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Lesson 10
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13 Replies
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Diane Phelps’ Trust/Distrust Relationships:
What I learned doing this assignment is that the red herring and the layers built into these stories get more and more complex and intricate.
Hero: Alexander “Alex” Turner
A. Basic State: Trustable but somewhat jaded and mistrustful.
B. How might he really be trustable but appear not trustable: His reluctance to return to Port Paradise and confront his past might make him seem unreliable, but his determination to find the truth and protect his sister ultimately proves his trustworthiness.
C. Circumstances causing a switch: As he uncovers the town’s secrets, Alex’s trust in certain characters may waver, especially if they have hidden agendas.
Villain: Mayor Evelyn Monroe
A. Basic State: Appear trustable on the surface but truly untrustable.
B. How might she really be untrustable but appear trustable: Mayor Monroe’s charismatic facade hides her sinister agenda, making her appear as a respected figure in the community.
C. Circumstances causing a switch: As Alex gets closer to exposing her secrets, Mayor Monroe may reveal her true nature and become overtly untrustworthy.
Red Herring Character: Oliver Jenkins
A. Basic State: Eccentric but knowledgeable, appears untrustable but is truly trustable.
B. How might he really be trustable but appear not trustable: Oliver’s unconventional behavior and conspiracy theories initially make him seem unreliable, but his accurate insights into the town’s mysteries make him a valuable ally.
C. Circumstances causing a switch: As Oliver’s knowledge becomes essential in the investigation, he gains Alex’s trust by providing crucial information.
Trusted, but shouldn’t be: Officer Jake Williams
A. Basic State: Trustable but conflicted due to loyalty to the town.
B. How might he really be not trustable but appear trustable: Officer Williams’s inner conflict between loyalty to the town and allegiance to Alex may lead him to make decisions that put the investigation at risk.
C. Circumstances causing a switch: If the pressure from the mayor and the town becomes too great, Officer Williams may compromise the trust Alex has placed in him.
Isn’t trusted, but should be: Dr. Rebecca “Beck” Martinez
A. Basic State: Trustable due to her empathetic and insightful nature.
B. How might she really be trustable but appear not trustable: Beck’s involvement in the investigation may initially raise suspicion, as her motivations and connections to the town are unclear.
C. Circumstances causing a switch: As Beck provides valuable psychological insights and supports Alex in his quest, he gradually trusts her more, realizing her true intentions are to help.
Sequence for Each Trust/Distrust Relationship:
Hero / Villain:
– Initial trust: Alex, like the rest of the town, sees Mayor Monroe as a respected figure.
– Growing distrust: As Alex investigates deeper and uncovers Mayor Monroe’s involvement in the supernatural energy source, his trust erodes.
– Final confrontation: Alex confronts Mayor Monroe, leading to a dangerous showdown as he exposes her true villainous nature.
Hero / Red Herring Character:
– Initial distrust: Alex dismisses Oliver Jenkins as a conspiracy theorist.
– Slow trust build: As Oliver’s insights help Alex uncover crucial clues, their relationship evolves into a trusting partnership.
– Valuable alliance: Oliver proves instrumental in unraveling the mystery and ultimately earns Alex’s full trust.
Hero / Trusted, but shouldn’t be:
– Initial trust: Alex places trust in Officer Jake Williams due to his position as a local law enforcement officer.
– Growing suspicion: Officer Williams’ wavering loyalty and conflicts of interest lead Alex to question his motives.
– Tense standoff: Alex confronts Officer Williams about his allegiances, leading to a high-stakes moment in the investigation.
Hero / Isn’t trusted, but should be:
– Initial suspicion: Alex is initially wary of Dr. Beck Martinez’s involvement in the case.
– Slowly earned trust: Beck’s valuable psychological insights and unwavering support gradually earn her Alex’s trust.
– Crucial ally: Beck becomes an indispensable ally in Alex’s quest to uncover the truth, proving her trustworthiness.
These trust and distrust relationships add complexity and suspense to the thriller narrative, keeping readers engaged as the characters navigate the treacherous waters of Port Paradise and its dark secrets.
My thriller map is a mess and i need more time to digest and fix it up. This is generating a lot of new juicy tidbits I need to sift through. THANKS!!!!! (she said sarcastically)
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Barbe’s Trust Relationships
What I learned doing this assignment is that asking questions does produce some surprises and revelations. I also realize that Act 2 needs A LOT more work because I have yet to identify the specific clues that my characters ferret out to solve the mystery.
OPENING: Max’s store is broken into
TWIST #1
Direction: Max’s store is “robbed.”
Twist: The thief put something into Max’s safe.
Villain’s Plan 1: Get the manuscript that is still in the safe.
Life Threatening 1: Break-in at Max’s store.
Life Threatening 2: Gunshots!
Life Threatening 3: Max finds a body in his office.
Life Threatening 4: Max follows the thief into the alley and shoots him.
Mystery 1: Why did Max shoot the intruder?
CATALYST: Matty Holmes receives a distress call from her friend, Max, who has been arrested for murder.
TWIST #2
Direction: Max says he is framed for the murder of the thief in the alley.
Twist: The “thief” is Max’s ex-FBI partner who Max turned into the FBI for wrongdoing.
Villain’s Plan 2: The Mavens come to Max’s aid – but are in the dark about Max’s true background.
Trust: The Mavens assume that Max is telling the truth about the break-in
Mystery 2: What is Max hiding?
FUN AND GAMES: The investigation begins.
Trust: David is a police detective and Matty’s son. He must have the Mavens wellbeing in mind.
Life Threatening 5: The Mavens start their investigation and are surveilled by Volkov’s thugs.
Distrust: Max withholds information about knowing the thief
Trust: David has the Mavens under surveillance just to make sure they don’t get into too much trouble.
Distrust: The Mavens feel they can do things a bit against the law when the police can’t
TWIST #3
Direction: The police interrogate Max about the break-in. Max says nothing about the contents of the safe.
<s>Twist: </s><s> Devi, one of the Mavens, “gains access” to the store and because of her safe-cracking skills steals the manuscript from the safe</s>. (relocated)<s></s>
Distrust: The Mavens withhold information from David “until they are sure of the facts.”
MIDPOINT: The Mavens come to the attention of the villain – Sergei Volkov
Mystery 3: Who is Volkov?
Distrust: Max withholds information about working for Volkov.
Villain’s Plan 3: Now the Mavens stand in the way of Volkov.
Distrust: Volkov sends his thugs after the Mavens
TWIST #4
Direction: The Mavens are closing in on the truth about the robbery at Max’s store.
Twist: Volkov is closing in on the Mavens.
Distrust: David finally divulges Max’s identity to the Mavens. They are devastated.
BAD GUYS CLOSE IN:
Mystery 4: Why does Volkov need the manuscript?
Life Threatening 6: Max lies about who he is, his past, his reason for purchasing the manuscript, his past connection to the dead ex-FBI agent, and his current connection to Volkov.
Villain’s Plan 4: The Mavens are threatened with kidnapping, their vehicles tampered with, and homes broken into.
Life Threatening 7: The thugs threaten the Mavens by chasing them, tampering with their vehicles, trapping them, and threatening their lives.
Life Threatening 8: Volkov is threatened with death by his employer – a powerful and shadowy Russian oligarch.
Trust: After several near misses, The Mavens sense they will not be harmed.
TWIST #5
Direction: Volkov threatens to kill the Mavens one-by-one.
Twist: Volkov, who has yet to produce the manuscript, is threatened with death by his employer, a powerful, shadowy Russian oligarch.
FINALE:
Distrust: Volkov’s thugs kidnap Matty and bring her to see Volkov.
Distrust: Volkov wants Matty to turn over the manuscript.
Trust: Volkov lets it slip that the manuscript is in Max’s safe.
Trust: Max corroborates Volkov’s information about the contents of the safe.
Trust: Max tells them how to slip into the shop
Twist: Devi, one of the Mavens, “gains access” to the store and because of her safe-cracking skills steals the manuscript from the safe.
TWIST #6
Villain’s Plan 5 / Direction: Volkov has the Mavens in his grasp.
Life Threatening 9 / Twist: The Mavens turn the tables and invite Volkov to dinner at Matty’s house.
Trust: Matty invites Volkov to dinner at her house. She will turn over the manuscript.
Life Threatening 10: Volkov attends the dinner but brings his thugs to stand guard outside and inside.
Life Threatening 11: Unknown to the diners inside a police SWAT team swoops in and dispatches the thugs outside.
Trust: At dinner the Mavens and Volkov I think he really likes the Mavens. They are the same age. He enjoys their company. They laugh at his jokes, and he laughs at theirs
TWIST #7
Life Threatening 12 / Direction: Just as Volkov, with a twinge of wistful regret, threatens to kill all the Mavens…
Distrust: Matty adds a sedative to the soup to put Volkov and his thugs to sleep.
Twist: The Mavens have cooked up something special – that puts Volkov and his thugs to sleep. When SWAT charges to the rescue – Volkov is snoring.
Life Threatening 13: Volkov is captured.
RESOLUTION:
TWIST #8
Life Threatening 14: Max’s store and reputation are lost.
Life Threatening 15 / Direction: All this turmoil destroys Max’s relationship with Matty Holmes, one of the Mavens.
Twist: Max was working for the police in order to apprehend Volkov.
Distrust: David does not divulge to the Mavens, until the very end, that Max was working with the police in order to apprehend Volkov.
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Alfred Dunham: Trust Relationships
What I learned from this assignment:
Rising and falling trust in each of the characters can change the direction of the story as quickly and surely as Plot twists and Reveals.
The way new ones keep popping into mind suggests there will be more to come.
1. Make a list of the main characters.
Hero: Ryan (Rocky) Stone
Villain: Maximus (Megabyte) Blackwood
Red Herring Character: Sialis Locke
Trusted, but shouldn’t be: Isabella (Bella) Lake
Isn’t trusted but should be: Jack Samuelson
2. With each character, ask these questions:
A. What is their basic state — trustable or not trustable?
Ryan: Trustable
Maximus: Not Trustable
Silas: Trustable
Isabella: Not (fully)Trustable
Jack: Not (fully) Trustable
Mother Lake: Neither
B. How might they really be trustable, but appear not trustable OR be not trustable, but appear trustable?
Any character that withholds vital information may be cast opposite to what they truly are.
C. What circumstances might cause them to switch from one to the other?
Fear is a classic modifier of truth (something even religion often fails to grasp).
Partial knowledge of all the facts may lead to vacillation.
3. With each character relationship, brainstorm how trust or distrust might show up between them.
A. Hero / Villain:
1. Trust: They were once university students, together.
2. Distrust: They were both interested in the same young coed.
B. Hero / Red Herring Character:
1. Trust: Silas, a sales representative of Samuelson Scientific, has known Ryan for several years.
2. Distrust: Sialis met Bella at a Starbucks and asks her for a date.
C. Hero / Trusted, but shouldn’t be:
1. Trust: Ryan is about to marry Isabella, but “fearful Bella” has been holding out on him.
2. Distrust: Ryan does not know about Isabella’s mother (her mental illness).
Ryan does not know about how Maximus tried to blackmail Bella, at university.
Ryan does not know about how Silas met her at a Starbucks and hit on her.
D. Hero / Isn’t trusted, but should be:
1. Trust: Ryan does not know Mr. Samuelson enough to trust or not trust him, but Ryan should trust him. He’s a decent man who is in the dark regarding Maximus’ villainous nature, like everyone else, but Bella.
2. Distrust: When Ryan learns of Mr. Samuelson’s relationship with Maximus Blackwood, all trust is gone.
4. Create a sequence for each trust/distrust relationship (like I did with Three Days of The Condor) and then add that to your map.
A. Hero / Villain:
1. Trust: (Pre-story)Initially, Ryan and Maximus were casual friends.
2. Distrust: (Pre-story) Ryan’s trust was broken when Maximus began to show an interest in Ryan’s girlfriend, Bella.
3. Trust: (Pre-story)Bella rejected both Ryan and Maximus; each went their own ways, and the matter was forgotten.
4. Distrust: When the truth about Maximus’ blackmailing Bella is revealed, Ryan’s Distrust returns.
5. Trust: As the night in the cabin progresses, Ryan comes to a new kind of Trust – in Maximus’ pure evil.
B. Hero / Red Herring Character:
1. Trust: Ryan and Silas’ history of friendship as a client to a salesman.
2. Distrust: The Valley turns out to be completely different from what Silas described.
3. Trust: As the realization that Maximus is behind all the bad happenings, Ryan’s Trust in Silas returns.
4. Trust: When Silas returns to try and rescue Ryan and Isabella, their faith in him returns.
5. Trust: Faith in Silas’ boss and owner of Samuelson Scientific, Jack Samuelson, is established. He, too, was a victim of Maximus.
C. Hero / Trusted, but shouldn’t be:
1. Trust: Ryan and Isabella are getting married, and he trusts her implicitly.
2. Distrust: That Isabella finds it necessary to keep her knowledge of Silas from him, suggests that she doesn’t trust him.
3. Trust: Isabella is sorry. Ryan and Isabella are married and recite vows of trust.
4. Distrust: Silas becomes the Red Herring. Is there more she isn’t telling Ryan?
Ryan finds out about Isabella’s mother. He wonders.
Ryan finds out about Maximus and why Bella went her own way.
Ryan discovers they’re being watched – by Maximus.
5. Trust: What has been happening to Isabella is so convoluted and sinister, that he cannot help but Trust again.
6. Trust: Despite Isabella’s near breakdown from terror, she puts all her faith in Ryan, and he saves her.
7. Trust: Ryan’s trust in Isabella is fully rewarded when Maximus shows up to kill them – showing his vileness.
D. Hero / Isn’t trusted, but should be:
1. Distrust: When Ryan learns of Jack Samuelson’s relationship to Maximus, all trust in both, him and Silas is lost.
2. Trust: When it is evident that both Jack and Silas are being played by Maximus, Ryan’s faith in them returns.
NEW THRILLER PLOT/MAP
OPENING:
MYSTERY
1. Who, after all, is Silas, and who is his boss?
2. Why the strange offer?
3. Where is this “Valley,” and why does an electronics firm own it?
4. Who is the guy at the wedding that walks off?
DANGER
1. Why is Isabella so out of joint over Sialis knowing her?
2. What is the significance of a guest leaving the wedding?
TRUST/DISTRUST
1. Ryan has no reason to distrust anyone.
2. Isabella is so fearful that anyone might learn of her family history of mental illness, that she unthinkingly creates an aura of distrust around her.
