BWTV-AI Mod 3 – Lesson 4: Character Story Lines

[Michael Jones]

M. Morgan’s Character Story Lines

I learned to improve the depth of the story with intriguing character story lines. I also find these assignments sizes a bit bloating but I know they will condense into a much more powerful outline than I would otherwise construct.

Teaser:

• Essence: Brock Taylor finds an ancient symbol underground. Takes a picture and sends it to his brother.
• Turning Point: A bag goes over his head and he drops his phone as he is hauled off.

Act 1:

• Essence: Mundane life of Atticus and his friends; Morrigan’s bookshop. Atticus struggling with bills, sparse living conditions — cousin, Kieran, offers to pay him to get an artifact by using a volunteer digger on an excavation as his cover. Friends included. The promise of an opportunity.
• Turning Point: Atticus sees the ancient symbol on his phone — sent to him by his brother; Morrigan has an underground lair hosting rituals for newfound secret order.

Act 2:

• Essence: Atticus and friends working on an excavation site. Morrigan also working there.
• Turning Point/Midpoint: Atticus caught by Morrigan searching the landscape. Threatens to expose Atty unless they partner together to find the artifact.

Act 3:

• Essence: Thad gains new friends, suspects Atty and hints at jealousy. Sophie knows who Morrigan is and Olivia confronts Atticus.
• Turning Point: Atticus and Morrigan find the area of the ancient symbol. Atticus discovers Brock’s phone; making this hunt personal.

Act 4:

• Essence: Atticus confronts Kieran, who reveals that this artifact involves a lot of other interested groups. Brock was taken by one of them. Atticus has the chance to turn back but he won’t, he can’t, especially if he can find his brother.
• Turning Point: Lead archaeologist, Dr. Mortimer Greenfield, suspects Atticus and almost dismisses him; a former member of Morrigan’s group with a rival group offers to exchange info about his brother for the artifact.

Act 5:

• Essence: Atty learns the artifact has something to do with King Arthur, or Merlin. He uncovers a clue and the following of it almost costs Thad his life…until Morrigan rescues him. Atticus commits fully to the quest, vowing to reclaim the artifact and solve the mystery of his brother, no matter the cost; Morrigan struggles with the choices before him.
• Lock In: Atticus receives a cryptic message from an unknown source, offering him a clue to his brother’s fate and the artifact’s true power but if he finds the artifact, who can he trust? and how can he keep it from those seeking to abuse its power? As Atticus, Morrigan, Thad, Sophie, and Olivia enter a tomb; the other seekers surface, with the artifact allegedly within reach.

[Jerry Robbins]

Again, could not get assignment to enter or post.
Jerry Robbins Character Storylines

What I learned doing this assignment was that AI was extremely helpful and offered good suggestions for improvements that will add deeper layers and mystery throughout the series. ChatGPT, even though it is the free version, seems to be learning and adapting to the storyline. |

Alexia:

• Beginning: Alexia, haunted by fragmented memories and a desire for the truth, arrives in Holo-Network City. As a determined investigator, she takes on the assignment from Nat Chambers to investigate the rumors of a riot in the city’s underbelly.

• Midpoint: While tracking down leads, Alexia stumbles upon a holographic assailant targeting her. Cipher intervenes, saving her from harm. This unexpected twist reveals Cipher’s enigmatic nature and leaves Alexia questioning his motives.

• Dilemma: Alexia discovers a hidden holographic realm connected to Dr. Black’s experiments. Faced with the choice of exposing this revelation or keeping it hidden for now, she grapples with the potential consequences for the rebellion and her own search for identity.

• Ending: Alexia’s investigation draws her deeper into the conflict between humans and Robobs. The revelations from the hidden realm alter her perception of reality, setting her on a path where her pursuit of truth becomes entwined with the fate of Holo-Network City.

• Improvement: To enhance Alexia’s story, introduce a mysterious informant feeding her cryptic messages related to her past. This shadowy figure could serve as a recurring element, adding layers of intrigue and raising questions about their connection to Alexia’s forgotten history.

Cipher:

• Beginning: Cipher, initially shrouded in mystery, operates in the shadows of Holo-Network City. His involvement in the impending riot remains ambiguous. He saves Alexia from an assailant, revealing glimpses of his complex nature.

• Midpoint: Cipher’s true identity and motives become even more elusive as he navigates the blurred lines between ally and adversary. The revelation that he possesses unique capabilities adds to the enigma surrounding him.

• Dilemma: Cipher faces a moral dilemma when confronted with the choice of either fully aligning with the rebellion or maintaining an independent path. This decision puts him at odds with Mara and the rebel leaders, testing his loyalties.

• Ending: Cipher’s actions lead to unintended consequences, altering the dynamics of the rebellion and setting him on a collision course with Mara. His role in the events unfolds in unexpected ways, leaving viewers intrigued by his shifting alliances.

• Improvement: Inject a personal conflict for Cipher by introducing a holographic entity linked to his past. This entity could serve as a haunting presence, pushing Cipher to confront unresolved issues and adding emotional depth to his character.

Mara Vossheimer:

• Beginning: Mara, a powerful and manipulative entrepreneur, orchestrates events from behind the scenes. Her control over the rebellion hints at hidden agendas. The introduction of Dr. Black’s experiments adds a layer to her motivations.

• Midpoint: Mara’s pursuit of perfection in her products intensifies, leading her to question Dr. Black’s intentions and the alleged flaws in the Robobs. Her alliance with a powerful faction hints at a broader conspiracy.

• Dilemma: Faced with the threat of losing control over the Robobs, Mara must decide whether to modify them as demanded by the faction or risk a rebellion. This choice puts her business interests at odds with her desire for dominance.

• Ending: Mara’s machinations to secure her position in the power struggle yield unexpected consequences. Her role in the rebellion becomes more precarious as the city descends into chaos, challenging her influence.

• Improvement: Introduce a mysterious mentor figure from Mara’s past who influenced her views on technology and control. This mentor’s sudden reappearance or influence in Mara’s decisions adds complexity and a sense of foreboding to her character.

  From Prompt 2:
  Act 1: The Enigmatic Arrival

  • Teaser: In a dimly lit alley of Holo-Network City, a hooded figure passes holographic fragments to Alexia, warning her of an impending rebellion. Alexia, unaware of the informant’s intentions, perceives the exchange as an attack and fights back.

  • Beginning: Alexia, intrigued and unnerved by the holographic fragments, starts her investigation. Cipher’s presence during the holographic exchange raises questions about his motives. Mara Vossheimer receives a cryptic message from her mysterious mentor, signaling a power play.

  • Turning Point: Alexia confronts Cipher, demanding answers about the holographic fragments. Cipher, torn between secrecy and trust, offers limited information, deepening the mystery surrounding Dr. Black’s experiments. Mara Vossheimer initiates a plan to maintain control over the rebellion.

  Act 2: Unraveling Threads

  • Midpoint: The shadowy informant reveals themselves to be Lulu Chen, a computer hacker with her own motives. Cipher’s past emerges as Ryker, a holographic entity, leads the revolutionary forces. Mara’s mysterious mentor is unveiled to be her father, the puppet master behind the family’s wealth.

  • Dilemma: Alexia grapples with whether to expose the holographic realm connected to Dr. Black’s experiments. Lulu’s motivations and the consequences of revealing the truth add complexity to the decision. Cipher faces pressure from Ryker to fully commit to the rebellion, straining their relationship. Mara must choose between modifying the Robobs or risking a rebellion that threatens her control.

  • Turning Point 2: Alexia’s decision to temporarily keep the holographic realm secret sets off a chain of events. Lulu, feeling betrayed, takes matters into her own hands. Cipher’s refusal to fully align with the rebellion puts him at odds with Ryker. Mara’s choice sets the rebellion into motion, sparking chaos in Holo-Network City.

  Act 3: Shadows of Uncertainty

  • Beginning: Holo-Network City plunges into turmoil as the rebellion gains momentum. Alexia, grappling with the aftermath of her decision, faces growing opposition. Cipher navigates the blurred lines between ally and adversary, distancing himself from the rebellion. Mara’s control over the Robobs is challenged, exposing vulnerabilities.

  • Turning Point: A holographic entity connected to Cipher’s past reemerges, revealing unexpected secrets. Alexia’s pursuit of truth intensifies as she discovers deeper layers of the rebellion’s motives. Mara, sensing a shift in power dynamics, maneuvers to regain control.

  Act 4: Complications Unveiled

  • Dilemma: Alexia’s investigation leads her to confront Mara, forcing a tense alliance. Cipher grapples with the consequences of Ryker’s revelations. Mara’s efforts to resolve the rebellion’s uncertainties result in major complications that worsen the city’s chaos.

  • Turning Point 2: Alexia and Cipher’s uneasy alliance strains further as Mara’s manipulative tendencies threaten their autonomy. Ryker’s unexpected actions alter the rebellion’s trajectory, testing the limits of loyalty. Mara’s attempt to regain control backfires, setting off a chain reaction.

