Lesson 10:

[David]

David Chai's Plot and Character Layers

What I learned is layers are necessary to deepen the plot mystery and intrigue as well as deepen the characters to a whole other level.

Succession.

Plot Surface: About the Roy family, which owns the biggest media company in the world Waystar Roy.
• Layer 1: Logan promised Kendall would be the heir, but now changes his mind.
• Layer 2: Kendall leads a coup against his father, dividing the family loyalties.
• Layer 3: They find out the company finances are in shambles. The picture of power is a front. The company is more fragile and precarious. Kendall has to make dangerous deals to save the company.
• Layer 4: The kids all secretly hate their father and actively work against him.
• Etc.
Character Surface: Logan Roy is the powerful head of the Roy family and the medie empire.
• Layer 1: He has failing health and dementia onsetting.
• Layer 2: He's unable to relinquish power even breaking his own promise to his son.
• Layer 3: He conspires with Marcia to put her in control over his own biological children.
• Layer 4: He's made questionable decisions, but ultimately doesn't trust anyone but himself to keep his company.
• Etc.