplay: Writing the
Picture, 2nd Edition (Kindle Locations 2379-2380). Silman-James Press. Kindle
Edition. Russin, Robin U.; Downs, William Missouri (2012-06-25). Screenplay: Writing
the Picture, 2nd Edition (Kindle Locations 2303-2324). Silman-James Press. Kindle
Edition.