  Act 5: The Irrevocable Path

  • Beginning: Holo-Network City teeters on the brink of collapse. Alexia, Cipher, and Mara are locked into an irreversible journey. The rebellion takes a dark turn, with unexpected alliances forming. The characters must confront the consequences of their choices as they navigate a city in turmoil.

  • Cliffhanger: In a shocking twist, the holographic realm connected to Dr. Black’s experiments evolves, revealing a new layer of complexity. The city’s fate hangs in the balance as Alexia, Cipher, and Mara are propelled into an uncertain future, leaving viewers desperate for answers.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 5 months ago by  Jerry Robbins.

[Sunil Pappu]

Sunil Pappu’s Character Story Lines

“What I learned doing this assignment is… to create interesting turning points for each character story line and incorporate them into the 5-act structure.”

ENHANCED CHARACTER STORYLINES:

Priya Rao (AKA Rookie)

• Beginning: We meet Priya at university, a math prodigy, living a double life caring for her ill father.

• Turning Point: Her accidental discovery of a terrorist threat and the ledger’s existence.

• Midpoint: The revelation that her father is implicated in the ledger, leading to her emotional turmoil.

• Turning Point 2: The death of her father, deepening her personal vendetta.

• Dilemma: Choosing between clearing her father’s name and stopping the Hawala network.

• Major Conflict: The intense confrontation with the Hawala network.

• Ending: She is left with a forged ledger, her world turned upside down.

Arjun Nair (AKA Raven)

• Beginning: Introduced as a professor.

• Turning Point: Recruiting Priya due to her unique skills and reveals his past as a disgraced RAW agent with a vendetta.

• Midpoint: The team discovering the list of sleeper agents.

• Turning Point 2: The loss of his sister driving his quest.

• Dilemma: Achieving justice for his sister vs. the team’s safety.

• Major Conflict: Facing the double agent and the Hawala leaders.

• Ending: The realization that his quest for vengeance is far from over.

Meera Verma (AKA Ghost)

• Beginning: Her expertise in hacking introduced during the team’s heist prep.

• Turning Point: Decoding crucial information that puts her in danger.

• Midpoint: Suspicions arise about her being a mole due to her past.

• Turning Point 2: Confrontation with her past affiliations.

• Dilemma: Saving herself vs. staying loyal to the team.

• Major Conflict: Protecting her secrets while aiding the team.

• Ending: her secret online relationship is with someone on the opposite side

Sofia Petrovna (AKA Chameleon)

• Beginning: Shown as a master of disguise infiltrating the Hawala network.

• Turning Point: Discovering clues about her sister’s whereabouts.

• Midpoint: Betrays Mandeep for her sister’s safety.

• Turning Point 2: The team questions her loyalty due to her secretive actions.

• Dilemma: Saving her sister vs. completing the mission.

• Major Conflict: Her identity crisis as she juggles various roles.

• Ending: Left in limbo with her sister still missing.

Mandeep Singh (AKA Shadow)

• Beginning: Introduced as a skilled field operative with a secret mission.

• Turning Point: Gaining Sofia’s trust while searching for the mole.

• Midpoint: Discovering a connection between Sofia and the mole.

• Turning Point 2: Receiving anonymous tips about Arjun.

• Dilemma: Pursuing the mole vs. his growing affection for Sofia.

• Major Conflict: His loyalties are put to the ultimate test.

• Ending: His inner conflict leaves his role in the team ambiguous.

Lina Chen (AKA Oracle)

• Beginning: Analyzing the Hawala network’s money flow.

• Turning Point: Her guilt affecting her performance.

• Midpoint: discovers a flaw in the financial data that could expose her previous collusion with the network.

• Turning Point 2: Facing threats due to her knowledge.

• Dilemma: whether to reveal her past to the team to prevent a financial catastrophe or keep it hidden and work to solve it herself.

• Major Conflict: Balancing between atonement and survival.

• Ending: Her past catches up with her, with RAW agents on her trail.

Raghav Patel (AKA Hyena)

• Beginning: Shown as the charismatic leader of the Hawala Network with a peculiar ritual or superstition he follows religiously, believing it’s the source of his success, which could be an Achilles’ heel exploited by the heist team.

• Turning Point: Initiating sale of a secret ledger with global implications.

• Midpoint: The discovery of a coup within his ranks.

• Turning Point 2: Facing a direct confrontation with Arjun’s team.

• Dilemma: Protecting the ledger vs. the stability of his empire.

• Major Conflict: The battle to maintain control over the Hawala network as his empire starts to crumble.

• Ending: A coup within his organization leaves his fate uncertain, possibly toppled from power, leaving him paranoid and more dangerous than ever, as he realizes the ledger is the key to maintaining his power.

Harsh Mehta (AKA The Cobra)

• Beginning: Established as the ruthless enforcer for the Hawala network.

• Turning Point: Tasked with eliminating threats to the network, including potentially his own team.

• Midpoint: His secret financing of terrorist factions for personal gain is risked exposure.

• Turning Point 2: A face-off with Arjun, bringing past conflicts to the surface.

• Dilemma: Harsh must decide between consolidating his power within the Hawala or severing his dangerous ties with the terrorists, with either choice bringing dire consequences..

• Major Conflict: His confrontation with Raghav and the team, as his true allegiance is questioned.

• Ending: As his past actions catch up with him, he faces a new threat from within.

ENHANCED 5 ACT STRUCTURE:

Teaser:

Priya Rao (AKA Rookie) weaves through the back alleys of Mumbai on a motorcycle, a storm thundering overhead. She’s pursued by ominous figures (HM Beginning) in the downpour. Narrowly escaping, she arrives at a safe house, revealing a counterfeit ledger from her backpack. The team is shocked—the real ledger is still out there, and they’ve been betrayed by one of their own. The team, including Arjun Nair (AN), Meera Verma (MV), Sofia Petrovna (SP), Mandeep Singh (MS), Lina Chen (LC), is shaken—there’s a mole amongst them.

Act 1:

• Setup/PR Beginning: Priya balances university life as a math prodigy with caring for her ill father. Her talent in pattern recognition and cryptanalysis shines during a class project.

• (HM TP1) Tasked with eliminating threats to the network, including potentially his own team.

• Turning Point/PR TP1: The class project is a cover for a real covert operation. Priya deciphers an encrypted message revealing a terror threat, and her professor recruits her for an actual mission with a team of operatives.

Act 2:

• Confrontation: Now entrenched in a den of master thieves, Priya navigates the complex chemistry of her companions, each a conundrum wrapped in a riddle. As they orchestrate their infiltration of the Hawala’s underbelly, personal histories seep into the present—Arjun’s vendetta, Meera’s ghosts, Sofia’s missing pieces, Mandeep’s shadows, and Lina’s penance all converging in a dance of delicate deceit.

• (AN Beginning) The professor shows his true self. Arjun, codenamed “Raven,” masks his PTSD with a stoic demeanor. His internal battle is juxtaposed against his strategic genius as he meticulously plans the team’s moves.

• (MV Beginning) Meera, the elusive “Ghost,” is seen navigating the digital world with unequaled skill, haunted by a past she seeks to obliterate, her secret online romance looming ominously in the backdrop.

• (SP Beginning) Sofia, the “Chameleon,” seamlessly slips into new identities, her mastery of disguise a metaphor for her internal search for self, her missing sister’s shadow ever-present.

• (MS Begining) Mandeep, “Shadow,” is the embodiment of focus and skill, yet his heart is tied to Sofia, complicating his role with emotional undercurrents.

• (LC Beginning) Lina, the “Oracle,” is introduced as a clairvoyant of financial flows, her guilt for past misdeeds coloring her every action, setting up a narrative of atonement.

• (RP Beginning) Shown as the charismatic leader of the Hawala Network with a peculiar ritual or superstition he follows religiously, believing it’s the source of his success, which could be an Achilles’ heel exploited by the heist team.

• (RP TP 1) Initiating sale of a secret ledger with global implications.

• (HM Midpoint): His secret financing of terrorist factions for personal gain is risked exposure.

• Turning Point/ PR Mid-point: Priya intercepts a message about a terror attack, which she decodes to avert the crisis. However, it leads to the discovery of a hidden ledger implicating her father, casting doubts on her loyalty.

Act 3:

• Progress: The team grapples with the implications of the ledger. Priya struggles with her father’s apparent guilt and her place on the team.

• (AN Mid-point) Arjun’s quest for vengeance against “The Cobra” intensifies, his sister’s memory fueling a relentless pursuit, but a lead on “The Cobra” could derail the mission.

• (MV Mid-point) Meera’s digital traces threaten exposure. She faces a choice: retain her anonymity or act against a looming threat to the team.

• (SP Mid-point) Sofia uncovers a lead to her sister, her personal mission distracting her from the group’s objective and testing her loyalty. Betrays Mandeep for her sister’s safety.

• (MS Mid-point) Mandeep grapples with suspicion and loyalty, anonymous tips leading him towards the mole, but his connection to Sofia complicates his judgment.

• (LC Mid-point) Lina’s past involvement with the Hawala Network comes to light, threatening her standing and forcing a decision that could alter her destiny.

