| Most beginning screenwriters approach plot in very simple terms. They start with a concept. They pick a main character. They give that character a goal. |   |
They figure out some good obstacles to get in the way of the hero.
They decide how the hero is going to overcome those obstacles.
And voila! They have a plot.
But approaching plot like that leads to uninteresting screenplays that lack theme, character and real conflict.
Real plot comes from character. Maybe you've heard that before, but that's probably one of the most misunderstood maxims in screenwriting.
Once you really understand it, though, you'll finally have the tools to command what happens in your story, and to make the plot really matter.
[click to continue...]
They decide how the hero is going to overcome those obstacles.
And voila! They have a plot.
But approaching plot like that leads to uninteresting screenplays that lack theme, character and real conflict.
Real plot comes from character. Maybe you've heard that before, but that's probably one of the most misunderstood maxims in screenwriting.
Once you really understand it, though, you'll finally have the tools to command what happens in your story, and to make the plot really matter.
[click to continue...]
Plot Comes from Character
Taken at face value, the fact that "plot comes from character" is obvious. You can't have a story without characters. Hence, plot from character.
But that's not how you need to look at it.
It's character that drives the plot, not the other way around.
The entire process begins with the hero's flaw. Let's say, for example, that your hero is selfish.
Then the story should be driven by that fact. If the hero finds himself faced with the decision to help someone else or help himself, he should decide to help himself.
Time and time again, that selfishness should push the story in new directions. It should guide the plot, and it should get the hero into a mess that ultimately he'll have to solve by being selfless for once.
All of this actually makes plotting much, much easier.
But that's not how you need to look at it.
It's character that drives the plot, not the other way around.
The entire process begins with the hero's flaw. Let's say, for example, that your hero is selfish.
Then the story should be driven by that fact. If the hero finds himself faced with the decision to help someone else or help himself, he should decide to help himself.
Time and time again, that selfishness should push the story in new directions. It should guide the plot, and it should get the hero into a mess that ultimately he'll have to solve by being selfless for once.
All of this actually makes plotting much, much easier.
Before we started pulling story from our characters, Chelsea and I would always get stumped by tricky plot points.
What should the character do here?
How can we get out of this problem?
How should he react to that insult?
Each time a new question came up, we put pressure on oursleves to think of a clever solution. But all we needed to do was turn to our characters and make them do the heavy lifting.
What should the character do here?
How can we get out of this problem?
How should he react to that insult?
Each time a new question came up, we put pressure on oursleves to think of a clever solution. But all we needed to do was turn to our characters and make them do the heavy lifting.
Instant Arc
If you let character guide story, by the end of the script, you'll be set up for a very strong character arc.
It's that selfless moment I referenced above.
If a selfish guy gets himself into a big mess because of how selfish he is, then he digs himself out with selflessness, he'll arc in a satisfying way.
Your audience will appreciate that.
It's that selfless moment I referenced above.
If a selfish guy gets himself into a big mess because of how selfish he is, then he digs himself out with selflessness, he'll arc in a satisfying way.
Your audience will appreciate that.
The Chicken or the Egg
The argument is as old as writing itself...
What drives a story, plot or character?
Now you know... The two are inextricably linked.
Great movies have a lot of interesting twists and turns, but those turns are always created by decisions made by the characters.
If plot is coming from anything other than characters, it's not going to reflect your theme. It's not going to deepen the story, or heighten the message, or raise the tension or develop relationships.
It's going to fizzle out and leave the audience wanting more.
What drives a story, plot or character?
Now you know... The two are inextricably linked.
Great movies have a lot of interesting twists and turns, but those turns are always created by decisions made by the characters.
If plot is coming from anything other than characters, it's not going to reflect your theme. It's not going to deepen the story, or heighten the message, or raise the tension or develop relationships.
It's going to fizzle out and leave the audience wanting more.
It Starts With You
Think about what your flaws are. When you come to critical decisions in your life, what trait drives your decisions?
Chances are, there's a character there that you will have an easy time writing. And if you want to, there's no reason you can't fall back on that character and that flaw in almost every script you write.
Your writing will suddenly feel more truthful.
It will resonate with audiences better.
It will be more fun.
And you'll also begin to unlock the great mystery that is theme. But more on that next time...
Chances are, there's a character there that you will have an easy time writing. And if you want to, there's no reason you can't fall back on that character and that flaw in almost every script you write.
Your writing will suddenly feel more truthful.
It will resonate with audiences better.
It will be more fun.
And you'll also begin to unlock the great mystery that is theme. But more on that next time...
Comment Below
Woody Allen is a master of this technique.
What other writers use character to drive plot?
What movies fail horribly at this?
Let us know.
What other writers use character to drive plot?
What movies fail horribly at this?
Let us know.