3. Maximus is a forgotten entity to begin with, but he is absolutely NOT to be trusted.
4. Silas’ innocent hit on Isabella, sets off a chain reaction of trust/distrust.
INCITING EVENT:
MYSTERY
1. Does Silas actually know how to fly that old helicopter?
2. Okay. Now they’re “here” [the starting point], now what?
3. Really, now. A paid gatekeeper to The Valley? Why?
DANGER
1. The old helicopter decides to hiccup. Silas must fix it.
2. The snake in the trail upsets Isabella.
3. Isabella’s fear of heights.
4. Isabella’s claustrophobia – rock fall?
TRUST/DISTRUST
1. Ryan still has no reason to distrust anyone.
2. Isabella is surprised by Silas’ truthfulness and comes to trust him.
TURNING POINT 1:
MYSTERY
1. Nothing feels right. The gatekeeper was weird.
2. The cabin appears new, but it is made to look old.
3. Inside, the cabin is spooky: symbols, the diary….
3. Are they alone, or not? Ryan feels eyes on the back of his neck.
4. What has Silas gotten them into? His descriptions do not fit.
5. Why is Isabella so full of fears? Ryan wonders.
DANGER
1. Are they seeing danger on their walk down Valley or just imagining it?
2. Ground fog moves in. Isabella’s fears get the best of her.
3. The night is filled with strange noises. Sleep is fitful.
TRUST/DISTRUST
1. Ryan has no reason to distrust anyone but begins to question Silas, Jack, or maybe both.
2. Isabella’s hidden fear of Maximus (unexpressed) causes her to distrust Silas again (revealed later).
MIDPOINT TWIST:
MYSTERY
1. The cabin is weird: the symbols, the book, the night sounds….
2. Isabella wants to leave. She is frightened. Ryan agrees.
DANGER
1. Isabella is struck unconscious at the gate – convulses.
2. Ryan is now frightened. Takes her back to the cabin.
3. Is she going to be okay? Or is this just the beginning?
TRUST/DISTRUST
1. Ryan distrusts Silas.
2. Isabella openly distrusts Silas – uses Ryan’s distrust to avoid saying more.
TURNING POINT 2:
MYSTERY
1. Night two in the cabin has both Isabella and Ryan spooked.
2. Who or what is doing this? For what reason? Silas? Silas boss?
3. Isabella’s mother [who is dead] appears — terrifies Isabella, and
4. She becomes Ryan’s first evidence of what might be happening.
DANGER
1. Isabella blames Silas – and thinks he’s blackmailing her.
2. Ryan at first goes along with her as his hit on her unfolds.
3. Isabella’s mother threatens her – and talks to her in the present.
4. Ryan finds this curious – realizes they’re being watched.
5. Isabella’s experience with Maximus unfolds.
6. Ryan realizes that the dangers are real.
TRUST/DISTRUST
1. Ryan’s distrust in Silas morphs into a distrust of virtually everyone, as Isabella begins to break down and reveal the truth about her mother and about Maximus’ blackmail.
2. Isabella also shifts from distrusting Silas to fearfully distrusting Maximus.
3. With nowhere else to go, Isabella finally puts all her faith in Ryan and agrees to his terrifying plan of escape.
CLIMAX:
MYSTERY
1. Ryan decides to test a theory….
2. How might Ryan beat Maximus at his own game?
3. Is everything being electronically orchestrated?
DANGER
1. Ryan assumes that Maximus is bent on killing them.
2. Ryan develops an escape plan, but…
3. The escape plan may be as dangerous as Maximus’ plan.
4. Ryan sets the cabin on fire, which spreads. They have no choice.
5. They must try the escape route.
TRUST/DISTRUST
1. Ryan’s success in getting Isabella to safety, together with his understanding of her mother and Maximus’ evil, affirms Bella’s faith in him.
2. Isabella’s tentative faith in Silas is also fully affirmed. He becomes a trusted friend, together with Ryan.
RESOLUTION:
MYSTERY
1. What will Maximus do, now?
2. How is he aware of what’s going on?
3. Silas shows up, proclaiming himself innocent.
4. The connection of Silas’ boss to Maximus unravels.
DANGER
1. Maximus shows up and crashes his helicopter but escapes unhurt.
2. He is enraged at the fire and threatens to kill everybody.
3. His helicopter explodes, throwing shrapnel everywhere – he is killed.
4. Ryan and Isabella pledge to focus on their strengths and forget the past.
TRUST/DISTRUST
1. Everyone’s distrust of Maximus is confirmed
2. Isabella and Ryan agree to always be truthful and trusting in the future – to have learned a vital lesson.
3. Ryan’s faith in Samuelson Scientific is also affirmed.
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Jamie Stegner Trusts and Betrayals (T&B)
Concept: To compel her runaway brats to return home, nasty Mother dies. And to keep them home forever she hides a fortune in cash for them to fight over – fight to the death.
Structure: 3 Acts. Contained horror/thriller feature
Thriller Class Lesson 10 Trust & Betrayal – Summary by character
Four questions: trusts and should; trusts but should not; dis-trusts but can trust; dis-trusts and should dis-trust.
1. Hero Susan : trust Husband Howard. He betrays somewhat in his attraction to B’s wife. Goes off to the store with W, leaving S there alone. He doesn’t realize how betrayed she feels because he doesn’t appreciate how treacherous her brother is.
S hates Brother’s W for flirting with her husband. Warns her off – W agrees but how far can she trust her?
Susan trusts her brother’s Wife because she can believe how afraid of him she is. She knows he’s a killer so when wife reports he threatens to kill her it’s believable. Susan will help W kill Brother because he’s a killer and needs killing. BUT Susan is aware that this will free up W to go after H. Also, W is an “air-head” can she stand up to the stress of setting up a trap and carrying it out?
Does not trust: Susan knows she cannot trust her brother. He has been an enemy all her life. She has experienced his love of killing first hand. Each sibling is a kind of Red Herring because it is Mother who is the real Villain behind all the hostility between them.
S believes the Mother’s torments that have driven the wedge between her and her brother . If she could have seen this for what it is, she might have a different relationship with him.
Trusts but should not: Susan believes the bank account papers she finds, but should NOT. She should know that anything to do with her Mother is a trap.
2. Howard. Doesn’t trust but should: Howard’s trust of Susan is weakened but should not be. She kept secret the existence of Mother and Brother for good reasons and only now reveals because they need any money they can get from the estate. She’s not crazy; the ghost of GGM does throw the knives -– intended as a warning for S to get out of there. H can’t see ghosts.
H disregards S’s warnings about brother. He should listen and be careful.
Trusts but should Not: H is attracted to brother’s wife. This is a mistake; she is not trustworthy but only wants to use him to get away from her violent husband.
Trusts to his death: H trusts the friendliness of brother. Drops his guard and is caught in the trap meant to kill him. H disregards S’s warnings about brother. H mistakenly thinks he can help mend the hostility between them.
3. Wendy. Doesn’t trust Susan but should. S to W “We have to stick together. We can survive this.” W doesn’t go to the aid of S when S calls for help from the basement. If W had gone to the basement to help S move H to the car they all would have survived. But because she stubbornly stood on the dark red stain in the hall under the old chandelier pulley, she got hanged by her husband, the murderous brother.
Wendy trusts H, but should not. W flirts with H and has some success in beguiling him. But he will Never leave S and is ashamed and sorry that he has hurt her with the flirtations.
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4. Brother trusts no one. But he does listen to Mother’s torments and lets her drive a wedge between him and his sister.
———————– OUTLINE ————————-
OPENING: Lure us into the story and
introduce the lead character [villain] in action.
Twist:
Mother dresses for a party. She struts down the stairs to greet her
guests, but the house is empty and dark. She’s alone and no one is coming.MOTHER in red dress and
diamonds. Struts thru the dark
empty house. She speaks to the life-size portrait, declaring her
intentions.
Villain’s plan:
She wants her children home and to stay forever with her in the
house as ghosts.
Twist: Dressed for a party, Mother
lays down on her bed and dies.
INCITING INCIDENT: An event that propels the Hero on
the Journey. Mother dies. Villain’s
plan: She dies – causing the estranged
children to come home for burial and estate closing.Hero’s Life Threatening = After the simple burial, Susan (S) drives to the house, feels ominous. Many warnings: birds, trees, dark clouds swirl.
Mystery: She explains to her husband why she has kept the existence of Mother and Brother (B) secret all these years. And revealed now only because they need any money they can get from the estate.
T&B: Husband starts to distrust S because she has been dishonest about her family. He doesn’t ‘get it’ He doesn’t believe her. He thinks he can fix it. “No one abandons their family – you just don’t.”
Life Threatening: S warns that Brother is treacherous. Goals: survive the weekend.
T&B: S trusts her H with these secrets and her awful family history. ?Should she?
Life threatening marriage: ‘Don’t let this change us’ = risking her loving family relationships, her life-line to sanity by exposing H to this awful family.
Isolated house. Grounds have grown wild. Driveway rutted.
Tall dark weather-beaten house, in disrepair – what hazards?
Over sized chimney up one side. What is that for?
Crows caw a warning.
Twist (surprise): S is relieved that she and her husband arrive at the house first (there is no other car). But B is inside and blocks the door.
Life threatening: Brother blocks the door with his foot. Glares hostility at her. She expects it and pushes back. H doesn’t see this. (T&B) H believes the friendliness of B but shouldn’t.
Mystery: Dark stain in the floorboards below where chandelier fell. The pulley is still in the second floor ceiling. Brother warns with a grin.
Life Threatening: Many guns in various displays. Other weapons and taxidermized animals.
Life Threatening: S to kitchen. All knives are out and point directly at her. Twist: A minute later her husband goes to kitchen and all knives are in their places. How did (assumed) brother get them put away so fast??
They decide to burn all guns. S gathers the guns. H builds a fire in LR fireplace.
Life Threatening: S upstairs. B is in his room whittling a sharp tip on a long stick. Refuses to surrender his guns.
At top of stairs, S feels pushed and starts to fall. All guns fall and tumble all the way to the bottom – weird. Cut banister doesn’t give way this time.
Remove ammunition and throw all guns in the fire.
Mystery: S explains to H the violent criminal family history of the people in the portrait above the mantle. She mentions the witchcraft and burning at the stake. T&B: S reveals more than H can handle.
Villain’s Plan: Friday Lunch: all four sit around the table. Friction, life-long hostility between S & B, generated by Mother, is renewed.
TURNING POINT 1: A major twist that locks the hero into the conflict. Find the $10MM bank papers. S and husband decide to stay in the house and find the cash.
Point of no return: Cancel the motel reservation and stay in the house. Hero’s big mistake.
Trust but should not: S believes Mothers bank statements. Because S believes, the others believe without question. Because Mother hid them and S feels like she found them, she doesn’t question.
Villain’s Plan:
Mother created false bank statements indicating 10MM cash was withdrawn. She left this in the house for her children to find.
S goes thru the old, apparently, unopened mail in boxes stuck in corner of dining room.
Flashback: She remembers sadistic Mother birthday cake scene and moves to another chair. Even this memory doesn’t jar her to question Mother’s lure: S finds 10 withdrawals and a deposit from life insurance company.
MYSTERY: WHERE IS THE CASH??? H comes in she tells him about the bank statements. They will stay in the house and look for the cash.
They cancel the motel = POINT OF NO RETURN. THE BIG MISTAKE.
B overhears ( from kitchen) and feels slighted by S. [be sure rivalry between S& B is well set up] He’s sooo angry!!
(back stairs) B Tells his wife to find the cash and not tell S&H.
From upstairs railing, B eavesdrops on S & H in the dining room below, B imagines he swoops down and rips their throats out – he wants to be a vampire – powerful and skilled. He slides down the banister and slips into the basement. Black.
————————- end of Act 1 —————————–
Mystery: Act 2 starts with missing Father’s dried corpse falling thru the ceiling. – a torment for W perpetrated by Mother. Twist / Surprise: missing Father’s corpse falls thru the ceiling. Shifts focus temporarily away from finding cash. His life insurance is the source of the cash.
Life Threatening: S&B accuse each other of being involved in Father’s death.
B furious about the life insurance. “You weren’t going to tell me!”
S & B screaming fight in dining room.
Life Threatening of Marriage: Spouses H & W retreat from the fighting to the outside veranda. W entices H. (Maybe a chance to get away from B.) H is attracted to her. Good conversation. Trust but shouldn’t : H enticed by W who wants to use him to get away from her violent husband B. W shouldn’t trust H either because he won’t betray S beyond a little flirtation.
Mystery: Back inside the four discuss what to do with Father’s corpse. Burn or Bury? Risky to trust all 4 to not tell police. Not to involve police as that would delay settling the estate.
Trust: All four must trust the others; therefore everyone must be involved at the same level. They have to wait for the storm to pass. Risky.
H builds a cozy fire in LR. All gather. S brings whiskey and 4 glasses.
All four sit quietly after a long day.
Life Threatening Marriage: What S wants most of all is H’s love. S noticed that H is attracted to W; S has tears in the dark.
Mystery: Great Grandmother steps down from portrait – goes to kitchen – throws knives – S dreams.
Life Threatening: In a.m. S finds knives thrown into the wall. When H to kitchen a few minutes later, the knives are all put away – she feels crazy.
Mystery: Closet search uncovers mutilated toys from childhood. S cries.
Life Threatening Marriage: H betrays S. H & W rush off to the store leaving S there alone with B.
Villain Plan: Mother torments B and B torments S.
Villain’s Plan: Mother
bought a long (30ft) slim rope and stashed it in the pantry where one of
them would find it. It fits thru the pulley in the hall ceiling. B finds it. It’s colored like a
poisonous snake.S escapes to the attic. Father caught in squirrel trap and froze and dried out. Mother’s ghost laughs – she heard him calling for help but turned down the furnace instead. S releases the corpse from the trap so it continues to fall into the bedroom below.
Villain’s Plan: Mother torments S and encourages rivalry with B.
Twist & Mystery: S finds newspaper article about a kidnapped girl age 4 – it could be her.
S retreats to her bedroom and prepares to leave. She feels betrayed by H interest in W.
Life Threatening Marriage: H returns from store – they got stuck and walked back in the rain – change clothes. S upset about his attraction to W. Difficult conversation.
Villain’s Plan: B & H to basement in search of cash. Mother’s set up the trap before she died: B finds a small amount $$ on top of a bear trap ready to spring. He’s cautious and leaves it as he finds it – ready to spring on someone else !! He prepares a gag to stifle any calls for help.
T&B: H trusts but shouldn’t B’s friendliness. He doesn’t respect S’s warning about B’s treachery.
Life Threatening Marriage: S & W go thru the kitchen for cash and something for lunch. S warns W to stay away from H. W agrees (denies and lies).
Life Threatening: They discuss how treacherous B is. W knows he’ll kill her someday.
Villain’s Plan: S agrees to help her. “He’s a killer, he needs killing.” S knows it’s risky to trust W to carry out anything clandestine. (trust but maybe shouldn’t – caution of set up, not to leave any clues for police).
MIDPOINT: (A major revelation. The opposition is 10 times worse than thought.)
Saturday Lunch: the four sit around the dining room table. Susan and Brian across: bristle with hostility. Villain’s Plan: Life Threatening: Silently S & B Declare war.
Life Threatening Marriage: Howard and Wendy across regret they didn’t get away; S furious but will deal with that later. B also sees the attraction between his wife and H.
Trust but should NOT: H & B friendly (fake). Throws S off. She doesn’t protect H from B. Villain’s Plan: Life Threatening Marriage: Brian and Howard return to the basement and Brian springs the bear trap on Howard, gagging him. Howard’s arm bleeds badly until he passes out.
Villain’s Plan: Meanwhile the women clean up the lunch (kitchen ) and start to plan the death of B. They go upstairs and in the bedroom notice the oil lamp close to the bed – they see how it could fall in and start a fire killing anyone asleep in the bed. They will help him sleep soundly with W’s pills in the whiskey. Tonight, before he can kill them.
Brian leaves H unconscious in the basement to bleed out. He burns the gag in the living room fireplace. Mystery and Villain’s Plan: B goes thru the room looking for cash.
Mystery: Under one rug he uncovers Grandmother’s witches circle and chuckles.
Mystery, Life Threatening: S & W upstairs: Where would Brian put the cash he found? In the room with Father’s corpse. Susan has the nerve to check, while W stands watch in the hallway. Life Threatening: Susan is startled by a hangman’s noose in a long slim rope – looks like a poisonous snake. She’s so startled by it she doesn’t think to take it to the fireplace or cut it up into small pieces, but quickly shuts the drawer and leaves the room.
Mystery: Father’s corpse (under a sheet) is stretched out comfortably and seems to be breathing.
They rush out of there and retreat downstairs to the kitchen. ‘Just a cup of tea.’
Villain’s plan: Secretly they crush the pills; Susan delivers to the open bottle of whiskey in the living room. Cautious – leave no evidence for police. “We need to burn that rope.”
Villain’s plan; Life Threatening: Meanwhile B goes upstairs and sets up his hangman’s noose in the pulley.