• Turning Point: The ghost ledger is found to be a list of sleeper agents. The team realizes that Priya’s father might have been framed, intertwining their mission with personal stakes.

Act 4:

• Complications and Higher Stakes: Priya’s efforts to clear her father’s name draw her deeper into espionage. Team members face their pasts, and the mission’s ethical boundaries blur. The true nature of the ledger begins to shift, as she unearths connections to global financial crimes.

• (AN Dilemma) Arjun’s mission becomes personal, and his leadership is challenged as he must choose between his thirst for revenge and the team’s cohesion.

• (MV Dilemma) Meera’s past affiliation with an adversary is revealed, her secret romance complicating her loyalties and forcing a confrontation with her own fears.

• (SP Dilemma) Sofia’s lead on her sister reaches a critical point, the mission and her personal quest colliding, threatening to fracture her carefully constructed identities.

• (MS DIlemma) Mandeep’s internal conflict peaks, his suspicion towards a team member clashing with his feelings for Sofia, driving him to a crossroads between love and duty.

• (LC TP 3) Lina’s expertise is countered by a rival from the Hawala Network, a shadowy figure who seems to anticipate her strategies, pushing her into a dangerous game of wits.

• Turning Point / PR TP 3: Priya’s father dies under mysterious circumstances, intensifying her personal vendetta and her resolve to unravel the truth.

Act 5:

• Climax / PR Dilemma: The operation reaches a fever pitch. The team confronts the Hawala network head-on, with high-stakes action and emotional confrontations. Priya is torn between choosing between clearing her father’s name and stopping the Hawala network.

• (AN Ending) Arjun’s obsession with capturing “The Cobra” leads to a confrontation that risks the entire mission and pushes him to the edge of his moral compass, his PTSD threatening to overcome him.

• (MV Ending) Meera’s digital romance is exposed as a manipulation by the Hawala network, a betrayal that forces her to use her hacking skills in a way she never intended, to save the team she’s grown to care for, despite the cost to her own freedom.

• (SP Ending) Sofia’s confronts the true cost of her deceptions. Left in limbo with her sister still missing.

• (MS Ending) Mandeep’s discoveries about the mole bring him closer to the truth, but at the cost of his relationship with Sofia, whose secrets may hold the key to the mole’s identity.

• (LC Ending) Lina makes a sacrifice to expose the Hawala network’s financial crimes, risking her life to atone for her past misdeeds.

• Turning Point (Cliffhanger): Victory is a mirage; the ledger they secure is but a clever ruse. Priya holds a forged ledger and now she cannot stop. RAW agents are on their tail, and the mastermind behind the ledger remains unknown.

[Nat Melvin]

Natalie’s Character Storylines

WIL: I needed more details for the AI to come up closer to my ideas.

Character: SOLA, Protagonist

Beginning: Races through the City of Refuge, pursued by an unseen force, while ancient Hawaiian figures cascade from the sky, disappearing into the ground.

Turning Point: Blames herself for causing chaos, and resorts to experimenting with forbidden magic to fix it, which allows her to eavesdrop on Uli’s conversation with Uncle Paul (Apollo in disguise), where she learns about her missing mother’s necklace.

Midpoint: Sola steals the necklace and unlocks hidden secrets, delving into a world of mystery and danger. She inadvertently triggers an ancient curse, awakening the dormant Gods and setting chaos in motion, attracting unwelcome the attention of both, Greek and Hawaiian Gods

Turning Point 2: Sola learns of her destiny to save the world from chaos, confronting her doubts and fears.

Major Conflict: Wields dual-world-affecting power stolen from Zeus, easily becoming a coveted prize for those seeking to tip the scales of divine power in their favor.

Dilemma: whether to accept her role as the peacekeeper and embrace her destiny or retreat from the dangerous path laid out before her

Ending: Sola confronts the assembly of Gods, determined to restore balance and save both mortal and divine realms.

My version of the structure

Teaser:

Beginning: A mesmerizing voice chants an ancient Hawaiian legend, setting the stage for a tale of destiny and peril.

Turning Point: Sola races through the City of Refuge, pursued by an unseen force, while ancient Hawaiian figures cascade from the sky, disappearing into the ground.

Act 1:

Beginning:

Sola’s curiosity leads her to experiment with forbidden magic, seeking answers about her past and her missing mother.

Uli meets with Paul to inform him about the prophecy involving Sola.

Midpoint:

With the help of forbidden magic, Sola learns about her mother’s necklace.

Turning Point: Hecate feels Sola’s presence and learns about the prophecy. She decides to use the situation to her advantage and schemes with Hera to overthrow Zeus.

Act 2:

Beginning:

Sola unlocks hidden secrets within her missing mother’s necklace, delving into a world of mystery and danger.

Uli enlists Kama to bring Sola to Hawaiki Island for protection against power seekers.

Ku overhears Uli discussing with Kama an ancient prophecy and Sola’s pivotal role as a peacekeeper.

Zeus discovers his lightning bolt missing and confronts Hera, accusing her of scheming against his reign.

Turning Point/Midpoint: Sola inadvertently triggers an ancient curse, awakening the dormant Gods and setting chaos in motion.

Hecate sows discord among the Greek Gods, and seeks to extract Zeus’ power from the thief of his Lighting Bolt.

Turning Point: Ku recruits Kama to lure Sola into the Land of the Dead.

Act 3:

Beginning:

News of the curse causes turmoil among the Gods, threatening the balance of power in the divine realms.

Ku gathers an assembly of the Elders, trying to sway them toward the war with the Greek Gods.

Sola learns of her destiny to save the world from chaos, confronting her doubts and fears.

Midpoint: Hecate learns about Sola’s power and enlists Anteros, cursed and banished, who seeks redemption against Zeus, to bring Sola, the thief, to Mt. Olympus.

Kama tries Ku’s magic on Sola, but fails, grappling with conflicting loyalties and uncertain alliances.

Turning Point: Sola meets Antony (Anteros in disguise) and immediately falls in love with him.

Act 4:

Beginning:

Sola faces a choice: embrace her destiny and risk the safety of her world or retreat and leave her fate to uncertainty.

She decides to learn to control her newly found power, practicing on Kama

Midpoint: Hecate tries to decide whether to risk exposure to her plans or retreat and lose her chance at power.

Zeus seeks to rally the Olympian Gods, while Hecate makes a clandestine deal with Iris in the Underworld.

Antony hints at his knowledge of Sola’s mother’s whereabouts, instigating Sola to use forbidden magic to get there.

Sola uses her new power and accidentally banishes Gods’ artifacts.

Turning Point: Sola realizes the magnitude of her mistake and her role and prepares to embark on a perilous quest to find the artifacts.

Act 5:

Beginning:

Sola confronts the assembly of the Hawaiian Gods, determined to restore balance and save both mortal and divine realms.

Midpoint: Ku, hungry for power, manipulates ancient prophecies to further his agenda.

Lock In: As the Gods’ artifacts vanish one by one, Sola, Kama, and Anteros, her new companions, prepare for a perilous quest, only to be swept into a mysterious portal to a mythical world, where the true extent of their challenges awaits.

ChatGPT’s <b style=”background-color: var(–bb-content-background-color); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color);”>Enhanced Pilot Structure:

Teaser:

Beginning: A mesmerizing voice chants an ancient Hawaiian legend, setting the stage for a tale of destiny and peril.

Turning Point: Sola races through the City of Refuge, pursued by an unseen force, while ancient Hawaiian figures cascade from the sky, disappearing into the ground.

Act 1:

Beginning: Sola, driven by curiosity, experiments with forbidden magic to uncover secrets about her past and her missing mother.

Midpoint: With the aid of forbidden magic, Sola discovers her mother’s necklace, setting her on a path of discovery and danger.

Turning Point: Hecate senses Sola’s growing power and sees an opportunity to manipulate the situation to her advantage, joining forces with Hera to overthrow Zeus.

Act 2:

Beginning: Sola delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her mother’s necklace, unlocking hidden secrets and attracting the attention of powerful allies and enemies.

Midpoint: Sola inadvertently triggers an ancient curse, awakening dormant Gods and throwing the divine realms into chaos.

Turning Point: Ku, driven by ambition, enlists Kama to lure Sola into a trap, setting the stage for betrayal and conflict.

Act 3:

Beginning: News of the curse spreads among the Gods, sparking turmoil and uncertainty in the divine realms.

Midpoint: Hecate, recognizing Sola’s potential threat, enlists Anteros, a banished God seeking redemption, to capture Sola and bring her to Mt. Olympus.

Turning Point: Sola’s encounter with Antony (Anteros in disguise) sparks a forbidden romance, complicating her alliances and motivations.

Act 4:

Beginning: Sola faces a pivotal choice: embrace her destiny and risk everything or retreat into obscurity and safety.

Midpoint: As Sola struggles with her newfound power, Hecate and Zeus maneuver behind the scenes, each with their own agendas.

