When it comes to learning how to tell a story or learning how to write a screenplay, you need structure. Structure is not screenplay format or story mapping. Story writing and the story writing tips for both stories and screenplays that follow have nothing to do with script writing format, screenwriting format, or how to format a screenplay. Writing stories based on story structure is really the first step in writing a story that a reader and eventual audience will pay money to read and attend.
Story structure is the backbone of a screenplay and is essential for crafting a compelling and engaging story. From the earliest stage of planning to the final draft, a strong story structure is crucial for holding the story together and ensuring it stays on track.
At its most basic level, story structure refers to the sequence of events in a story and how they are connected. This includes the set-up, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. A well-crafted story structure will keep the audience engaged, create tension, and build to a satisfying conclusion.
Screenwriters often use classic story structures, such as the three-act structure, as a framework for their own work. However, these structures should not be thought of as strict templates, but as guidelines that can be adapted and molded to suit the needs of the story.
The importance of story structure in screenwriting goes beyond just holding the story together. It also serves to communicate the themes and messages of the story to the audience. By establishing a clear and coherent structure, screenwriters can ensure that the audience will understand and appreciate the story they are telling.
In addition to providing a foundation for the story, a strong story structure also helps screenwriters focus on the most important elements of their story. This includes the central conflict, the character arcs, and the pacing of the narrative. By keeping these elements in mind, screenwriters can create a story that is both engaging and impactful.
In conclusion, the importance of story structure in screenwriting cannot be overstated. From planning to execution, a strong structure is crucial for creating an engaging, impactful, and memorable story. By focusing on the key elements of their story and adapting classic structures to fit their own needs, screenwriters can craft stories that will captivate audiences for years to come.
Below you see the basic layout of a storyline for a script. You will notice the five key points of story structure which are incredibly important in scriptwriting.
The Inciting Incident
The Inciting Incident generally takes place about fifteen minutes into a script and is the first major turning point of the story. The normality of your main character’s life will be broken in a big way.
In the movie Dodgeball the Inciting Incident would be when Peter La Fleur finds out that Average Joes Gym will be sold unless he can raise enough money to pay off the bank.
Plot Point I
Towards the end of Act I, around page 25, comes the first Plot Point. So far your story has been going in a certain direction but now the story will be grabbed, shook and pointed to it’s
true course. This is where you realize what your main character is going to do to set about returning his world back to normal.
In Dodgeball this would be where Gordon points out that there is a large cash prize for winning a Dodgeball tournament, enough to save Average Joes Gym.
Midpoint
To a scriptwriter the Midpoint of the script is the anchor in the vast sea of Act II. This is yet another turning point where the need of the main character is brought into focus. Often this is done through the introduction of a new character who forces the main character to sharpen his eye on the goal.
The Midpoint for the film Dodgeball would be where Patches O’Houlihan is killed in an accident, leaving the team without their coach.
Plot Point II
Towards the end of Act II and the beginning of Act III we come to a crisis point, Plot Point II. Right now the main character in your script has had enough. They’re sick and tired of all the obstacles being thrown in their way. Their world is a dark place with little light left. Plot
Point II should:
- Force the main character to take action in attempt to solve the problem created by the inciting incident.
- Make note of the “ticking clock”. Time is running out for your main character to finish the job.
- Focus the character on their goal.
Plot Point II would take place in Dodgeball where Peter La Fleur storms out of a team meeting and contemplates selling the gym to his rival White Goodman.
Climax
The climax is the biggest scene in the movie, the final battle between right and wrong, good and evil. Your main character will save the day and resolve their problems in dramatic fashion.
