Wild Card: The 7 Plot Points In A Script
So yesterday on unCUMfortable, I tried an experiment where I used the random words of the day to catapult me to write a story using the seven plot points. Though I teased about googling away to find the answer, I thought I'd give you a head start with a taste of what each one is all about. If you would like a more in-depth explanation of each plot point, I would recommend picking up the book The Screenwriters Bible by David Trottier (7th Edition at the time of this publication). Now let's jump right into it!
What are the 7 Plot Points?
They are the key moments that drive the story forward. Dust off the old grammar and textbook days in your memory and think back to the story structure you learned in English class. Beginning, Middle End. Something about a Mid-point or a crisis? Ringing any bells yet? In a script, there are seven points that you should incorporate in your story to give it that extra spice called structure. It's a great thing to use as a guide to get first draft ideas out. Even if the ideas get tossed out later, at least you know you have a full story in those ideas. Even if it was about a milkshake.
The 7 Plot Points:
Backstory
Your characters had a life before your story began. What was it like? What can you use that pertains to the story your telling?
Setup (Catalyst)
You know that moment where the character wakes up and goes to school and we meet the parents and the friends and..yeah that. Write that. But for your story. Who are we dealing with and where the hell are we?
Big Event
Ah, the moment where it all went to shit. When the Titan kicked the wall and let all the bullshit into our characters' lives. What happens to your characters that turns their world upside down?
Midpoint
You're halfway there. Just kidding, it's more than just a half-point for your script to go sightseeing. It's the moment where your character makes a decision that they can't go back from. From this point on they are committed and there is no turning back. What happened?
Crisis
This is when things get crazy. Shit has hit the fan, everything seems hopeless, and the only question you should be asking is: "What's the worst thing that could happen to your character before they are able to reach their objective?".
Showdown
Somehow your character is still able to stand and finish what they started. They are face to face with what they have been after all along. Ready or not, here they come.
Realization of Growth
After the dust has settled, alive or dead your characters have come a long way. They are reflecting on the journey, seeking what's ahead, or ya know, dead and someone else is telling the story. Whatever works for ya.
So there ya have it. I hope that this the start of an exciting adventure for your story and beyond. Written in the spirit of play every Wednesday! Until next week!
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