Turning Point: Sola’s use of forbidden magic inadvertently banishes the Gods’ artifacts, setting off a chain of events with dire consequences.

Act 5:

Beginning: Sola confronts the assembly of Hawaiian Gods, determined to restore balance and save both mortal and divine realms.

Midpoint: Ku, hungry for power, manipulates ancient prophecies to further his own ambitions, setting the stage for a clash of titans.

Lock In: With the artifacts disappearing, Sola, Kama, and Anteros embark on a perilous quest, only to be swept into a mysterious portal to a mythical world, where their true challenges await.

[Barbe LaPierre]

Barbe’s Character Story Lines

What I learned doing this assignment is these multi-part assignments take WAY TOO LONG to do and just add to the confusion. It’s easier to just stick to a clear streamlined process for creating a Pilot and then use AI as necessary. Trying to shoehorn our content into a made-up structure is a timewaster.

Noren Amsala’s Story Line Structure

• Beginning: Noren and Nika banter as they race against each other in the latest prototypes of the ODYSSEY FLYER

• Turning Point: As they are talking, Elysia receives word and must break it to Noren that his mining facility on Lumor has been attacked shattering the couple’s plans for a peaceful visit.

• Midpoint: Noren narrowly avoids an assassination attempt as he arrives at the mining facility to confront the perpetrators.

• Turning Point 2: Gam contacts Noren about the catastrophic cave-in. Noren marshals his forces to fly to Nika’s aid.

• Major Conflict: A gathering aboard Destiny celebrates the successful rescue, but tensions rise as Elysia warns Noren of the looming threat posed by Vosskara Sylth, head of the Interplanetary Syndicate

• Ending: Noren is determined to repay A’Lyx for his aid. A’Lyx requests passage to Cryos,

• Dilemma: Cryos is Noren’s long-abandoned home planet, setting the stage for a tense confrontation.

Nika Krilan’s Story Line Structure

• Beginning: Noren and Nika banter as they race against each other in the latest prototypes of the ODYSSEY FLYER

• Turning Point: As they are talking, Elysia receives word and must break it to Noren that his mining facility on Lumor has been attacked shattering the couple’s plans for a peaceful visit.

• Midpoint: Nika, exploring the ruins with her colleagues, is caught in a cave-in. Lumorian locals aid in the rescue effort. Among them is a mysterious stranger.

• Turning Point 2: The mysterious stranger covertly uses his powers to discover a hidden passage, saving Nika and her colleagues.

• Major Conflict: Although adamant about not tampering with ancient sites, the artifact that Nika finds forces her to betray her own code of ethics. She steals the artifact. Nika believes she has found an ancient star map which reveals a prophecy – in which Noren plays a part.

• Ending: Nika discovers that the fragment has a mysterious inscription that hints at Cryos’s significance – an ancient star map which reveals a prophecy – in which Noren plays a part.

Chat’s version

Noren Amsala:

Beginning: Noren is introduced aboard his sleek spaceship, The Destiny, where he’s enjoying a peaceful moment with his wife, Nika. Their banter reflects a deep bond and mutual respect. Noren is focused on his plans to visit Lumor and consult on the mining operations there.

Midpoint: Noren receives the devastating news that his mining facility on Lumor has been attacked, shattering his plans for a peaceful visit. This revelation throws him into a state of urgency and determination to protect his interests.

Dilemma: Noren faces a difficult choice when A’Lyx requests a ride to Cryos, Noren’s home planet where he was betrayed and imprisoned years ago. Despite his reservations, Noren agrees, putting himself in a vulnerable position that dredges up painful memories.

Ending: Noren’s life has changed as he reluctantly agrees to take A’Lyx to Cryos, a decision that forces him to confront his past and potentially unravel the carefully guarded secret of his wrongful imprisonment.

Improvement: Introduce subtle hints throughout the episode that foreshadow Noren’s hidden past on Cryos, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation around his character arc.

Nika Krilan:

Beginning: Nika is introduced as a strong and independent archaeologist, excited about the prospect of exploring the ruins on Lumor with her colleagues. Her telepathic abilities add a layer of intrigue to her character.

Midpoint: Caught in a cave-in while exploring the ruins, Nika must use her telepathic powers to communicate with her telepathic cat, Jez, aboard The Destiny. This twist adds a sense of danger and urgency to her storyline.

Dilemma: Nika faces a moral dilemma when she discovers an artifact in the ruins that goes against her ethical principles. Despite her reservations, she chooses to steal the artifact, setting off a chain of events with unforeseen consequences.

Ending: Nika’s life has changed as she realizes the implications of the artifact she stole, which leads her to uncover a potential connection to Cryos, Noren’s home planet. This discovery sets the stage for future revelations and conflicts.

Improvement: Explore Nika’s telepathic abilities in more depth, delving into the origins and limitations of her powers to add complexity to her character.

[Deanne]

I submitted detailed character story lines for the protagonist and antagonist to ScreenplayFeedback.ai (the script component section for protagonist/antagonist) and received in-depth analysis on what works well and how the story lines can be improved. This will be valuable for creating a beat sheet.

[Renee Miller]

Renee’s Character Story Lines

What I learned doing this assignment is how important it is to go through this step. I realized that the character turning points and act turning points were not as strong as I would have liked so I was able to spend some time brainstorming to try and come up with better turning points for the characters. While they aren’t perfect yet, they are getting closer.

Teaser:

Scene Setup: On a stormy night, inside an ancient mansion, hooded figures conduct a terrifying ritual around a stone altar. A teenage Veronica lies on the altar, the tension palpable. As a hood is draped over her head, the screen cuts to black, setting a haunting tone. (Make sure that symbols are shown in different ways in this scene)

Act 1: Introduction to the World and Characters

(Veronica Opening) Veronica is arrested for breaking and entering a corporate office where she finds mysterious symbols in the CEO’s logbook.

(Father Malachi Opening) Father Malachi bails Veronica out, hinting at his complex relationship with her and his own troubled past, intertwined with the cult and its dark influence.

Turning Point: Studying the symbols she found in the logbook triggers a memory of Veronica being kidnapped by the cult.

Act 2: Conflict Introduction Leading to Midpoint

Essence: Veronica seeks out Dr. Stone’s expertise about the mysterious symbols she found.

(Dr. Isabella Stone Opening) Dr. Stone, an archaeologist with a keen interest in cults is introduced at a prestigious archaeological conference, her groundbreaking presentation on cultic symbols and their power is publicly discredited by a rival, casting doubt on her research and integrity. (Make sure to show a couple of symbols from the teaser)

(Veronica TP 1) Veronica finds the same cryptic symbols on her mother’s grave and she seeks out Dr. Stone’s help.

(Stone’s TP 1) Veronica shows up with the cryptic symbols and asks for her help.

(Father M’s TP 1) He finds evidence that the church has historical connections to the cult, triggering a crisis of faith.

Turning Point: Dr. Stone refuses to help Veronica because she doesn’t want to risk further damage to her reputation.

Act 3: Uncertainty and Deepening of Character Layers

Essence: Veronica and Dr. Stone team up to investigate the cult.

(Stone’s Midpoint) She is swayed by Veronica’s evidence that supports her discredited theories and agrees to help Veronica.

(Veronica’s Midpoint) She learns of her lineage’s deep ties to the cult, complicating her mission.

(Father Malachi’s Midpoint) He brings supplies to a group of lost followers of the cult.

Turning Point: Veronica and Dr. Stone uncover part of an ancient prophecy.

Act 4: Major Complications and Efforts to Resolve Uncertainty

(Veronica TP 2) Veronica discovers the underground network of escaped cult members that could help in her journey to uncover the truth.

(Dr. Stone TP 2) Dr. Stone discovers a reference to powerful relics within the cult that could.

Turning Point: the lost followers give Veronica a map of ancient sites crucial to the cult’s rituals.

Act 5: Locking Characters into the Journey

(Father Malachi Ending) It is revealed that Father Malachi is in possession of stolen relics revealing his deeper involvement in the cult and the tempting power the relics hold over him.

(Veronica Ending) Finds a picture of her mother standing alongside members of the cult as they perform a ritual.

(Dr. Stone’s Ending) She receives an important artifact about the cult from a mysterious benefactor.

Lock In/Turning Point: Samuel, posing as a lost follower, is thrown onto Father Malachi’s porch, bloodied and beaten with a message to Veronica from the cult.

[Denice Lewis]

Denice’s Character Story Lines

What I learned from creating the 5-Act structure is like doing a puzzle to fit all the pieces in the right places. I found it harder to organize using two worlds. The answers AI provided added many different ideas that spread across the season, but I incorporated a few that would work in the pilot.

Teaser:

Turning Point: An unexpected white flash on her wrist protects her from an assailant.

Act 1:

Essence: Maya is a reckless and privileged teen completely dependent on her father’s love and approval since she’s never had a mother.

(B, S Opening) B gives S a letter for Maya in case something happens to him. They argue about him saving his wife. Especially when his father, was murdered doing the same work.

(M Opening) Maya returns from fighting class, overhears “murder.” Gets lies, instead of answers which increases her emotional insecurity.