The women take tea into the dining room where the old bank papers are still in piles. Ten million is a ridiculous amount of life insurance. Susan looks carefully at the papers.
Villain’s Plan: They are forged. All fraud. There’s no money. Typical Mother trick. Susan is furious at herself for falling for it. (Trusted but shouldn’t have.)
TERROR: Where’s Howard? ! They haven’t seen the men since lunch. Susan runs into the basement calling. She finds Howard almost dead, stops the bleeding and tries to revive him. He’s too heavy for her to move. She needs to get him to medical help.
Life Threatening: Calling for Wendy to help; none! she gets no reply. Frustrated, Susan goes up stairs to get Wendy.
TERROR: Wendy is hanging from the hangman’s noose run through the pulley in the ceiling.
Susan sinks to her knees in despair of helping Howard – the most important thing to her. She cannot lose Howard.
TURNING POINT 2: Major setback. The lowest of the low. HOWARD BLEEDING OUT. Wendy hanged. ALL IS LOST. [ “Not Howard! Not Howard!” [Howard had sympathy and empathy for B. Wanted to help heal the conflict. H was a sincere friend to B. B had pretended to be friends with H. ] Heart wrenching: S didn’t protect H from B; she knew better. Despair.
———————————- end of Act 2 —————————————–
CLIMAX: The ultimate
expression of the main conflict (Mother’s orchestrated hatred between S
& B). Susan races up the stairs to kill Brian – she has no
weapon only her rage and her justification that he needs killing. Brian defends himself with his rifle.· Suddenly Susan is energized. She rises up. Follows the rope to where Brian is standing at the banister upstairs. She charges up the stairs intent on killing him, freeing Wendy, and getting Howard to the car.
· Brian sees her coming and ducks into his room to retrieve the gun over his door. He comes to the top of the stairs just as Susan does and shoots her full in the chest. She flies over backwards and falls and falls until she crashes on the stairs and tumbles to the bottom.
· Villain’s Plan: B stands at the top of the stairs and laughs at his victory. He scurries down the back stairs into the living room.
· Life Threatening for B: Villain’s Plan: There’s the whiskey left from last night and his glass on the table. He pours the whiskey and gulps. Pours again and collapses into the chair by the fire, drinking. “It’s all mine now.”
Villain’s Plan victorious:
· Mother’s ghost stands at the top of the stairs. She laughs. She shimmies and prances down the stairs. She kicks S.
· Mother dances and laughs. She pours whiskey for the couple in the portrait and hands it up to them.
· She kicks B.
· “It’s so nice to have the house full of family again,” as she brings a glass of whiskey upstairs to Father.
· The storm passes. The Sun sets and the full moon rises.
Twist: H lives.
Howard climbs up from the basement – barely alive. He finds W and S
dead. Can he get his phone out of his pocket with his good arm? Call – any power? It’s ringing at 911. He sobs, sitting on the stairs next to S.The End.
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Brenda Clarke TRUST 7 BETRAYAL
What I learned is that there are a few HOLES in my thriller at the moment. I am still thinking through solutions. Doing this assignment brought up these issues which I hope to solve later down the track. Hence me being unable to add to my Thriller Map at this stage 🙁
Hero / Villain
The Hero doesn’t trust the Villain, they don’t know each other at the beginning.The Villain is not trustable, he is a violent SOB who is out for revenge. The Villain does not trust the Hero’s father, who he believes killed his own father.
The mother is a victim and can be trusted by the Daughter, but the mother can’t trust her husband, especially considering her recent abduction.
Unsure about a Red Herring Character, at first I thought this would be the father as he appears to be guilty and is in hiding. At first the daughter implicitly trusts her father, despite his disappearance and not returning her calls. Then it turns into not trusting him when she sees the “fixed” footage of him near the crime scene of the recent murder of the Triad Leader who is in direct opposition to The Dragon.
Then I thought it could be the retired/ex Martial Arts teacher (as the Red Herring) who perhaps knows too much about the Triads both in Australia and China, which places doubt and mistrust on behalf of the Hero but should be trusted.
So, I figured that I’m not sure if I need a brand new Red Herring Character?
I figure I could give the young woman a boyfriend who turns out to be an insider of the Australian Triad Gang and established a relationship with her only to infiltrate/spy on her family to feed information back to “The Corporation”. -
Subject: Monica’s Trust Relationships
What I learned doing this assignment is the hero and villain usually start out having a trust relationship and then something happens and the betrayal’s start.
Create trust / distrust relationships between your characters and add them to your Thriller Map.
1. Make a list of the main characters.
Hero: Livia Brady – Trustable<div>
Villain: Ricky
Green – Not trustable (but appears trustable)Red Herring Character: Jake Morris – Trustable (but
appears un-trustable)Trusted, but shouldn’t be: Kelly Shrewsberry (Minister’s wife – the
one Livia was sleeping with) – Trustable (but shouldn’t be trusted)Isn’t trusted, but should be: Tom Brooks – Trustable
3. With each character relationship, brainstorm how trust or distrust might show up between them.
Hero / Villain: Livia/Ricky
1. Trust: Livia assumes Ricky is her friend after all, he set her up with the Minister she was sleeping with.
2. Distrust: Livia thinks she sees Ricky in the shadows as she leaves after the authorities show up at the death of the Minister.
3. Trust: Livia and Ricky discuss how to announce the news that the Minister is dead.
4. Distrust: Livia is giving the public address when bombs and gunfire explode.
5. Distrust: It is Ricky that insists upon an investigation into the Minister’s death and the chaos at the public event and tries to circumvent the process.
6. Trust: Livia tells Ricky she has found evidence of a sinister plot to bring down the glass society.
7. Distrust: The evidence was poisoned.
8. Distrust: There is an attempt to kidnap Livia.
9. Distrust: Ricky pushes to have him declared administrator.
10. Distrust: Ricky then tries to shoot Livia and the other members of the committee.
Hero / Red Herring Character: Livia/Jake
1. Trust: Livia seeks Jake’s help after the attempt to kidnap her.
2. Distrust: Jake appears to be siding with Ricky.
3. Trust: Jake beats up Ricky.
4. Distrust: Jake wants to know why Livia was sleeping with that Minister in the first place.
5. Trust: Jake has the antidote to the poison.
6. Trust: Jake is seriously wounded in defense of Livia.
Hero / Trusted, but shouldn’t be: Livia/Kelly
1. Trust: Livia and Kelly are friends but Kelly is disabled.
2. Trust: Livia sets Kelly up for an evening out but Kelly doesn’t go.
3. Distrust: Kelly watches Livia and her husband having sex.
4. Distrust: Kelly confronts Livia after her husband’s murder and threatens her.
Hero / Isn’t trusted, but should be: Livia/Tom
1. Distrust: Tom sits on the investigative committee and is very chummy with Ricky.
2. Distrust: Livia sees Tom and Ricky having a drink at the government bar.
3. Trust: Tom comes to see Livia as she realizes she’s poisoned and tries to help her.
4. Distrust: Tom is trying to set up Ricky and expose him for who he really is but Livia gets caught in the mission.
5. Trust: Tom helps Livia contact Jake.
New version of Thriller Map.
Three Act Structure
OPENING:
o Trust: Livia and Kelly are friends but Kelly is disabled.
o Trust: Livia sets Kelly up for an evening out but Kelly doesn’t go.
o Distrust: Kelly watches Livia and her husband having sex.
· The Hero and the Minister are having sex.
o Trust: Livia assumes Ricky is her friend after all, he set her up with the Minister she was sleeping with.
· The Hero takes a shower. The Minister is very much alive.
· The Hero prepares to leave…
o Distrust: Livia thinks she sees Ricky in the shadows as she leaves after the authorities show up at the death of the Minister.
Mystery 1: Who killed the council member?
Life Threatening Situation 1: Did the Hero kill the Minister?
Twist – New problem Occurs:
® Twist 1: Direction: Hero takes a shower after sex.
Twist: When she finishes she finds the Minister shot to death.
INCITING INCIDENT:
· The Minister is dead.
· The Hero must inform the public via a meeting in the town square.
o Trust: Livia and Ricky discuss how to announce the news that the Minister is dead.
Life Threatening Situation 2: Bombs go off, gunfire at the rally, a bullet grazes the Hero’s shoulder.
o Distrust: Tom is trying to set up Ricky and expose him for who he really is but Livia gets caught in the mission
Twist – The worst thing possible happens.
® Twist 2: Direction: People are scattering trying to escape the gunfire.
Twist: Hero pulls a gun herself and starts shooting at the bad guys.
o Distrust: Livia is giving the public address when bombs and gunfire explode.
Mystery 2: How was it done with transparency cameras everywhere?
The
Hero suspects the transparency she helped create and believes so
passionately in, is being manipulated.o Distrust: Livia sees Tom and Ricky having a drink at the government bar.
Twist – A mistake returns to haunt them.
® Twist 3: Direction: The glass society was set up to be transparent and to be a civilized society.
Twist: It’s become the wild, wild, west as someone or someone’s have found a loop hole to cause chaos.
o Distrust: It is Ricky that insists upon an investigation into the Minister’s death and the chaos at the public event and tries to circumvent the process.
TURNING POINT 1:
Villain’s PLAN 1: The Villain worms his way onto the committee selected to investigate the Minister’s death. As per the rules, the five (Hero, Villain and three other Minister’s) must be temporarily removed from the day-to-day decision making.
o Distrust: Tom sits on the investigative committee and is very chummy with Ricky.
Life Threatening Situation 3: After hours, the Hero goes on the hunt for incriminating evidence and finds it. Only it’s sabotaged with poison.
o Trust: Livia tells Ricky she has found evidence of a sinister plot to bring down the glass society.
o Distrust: The evidence was poisoned.
o Trust: Tom comes to see Livia as she realizes she’s poisoned and tries to help her.
Life Threatening Situation 4: The Villain breaks into her home and tampers with her cameras and her robot so he can watch her.
Twist – Someone changes sides
® Twist 4: Direction: The three other committee members are supposed to be neutral.
Twist: Two of them side with the Villain.
MID-POINT:
Villain’s PLAN 2: Suggests the Hero to step away from the investigation, as she is ill. And that he’s falling for her. He wants to take it to the next level to help her recover. She declines.
Mystery 3: Is the Hero the murderer?
Villain’s PLAN 3: Has a secret team of killers who live outside the glass society.
Life Threatening Situation 5: The Villain has these killers attack her and try to kidnap her.
o Distrust: There is an attempt to kidnap Livia.
Twist – We see an unexpected side of someone.
® Twist 5: Direction: The Hero help build a transparent, safe, civilized society.
Twist: She becomes Black Widow when she’s attacked.
TURNING POINT 2:
The investigating committee confronts a high-ranking official (the red herring) who warns them to stop digging. Their investigation is gaining attention, and they find themselves under increased scrutiny and suggestions the Hero’s the murderer.
o Distrust: Jake appears to be siding with Ricky.
Life Threatening Situation 6: Betrayal as she discovers her robot and cameras are compromised.
o Distrust: Jake wants to know why Livia was sleeping with that Minister in the first place.
The Hero turns to an ally living outside the glass society to go undercover for her. He has the antidote for the poison.
o Trust: Tom helps Livia contact Jake.
o Trust: Livia seeks Jake’s help after the attempt to kidnap her.
o Trust: Jake has the antidote to the poison.
o Trust: Jake beats up Ricky.
Life Threatening Situation 7: His cover is blown and they barely escape with their lives.
o Trust: Jake is seriously wounded in defense of Livia.
Twist – A lie is uncovered.
® Twist 6: Direction: The Hero and her ally did know who they were fighting.
o Twist: They discover it’s the Villain and his plan for world domination.
® Life Threatening Situation 8: They plan to reveal him to the entire society. (NEW)
CLIMAX:
Villain’s PLAN 4: Makes a motion to have the Hero placed on leave and himself deemed Administrator.
o Distrust: Ricky pushes to have him declared administrator.
The Hero convenes a Minister meeting to unveil the evidence she has collected, naming the Villain as the mastermind. The public watches with anticipation as the truth about the glass societies corruption surfaces. The citizen’s riot.
o Distrust: Ricky then tries to shoot Livia and the other members of the committee.
Life Threatening Situation 9: The Villain pulls a gun and shoots her and several others before he is restrained.
Twist – A trust is violated.
® Twist 7: Direction: The Hero is ready to deliver her report.
Twist: The Villain reveals his true self.
RESOLUTION:
Order is restored and significant changes to the glass society is undertaken.
</div>
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Tim Barley’s Trust Relationships
What I learned from doing this assignment is that there is a LOT of complexity in my story and a lot of mistrust, some well place and some not. Moreover, in doing this exercise, I also re-evaluated and recreated a few narratives and mysteries. And that will probably change again. And again.
MAIN CHARACTER LIST:
1. (Hero) The Courier
Basic Trust State: Trust issues due to the clandestine nature of his job and past tragedies/experiences. Seen by all as the best courier out there and therefore the most trustworthy.
Appears not trustable as he is a maverick in his ways of doing things, but trustable to get the job done and always on time with almost no issues ever.
2. (Villain) Nocturne
Basic Trust State: Highly not trustable. Mainly due to his mysteriousness.
Could be seen as trustable by offering up hints to his identity or the package’s contents, but this is merely to cause him doubt about his goal and what he’s actually carrying.
3. (Red Herring) Griffin
Basic State: Seen as not trustable, but is just trying to help.
Could be seen as non trustable being seen with Night Authority enforcers or warning The Courier not to trust others, but it’s genuine concern. However, could also be seen as trustable in learning information but sharing it too late (on purpose or not?)
4. (Isn’t trusted but should be trusted) Astra
Basic State: Mysterious, initially not trustable due to unpredictability and vagabond nature.
Her constantly showing up suddenly in the path of The Courier, combined with her ability to get into places and order others around as well as obviously hiding information seem not trustable and are highly suspicious but she is in fact highly trustable.
5. (Trusted, but shouldn’t be trusted) Cruz – Old Friend/Partner
Basic State: Appears trustable due to past relationship, but time’s are hard, and money’s money, isn’t it?
While an old friend, Cruz’s time away and on his own makes him untrustworthy but he seems trustworthy by offering up help and knowledge, particularly fixing The Courier’s transport.
CHARACTER RELATIONSHIPS (and how trust/distrust shows up):
The Courier/Nocturne: <font face=”inherit”>Deep mistrust. The two are at odds, with Nocturne presenting as the primary antagonist and remaining </font>mysterious<font face=”inherit”> by use of intermediaries, including </font>The<font face=”inherit”> </font>Courier’s<font face=”inherit”> old </font>partner, Cruz<font face=”inherit”>.</font>
The Courier/Griffin: Initially trusts due to Griffin’s eagerness to please (looking for a mentor), but The Courier grows suspicious as the story unfolds, only to find that he’s just new at this.
The Courier/Cruz: Implicit trust because of past experiences as partners, but that sours as we learn that he’s being paid by Nocturne.
The Courier/Astra: A long, complicated relationship of showing up out of nowhere at various points on the road. Almost an estranged father/daughter relationship, fill with initial distrust at first due to her sudden appearance but gradually comes to rely on her.
Travel By Night new outline
Act I – Setup:
Inciting incident:
THREATS:
– The Courier is given a short-notice, expedited delivery in short timeframe due to other drivers “not being available”
TRUST/DISTRUST: The Courier seeks Cruz’s advice about the package. Cruz hints that he wasn’t the first choice but doesn’t say why, adding to the mystery.
Twist 1 (Lost their resources): The Courier arrives at his base of operations expecting to be on his way immediately, only to find that his transportation has been sabotaged by someone with firsthand knowledge of his life.
TRUST/DISTRUST: An anonymous tip warns The Courier of Nocturne’s involvement.