(M, B Turning Point 1) Blake betrays Maya’s trust by breaking his promise to take him with her to work. She says hurtful things and leaves for school.

Act 2:

Essence: Maya steals from her father and lies to learn fight-dancing instead of ballet. Dream world visions of fighting next to a young man interfere with her lesson.

Essence: Maya wants to be suspended from school so she can go with her dad.

(M Turning Point 1) Maya and friends play a prank. She plans on getting caught.

(M Major Conflict) Suspended from school.

(M Midpoint) M sees B kidnapped by a monster and disappear in flames.

(S Midpoint) Sophia comes in the room as he vanishes.

(M, S Turning Point 2), Sophia gives Maya her father’s letter giving her power of attorney over Maya and his estate.

(L Opening) Lysandra, the Dark Dreamer from the dream realm, has fun creating a nightmare. Monster brings Blake to her.

(S Turning Point 2) Sophia gives Maya fifteen minutes to pack. (M, S Major Conflict) Maya rebels. Sophia demands obedience. (M, S Ending) Maya gets into car. Sophia blows up the house.

Act 3:

Essence: Maya leaves the security of everything she knows.

(M, S Turning Point 1) S drives for hours to her home, won’t answer Maya’s questions.

(B, L Turning Point 1) B won’t answer L’s questions. She doesn’t know why she’s attracted to Blake and starts having fleeting memories that confuse and anger her.

(B Dilemma) He can’t risk telling Lysandra that she is his wife. (B, L Turning Point 2) Lysandra imprisons Blake, takes three tries.

(M Dilemma) Does she run away? How can she find her dad alone, even if she knew where he was?

(S Dilemma) Does she tell Maya the truth or protect her from it?
(M, S Major Conflict) Sophia locks Maya in her room.
(M, S Ending) S lays down the rules, public school, new name, low profile

Act 4

Essence: Even more insecure, Maya enters public school under a false name.

(M Turning Point 1) Maya makes enemies in school.

(B Dilemma) How can he protect Maya, the dream realm, Lysandra, and reality while being imprisoned?

(S Major Conflict) Her cold exterior cracks, showing her invulnerability and fear for her family.

(B, L Major Conflict) Resisting Lysandra and her charming manipulation when he loves her interferes with the stability and growing darkness that threatens both realms.

(M Major Conflict) She’s being bullied while having visions that blur reality. (B, L Major Conflict) Blake refuses to tell L where his power comes from.

(M Turning point) Emotional buildup from everything that’s happened to her, Maya fights with bullies.

Act 5:

Essence: Maya searches for the truth.

(M Turning Point 1) She wins the fight.

(M Major Conflict) She gets suspended from school.

(M, S Major Conflict) Sophia has to go out, orders M to stay home with dire warnings of her fate if she’s on the street and homeless.

(M, Turning Point 2) Maya explores basement and discovers evidence about her dad, grandfather, and the dream world.

(B, L Major Conflict) Blake has to fight nightmares.

(M, Lock-in, Ending) M’s hidden birthmark of the swan constellation opens a portal into the dream world. She enters, is grabbed by the young man she envisioned, torn away in an electric storm.

[Arthur Blum]

It helped making the character arcs for the pilot. I came up with lots of ideas.

Ryan: AKA Star Rover.

Beginning: Where does the character start in this episode?

Ryan’s sixteen, riding his bike to school. While riding, he has flashes of his life as a prisoner of Hermes and his escape from there.

Turning Point: A twist that causes everything to change.

Ryan meets Indigo, 16, classmate. She touches him and he psychically figures out that she’s looking for the mother who abandoned her. He tells her, “She doesn’t want to see you.” This cryptic response triggers Indigo’s interest in him. She has the sixth sense, too. Now she finally meets someone else like her.

Midpoint: A twist that causes everything to change.

Ryan helps kids with math. Then, during art class all the students that he helped discover they’re drawing the same things, alien civilizations. What’s causing this? They become suspicious of Ryan.

Turning Point 2: Ryan begins to see flashes of kids he once knew at Hermes, the secret agency where he was kept as a kid. They warn him that Hermes is looking for him.

Major Conflict: If Ryan runs, Hermes will discover his old friends warned him and will punish them severely. If he stays, he puts himself at risk.

Ending: The kids in his high school trap Ryan. They demand to know what’s going on. They’re all drawing the same things, having the same dreams and their behavior is changing. Ryan decides to confess. He blows his cover and tells them he’s Star Rover and proves he’s a psychic. Instead of freaking out, they become allies. They decide to keep his secret and not turn him in.

Seth:

Beginning: Where does the character start in this episode? He just got a cancer diagnosis and he’s retiring from his job as an agent of Hermes.

Turning Point: A twist that causes everything to change. Seth learns that even though he’s threatened to expose Hermes if they try to recapture Ryan, things have changed. They’ve made contact with aliens and they need Ryan as he’s the only known human in the world who can channel alien spirits into human bodies. Everything’s off the table and Hermes will risk exposure to gain alien technology.

Midpoint: A twist that causes everything to change. While doing a crossword puzzle, Seth feels something is telling him, through the answers he’s getting, that he has to stop Hermes from recapturing Ryan. That’s his ticket to redemption.

Dilemma: Seth has a chance of surviving if he gets chemo. Or he could skip it to try to save Ryan. He decides to save Ryan, even if it means he’ll surely die.

Major Conflict: A Hermes agent followed him and discovers Seth is arming himself to shut down Hermes. He won’t allow it.

Ending: Seth kills the agent and takes off to find Ryan before Hermes does.

Indigo

Beginning: Where does the character start in this episode? She sees new kid Ryan walking in a crowd. For some reason, he stops, turns around and they connect eyes. She turns away, embarrassed.

Turning Point: A twist that causes everything to change. She touches Ryan and immediately, he knows, she’s looking for the mother that abandoned her. In another scene she informs Ryan that she feels he’s running from someone. She has the gift, also.

Midpoint: A twist that causes everything to change. In a poignant moment, Indigo and Ryan touch, triggering a profound psychic exchange. Indigo witnesses the traumatic murder of Ryan’s parents by Hermes agents when he was just 7 years old, leading to his abduction. Simultaneously, Ryan glimpses Indigo’s heartbreaking past, witnessing her mother abandoning her at a fire station. The shared experience deepens their connection, creating a bond forged through shared pain and vulnerability.

Turning Point 2: Ryan won’t run because he’s afraid that Hermes will figure out the kids from Hermes warned him. So the kids from Hermes psychically reach out to Indigo to persuade her to persuade Ryan to run. She goes above Ryan’s head and tells Maria, Ryan’s guardian, that Hermes is looking for them.

Major Conflict: This introduces a moral dilemma for Indigo, caught between her loyalty to Ryan and the plea from the tormented kids of Hermes. The interaction emphasizes the ethical considerations surrounding Ryan’s decision to stay. It also sets the stage for Indigo’s internal conflict, as she grapples with the weight of responsibility and the potential consequences of her choices.

Ending: Seth decides for them. He tells Maria he wants them to stay. He’s going to gather forces and capture the agents and expose the organization.

[Bob Creager]

Bob’s Character Story Lines

What I learned: Completing the character story lines and then merging them into the 5-act structure leads to a more complete outline.

Rogue Warrior

Teaser: Classified Document Leak

<ul type=”disc”>

[Margaret]

Margaret’s Character Story Lines

What I learned: I didn’t have a storyline except for two of my characters. The other’s were flat.

Logline: During an earthquake, a man enters a parallel world where he sees visions of the historic Masada siege and becomes the religious leader he despises.

Title: Echoes of Masada Pilot

Teaser

Essence: Jack is on Masada discovering history, railing against the group suicide that occurred there.

Turning Point: An earthquake. Jack falls into a crevasse, disappears from sight.

Act 1:

Essence: Jack proposes to his girlfriend of 5 years but his lack of ambition, his passion for history, and his father’s misdeeds as a fraudulent tele-evangelist upsets her.

Jack’s Beginning: Jack, disheartened by his stagnant life, proposes to his girlfriend, only to face rejection due to his lack of ambition and his father’s tainted legacy.

Turning Point: Rejected and emotionally shattered, Jack contemplates suicide as his relationship crumbles and his father’s deceit haunts him. He considers the Masada event may not have been such a bad choice.

Act 2:

Essence: Despite his moral compass, Jack entangles himself in his fraudulent tele-evangelist schemes for taking money from the church and acquiesces to aiding an abusive husband who wants to buy a snake to frighten and control his wife.

Jack’s Dilemma: Pressured by his father, Jack reluctantly becomes complicit in deceit torn between family loyalty and integrity. He agrees to be onstage to keep peace with his father, but says he won’t speak and go down the same dark path as his father.

Jack’s Dilemma: Threatened by job loss, Jack packs up a snake for an abusive man, torn between job survival and his concern for others.

Jack’s Turning Point: Admidst the chaos of a sudden earthquake, Jack stumbles into a mysterious portal, hurtling him into an unfamiliar parallel world.

Act 3:

Essence: When Jack is rescued by a spiritual leader of the Donek, he has a vision of Romans killing Jews, with Masada in the background. Alo introduces Jack to Imara, a Hedeon refugee living with Alo, who he has chemistry with. Jack discovers Imara meeting secretly with a Hedeon warrior and sees a mysterious orb of light, says nothing.

Alo’s Beginning: When Alo, the spiritual leader of the Donek tribe, discovers Jack and rescues him. He realizes he is an Earthling like himself and provides him a cover story so he doesn’t need to reveal his own origin. He harbors doubts about Jack’s visions.

Imara’s Beginning: Imara, a refugee from the Hedeon tribe living with Alo, hides that she is Armann’s wife and the sister of Taron. She navigates a web of loyalty and deceit, torn between her past and an uncertain future.

Imara’s Dilemma: Caught between suspicion and attraction, Imara struggles to trust Jack. She hides her attraction to him with anger at Alo for allowing a stranger with an unknown origin into the tribe.

Taron’s Beginning: Introduced as a spy for the Donek, Taron is torn between loyalty to his tribe and his allegiance to his sister Imara. He meets with her to keep her informed of her son.

Alo’s Dilemma: Should he promote Jack and his visions or would that lead to his own loss of power?

Imara’s Midpoint: She secretly meets with Taron to learn the fate of her son, Grigo.

Alo’s Turning Point: Alo accepts that Jack is having visions and realizes he must act on them. He pressures Jack into becoming a prophet figure for the people.

Jack’s Midpoint: Jack flees from Alo’s pressure to be a Donek prophet, not trusting himself to become like his father. He searches for the portal, and unable to find a way back to Earth, reluctantly turns back Alo when he has the vision again of Roman’s attacking.

Armann’s Beginning: Armann, a formidable leader of the Donek tribe with hidden vulnerabilities, is haunted by his past (Alo was once his mentor) and conflicted by his feelings for his wife Imara and duty to his tribe.

Turning Point: Jack has a vision of Romans attacking.

Act 4:

Essence: As alliances shift and betrayals loom, Jack’s visions lead to a collision course with destiny, testing loyalties and unraveling hidden agendas.

Armann’s Midpoint: The Hedeon leader, Armann, agrees to meet with Arkuji, an extremist bent on vengeance, to consider a plan to gain dominance over the Donek.

Imara’s Turning Point: Imara listens to Jack’s telling of his vision, hears his passion and worry for the people and decides to trust him. She pushes him to meet with the Donek leaders.

Jack’s Major Conflict: Jack agrees to talk with the Donek leaders but they distrust him. Jack goes to the Donek people, warns them but it is too late, the Hedeon attack.

Taron’s Midpoint: Confronted by Armann with his loyalty if they were to attack the Donek, Taron faces a difficult choice, since Imara, his sister is living with the Donek. We don’t know the relationship but see that the attack is displeasing to Taron, even though he swears his loyalty.

Armann’s Dilemma: Should he attack the Donek knowing Imara may be hurt and it may deepen between him and her?

Armann’s Ending: Challenged by Arkuji, Arman orders the attack on the Donek.

Taron’s dilemma: The emotional toll of conflicting loyalties. Should he share his knowledge of the imminent attack with Alo in the hopes of protecting his sister, Imara? How much information should he give him?

Taron’s Turning point: Taron meets with Alo, tells him to prepare his tribe for a possible attack. Asks him to especially protect Imara, make sure she isn’t in town on the day of the attack since Arkuji, a Hedeon warrior, will be seeking to kill her.

Jack’s Dilemma: Jack sees Alo meeting with Taron. Caught between truth and silence, Jack faces the moral quandary of confronting Alo’s clandestine meeting with Taron or maintaining the fragile peace.

Alo’s Midpoint: The revelation of Alo’s clandestine alliance with a Hedeon spy complicates his character, blurring the lines between loyalty and betrayal.

Alo’s Dilemma/Major Conflict: Alo attempts to keep Imara from going out, believing Jack’s vision and knowing the Hedeon will attack. He isn’t sure to disclose Taron’s information, not knowing that Imara has met with Taron and that she is his brother. Not having all the facts about a specific day, Imara refuses to submit, argues with Alo and storms off to find Jack.

Imara’s Dilemma: Her growing attraction to Jake after he rescues her from Arkuji faces her with a difficult choice between loyalty to Alo and the Donek and Jack and her desire for redemption with the Hedeon and continued love for Armann.

Taron’s Major Conflict: Taron attacks the Donek, even as he sees the distress it causes Imara when she sees his actions.

Turning Point/Jack’s Turning Point 2: Jack heads towards the light Orb to investigate and discovers Imara being attacked by the murderous Arkuji, and risks his life to rescue her.

Act 5:

Essence: Jack realizes the connection between Earth’s events at Masada and this world. He asks about a mountain not far from the city, learns it is called the Mesa, a place used previously as a refuge, similar to Masada.

Alo’s turning point 2: Alo brings Jack before the Donek leaders, asking them to proclaim him a prophet.

Imara’s Dilemma: Her growing attraction to Jake after he rescues her from Arkuji faces her with a difficult choice between loyalty to the Donek and Jack and her desire for redemption with the Donek and continued love for Armann.

Alo’s Ending: Alo bestows on Jack the mantle of a prophet, realizing he sees true visions.

Taron’s Endpoint: Taron meets with Imara, urges her to return to the Donek.

Imara’s Ending: Should she show allegiance to Jack as the Donek prophet or will it deepen their fragile relationship if Jack reads more into it? Should she return to the Donek?

Jack’s Ending: He finds purpose in aligning history with saving the Donek. He reluctantly accepts his role as prophet.

LOCK IN: As Jack is proclaimed a prophet among the Donek, he once again has the vision of the leader at Masada telling the people they must commit suicide.

Top of Form

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Character Story Lines

What I learned doing this assignment is to keep moving on and not get bogged down.

Enhanced 5 Act Structure after adding Character Story Lines for Jess, Lilah, Gabriel, and Caroline:

Teaser:

<ul type=”disc”>

[Jeff Chase]

Jeffery Alan Chase’s Story Lines

What I learned doing this assignment is how much deeper my story becomes when I develop each character’s story line independent of the other characters and then fold all the story lines into my enhanced outline. This is most definitely a work in progress.

Enhanced 5 Act structure for THE BACKPACK.

Logline: When he finds a battered backpack, a homeless veteran’s life takes a spiritual turn as the supernatural contents of it alter both his destiny and the lives of people in crisis he encounters.

(NA) stands for Noah Adams

(KK) stands for Keith Kane

(AK) stands for Abel Kane

(JJ) stands for James John

(CS) stands for Catherine Schaffer

(GM) stands for Gino Morelli

(MA) stands for Mary Adams

(FZ) stands for Father Zeke

Teaser:

Essence: Noah on Humvee patrol in Afghanistan, jokes with best friend Corporal ABEL KANE, they come under fire, Noah returns fire and kills sniper, sarcastically praises Jesus for saving him, an evil change comes over Abel, he pulls his pistol, aims it at Noah but jerks the steering wheel, Noah’s machine gun accidentally blasts an apartment killing innocent civilians just as…

Lock in: The Humvee rolls over an IED and blows up, Abel and 4 other GI’s dead, Noah seriously injured, barely alive, bad cut on forehead.

Act 1:

Essence: Introduction to the World and the characters.

(NA Beginning) Close up of healed cut on forehead on…Noah, now back in the U.S., bearded and homeless, seeks shelter in an abandoned warehouse, discovers a battered backpack containing a small cross with “God loves you” on it and several other worthless items. He tries to sell the backpack on the street for a few bucks, but no one is buying it.

As Noah is about to toss the backpack into a dumpster, he sees a homeless woman trying to commit suicide on the freeway. He pulls her to safety, gives her the cross from the backpack and words of encouragement. She glows with the happiness of a born-again Christian.

Act 2:

Essence: Conflict introduction that leads to midpoint. Noah is confused, desperate to understand what is happening.

(KK Beginning) Respected US Army Major CID, twin brother of the late ABEL KANE, at work.

(JJ Beginning) Long haul trucker doing his job, picks up Noah on the side of the road. James says he’s seen the backpack before.

(NA TP1) Noah is shocked to see that new items have mysteriously shown up in the backpack. He pulls out a page torn from a Gideon bible.

(JJ TP 1) The bible page has words on it that helped to forever change James’s life. James is certain that Noah has been chosen by God to spread the gospel to those who need to hear it.

(KK TP1) Has an evil look on his face as he resigns his commission to “bring Noah to justice”.

(CS Beginning) Excited she may have found a clue about her heritage back to the time of Christ.

Act 3:

Essence: Uncertainty and deepening of character layers. Noah rejects his mission from God.

(NA Midpoint) Noah throws the backpack from an overpass, but it ricochets back at him off a freight train engine and knocks him silly in the middle of the road.

(CS TP1) Driving her car, she nearly hits Noah who is lying in the middle of the road.