– From the very moment he is tasked with the delivery, he has the feeling of being watched as he is being watched
MYSTERY:
– Dispatch casually mentions that The Courier wasn’t the first choice, suggesting it was due to availability or skill set.
Twist 2 (Something planned for doesn’t happen): The Courier expects to pick up a simple package (documents, illicit/stolen goods, etc., but finds only a smooth, steel box with one opening for a key and the number “017” etched on the top.
Twist 3 (Something planned for doesn’t happen/new consequences emerge): He’s also expecting the “standard timeframe to deliver,” but Dispatch informs him that it must be cross country in a much shorter time, which may result in his loss of privileges.
– The package is a metal box with no markings save the numbers “017” etched into the metal, a triangle key hole.
– False allies in the form of fellow couriers and other “night travelers” who at first appear to be genuinely helpful, but may be trying to hinder or steal the package.
TRUST/DISTRUST: Griffin offers assistance, against the rules, but it’s just his naïveté.
– Where is everyone? Why can’t he contact some of his connections?
Twist 4 (a new problem occurs): He meets Astra, asking for information, and then he’s forced to take Astra along with him.
TRUST/DISTRUST: When they meet, Astra seems to know of the new delivery deadline before The Courier tells her.
VILLAIN’S PLAN:
Sabotage: The courier’s main vehicle is sabotaged that isn’t a quick repair (someone knew how to hamstring his transport run effectively), and he’s forced to use his backup, which is less secure and less well-equipped.
Turning point:
THREATS:
– The Courier’s primary vehicle is damaged/sabotaged, putting him in a less-than-ideal backup vehicle that doesn’t have the known/unseen safety features necessary for a clandestine trip through the Night Authority.
MYSTERY:
– Discovery of sabotage elements (it’s not a regular malfunction). Clues hinting at insider knowledge of the courier’s vehicle – where it was stored and how to disable it.
TRUST/DISTRUST: The Courier confronts Cruz and Griffin separately about the sabotage, given Cruz’s detailed knowledge of his operations and Griffin’s mechanical propensity.
– Night Authority – may be infiltrated by Nocturne’s influence to stop The Courier (also regular authorities – Highway Patrols, sheriffs, etc. – may be turned as wellTwist 5 (New consequences emerge): He’s expecting to move along quickly and quietly and not attract attention, but with his backup vehicle he is finding it harder to move without proper “identification”
– Denizens – night denizens, creatures of night myth, usually uninterested in the goings-on of the Night World, suddenly come out of the literal dark to try get the package
TRUST/DISTRUST: While Nocturne leaves a cryptic message, implying he’s behind the Night denizens’ sudden interest, Astra is able to get them out of trouble. But how? And why is she so cryptic about her past?
VILLAIN’S PLAN:
False Allies: Our hero meets a “Fellow Courier” who seems helpful but has been turned by Nocturne to hinder The Courier.
First Run-In with Authorities: Unknown law enforcement tries to pull him over, against “the rules” of the night transport kingdom. He evades, but realizes the forces against him are more organized and potent than he thought.
Act II – Confrontation:
Rising action:
THREATS:
– Additional physical danger is added when he is confronted by thugs and authorities – both real and Night Authority agents
Twist 6: (we see an unexpected side of someone): needing to get off the road and get a fake passport and car sigil, Astra reveals herself to be quite capable of getting to and into Bazaar – the Night Authority market for everything
– Nocturne has hired other couriers that know The Courier to track him and chase him down, including The Night Authority rogue agents that are looking to stop him
– A trip to Bazaar for parts and information leads to trouble
TRUST/DISTRUST: The Courier begins to suspect Astra’s true identity and role in the Night World.
MYSTERY:
– Introduction of seemingly helpful characters Astra, Griffin and other couriers.
– – Inexplicable failures or setbacks while they’re around, especially Griffin, a great mechanic who knows The Courier the longest/most.
– Griffin offers to take the route, noticing The Courier is using his secondary vehicle.
Midpoint:
THREATS:
– A close ally springs a trap on The Courier by Luring The Courier and Astra into a dangerous situation.
Twist 7 (It just got more dangerous): an old close ally springs a trap with the assistance of rogue agents in the Night Authority
TRUST/DISTRUST: The Courier, feeling desperate, accepts Griffin’s help, but Griffin seems to be leading him into a trap.
MYSTERY:
– Strange encounters with mythic creatures, normally no interaction.
Turning point two
THREATS:
– The Courier is picked up and has to be rescued by an Astra, putting her in Danger, and putting her in a situation where she may be injured or possibly die
Twist 8 (the worst possible thing happens): Seemingly in the clear and making up time, they are suddenly picked up by “regular” law enforcement on a tip from someone
TRUST/DISTRUST: In captivity, The Courier thinks that Griffin may have led them into a trap, but might have connections with “real world law enforcement” to get them out.
– If he doesn’t complete the task, he becomes an delivery agent that is “less than” and unhireable
MYSTERY:
– The Future Key – presented by Nocturne himself who near the end, while never showing his face to us, alludes that he is the future self, giving The Courier the key to open it and stop what will happen
– The discovery that it’s an aged version of a key the Courier already owns.
– The realization that his own key doesn’t work on the package lock.
VILLAIN’S PLAN:
Mythic Denizens Encounter: Night denizens approach The Courier interested in what he has in his car. This is unusual and can only the work of someone who told them what was in the package.
Act III – Resolution:
Pre climax
THREATS:
– The Courier’s closeness to the villain (the same person, or at least that is what Nocturne says) makes him susceptible to future knowledge that can be used against him.
TRUST/DISTRUST: Cruz reveals he’s been resentful of The Courier for some old betrayal.
MYSTERY:
Climax
Twist 9: (new options emerge): the code is you never look in the package, but Nocturne offers up a key that will open the package
Twist 10: (secret identity uncovered): Nocturne is The Courier… or is he?
THREATS:
– The danger that the package presents is a big unknown that has put him into a tough situation, as Nocturne offers up a key that he says can unlock it so he can see why he shouldn’t make the delivery – putting The Courier at odds with The Code.
MYSTERY:
– What’s in the box?
VILLAIN’S PLAN:
Final Confrontation with Nocturne (Climax): An elaborate chase ends in a standoff where Nocturne reveals that he is a future version of the Courier, hinting that delivery of the package is a mistake. Leaving The Courier with doubt.
Conclusion
DISTRUST/TRUST: After the climax, Astra’s true backstory solidifies her as having her own hidden agenda, but it’s for his and everyone else’s good.
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Kelly’s Trust/Distrust Relationships
What I learned? I learned that when I isolated each character and asked the three questions I could start seeing how they would play out. The trust distrust sequence was a little hard but I just thought about it one step at a time.
Hero: Avery
Villain: Bennet
Red Herring Character: Henry, Connor
Trusted, but shouldn’t be: Julian the Jornalist, Ryan ex boyfriend programmer
Isn’t trusted, but should be: Brooks the Agent
A. What is their basic state — trustable or not trustable?
Julian the Journalist is trustable
B. How might they really be trustable, but appear not trustable OR be not trustable, but appear trustable? He seems like he is searching for the truth but he is not trustable because he himself is being controlled by the mind hacking system. To promote the idea of a terrorist plot.
C. What circumstances might cause them to switch from one to the other?The journalist turns her into the FBI agents
A. What is their basic state — trustable or not trustable?Brooks is a special agent for the FBI and is not trustable.
B. How might they really be trustable, but appear not trustable OR be not trustable, but appear trustable? Brooks is ready to throw the book at her. He threatens her with serious prison time possibilities. .
C. What circumstances might cause them to switch from one to the other?Brooks decides to listen to Avery about a tip and is attacked and he and Avery have to defend themselves.
A. What is their basic state — trustable or not trustable?Connor is not rustable.
B. How might they really be trustable, but appear not trustable OR be not trustable, but appear trustable?Connor is not trustable but he is under the influence of the mind hacking software system that he created.
C. What circumstances might cause them to switch from one to the other?Avery learns that Connor worked for the weapons manufacturer and was dismissed months ago. After speaking with his wife she puts together the evidence that Connor himself was hacked by Benett the CEO.
A. What is their basic state — trustable or not trustable?Henry is not trustable.
B. How might they really be trustable, but appear not trustable OR be not trustable, but appear trustable?Henry appears not trustable because he appears to be one of the leaders of the terrorist group.
C. What circumstances might cause them to switch from one to the other?Like Connor Avery discovers that Henry has been a pawn of Bennet.
A. What is their basic state — trustable or not trustable?Bennet is trustable
B. How might they really be trustable, but appear not trustable OR be not trustable, but appear trustable? Bennet is trustable because he tells them about Connor
C. What circumstances might cause them to switch from one to the other? Through evidence and talking with Connor’s wife Avery learns that it was Bennet who is the real mastermind.
Opening: We meet Avery, an agoraphobic hacker who rarely leaves her apartment. She’s introverted and scared of the outside world due to a traumatic past. We see her daily life, focused on her computer and isolated from society.
Villains Plan 1: Use MindHack system to hack partner Connor
Villains Plan 2: Get Connor to identify ordinary social media users who are good citizens.
Villain’s Plan 3: Get Connor to create a terrorist group and lead them.
Villains Plan 4: Unleash mind hacking algorithm
Inciting Incident: Avery’s brother, the only person she cares about, is arrested for attempted murder. She begins doing research.
Mystery 1: Who was her brother talking to online?
Mystery 2 Who is this soccer mom lady?
Life Threatening 1:She has social anxiety and has to leave the house.
Life Threatening 2: She tries to talk with one of the users families but the police come.
Villain’s Plan 5: Have the group commit various terrorist acts.
Act 1 Turning Point: Avery makes the decision to leave her apartment for the first time in years. She ventures into the outside world to gather information
Mystery 3: Who is this Greystorm character?
Trust Sequence:
TRUST: Avery initially trusts Julian the Journalist and Ryan as they offer their assistance in her investigation, believing their support is genuine.
TRUST: Julian and Ryan’s actions align with Avery’s mission, and they provide valuable insights and assistance, reinforcing her trust in them.
TRUST: Avery’s relationship with Julian and Ryan deepens as she relies on them as crucial allies in her quest.
Distrust Sequence:Julian
DISTRUST: As Avery delves deeper into the conspiracy, she may start to wonder if Julian and Ryan have hidden agendas or motives that conflict with her mission.
DISTRUST: Certain actions or decisions made by Julian and Ryan may create doubt in Avery’s mind, making her question their true intentions.
DISTRUST: A critical moment may arise where Avery becomes suspicious of Julian and Ryan, leading to a confrontation where she distrusts their loyalty.
TRUST: Avery initially believes that Ryan, her ex-boyfriend and programmer, may have valuable insights into her brother’s online activities, and she trusts his involvement in her investigation.
TRUST: Ryan genuinely offers his assistance to Avery, and his actions seem aligned with her mission, reinforcing her trust in him.
TRUST: As Avery’s investigation progresses, she begins to trust Ryan as a crucial ally in her quest to uncover the truth.
Distrust Sequence: Ryan
DISTRUST: As the story unfolds, Avery starts to doubt Ryan’s involvement due to their past relationship and the complexity of the conspiracy.
DISTRUST: Circumstances or actions by Ryan may create doubt in Avery’s mind, making her question his true intentions and loyalties.
DISTRUST: Avery’s investigation uncovers evidence that suggests Ryan might have had ulterior motives, leading to a confrontation where she distrusts his intentions.
Hero / Isn’t trusted, but should be (Brooks the Agent):
Mystery 4: What is this group planning?
Trust Sequence: Henry
TRUST: Avery initially believes that Henry may have information about her brother’s online activities and trusts his involvement in her investigation.
TRUST: Henry shares some insights that seem genuinely helpful to Avery’s quest, reinforcing her trust in him.
TRUST: As Avery’s investigation progresses, Henry’s innocence becomes clearer, and she realizes he was a mere pawn in the larger conspiracy, solidifying her trust in his intentions.
Distrust Sequence: Henry
DISTRUST: As the story unfolds, Avery starts to doubt Henry’s involvement due to his connection to her brother and the mind hacking system.
DISTRUST: Circumstances make it appear that Henry may have been intentionally misleading Avery or working against her, causing her to question his trustworthiness.
DISTRUST: Avery’s investigation uncovers evidence that suggests Henry might have had ulterior motives, leading to a confrontation where she distrusts his intentions.
Trust Sequence:Henry
TRUST: Avery initially believes that Henry may have information about her brother’s online activities and trusts his involvement in her investigation.
TRUST: Henry shares some insights that seem genuinely helpful to Avery’s quest, reinforcing her trust in him.
TRUST: As Avery’s investigation progresses, Henry’s innocence becomes clearer, and she realizes he was a mere pawn in the larger conspiracy, solidifying her trust in his intentions.
Distrust Sequence:Henry
DISTRUST: As the story unfolds, Avery starts to doubt Henry’s involvement due to his connection to her brother and the mind hacking system.
DISTRUST: Circumstances make it appear that Henry may have been intentionally misleading Avery or working against her, causing her to question his trustworthiness.
DISTRUST: Avery’s investigation uncovers evidence that suggests Henry might have had ulterior motives, leading to a confrontation where she distrusts his intentions.
Life Threatening 3: She tries to talk with one of the users but he tries to kill her.
Life Threatening 4: She tries to talk with one of the users but he tries to kill her.
Life Threatening 5: House broken into and she has to leave her house.
Life Threatening 6: Patrons at the coffee shop turn on her.
Villain’s Plan 6: Kill anyone that gets in the way.
Midpoint: Avery’s investigation uncovers the extent of the mind hacking system’s influence and its connection to a powerful figure, Bennet, who seems to be behind it all. She realizes that her own life is in danger.
Life Threatening 7: Police arrest her.
Mystery 5: Who is unleashing this code?
Trust Sequence: Brooks
DISTRUST: Avery initially distrusts Brooks, the Agent, as she suspects government agents may be involved in the conspiracy, leading her to question his motives.
TRUST: Brooks’ actions and intentions become clearer as Avery’s investigation progresses, and she discovers that he genuinely wants to help her uncover the truth.
TRUST: A pivotal moment may occur where Brooks proves his dedication to Avery’s cause, solidifying her trust in him.
Distrust Sequence:
TRUST: As Avery continues her mission, she starts to see Brooks as a valuable ally in exposing the mind hacking system’s secrets.
TRUST: Brooks’ unwavering support and willingness to assist Avery strengthen her trust in him.
DISTRUST: However, circumstances or external pressures may arise that make it seem like Brooks is working against Avery or pursuing his own agenda, causing her to briefly question his loyalty before realizing the truth.
TRUST: Avery initially doesn’t suspect Bennet’s involvement in the conspiracy and assumes he is a legitimate figure in the story.
TRUST: Bennet provides Avery with valuable information that aids her in uncovering the mind hacking system’s secrets, solidifying a sense of trust.
TRUST: Avery’s investigation deepens, and Bennet’s actions align with her mission, making her trust him as an ally.
Hero / Red Herring Character (Henry, Connor):
Mystery 6: Is Connor the leader?RED HERRING
Life Threatening 8: Her mind gets hacked.
Life Threatening 9: She buys an AR 15 and goes to kill a crowd of people at the mall.
Mystery 7: Who is really behind this?
Distrust Sequence: Bennet
DISTRUST: As Avery’s investigation progresses, she begins to suspect Bennet’s involvement as she uncovers more about the mind hacking system and its consequences.
DISTRUST: Bennet’s actions appear to conflict with Avery’s mission, making her question his motives and loyalties.
DISTRUST: Avery confronts Bennet, demanding answers about his connection to the mind hacking system, leading to a tense standoff where she distrusts his intentions.
Life Threatening 10: Tight Surveillance
Life Threatening 11:Being chased by Villain’s thugs
Act 2 Turning Point: Avery narrowly escapes an attempt on her life by Bennet’s henchmen, confirming that she’s onto something big. She decides to go off the grid, using her hacking skills to stay hidden while she digs deeper into the conspiracy.
Climax: Avery finally confronts Bennet in a high-stakes showdown, where they engage in a tense battle of wits and technology. As she exposes the mind hacking system’s secrets to the world, she faces her greatest fear head-on, outside her comfort zone.
Resolution: Avery’s brother is exonerated, but she’s left changed by her journey. She’s no longer agoraphobic, having faced her fears and overcome them. She’s also aware that the world is a dangerous place, but she’s determined to use her skills to protect it from similar threats.
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Peter Saltzman’s Trust relationships
What I Learned: The more I go through each of these exercises, the more I find out about my story and characters.
Make a list of the main characters.
• Hero: Milo Coles
• Villain: Howie Spikes
• Red Herring Character: Missy (club owner/manager)
• Trusted, but shouldn’t be: Howie, Bam Delio (Milo’s bass player)
• Isn’t trusted, but should be: Missy, Darla Shams (Milo’s agent)
With each character, ask these questions:
Milo
What is their basic state — trustable or not trustable?
Trustable because he’s gullible and clueless.
How might they really be trustable, but appear not trustable OR be not trustable, but appear trustable?
See above. Because he’s gullible, insecure, and wants to be loved.
What circumstances might cause them to switch from one to the other?
When he finds that he is being scammed.
Howie Spikes
What is their basic state — trustable or not trustable?
Not trustable.
How might they really be trustable, but appear not trustable OR be not trustable, but appear trustable?
Howie promises to support Milo in his struggles but never does.
What circumstances might cause them to switch from one to the other?
None
Missy
What is their basic state — trustable or not trustable?
Not-trustable.
How might they really be trustable, but appear not trustable OR be not trustable, but appear trustable?
She is always evasive and secretive but it’s because she’s in an impossible position, being blackmailed by Howie.
What circumstances might cause them to switch from one to the other?
She’s basically good and when Howie’s actions threaten Milo’s life, she’s pushed too far and helps Milo.
Darla Shams
What is their basic state — trustable or not trustable?
Trustable.
How might they really be trustable, but appear not trustable OR be not trustable, but appear trustable?
She fails to get Milo and high-profile work, but it’s because Howie is manipulating concert promoters behind the scenes. Milo thinks it’s due to her lack of effort, but it’s really that Howie is pulling strings.
What circumstances might cause them to switch from one to the other?
Her own physical safety.
Bam Delio
What is their basic state — trustable or not trustable?
Trustable
How might they really be trustable, but appear not trustable OR be not trustable, but appear trustable?
He’s looking for a to get out of the club gig; Howie hooks him up with some great, high-paying opportunities in exchange for betraying Milo.
What circumstances might cause them to switch from one to the other?
Being pushed too far, seeing what his happening to Milo.
With each character relationship, brainstorm how trust or distrust might show up between them.
Hero / Villain:
Milo and Howie were close friends/competitors in music school in the 1980s. The third person in this equation was Milo’s future wife, Ella, who was first Howie’s girlfriend. She eventually dumped him for Milo. But the rift between Milo and Howie ran deeper: while the three remained a unit throughout school, Milo’s musical genius vastly outshined Howie’s—and Howie knew it. He seethed under the guise of friendship, and while Milo innocently believes that Howie is still his friend, even he notices that the latter has never supported his career as the top music critic in Chicago. Howie claims that it would be a conflict of interest, but since they are no longer active friends, it doesn’t really make sense. For his part, Howie’s level of distrust rises with each of Milo’s artistic successes, and even as he is in awe of Milo’s talent, he ultimately wants to squelch it.
Hero / Red Herring Character:
Milo is deeply suspicious of Missy, in part because she is so elusive about her past. He doesn’t know that they have a shared background: she was in the music business department at the same school when he was there, but he never knew her. But Missy’s handling of the club also sows distrust: the large club is in a fancy Chicago neighborhood but has a dirt-cheap sound system that keeps breaking down at key moments during Milo’s performances. For her part, Milo’s presence brings out a complex series of emotions: awe of his talent, guilt and being put in the position (from Howie) of hurting, anger that both of those things are putting her in precarious position in her career and life.
Hero / Trusted, but shouldn’t be:
Bam Delio is Milo’s longtime bassist, but the former is weary, tired of the club gig, even if he doesn’t understand that Howie is the one keeping him down. Milo implicitly trusts his sidemen, so doesn’t suspect that Bam has cut a deal with Howie (though he doesn’t know that it’s Howie he’s dealing with.) Howie has hooked him up with some high-paying gigs in exchange for information about Milo.
Hero / Isn’t trusted, but should be:
Milo, who doesn’t like dealing with the business side of the industry, is frustrated at Darla Sham’s inability to get him high profile work. But he doesn’t understand that it’s not for lack of trying. She herself doesn’t understand what’s going on with Howie trying to bring Milo down.
Create a sequence for each trust/distrust relationship and then add that to your map.
Milo/Howie
1. Trust: back in college, both Howie and Milo were into the same girl, ella. Milo did not try to steal her away when Howie and ella became a definite item.
2. Distrust: Ella dumped Howie and went on to become Milo’s wife. How we ensure Milo stole her away. No
3. Trust: Milo assumes Howie is on his side since they go way back and were once close friends and never had a falling out.
4. Distrust: But Howie has never publicly supported or helped Milo in his career even though has the power to do that given his position as Chicago’s top music critic. Why? Howie claims their friendship is a conflict of interest. This makes no sense to Milo.
5. Trust: Howie starts showing up at Milos club performances for the first time in ages. It makes him think that Howie is finally getting behind him.
6. Distrust: but Howie is frequently talking loudly during Milos performances.
7. Trust: Howie promises to write a feature piece about Milo.
8. Distrust: instead, Howie writes of feature piece about another pianist and has a little blurb at the end of that article about Milo
9. Trust: After the story comes out accusing Milo of plagiarism, how we meets with Milo and Ella for the first time in years and promises to help him prove the accusers wrong.
10. Distrust: how are we right a piece about cancel culture and it’s dangers, but barely mentions Milo is polite.
11. Trust: after arguing with Missy about the horrible sound system, Milo sees how we dressing her down.
12. Distrust: Milo later sees them talking confidentially in a tense but calmer discussion.
13. Trust: Howie promises to expose the problems at the club that are hurting musicians.
14. Distrust: After investigating Missy’s background and finding out who she really is, Milo’s comes across her connection to Howie, and that she to was in school with them back in the day!
Milo/Missy:
1. trust: Missy expresses genuine love of Milo’s music during the performances.
2. Distrust: She ignores Milo’s requests to fix the sound system, even though this is a high end club in a ritzy neighborhood. She says they don’t have the money.
3. Trust: after other musicians and staffed complain about the sound system, Missy changes course and promises to fix it.
4. Distrust: Later that night, Milo witnesses her getting a call on her iPhone, sees that it’s from some strange acronym, and witnesses her running out of the club, not returning that evening. The sound system isn’t fixed
5. Trust: in every other way, Missy is kind to Milo and tries to help him.
6. Distrust: when he asks her about how she came to own this club, she becomes evasive, won’t answer directly.
7. Trust: Milo researchers misses background and sees that she’s owned a series of boutique clubs that were artistic successes but commercial failures.
8. Distrust: further searches on the Internet reveal that Missy came out of nowhere. When he does an image search, he finds a woman from California with a different name. When he looks into her, he finds that she got in trouble for apparently absconding with artists funds while she represented them. (One of those artists was Howie, but he actually set up the whole thing.)
9. Trust: Missy explains that she was in fact cheated out of funds but was forced to change her name even when she proved she was right. She was blacklisted from the industry.
10. Distrust: Milo, digging deeper, finds her connection to Howie during college.
11. Trust: When Milo’s career and personal life reaches rock bottom, Missy offer a lifeline and promises she will help him.
12. Distrust: she then disappears for days.
13. Trust: she helps uncover Howie’s web of deceit and brings Milo back to the club in a celebratory performance—with perfect sound.
Milo/Bam Delio
1. Trust: Bam is Milo’s longtime bassist, co-musical director of the band, who plays everything Milo gives him with joy and passion.
2. Distrust: He bickers incessantly about the pay, and feeling like the band deserves to be performing big-time shows.
3. Trust: Bam comes up with a great, high-paying gig for the band.
4. Distrust: at the last minute he nervously tells Milo that “they requested a different style of pianist…”
5. Trust: Bam helps Milo out with a high paying party job
6. Distrust: the party planner has replaced him when he arrives.
Milo/Darla Shams
1. Trust: Milo trusts her by default because he wants to rely on her.
2. Distrust: She can no longer land him high-profile gigs and makes various lame excuses about it being a bad time for the market. She doesn’t want to tell him the truth: nobody will touch him with the various rumors about him out there.
3. Trust: She lets him know that the venues are nervous about working with him.
4. Distrust: She insinuates that he’s causing the problem.
5. Trust: she lets him know that there is somebody (unknown) pressuring venues not to hire him.
6. Distrust: She claims it’s Howie. He doesn’t want to believe her, so thinks it’s just an excuse.
7. Trust: He figures out that it is Howie.
I’m not posting the revised Thriller Map: I haven’t the time to integrate the above data.
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Gisele Frazeur’s Trust Relationships
What I learned about this assignment is: Utilization of these techniques practically writes the screenplay for me. Lol!
List of the main characters:
Hero: Renowned perfumer Darin August. Her basic state is trustable. She is a brilliant, capable badass! In the midst of grief, she resumes drinking. Her instability leads to horrific decision making, which can lessen others and audience ability to trust in this character. She also has a secret past – – which resulted in her killing her stepdad in her youth. As this information comes to light her trustworthiness comes into question.
Villain: Narcotics Officer Hank Sanford. He is a law enforcement officer with a scenting dog. His career choice indicates trustworthiness. He vows to avenge his wife’s death and rigorously investigates her murder – – which instills trustworthiness. He sees how damaged Darin (his sister-in-law) is by his wife’s death and is very solicitous of her and protective of her well-being.
Red Herring Character: Reverend Sergio Carbajal (Leff-T): He has strong ties with active gang members still – – even though he renounced the life years back. He was a gang member in his youth. He committed murder in his youth. He is a recovering addict. He acts out like a petulant child and organizes a campaign of harassment against Darin when she refuses to take a commission for a celebrity fragrance from him.
Trusted, but shouldn’t be: Hank. He encourages her to resume drinking (she is a recovering alcoholic with years of sobriety under her belt) to alleviate her anxiety. This makes him less trustworthy as he has had addiction issues of his own and inherently understands how dangerous this could be. He is a recovering addict himself. He has sex with his recently dead wife’s sister – – which is suspect behavior. Hank’s addictive personality and close connections to the underbelly of society could cause him to become untrustworthy.
Isn’t trusted, but should be: Leff-T: He is a Reverend. He raises big bucks for a charity helping gang members denounce the life and start anew. The murder he committed in his youth was to protect his younger brother and try to aid him in getting out of the gang life. He is a superstar rapper / minister. Leff-T’s massive ego could take him down a slippery slope of untrustworthiness. His uber close relationships within the gang community could be difficult for him to balance.
How might distrust show up between:
Darin / Hank (trusted but should not be) Hank encouraging Darin to drink when she should not. Hank seducing Darin. Hank lying about Livie having an affair. Hank’s insistence Darin stay away from Leff-T. Hank insisting Darin have a gun even though she states it scares her. Hank’s refusal to go into circumstances of Pookie’s forced retirement. Darin’s dogged investigation of what is agitating Pookie. Darin’s resistance to Hank’s seduction and insistence she resume drinking. Darin’s curiosity and inquisitiveness. She has the ability to figure it out. Darin’s refusal to distrust Leff-T after he is exonerated.
Darin / Leff-T (not trusted but should be) Leff-T knows how vulnerable Darin is because of grief combined with alcoholism = bad choices. Leff-T knows how close Darin and Hank are – – how difficult it will be for her to suspect Hank of anything. Hank keeps bringing police intel to Darin about how connected Leff-T still is to the gang community – – and therefore not to be trusted. Leff-T is also a recovering addict. Darin knows the pitfalls and how untrustworthy they can be. His violent past can be difficult for her to ignore.
Opening: Renowned perfumer Darin August attends an awards ceremony with her pregnant sister, Livie Sanford. The evening is rife with turmoil. Picketers block the entrance to the ceremonial hall. Darin receives threatening phone calls. At the reception someone chokes on an hors d’ oeuvres laced with a human toe which results in Darin performing an emergency tracheotomy on them. They are harassed again by protestors exiting the evening’s festivities.
Distrust: Leff-T has publicly called upon his followers to boycott Darin’s perfumes. His followers are fervently and not so peacefully protesting outside of her awards ceremony. This makes her distrust and suspect him.
Life threatening 1: Phone call to Darin.
Mystery 1: Who is making threats to Darin and why?
Distrust: Is Leff-T behind the phone calls as well?
Mystery 2: Why are people protesting Darin at the awards?
Life threatening 2: Laced hors d’oeuvres.
Mystery 3: Who wants to harm Livie and why?
Mystery 4: Whose toe is the meatball laced with?
Distrust: Is Leff-T responsible for the laced hors d’ oeuvres?
Twist 1: Something planned for doesn’t happen:
Direction: Hors d’oeuvres laced with toe is given to Livie by waiter.
Twist: Livie sneezes and puts plate down on adjacent table. Another guest picks up hors d’ oeuvres and commences choking on it.
Villains plan: To instill fear in Darin. To cast suspicion on Leff-T.
Inciting Incident: Upon returning home from the awards Darin is knocked unconscious and Livie is shot – -outside of Darin’s home.
Twist 2: It just got more dangerous.
Direction: Livie opens the door to let Pookie out to pee.
Twist: Armed assailants emerge from the home – – knocking Darin unconscious and shooting Livie.
Life threatening 3: Physical attack on Darin and Livie.
Mystery 5: Who is responsible for the attack?
Turning Point 1: While being treated at the hospital Darin learns of her pregnant sister’s death.
Mystery 6: Why would someone kill Livie?
Mystery 7: What is Leff-T’s beef with Darin – – and did he do it?
Distrust: Leff-T must be responsible in her mind. Nothing else makes sense.
Villain’s plan 2: To send a message to Hank to keep in line and compliant “or else”.
Act 2: Darin investigates Leff-T – – the man she suspects of her sister’s murder. He is a gangster, gone rapper, gone televangelist. She turned down a commission to make a celebrity fragrance for him. He had called upon his followers and parishioners to boycott her fragrances and the perfume house she works for. In a downward spiral she resumes drinking (she is a recovering alcoholic) and begins a sexual relationship with Livie’s husband, Hank Sanford.
Twist 3: A mistake returns to haunt them.
Direction: Darin arrives at her sister’s funeral to find paparazzi.
Twist: They inform her she is suspect – – that her juvie record has been leaked to the press – and ask why she killed her stepfather.
Mystery 8: Darin’s mother makes reference to Darin having killed her husband at the funeral. What is the story here?
Distrust: Because of the past – – Darin’s mom really believes that Darin might be responsible for Livie’s death.
Distrust: Is Darin’s mom so spiteful she leaked Darin’s juvie record to the police as revenge?
Mystery 9: How was Darin’s juvie record unsealed?
Mystery 10: Who leaked her juvie record to the press?
Trust: Hank – – like a knight in shining armor- – comes to Darin’s rescue and defense when her mom attacks her at Livie’s funeral.
Life Threatening 4: Anonymous death threat mailed to Darin’s home.
Trust: Hank tells Darin to keep Pookie for protection and presents her with a gun for the selfsame purpose. Makes her feel looked out for and protected.
Mystery11: Who sent it?
Mystery 12: Who wants her dead.