(KK Midpoint) Keith, now controlled by demon that possessed Abel, is ordered to kill Noah.

(JJ Major Conflict) Living a Christian life as he battles addiction and memories of family trauma.

(CS Midpoint) Must use her medical skills to save Noah from diabetic shock.

Act 4:

Essence: Major complications and efforts to resolve uncertainty.

(NA TP2) He wants to pay Catherine for the ride, reaches into the backpack, laughs at himself because he knows there’s no money in it – but pulls out a small piece of ancient pottery.

(CS TP2) She sees that it is a piece of a clay lamp from the time of Christ and suddenly realizes that Noah may be prophesized messenger in her family’s history.

(KK Major conflict) Keith battles doing what is right versus what the demon wants him to do.

(JJ Dilemma) How can he help Noah if it will also rip open painful memories of the past?

(CS Dilemma) Catherine loses her nurse’s license if she continues to provide Noah with insulin.

Act 5:

Essence: Characters are now locked into their journey.

(CS ending) drops off Noah at a homeless shelter, gives him money, wants to stay in touch.

(FZ Beginning) offers Noah a meal and bed for the night and mentions that a guy was just here looking for Noah, Zeke points to him as he walks away from the shelter – it is Keith Kane.

(NA Ending) Noah reacts like he’s seen a ghost. Quick flashback of his best friend, ABEL, who was killed in Afghanistan. How can Abel still be alive?

(NA Major Conflict) Noah must now stay one step ahead of Kane, who wants to kill Noah.

(NA Dilemma) How does a hunted man who helps others find salvation, find it himself before he is executed?

[Kimbal Thompson]

Kimbal Thompson BWTV-AI Mod 3 – Lesson 4: Character Story Lines ASSIGNMENT
What I learned doing this assignment is how to enrich the character development in the
ensuing story development and how confused it may become in AI.
1. Start with a main character and your source material: BW Framework and TV Pitch
Bible.
2. Create a beginning, middle, and end of the character’s story for the pilot.
Architect Kai:
Beginning: Architect making presentation for a significant project, on arrival at his home
that evening, a neighborhood jogger (Slate, a DEA agent) thinks Kai to be a drug dealer.
Midpoint: Kai is successful in winning the project, specifies an Indian stone for the
project and meets stone merchant Bo, who invites him to India to oversee stone quality.
End: Kai decides to accept the invitation to India.
3. Add the rest of the structure to the characters for the Pilot.
 Beginning:
 Turning Point:
 Midpoint:
 Turning Point 2: Kai receives a call from a wealthy art collector asking information
regarding a known work of art stolen from an Asian museum.
 Major Conflict: Despite his new architectural client’s concern regarding the trip to
India, should he take this trip as a reason to find out more about the stolen art.
 Ending:
 (Dilemma) Unknown to Kai, the DEA agent has received permission to tail him to
tail him on his trip to India. (Dilemma is optional.)
4. Return to another main character and repeat the process.
Stone Merchant Bo Bosely:
 Beginning: Architect Kai contacts him to see Indian stone samples for a new project.

Midpoint: Bo’s company financial backers ask Bo to invite Kai to India to oversee
quality control of the stone.
 Turning Point 2: Kai is uncertain about accepting Bo’s invitation.
 Major Conflict: Bo needs to entice Kai to go to India.
 Ending: Kai accepts Bo’s invitation, and they are off to India.
 (Dilemma) Unknown to Bo, his financial backers are, in fact, drug smugglers using
his company to smuggle in drugs.
DEA agent Slate Johnson:
 Beginning: Slate is a minor DEA agent that while jogging one evening, met a well-heeled young architect. suspected him instead of being a drug dealer.
 Turning Point: He suspects Kai, him instead of being a drug dealer.
 Midpoint: Slate ask DEA permission to tail Kai and is turned down.
 Turning Point 2: The DEA in D.C. is contacted by the White House and asked to
cover for a secret arms deal.
 Major Conflict: They have no one to perform such and recruit Slate.
 Ending: Slate receives permission to tail Kai to India.
 (Dilemma) Unknown to Slate, the DEA agent has received permission to tail Kai to
India only as cover for Slates participation in a covert arms deal. 5. Create the first
version of your outline by adding the character story lines to the structure from
Lesson 3. (OZARK Example Below)
6. Go to AI and use Prompt 1 to create another version of the structure for your
Character Story Lines.
Kimbal Thompson BWAI M3 LA4
I’m going to give you my [Format/Genre] TV Series [5 Act Structure] and
[character profiles] for [Pilot Logline]. Please create a [Character Story Line] for
each character that will fit into the 5 Act Structure. Character Story Line =
Beginning: Where does the character start in this episode? Midpoint: A twist
that causes everything to change. Dilemma: A difficult choice the character
must make where they lose something whichever decision they make. Ending:
Something about their life has changed. Improvement: How can we make this
character’s story more interesting, intriguing, or mysterious? Format/Genre =
Format/Genre = Bing- worth TV drama Pilot Logline = Requirements = Bo’s
backers have asked Bo to invite Kai to India to oversee the quality of the
stone. Bo is not aware that his stone import backers are really drug smugglers.

ChatGPT
Character Story Lines:
Kai Kendall (Architect):
 Beginning: Kai returns home after a successful presentation, unaware
that his rivals are envious. The jogger incident leaves him puzzled but he
dismisses it.
 Midpoint: Kai is surprised to learn he got the project. Excited, he
decides to use Indian slate and contacts Bo Bosley for quality control.
Slate gets authorization to tail Kai, thinking he’s involved in drugs.
 Dilemma: Kai receives a call about a missing painting from a wealthy
collector. Despite the India trip invitation, he decides to take on the art
investigation, sensing something is amiss.
 Ending: Kai informs Bo about the trip, unaware of Slate tailing him.
Their friendship starts forming as they meet several times to discuss the
project.
 Improvement: Introduce a personal connection to the missing painting,
perhaps tied to Kai’s past, making it more emotionally gripping. This
could add depth to Kai’s character and motivation.
Bo Bosley (Stone Merchant):
 Beginning: Bo, a nervous stuttering giant, is approached by Kai for
Indian slate. He is anxious but agrees to supply. His stone import
backers, unknown to him, are drug smugglers.
 Midpoint: Bo invites Kai to India for quality control, unaware of the
dangerous game involved. Slate, the DEA agent, is getting ready to tail
them.
 Dilemma: Bo, unknowingly involved in a criminal scheme, grapples with nervousness and guilt. When he offers Kai drugs, Kai refuses, a moment
that starts to build trust.
 Ending: Bo’s stone business takes an unexpected turn due to the secret
arms consignment, and he starts feeling the repercussions of being
entangled in criminal activities.
 Improvement: Add a personal reason for Bo’s stuttering or an event
from his past that connects to the criminal activities, making his
character more complex and sympathetic.
Slate Smith (DEA Agent):
 Beginning: Slate, mistakenly thinking Kai is a drug dealer, seeks
permission to tail him. His request is denied, leaving him frustrated.
 Midpoint: Slate’s request is unexpectedly reversed by the DEA, who
plan to use him as a patsy for an illegal arms deal. He is oblivious to this
and starts tailing Kai.
 Dilemma: Slate, now unwittingly part of a dangerous operation,
struggles with the moral implications. As he disguises himself at the
airport, he’s unaware of the impending danger.
 Ending: Slate, now tailing Kai, realizes the stakes are much higher than
he thought, setting the stage for a complex cat-and-mouse game.
 Improvement: Give Slate a personal reason to be involved in law
enforcement, like a past failure or loss that drives him. This will add This will add
depth and motivation to his character.

ChatGPT
Enhanced 5 Act Structure:
Act 1: Envious Shadows
 Essence: Kai returns home after a successful presentation, unaware of
the envy surrounding him among rival architects. The mysterious jogger
(Slate) hints at danger.
 Turning Point: Kai, excited to learn he got the project, decides on
Indian slate. Bo Bosley, a nervous stone merchant, agrees, unknowingly
involving himself in drug smuggling.
Act 2: Unseen Threads Unravel
 Essence: Bo invites Kai to India for quality control. Kai, caught in an art
mystery, decides to take on the investigation, intertwining his fate with a
dangerous web.
 Turning Point/Midpoint: Slate, frustrated by his denied request, gets
authorization to tail Kai. Bo, under pressure from unseen backers, starts
feeling the weight of his choices.
Act 3: A Tapestry of Secrets
 Essence: Kai, now involved in the art investigation, meets Bo several
times, starting to trust him. Slate, tailing them, is unaware of the secret
arms consignment.
 Turning Point: Bo, nervous and guilt-ridden, offers Kai drugs, a
moment of tension and choice. Kai rejects, setting a foundation for their
complex relationship.
Act 4: The Weaving Unravels
 Essence: Slate, initially turned down for cause, gets the reversed
authorization. Tensions rise as the characters’ paths cross, and the DEA
is approached for assistance in the arms consignment.

Turning Point: Bo’s stone business takes an unexpected turn due to the
secret arms consignment. Kai and Bo’s friendship deepens, leading to a
joint venture that intertwines their fates further.
Act 5: Threads Converge at the Crossroads
 Essence: In D.C., a confidential project is launched, setting the stage for
a complex cat-and-mouse game. Unaware, Slate sits in disguise,
sweating at the airport, waiting for Kai.
 Lock In/Cliffhanger: As Kai and Bo board the plane to India, Slate
realizes the stakes are higher than he thought. The convergence of their
fates leaves the audience in suspense, eager for the next episode to
unravel the intricate threads of deception, friendship, and danger.

[Joan Macbeth]

Joan Macbeth’s Character Story Lines

What I learned doing this assignment is … this is really helping me with structuring my pilot episode – don’t think I’ve been covering enough of the story when I’ve been outlining, and giving each principal character concrete story beats is really helpful.

2 Main Characters:

REED DOUGHERTY, A Pinkerton Detective

• Beginning: Reed shows up at May’s engagement ball with Andy Andrews, a ne’er-do-well.
• Turning Point: May gets Reed thrown out.
• Midpoint: Reed swindles the swindlers, trying to expose May as a fraud and break up her engagement to Dale. Dale’s father is in on it; Dale in denial. Reed thinks he’s caught May…
• Turning Point 2: But May gets away!
• Major Conflict: Law-and-order Reed wants to catch swindler May in the act of a crime that Reed helped to set up as a sting.
• Ending: After a chase, Reed narrowly misses capturing the fugitive May.
• (Dilemma is optional.) There’s something about May that Reed finds attractive….

MAY DUGAS, a debutante con-girl

• Beginning: A fancy ball to announce May’s engagement to Dale Andrews, son of a Chicago banker.
• Turning Point: Dale offers May a diamond ring – May uses the moment to get 2 shady characters kicked out of the ball, and finds out Andy Andrews is Dale’s uncle – but who is the man with him, the mysterious Reed Dougherty?
• Midpoint: Claude and May have plotted a swindle and meet with the marks in the Palmer House Hotel. The marks are Andy Andrews and undercover detective, Reed Dougherty.
• Turning Point 2: May’s shady past is exposed to Dale and his father… but May escapes arrest.
• Major Conflict: How can May keep her secret life from being exposed?
• Ending: After a chase, May tricks the Pinkerton detective and escapes on a train.
• (Dilemma is optional.)

[Sylvia Krawczyk]

BWTV-AI Mod 3 – Lesson 4: Character Story Lines

Sylvia’s Character Story Lines

What I learned doing this assignment is this took me a bit to grasp in the way it’s written. I like the depth it adds and my story continues to morph. I think bullet points would add to the clarity at this point instead of all the detail in each area. I am curious to see things develop.

[Phyllis Strong]

Phyllis’ Character Storylines

What I learned from this assignment is that with a 5 act structure and character storylines I did on my own, Chat GPT came up with a lot of good suggestions. Finally.

Diana Jordan

Beginning: Older Diana, terrified of developing Alzheimer’s like her mother, blackmails Older Peter into joining his experiment as a test subject.

Turning Point 1: Older Diana transfers her consciousness into a young, brain-dead host and the procedure seems to have worked perfectly.

Midpoint: In the lab doing her own research, Diana discovers that their host bodies are still wired for instinctual responses that could affect their emotional states.

Turning Point 2: Diana feels a strong pull toward the husband of her host body, confirming her suspicion of side-effects.

Dilemma: Diana must decide whether to release the news of these side-effects or hide them from the public.

Major Conflict: Peter threatens Diana with a secret from her past that could ruin her reputation to keep her quiet about the side-effects.

Ending: Trying to learn more about the origin of the hosts, Diana runs into a dead end.

Peter Chin

Beginning: Older Peter, dying of cancer, is desperate to start his experimental procedure.

Turning Point 1: Older Peter transfers his consciousness into a young, brain-dead host and the procedure seems to have worked perfectly.

Midpoint: Peter learns about the side effects that could jeopardize his insistence on the procedure’s success.

Dilemma: Does Peter announce the side-effects of the experiment and risk sending his company into bankruptcy?

Major Conflict: Diana thinks transparency would be a good idea and allow time to fix the procedure while Peter fears a failure that would confirm his father was right about him.

Turning Point 2: Peter discovers he has combat skills and a violent streak when he stops his host’s wife from shooting him.

Ending: Peter realizes that cutting corners on the procedure led to this

mystery of the origin of the hosts.

Mark Ashburn

Beginning: Older Mark is desperate to reclaim the Senate seat he is too old for.

Turning Point 1: Older Mark transfers his consciousness into a young, brain-dead host and the procedure seems to have worked perfectly.

Midpoint: Mark is attracted to his male campaign manager, but not to a flirtatious female polling expert.

Dilemma: For political gain, should Mark take a stand against Peter for selling the procedure to anyone who can pay?

Major Conflict: Unlike Peter, Mark believes this procedure should be regulated, in the interests of national security.

Turning Point 2: Mark discovers that his host was gay.

Ending: Mark is the mole feeding information about the experiment to the Pentagon.

Suzanne Farrell

Beginning: Older Suzanne is desperate for a second chance at life.

Turning Point 1: Older Suzanne transfers her consciousness into a young, brain-dead host and the procedure seems to have worked perfectly.

Midpoint: Suzanne finds the grandson of her first love.

Turning Point 2: Suzanne learns her son is making bad decisions about her company, which rankles despite her resolve to stay away.

Dilemma: Does she pick personal life over work this time around?

Major Conflict: Suzanne is at odds with her son over who should be in charge of the company.

Ending: Suzanne ignores the company while she dives head first into a relationship with the grandson of her first love.

Outline-First Version

Teaser:

Essence: (D opening, P opening) Older Peter needs a patent from Older Diana to go forward with his consciousness transfer procedure. He’s desperate because he’s dying of cancer.

Turning Point: Older Diana blackmails Older Peter into letting her be a test subject. We don’t know for what, yet.

Act One:

Essence: (M opening) Older Mark’s Senate run is rejected by his party. (S opening) Older Suzanne is humiliated as her son relieves her of her duties. Older Diana gets no respect from Older Peter’s scientists. Older Peter convinces the Board this procedure will work and not lead to bankruptcy.

Turning Point: Peter reveals that the procedure will transfer the minds of the test subjects into brain-dead bodies that will be reactivated by the transfer.

Act Two:

Essence: Older Diana has no siblings or children, but Older Peter, Mark and Suzanne face blowback from their families. We see the host families each receive $10 million. (D, P, M, S TP 1) The four test subjects undergo the procedure.

Turning Point: The procedure worked as the brain functions of the 4 brain-dead young bodies come alive and the test subjects open their eyes.

Act Three:

Essence: Six months later, the test subjects are ready to enter the wider world. Peter conducts a press conference heralding the success and signs up new prospects. Mark starts his campaign. Suzanne searches for the grandson of her first love.

(M Midpoint) Mark is attracted to his male campaign manager, but not to a flirtatious female polling expert.

(S Midpoint) Suzanne finds the grandson of her first love.

(M Dilemma) For political gain, should Mark take a stand against Peter for selling the procedure to anyone who can pay?

(M Major Conflict) Unlike Peter, Mark believes this procedure should be regulated, in the interests of national security.

(S TP2) Suzanne learns her son is making bad decisions about her company, which rankles despite her resolve to stay away.

Turning Point: (D Midpoint) Diana discovers that their host bodies are still wired for instinctual responses that could affect their emotional states.

Act Four:

Essence: (D Dilemma) Diana must decide whether to release the news of these side-effects or hide them from the public.

(S Dilemma) Does she pick personal life over work this time around?

(P Midpoint) Diana tells Peter about the side-effects.

(P Dilemma) Does Peter announce the side-effects of the experiment and risk sending his company into bankruptcy?

(P Major Conflict) Diana thinks transparency would be a good idea and allow time to fix the procedure while Peter fears a failure that would confirm his father was right about him.

(D Major Conflict) Peter threatens Diana with a secret from her past that could ruin her reputation to keep her quiet about the side-effects. Peter persuades Diana to keep quiet.

On a publicity stunt to visit with the host families, (D TP 2) Diana feels strangely drawn to her host’s husband. (M TP2) Mark finds out his host was gay. The parents of Suzanne’s host want to be a part of her life. Peter meets his host’s wife, who was physically abused.

Turning Point: (P TP2) The wife believes Peter is still her husband. She pulls a gun and Peter instinctively knows how to grab it. He nearly pistol-whips her with it, but stops just in time. Peter’s confused at his reaction.

Act Five:

Essence: Both Peter and Diana want to know more about where the hosts came from. They’re keeping Mark and Suzanne in the dark for now.

(S Ending) Suzanne ignores the company while she dives head first into a relationship with the grandson of her first love.

(P Ending) Peter cut corners, and when they find the company, it’s been cleared out.

(D Ending) Where did these hosts come from?

Lock-In. We see General Barnes at a Pentagon lab. They’re monitoring Peter’s lab and the test subjects. (M Ending) Mark has brought them more information. He is a mole!