Mystery 13: Why has Hank really encouraged her to resume drinking – – as he knows she battles with alcoholism?
Mystery14: Why would Hank have sex with his recently deceased, pregnant wife’s sister? Seems ice cold and heartless.
Distrust: Darin awakens ashamed for having imbibed and having slept with Hank. This creates distrust for him.
Life threatening 5: Someone is surveilling Darin.
Mystery 15: Who leaked photos of her drunk to the press and her boss?
Distrust: More chaos being created for her behind the scenes. As boycott continues – – she still suspects Leff-T.
Villain’s plan 3: To keep Darin off balance – therefore malleable and manipulatable.
Turning Point 2: Leff-T is cleared as a suspect.
Twist 4: We see an unexpected side of someone.
Direction: Darin has gone to Leff-T’s house – – drunk and brandishing a firearm. She shoots at the exterior of his home and security cameras. She ultimately passes out outside of his house on the sidewalk.
Twist: Leff-T see this on the security camera and tells his security guard he will “take care of it.” He carries her in the house and puts her to bed, tucks her in, and gives Pookie a chew toy.
Twist 5: We see an unexpected side of someone.
Direction: Darin awakens at home after blackout at Leff-T’s the night before. She is in a blind panic. Does not know how she got there. Cup of piping hot coffee on table next to her. Is someone else in her home?
Twist: She finds a note left by Leff-T telling her to watch the news at 11AM. He has also left some dog toys for Pookie. She watches the news conference. Leff-T has been cleared as a suspect. He gives a public apology to Darin for the boycott and asks his followers to stand down.
Trust: Leff-T brought her home safely. He was exonerated. He publicly apologizes to her on TV and calls for his followers to stand down.
Life threatening 6: the real killer is still out there.
Mystery 16: Who is the real killer?
Act 3: Darin gets back on the wagon. After receiving intel from Leff-T indicating suspicious activity on the part of her narcotics officer brother-in-law, Hank Sanford, she begins investigating Hank. She enlists the aid of her friend, Dharma to aid in the investigation.
Mystery 17: What is Pookie – – Hank’s retired narcotics dog – – attempting to communicate to Darin?
Mystery 18: Why is Hank so vehemently opposed to Darin’s burgeoning friendship with Leff-T – even though Leff-T has been cleared?
Distrust: Darin is suspicious of Hank’s continued finger pointing at Leff-T – – after he has been exonerated…..and she has been speaking to and researching Leff-T – – and believes in his innocence.
Twist 6: A lie is uncovered.
Direction: Darin puts on a sweater of Livie’s to comfort herself.
Twist: She finds the business card of a divorce attorney in the pocket.
Life Threatening 7: Some leaves poison out for Pookie.
Mystery 19: What does Pookie know that has someone gunning for her?
Mystery 20: Who is behind trying to poison Pookie?
Life Threatening 8: Officer who has agreed to meet with Darin and Dharma to discuss circumstances of Pookie’s failed drug bust and subsequent termination – – is murdered.
Mystery 21: Who killed the narcotic’s officer and why?
Mystery 22: What has Pookie so agitated when Darin and Dharma run scenting tests on her?
Twist 7: Secret identity uncovered.
Direction: Hank tells his colleague he is going to meet with an informant.
Twist: The man waiting for him in the car is no informant. It is a drug lord. He has been blackmailing Hank.
Twist 8: The worst possible thing happens.
Direction: Darin has been throwing up. She thinks she has been withdrawing from alcohol.
Twist: She finds out she is pregnant with Hank’s child
Distrust: Darin confronts Hank about the card of divorce lawyer she found in Livie’s sweater. Hank says Livie had been having an affair. Darin does not believe this. Distrusts him.
Villain’s plan 4: To keep Darin off his scent.
Turning Point 3: Dharma has requested a meet-up with Darin because she has important intel to share. She overdoses at the restaurant while waiting for Darin to show.
Life threatening 9: Dharma being overdosed.
Mystery 23: who overdosed Dharma and why?
Distrust: Darin distrusts Hank because Dharma was going to tell her something about Hank.
Twist 9: A new problem occurs.
Direction: Darin goes to restaurant to meet Dharma. Dharma has summoned her with the promise of useful intel.
Twist: Dharma is being wheeled out on a stretcher to an ambulance upon Darin’s arrival. She is informed Dharma (a recovering addict) has overdosed.
Villain’s plan 6: To keep Darin from learning the truth of his guilt.
Act 4: Darin figures it out.
Mystery 24: Why does Hank sleep with his socks on?
Mystery 25: What is it about violets that makes Pookie go Berserk?
Twist 10: A trust is violated. A lie is uncovered.
Direction: After a falling out – – Darin goes to Hank’s house to make up with him. She brings booze, gets him drunk and snoops around his house.
Twist: He awakens thinking she is back under his control……only to discover there is iced tea in the booze bottle from which she had been drinking. He also discovers she went through his dirty laundry and has discovered the bloody sock.
Distrust: Darin has conned him. He knows she is on to him.
Climax: Darin confronts Hank with what she knows about him using scientific information he has been gleaning from her to make his narcotics dog fail to scent contraband at potential drug busts. Leff-T has been kidnapped by Hank. Darin buys them time by confessing she is pregnant with Hank’s child. Hank confesses everything. A shoot out ensues. Hank is shot by Leff-T.
Life threatening 10: Hank’s new dog scents drugs at a bust. The fake deterrent Darin fed him didn’t work. The drug lord will kill him now. He prepares to go on the run. First, he must take Darin out.
Life threatening 11: Hank finds Leff-T at Darin’s house. Holds him hostage. Uses him as bait to get Darin.
Mystery 26: What was Hanks role in Livie’s death?
Life threatening 11: Hank prepares to kill Darin.
Life threatening 12: Hank pushes Leff-t – – who is tied to a chair – – in the pool to drown.
Twist 11: It just got more dangerous. Secret identity uncovered.
Direction: Darin and Leff-T have agreed to meet at her house to share intel and formulate a gameplan.
Twist: She arrives to find Leff-T being held hostage by a crazed and drunken Hank.
Trust: Leff-T saves Darin
Villain’s plan 7: To escape the drug lords coming to kill him. To tie up loose ends.
Resolution: Leff-T, Darin’s baby, and Dharma attend the FiFi Awards (perfume industry) with Darin. She dedicates her award to her deceased sister and informs the audience of newest release: a fragrance created for Leff-T’s non-for-profit benefiting reformed gang members and their families.
Twist 12: New options emerge.
Direction: Leff-T attends awards ceremony with Darin’s baby girl (Livie) in tow.
Twist: Leff-T and Darin are now a couple. She kept Hank’s baby and is married to Leff-T.
Trust: Leff-T and Darin are now married. Clearly, they trust one another. He is raising her baby with Hank.
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Trust/Mistrust Sequence has been added as an underline.
Hero: David Stratton
Villain: James Ridley
Red Herring Character: The
Financier, Henry GarnerTrusted, but shouldn’t be: James
RidleyIsn’t trusted, but should be: Henry
GarnerTitle: Neural Nemesis
Act 1: The Set Up
Introduction:
We meet David Stratton, on his last assignment before retirement, showcasing his extraordinary combat abilities, sharp reflexes, and covert actions.
After a successful operation, he has a small celebration of his retirement with colleagues and friends where he goes drinking for the first time in years.
Inciting Incident:
Stratton wakes up in the morning, feeling different. He tries to perform some combat moves he’s known for years but fumbles (plot twist).
He discovers a scar on the back of his neck – indicating that something has been done to him while he was asleep (plot twist).
He notices the date, realizes that he has been unconscious for two days. He calls a colleague (Veronica – the Tech person) to confirm it has been two days since they last spoke at the party (plot twist).
Tech Mystery: He discovers a discarded part of the memory extraction device tech under his bed (although he doesn’t know what it is yet). It’s intricate and obviously a part of a more significant apparatus.
Act 1 Turning Point 1:
Tech Mystery: Determined, Stratton starts his search for answers. He breaks into a former agency contact and traces the equipment to Dr. Verne, a neuroscientist known for his cutting-edge research on memory and muscle reflexes, had disappeared months ago. Rumors had surfaced that he was working on a revolutionary project, but details were scarce. This device appears to be able to transfer skills from one person to another.
The Big Secret: Stratton believes the culprit is stealing abilities for wealth and power.
Stratton decides he needs his abilities back and returns to the spy agency.
Act 2
Villain Trust: The Villain, James Ridley, a senior member of David’s spy organization and a close friend of David’s, directs him to the “The Financier” as the possible culprit.
The Financier (Red Herring): A mysterious billionaire suspected of financing the evil organization. He has been funding several covert projects and is very secretive about them. David uncovers monetary ties between the Financier and Dr Verne believed to be behind the technology.
Stratton begins assembling a team of old friends and allies, each with their own set of skills. Veronica, (the tech expert and operations co-ordinator), Gareth (an elite sniper & weapons specialist) and Louise (the expert thief). They devise a plan to recover the device from the Financier but must first trace his steps.
Suspense: Unreliable Allies: Not everyone in his inner circle believes he can overcome this setback. Doubts, internal conflicts, and reluctance to help come from superiors he once trusted. This includes James Ridley, who insists that he is doing this out of concern for him (Villain Trust).
Intrigue: They follow the breadcrumbs to elite individuals & prodigies who have disappeared. Fake reports and social media postings are published to justify their disappearance.
Red Herring: They infiltrate a secretive high-profile event hosted by the Financier (Red herring distrust). It’s a black market event where illegal and experimental high tech is for sale. There is also a cage fight showcasing the newly acquired skills of the rogue Agent (Alex) where he easily kills other fighters (plot twist).
Suspense: Lured into a Dangerous Situation: A deceptive invite promises a way to restore lost abilities (Villain trust), leading him into a trap where he narrowly escapes. The Villain orchestrates a direct confrontation by putting him in the cage fight with the rogue agent in order to gloat and showcase the rogue agent’s skills, and demoralize the protagonist further (plot twist).
We discover that Stratton had once trained Alex and he was presumed dead (plot twist) after a botched operation years ago (Plot twist).
Red Herring: Evidence found in the Financier’s office seems to hint at knowledge of the extraction plots. The Financier is discovered to have been present where the extraction incidents occurred (Red herring distrust).
Intrigue: Other elites are involved in accidents and their sustained injuries are being treated at a fake rehabilitation centre for elites funded by the Financier. The fake rehabilitation centre, becomes the new obsession among the elites.
They go to interview a potential witness to one of the elite disappearing.
Suspense: They encounter rogue agents enhanced with stolen abilities led by Alex (the rogue agent) who worked closely with David who has been sent to deal with the witness.
Suspense: Technological Manipulation: As he relies more on technology to compensate for his lost skills, the Villain hacks or tampers with his equipment.
Suspense: Memory Lapses: Stratton starts experiencing sudden and unexpected memory lapses at the worst time (plot twist). Names, places, even faces – essential details vanish, making his mission incredibly challenging.
Suspense: Without his elite skills, even average thugs or lower-level agents can give him a hard time. This becomes evident when he barely escapes from a pursuit, which would have been easy for him previously
Professional Humiliation: As he stumbles and fumbles due to his lost skills he thereby loses a key potential witness who dies because he could not protect them (plot twist). He is reprimanded by his own superiors in his spy organization. His once legendary reputation is tarnished.
Suspense: Demand to Stop Pursuing the Mystery: He’s detained by local authorities, while trying to get away from the rogue agent. His former agency, seeing his compromised state, demands he stop the investigation, declaring it ‘above his current pay grade’ (plot twist).
The Tech Mystery: James Ridley (Villain Trust) informs Stratton that Dr. Verne might be held in a secret facility underneath the rehabilitation centre. A high-risk mission ensues to locate and hopefully rescue him.
Suspense: Stratton has a direct run in with Alex who uses Stratton’s own moves against him and is vastly outmatched. Stratton gets away by the skin of his teeth.
Suspense: Stratton, with his diminished skills, struggles with self-doubt.
Stratton confronts James who suspects that they seemed to know he was coming and it was like a trap was set for him (Villain Mistrust). James declares is innocence, that his confidential informant was killed getting him that information (Villain Trust).
The Tech Mystery: Once rescued, Dr. Verne is initially reluctant to speak, traumatized by his abduction and forced work. However, with time, he reveals the magnitude of his findings. He had been working on a way to transfer muscle memory to help patients with muscle degradation diseases or paralysis. But the tech was weaponised by the Villain.
Suspense: Talking about the danger: Verne explains the extraction process isn’t perfect, and if he doesn’t recover his abilities soon, he might lose them permanently. Furthermore, he will slowly lose his mind if his abilities are not restored within four weeks (plot twists). Symptoms include dizziness, memory lapses and onset dementia. Also the recipient’s memories and behavior can be unpredictable and violent bordering on psychosis. He has figured out how to stabilize both of these and has hidden the research on a flash drive.
James Ridley claims that it’s possible that Dr Verne is lying – that he may be responsible for weaponising it and wants to keep the technology for his own gain (Villain mistrust). David disagrees and wants to keep him hidden for the time being – along with the flash drive.
Midpoint:
Intrigue: They are drawn to a government database cyber attack that steals the sensitive government secrets. The authorities believe a rival country is behind the attack.
The Financier (Red Herring): Infiltrating secretive high-profile events hosted by the Financier. Finding covert project details in the Financier’s assets, leading to a false climax – The Financier is being blackmailed because his daughter has been held hostage (plot twist). He is a victim not the culprit. As the Hero is about to expose the Financier, it’s revealed that the billionaire’s interest was in a completely different illicit tech venture and not the extraction process.
The Financier, offers to assist Stratton covertly as a double agent if he can assure the rescue and safety of his daughter (Plot twist).
They mount a rescue mission successfully, retrieving the daughter, only to discover she is actually an agent for the Villain (plot twist) sent to steal Dr Verne’s hidden flash drive. The Financier’s real daughter is returned safely to him for his co-operation in fooling David (red herring mistrust).
Mystery Hidden Training Facilities: Surveillance captures training sessions of agents showcasing abilities not their own. This location is where agents with stolen abilities are trained, but for what purpose? This was given to them by the Financier as thanks for rescuing his daughter (Red herring final trust).
Intrigue: The rogue agent begins taking out threats, but it’s disguised as unrelated incidents or accidents.
Intrigue: The rogue agent starts taking out high level government agents and frames the protagonist based on his telltale combat abilities. He is now being hunted by government officials as a person of interest.
Suspense: Government law enforcement, pursue the protagonist for the framed crimes of the Villain, complicating his efforts.
David decodes a secret communication between rogue agents about a big upcoming event.
Targeting Mystery: David recollects a past mission where he crossed the now-Villain, hinting at the personal vendetta (plot twist).
Suspense: The Unknown: He experiences episodes where he cannot differentiate between reality and illusion, likely a side effect of the extraction procedure.
Suspense: Danger to Someone They Know: In an attempt to demoralize him further, a close friend is severely harmed by the rogue agent, with hints that it’s only the beginning.
Suspense: Betrayal from Someone Close: An ally, out of fear and coercion, betrays his trust, by turning over documents related to the spy organisation’s other elite members to the villain, as possible extraction targets (plot twist).
The team discovers the organization’s plan is nearing fruition. They have a list of elite targets and are set to extract abilities from a key military general that would allow the coup to proceed.
Intrigue: Bomb threats start emerging, taking the attention away from the extraction process and the upcoming coup.
Hidden Facility mystery: Unearthing blueprints of a fortified base, suggesting preparations for a significant assault – the military coup.
Intrigue: As the climax approaches, irrefutable evidence of the muscle memory extraction is exposed, but by then, the villain’s army is ready (plot twist).
David reveals a failed mission, a betrayal, and the Villain swearing revenge.
Plot twist: Someone changes sides: One of Stratton’s team members defects to the villain’s side, seeking the promise of enhanced abilities.
Other Parties Want the Villain Dead: Rival factions or organizations, seeing an opportunity, wish to take down the Villain, but their methods are extreme, forcing the protagonist to navigate a delicate balance as he needs the rogue agent alive to regain his abilities.
Intrigue: The military coup begins, with a now clear and present threat to the government, culminating in a massive battle between the protagonist, his spy agency and the unstoppable army.
Plot twist: Lost Backup: Just when Stratton believes he has backup, he discovers that a majority of his spy agency has been compromised at the highest level, and they’re not coming to assist. It is James Ridley who gave the order, leaving no doubt of his betrayal and that he is the leader of the rogue organization (Villain mistrust).
3. Turning Point Act 2:
The team infiltrates the organization’s main facility. They recover the device, but not without costs – members of Stratton’s team are captured (suspense).
Act 3: Resolution
1. Climax:
Suspense: Betrayed by Their Own Abilities: In a climactic confrontation, the rogue agent uses the protagonist’s own fighting style against him, turning his strengths into his greatest weakness.
Suspense: Just as things look bleak, Stratton taps into his years of experience and cunning, using the environment and Alex’s overconfidence against him. The fight is brutal, but Stratton manages to outwit the younger agent.
Plot twist: Before he can activate the device, he has another memory lapse and can’t figure it out. Dr Verne, shows up just in time as he starts to seize up.
With help from Verne using the device, Stratton reclaims his abilities.
With his abilities back and the device in hand, Stratton and his remaining team disrupt the organization’s plans and rescue their friends.
Stratton confronts Ridley who reveals that he wants revenge for all the agents lost under incompetent officials from the government, to be replaced by officials of his own choosing (Final Mistrust). Stratton fights James Ridley who has recently given himself multiple combat abilities making him volatile and dangerous. Stratton stays calm and eventually overcomes him.
3. Ending:
Stratton destroys the device, ensuring no one can misuse it again. He returns to retirement, but now with a renewed sense of purpose, mentoring young agents and emphasizing the value of experience over raw skills.
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Michael L Harris’s Trust Relationships
What I learned doing this assignment is: That by identifying Trust relationships you can add depth to your characters making the screenplay more intriguing for the audience.
1. Make a list of the main characters. And the three questions:
Hero: Simon Daniels, trustable, appears not
trustable at times because people don’t believe his visions are real.
Might switch when he finds Whitcombe killed his mother, might switch when
he finds Whitcombe is his father.
Secondary Hero: Elise Morris,
trustable but insecure, appears not trustable to Simon because she is
indecisive and non-committable about helping Simon find the man from his
visions. Might switch if convinced Simon’s visions are real, with Kevin’s
endorsement or presented with enough evidence.
Villain: Dr. Whitcombe, not
trustable, appears trustable because he has a reputation as a respected
doctor and philanthropist in the community. Might switch if he fully grasps
the understanding that Simon is also his son. And if he weren’t overcome
with grief.
Trusted, but shouldn’t be Nurse
Hanes, not trustable because she works for Whitcombe. Nurse Hanes is
generally a good person but has been dupped into going along with the good
doctor and helping cover the murder. Therefore she is not to be trusted.
Might switch if she wasn’t so deep into the lie. Or if she allowed herself
to think of her friend more, Simon’s mother.
Isn’t trusted, but should be:
Elise, Elise’s indecisiveness and lack of complete belief in Simon add to
his frustration and therefore he doesn’t feel he can trust her to help him
find “the man.”3. Trust / Distrust Sequence.
Simon / Elise
Trust: Elise is his hope of locating his mother
Distrust: She is skeptical when he reveals his gift
Trust: She helps him find the big building.
Trust: She goes inside with him and inquiries about the man of Simon’s vision.
Distrust: She doesn’t want to go back to the nursing home.
Trust: She comes after him and goes back inside.
Distrust: She’s still having trouble buying his visions.
Trust: She helps him save Whitcombe
Trust: She helps him bury his mother. And wants to adopt him.
Trust: She learns to recognize and accept him as a visionary.
Elise /Simon
Trust: He’s a mild-mannered little kid.
Distrust: He startles her and thrusts a button in her face.
Distrust: Kevin briefs her on how much baggage foster kids can carry.
Trust: She takes him driving to look for the building and the man.
Distrust: She can’t fully accept his visions.
Trust: The heart is willing to accept him but her insecurities for the moment rule
Distrust: He runs away.
Trust: She enlists Kevin to help
Trust: She goes back into the building with him.
Trust: She trusts his vision in the tunnel.
Distrust: She’s trying to get out and he’s intent on getting them in deeper.
Trust: She trusts his instinct to save Whitcombe
Trust: She trusts his vision at the cemetery.
Simon/Dr. Whitcombe:
(Add to window scene.)
Simon/Dr. Whitcombe: Distrust: Whitcombe sends his henchman after them in the tunnel.
Opening: A young boy (Simon) asleep behind a sofa tosses as images flash in his mind.
· Life Threatening # 1 – Simon’s dreams or visions are turbulent; he sees his foster mother kill his foster father with a knife.
· Mystery # 1 – Who is this boy?
· Mystery # 2 – Are shades dreams shades of the past, visons of the future or a psychotic episode?
· Mystery # 3 – A button drops at the foot of a casket and a woman’s face. What’s that all about? And who is she?
Inciting Incident: Simon awakens to a heated argument between his foster parents, and believes his vision of an impending murder to be true. On the way to school he calls his case worker and asks to be removed from the home.
· Life Threatening # 2 – Caught in the middle of his foster parents argument he has a plate thrown at him and witnesses a death threat to his foster father.
· Mystery # 4 – Is Simon’s vision real? Will Mrs. Malbree, the foster mother real follow through and kill her husband?
· Mystery # 5 – Why does Simon steal a cell phone on his way out of the house?
· Mystery # 6 – Will Simon be placed in a new home? What will that look like, previous homes have not been good.
· Life Threatening # 3 – Simon steps in front of Elise’s car. She has to break hard to avoid hitting him.
· Mystery # 7 – Why does Simon meet Elise at the cemetery?
· Mystery # 8 – What’s up with the button?
· Elise/Simon: Trust: He’s a mild-mannered little kid.
· Elise/Simon: Distrust: He startles her and thrusts a button in her face.
· Twist # 1 – Elise meets Kevin at a restaurant where he has planned an elaborate wedding proposal, but she surprises him first by announcing that she is getting her first foster child, “tomorrow.”
· Elise/Simon: Distrust: Kevin briefs her on how much baggage foster kids can carry.
· New Direction: Kevin expects to propose and instead finds himself competing. Elise withdraws even more.
· Mystery # 8a – Will Kevin accept a foster child into his relationship with Elise?
· Twist # 2 – Elise expects to be getting a girl foster child and instead gets Simon.
· New Direction: Elise had expected a girl child, all the preparations were for a girl and most importantly her mindset was for getting a girl.
· Simon/Dr. Whitcombe: Trust: Simon first sees Whitcombe (whose name he does not know at the time) in a vision. He hopes Whitcombe will be able to help him find his mother and therefore he trusts or at least hopes Whitcombe is the answer to his quest.
· Simon/Elise: Trust: Elise is his last hope of locating his mother.
Turning Point 1: Simon “sees” the man who knows what became of him mother.
· Simon/Elise: Distrust: She seems more intent on doing what she wants rather than what he wants even after asking what he wants to do.
· Elise/Simon: Trust: She takes him driving to look for the building and the man.
· Simon/Elise: Distrust: She is skeptical when he reveals his gift.
· Elise/Simon: Trust: She helps him find the big building.
· Elise/Simon: Trust: She goes inside with him and inquiries about the man of Simon’s vision.
· Elise/Simon: Distrust: She can’t fully accept his visions.
· Elise/Simon: Trust: The heart is willing to accept him but her insecurities for the moment rule.
· Villain’s Plan # 1 – After losing his wife in a car crash two years ago, Dr. Whitcombe a well-respected expert in organ transplantation vowed to keep his son alive by any means possible, including organ transplants and murder.
· Villain’s Plan # 2 – Whitcombe created a nursing facility for young patients with life threatening conditions. They are also a ready source of organs for his son who has since the accident been presumed dead.
· Villain’s Plan # 3 – Simon’s mother, Debra Daniels worked for Whitcombe prior to the accident. When she bulked at Whitcombe’s proposal to transplant one of Simon’s organs into Tommy (Whitcombe’s son) and threatened to go to the authorities, Whitcombe killed her.
· Villain’s Plan # 4 – Simon was there on the fatal night but escaped. Simon has recently “seen” Whitcombe in vision and knows he knows what happened to his mother.
· Mystery # 9 – Who is this man (Dr. Whitcombe) Simon “sees” in vision?
· Life Threatening # 4 – Does the man pose a danger to Simon?
· Mystery # 10 – Will Elise accept Simon’s visions as real and help him find the man?
· Life Threatening # 5 – Will Elise reject Simon and send him packing?
· Mystery # 11 – Where is the Building Simon saw and what is inside?
· Mystery # 12 – Why are the patients in “Tommy’s Hope” so young?
· Mystery # 13 – Who is Dr. Whitcombe?
· Villain’s Plan # 5 – When Simon & Elise show up asking questions at the nursing home Whitcombe’s plan is threatened.
· Mystery # 14 – Why is Simon’s mother in a picture in Nurse Hanes office?
· Twist # 3 – Simon’s mom worked for Dr. Whitcombe.
· New Direction: Simon and Elise think they will find information about Whitcombe, which they do but it turns on them when they find that Simon’s mother was a part of the operation.
· Mystery # 15 – What secrets does the sub-basement hide?
· Life Threatening # 6 – Do the phantoms of the past pose a threat to Simon and Elise?
· Simon/Dr. Whitcombe: Distrust: On first meeting, though Dr. Whitcombe appears accommodating there is a recognition between he and Simon that alerts Simon to potential danger.
· Mystery # 16 – What was in the cooler Dr. Whitcombe passes to the courier?
· Life Threatening # 7 – Whitcombe seems intimidating even he appears to be congenial.
· Mystery # 17 – Why does being around Dr. Whitcombe feel so freaky?
Midpoint: Simon runs away forcing Elise to enter the journey.
· Simon/Elise: Distrust: She doesn’t want to go back to the nursing home.
· Simon/Dr. Whitcombe: Distrust: Whitcombe’s henchman spies on Simon and Elise. Simon feels it, though Elise discounts it. (add to window scene)
· Elise/Simon: He runs away.
· Twist # 5 – Simon runs away.
· New Direction: Having the child run away is totally unexpected and a big turn from the bonding she envisioned with fostering.
· Mystery # 18 – Where is Simon?
· Life Threatening # 7 – Did Simon disappear on his own?
· Life Threatening # 8 – Simon sees a vision of his mother floating underwater.
· Mystery # 19 – What is the mysterious car shaped image that appears in aerial photos of a pond on the Whitcombe property.
· Elise/Simon: Trust: She goes back into the building with him.
· Simon/Elise: Trust: She comes after him and goes back inside.
· Simon/Elise: Distrust: She’s still having trouble buying his visions.
Turning Point 2: They get too close to Dr. Whitcombe’s big secret and are locked in a sub-basement to await their fate but instead seek a way out discovering more secrets.
Twist # 6 – Simon and Elise come looking for information about Simon’s mother and get locked in a basement.
New Direction: – From information gatherers and spies to captives.
· Simon/Dr. Whitcombe: Distrust: When they return to the nursing home, Whitcombe locks them in the basement,
· Villain’s Plan # 6 – When Simon and Elise return to the facility covertly they are caught and imprisoned in an old subbasement where Simon’s visions reveal the history of the facility and Debra’s fate.
· Life Threatening # 9 – Simon and Elise are locked in the Sub-basement to await their eventual fate. Whitcombe is willing to kill to protect his secret.
· Mystery # 20 – Is there a way out?
· Mystery # 21 – Why is Simon seeing so many dead bodies?
· Life Threatening # 10 – Do the bodies pose a threat to Simon and Elise or are they foreshadowing of things to come?
· Life Threatening # 11 – Simon sees the night his mother was killed.
· Elise/Simon: Trust: She trusts his vision in the tunnel.
· Elise/Simon: Distrust: She’s trying to get out and he’s intent on getting them in deeper.
· Mystery # 22 – Is there any evidence to prove Debra Daniels was there?
· Simon/Elise: Trust: She’s trying to find a way out and listens when he recounts his mother’s confrontation with Whitcombe.
· Mystery # 23 – Where does the discovered tunnel lead?
· Life Threatening # 12 – A collapsing tunnel.
· Life Threatening # 13 – Rats
· Mystery # 24 – Will they survive the rats?
· Life Threatening # 14 – A henchman who is chancing them?
· Twist # 7 – It just got more dangerous.
· New Direction: Now not only are they trying to escape, they are trying not to get caught by the henchman.
· Mystery # 25 – Will they survive the henchman chancing after them?
· Simon/Dr. Whitcombe: Distrust: Whitcombe sends his henchman after them in the tunnel.
· Twist # 8 – The tunnel leads to a dead end but…
· Twist # 9 – On the other side of the dead end is an operating room.
· Simon/Dr. Whitcombe: Distrust: They hear a young patient complain he doesn’t want another operation and see a organ cooler like the one they witnessed when they first met Whitcombe.
· New Direction: Now not only is Whitcombe Simon’s mother’s killer, he is also preying on innocent victims who come to him for help.
· Twist # 10 – They escape into Dr. Whitcombe’s private office and find papers that reveal he is Simon’s father.
· New Direction: Simon who wants to expose his mother’s killer must now find a way to absorb the fact that he is Whitcombe’s son.
· Villain’s Plan # 7 – As they are escaping Simon and Elise find Whitcombe’s private office in an adjoining building and in it news articles of successful and unsuccessful transplants with Whitcombe’s patients and Simon’s birth certificate revealing his real parentage.
· Life Threatening # 15 – Simon’s sense of identity is challenged when he learns who his father is.
· Mystery # 26 – What is the paper Simon finds in Dr. Whitcombe’s private office?
· Twist # 11 – It just got more dangerous.
· New Direction – We have gone from nefarious to black market.
· Villain’s Plan # 8 – Simon and Elise discover a young patient about to go under the knife and learn that Whitcombe’s nursing facility is a ready source of unwitting yet ready organ donors to finance his operation by selling “extra” organs on the black market.
· Simon/Dr. Whitcombe: Distrust: While Simon sifts through photos and news articles eventually finds his birth certificate. Elise finds records of organ sales.
· Life Threatening # 16 – Will Simon and Elise fall prey to the surgeon’s knife?
· Life Threatening # 17 – The knowledge that illegal activity is happening, others are in danger and they are unable to help.
· Mystery # 27 – What is the “operation” Whitcombe’s staff is prepping for in the basement of the mansion?
· Mystery # 28 – Is Tommy still alive?
Climax: The uncover Whitcombe’s final secret, Tommy is still alive, though barely. Caught a second time their fate is sealed. Can they escape? Yes, with a little help from Tommy.
· Twist # 12 – Tommy is still alive.
· New Direction – Whitcombe’s philanthropy is based on treachery.
· Twist # 13 – Dr. Whitcombe is using his nursing facility as an organ farm to keep Tommy alive and finance his efforts.
· Life Threatening # 18 -– Tommy is still alive.
· Villain’s Plan # 9 – Whitcombe’s end came is to keep Tommy alive and his patients are a ready source for needed replacement parts as Tommy’s organs increasingly fail.
· Life Threatening # 19 – Whitcombe’s order to kill them.
· Simon/Dr. Whitcombe: Distrust: They discover Tommy alive, and Whitcombe gives the order to terminate them.
· Life Threatening # 20 – The reality of death before their eyes.
· Mystery # 29 – Will they escape from Whitcombe again?
· Simon/Elise: Trust: she gets them out
· Twist # 14 – Simon risks his life to save Whitcombe.
· New Direction: Simon who wanted to expose Whitcombe now wants to save his father.
· Life Threatening # 21 – Weapons firing around him… Will the police kill Simon?
· Mystery # 30 – Will the police kill Dr. Whitcombe?
· Elise/Simon: Trust: She trusts his instinct to save Whitcombe
· Simon/Elise: Trust: She helps him save Whitcombe
· Simon/Dr. Whitcombe: Trust: For a brief moment Whitcombe is repentant and reaches out to embrace Simon which he accepts.
· Mystery # 31 – Will Elise keep Simon? Does he finally have a home?
Resolution: At the cemetery where they first met Simon and Elise stand over his mother’s grave. “We’re both orphans now!”; “Guess we’ll just have to take care of each other.” Kevin proposes and Simon sees another vision… the adventure may not be over yet.
· Life Threatening # 22 – The thought of being alone (Simon)
· Simon/ Elise: Trust: She helps him bury his mother. And wants to adopt him.
· Twist # 15 – Simon’s visions are not over… we can spin to the series…
· New Direction: Simon goes from a single visionary pursuing his own interests to a potential sloth, helping the death solve their mysteries.
· Mystery # 32 – What does Simon “see” at Tommy’s grave?
· Elise/Simon: Trust: She trusts his vision at the cemetery.
· Simon/Elise: Trust: She learns to recognize and accept him as a visionary.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by Michael HARRIS.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by
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Miller’s Trust Relationships
What I learned doing this assignment is that it not only helped me to figure out more of the structure, which in turn will help me clean up my map when the time is right on Day 14. Also it really deepened the character relationships and their motivation, which will again help me when I move to scenes and clean up this map. I feel as though I have just had a break through. Really great lesson!
Create trust / distrust relationships between your characters and add them to your Thriller Map.
1. Make a list of the main characters.
Hero: Hazel
Villain: Jessica
Red Herring Character: Liam
Trusted, but shouldn’t be: Jessica
Isn’t trusted, but should be: David2. With each character, ask these questions:
A. What is their basic state — trustable or not trustable?
Hazel is trustable, honorable.
Jessica is untrustable.
Liam is untrustable.
David is trustable.
B. How might they really be trustable, but appear not trustable OR be not trustable, but appear trustable?
Jessica seems trustable as she befriended and took Emily under her wing, but she has set this all up to appear helpful and trustworthy.
Liam is trustworthy as he truly loves Emily, but he is a very private person, who has a turbulent past with parents who were constantly arguing, and the fact that he created one of the most violent video games on the market and now turned his life around and created a new game, an app designed to help people find love matches. And, he lies to Hazel, but it will turn out that he did it for a good reason.
David is a journalist and one tends to be wary of reporters.
C. What circumstances might cause them to switch from one to the other?
Jessica will not switch, even when she discovers she is wrong about her hatred of Hazel, blaming her for the death of her brother.
Liam switches when he realizes Emily hasn’t taken time off to marinate over his wedding proposal, but that she is really in danger and missing.
David is always on Hazel’s side, even when she thinks he is not – she finds a folder that he he has compiled about her life and work, but it turns out that he did not do that to write a story, he did it because he thinks that perhaps the person who took her daughter might be someone from her polarizing past as a child psychologist.
3. With each character relationship, brainstorm how trust or distrust might show up between them.
Hero / Villain: Hazel trusts the innocent young woman, listens to her advice and evidence. Jessica tells her the truth about Liam and Emily’s secret relationship because it serves her and her plan to frame Liam.
Hero / Red Herring Character: Liam lies to Hazel about Emily. His past as a violent video game creator, and his secretive ways.
Hero / Trusted, but shouldn’t be: SAME AS Hero/Villain
Hero / Isn’t trusted, but should be: David compiles a dossier on Hazel and her past. She thinks it is for a story. Also Emily’s GPS shows his address as a place she visited the night she went missing.4. Create a sequence for each trust/distrust relationship (like I did with Three Days of The Condor) and then add that to your map.
Hazel / Jessica
Trust Jessica shares that Emily lied about working.
Trust Jessica helps Hazel, discovers Liam is the one behind the fake dating profiles in Emily’s dating history and that they were secretly seeing each other.
Distrust Stalks Hazel and Emily.
Distrust Takes Emily captive.
Distrust Frames Liam
Distrust Jessica is really Mandy Dune, an ex-patient of Hazel.
Hazel / Liam
Distrust Liam is secretive and he lies.
Distrust Liam withholds that he created fake profiles to connect secretly via the dating app with Emily.
Trust Liam loves Emily and asked her to be his wife, and Emily was surprised by his proposal and asked for a few days to think it over and time to figure out how to tell her Hazel.
Hazel / David
Trust David visits Hazel’s bookstore.
Distrust Emily’s car is found and her GPS takes her to David’s house.
Trust David wasn’t home, but he thinks he knows why Emily came by, and that is bc he saw Liam and Emily together.
Distrust Hazel finds a dossier in his office about her.
Trust David explains he was considering a story about her, but then he started to connect her past, and began to wonder if the person who took Emily is connected to Hazel’s past.
5. Give us the new version of your Thriller Map.
OPENING: Mother and daughter are climbing. Introduce Dr. Hazel Ferguson, a former child psychologist turned bookstore owner, and her strained relationship with her college freshman daughter, Emily, because Hazel can tell she is keeping a secret from her. Mother and daughter are being watched.
***PAST Planning BEFORE THE MOVIE BEGAN:
Intrigue: Jessica meticulously profiles Hazel and Emily, identifying their vulnerabilities and psychological triggers.
Intrigue: Leveraging her charismatic online persona, Jessica befriends Emily through their internship at the dating app, Love Clicks, cultivating trust.
Mystery: Who is watching them? Why? Are they targeting Hazel? Emily? Both?
Life Threatening: Surveillance / watched – mother daughter go on a climbing adventure Echo Peak, Emily has a secret, Hazel can tell. They are watched by an unseen WATCHER.
TWIST:A new problem occurs.
Distrust Stalks Hazel and Emily.
CAR: return to car to find tire violently slashed. Hazel pretends that she ran over nail, all the construction they passed – yeah right — Emily saw the tire, she knows it was not a nail, but she lets it slide, and decides to lighten the mood. While changing the tire Emily convinces mom to try the dating app, support her interests, and make her empty nest as love nest, and she creates a dating profile for mom. WATCHER’S phone is notified, connected to Emily’s dating app/phone, when Hazel’s profile is created.
Life Threatening: Physical danger / Threats / Surveillance / watched – return to car to find tire violently slashed. Hazel pretends that she ran over nail, all the construction they passed – yeah right — Emily saw the tire, she knows it was not a nail, but she lets it slide, and decides to lighten the mood. While changing the tire Emily convinces mom to try the dating app, support her interests, and make her empty nest as love nest, and she creates a dating profile for mom. WATCHER’S phone is notified, connected to Emily’s dating app/phone, when Hazel’s profile is created.
TWIST: It just got more dangerous.
Distrust Stalks Hazel and Emily.
UNI – Emily’s DATING APP goes off, she beams when she sees
the profile user, tries to play it off but Hazel saw the
excitement and warns her to be careful. Emily turns it back
on her – she’s the one who needs to watch out, saw the tire.
Hazel is a controversial figure, some say hero, some say no
– not the first time targeted. Don’t worry, Trevor there –
we keep a close watch on our interns.
TWIST: A lie is uncovered.Life Threatening: Talking about the danger – At the university, Hazel drops off Emily, warns her to be careful. Surveillance / watched – who is being targeted Hazel or Emily, or both? Hazel has enemies as she has been an outspoken opponent of certain pharmaceutical drugs used to treat minors. ***Perhaps SET UP TREVOR, Jealous/Ex.
Bookstore:
Trust David visits Hazel’s bookstore.
INCITING INCIDENT: Daughter goes missing.
Intrigue: Jessica executes her abduction plan, forcefully taking Emily away and making it appear as though Liam Harding, the dating app’s creator, is involved in Emily’s disappearance.
Intrigue: Jessica deletes Emily’s dating profile, making it appear as though Liam Harding, the dating app’s creator, is involved in Emily’s disappearance.
Mystery: Who took Emily?
TWIST: The worst thing possible happens.
Distrust Takes Emily captive.
DEBATE: All signs point to she took time, but no, no, Hazel knows her daughter, yes, sure Hazel can be overprotective, she understands the dark side of human nature, but Emily would never just leave, never. She is not that kind of kid.
Secret: Jessica kidnaps Emily after a date with Liam.
Cover Up: Emily vanishes mysteriously after a secret rendezvous with Liam.
Life Threatening: Trapped / Abducted / Arrested; Betrayal from someone close; Someone operating covertly around them – Emily is taken by Jessica.
Roommate, did not spend night there, not first time, didn’t
look dressed for working? Hazel goes to her dorm room and discovers
Emily did not sleep there. Her roommate tells Hazel she looked all dressed up for
a date, she is always going out, but Emily told Hazel she had to work late at the
dating app.
TWIST: We see an unexpected side of someone.Life Threatening: Someone operating covertly around them – Jessica deletes Emily’s dating profile, tells Hazel Emily didn’t work late at the internship, she had a date from the app.
TWIST: A lie is uncovered.
Trust Jessica shares that Emily lied about working.
Distrust Frames Liam
Talks to Valerie and Liam – Hazel and begins to suspect their
involvement in Emily’s disappearance when she learns her dating profile has been
deleted. The Hardings are secretive, and want to protect their business and
reputation.
TWIST: A new problem occurs.Distrust Liam is secretive and he lies.
TURNING POINT 1: Her car is found abandoned.
TWIST:The worst thing possible happens.
***Is the knife still there? FINGER PRINT – and that finger print belongs to MICHEAL DUNE. Could open with HIM and then play it back – see him at home, KNIVES, weapons, sad lonely life he leads, photo of his kids, torn, wife out of pic. Do we see him murdered, or do we see the knives? She kills him and BUT then wouldn’t he be the frame, not Liam???
TWIST: It just got more dangerous.
Car GPS leads her to DAVID. Hazel teams up with investigative
journalist David Remmington, who is there doing an expose on the enigmatic
Harding twins, to uncover the truth.
Mystery: What is Liam hiding?Distrust Liam is secretive and he lies.
Secret: Jessica pins the crime on Liam, uses crime to increase social media followers.
Cover Up:
A) Jessica deletes Emily’s dating profile.
B) Jessica knows from Emily that Liam used fake profiles to ask her out on the app.
C) She discreetly informs Hazel about Emily’s connection to Liam.Intrigue: Playing the role of the concerned friend, Jessica hints to Hazel that Liam might have had a role in Emily’s vanishing, diverting attention and raising doubt.
Intrigue: Jessica exploits (HAZEL’S) Emily’s dating app profile to intensify the danger and connects it to Hazel’s past experiences as a child psychologist. Meanwhile, Trevor, who works at the dating app, becomes increasingly uneasy about Jessica’s involvement. He accidentally stumbles upon a crucial piece of information that could potentially unravel Jessica’s plan. Trevor finds evidence linking Jessica to the abduction and realizes the danger he poses. Just as he’s about to share the information with Hazel, Jessica kills Trevor.
TWIST: New options emerge. (Trevor and fake accounts)
TWIST: Secret identity uncovered.
TWIST: It just got more dangerous.Life Threatening: The unknown – Emily’s car found and GPS leads Hazel to David, journalist covering the Harding Twins, violent gamer, the most violent, leaves behind blood and guts to take on the most violent game, love. WHY was Emily at his home? He wasn’t there, but he has a good guess – he saw an intimate moment between Liam and Emily.
Distrust Emily’s car is found and her GPS takes her to David’s house.
Trust David wasn’t home, but he thinks he knows why Emily came by, and that is bc he saw Liam and Emily together.
Life Threatening: The unknown – Emily’s car found and GPS leads Hazel to David, journalist covering the Harding Twins, violent gamer, the most violent, leaves behind blood and guts to take on the most violent game, love. WHY was Emily at his home? He wasn’t there, but he has a good guess – he saw an intimate moment between Liam and Emily.
TWIST:Secret identity uncovered. And lie is uncovered.
Life Threatening: Something that damages their reputation – When Hazel confronts Liam and Valerie, she is informed that Emily asked for a couple of days off. Trevor she said it was for personal reasons. App about to launch nationally and they do not believe their app has anything to do with Emily. But her dating profile has been deleted.
Life Threatening: Talking about the danger – Turns out that Liam was last person to see Emily, and a known gamer who created violent, psychological games.
Life Threatening: The unknown – Emily her daughter lied to her, and all those dates, and she knew Emily was keeping something from her.
Life Threatening: The threat that their own secret could be revealed – Liam does not reveal to Hazel anything about his relationship with Emily, professional capacity is all he discusses. And, he isn’t concerned at all. He believes Emily, surprised by his proposal, turned him down and then asked Trevor for time off. Thinks she is thinking. She asked him for time.
Life Threatening: Public humiliation – Jessica via social media. Liam exposed using fake dating profiles, met with Emily numerous times.
MIDPOINT: Liam’s alibi clears him, but Hazel is convinced he took her daughter because she begins receiving disturbing matches from the dating app that are images and names of her past patients.
TWIST: New consequences emerge.
TWIST: A mistake returns to haunt them.
Scenes: Hazel’s investigation intensifies, and she grows convinced of Liam’s involvement. LIAM (DAVID) proposes an alternative theory tied to Hazel’s past patients and her contentious essays against certain pharmaceuticals. But, Hazel uncovers discrepancies in Liam’s story with Jessica and Trevor’s help and learns about the fake profile user who went on a date with Emily. Jessica “helps” Hazel uncover that the user is actually Liam. This revelation deepens Hazel’s suspicions about Liam’s role.
TWIST: Someone changes sides. TREVOR
Trust Liam loves Emily and asked her to be his wife, and Emily was surprised by his proposal and asked for a few days to think it over and time to figure out how to tell her Hazel.
Distrust Hazel finds a dossier in his office about her.
Trust David explains he was considering a story about her, but then he started to connect her past, and began to wonder if the person who took Emily is connected to Hazel’s past.
Mystery: Who is Mandy Dune?
TWIST: Secret identity uncovered.
Trust Jessica helps Hazel, discovers Liam is the one behind the fake dating profiles in Emily’s dating history and that they were secretly seeing each other.
Secret: Jessica recovers Emily’s dating profile.
Cover Up: She discreetly shares it with TREVOR to pinpoint Emily’s location, fully aware that Trevor will trace the fabricated online interactions back to Liam.Intrigue: As details come to light about Liam and Emily’s secret relationship, and that the fake profiles were created by him on Emily’s account. Using her social media prowess, Jessica orchestrates a comprehensive online campaign that paints Liam as suspicious. She exposes Liam’s actions concerning Emily, his hidden connections, and his manipulation of dating profiles. Just as Hazel becomes convinced that Liam is behind her daughter’s disappearance, Jessica manipulates Hazel’s dating app profile sending matches from fake accounts with pictures of her past patients. This makes Hazel doubt her suspicions about Liam and keeps her torn between her intuition and the unsettling coincidences.
TWIST: A lie is uncovered.
Secret: Jessica is Mandy Dune.
Cover Up: Trevor launches an investigation into the dating app, specifically scrutinizing Emily’s online presence. He uncovers a fabricated profile that had communicated with both Emily and Hazel, utilizing images and names from Hazel’s past clients. However, the mastermind behind this account was none other than MANDY Dune, aka Jessica, not Liam. Tragically, Trevor meets a grim fate. Leaves behind Liam’s hospital file, she stole to frame him.Intrigue: Jessica uses Emily’s phone to text Liam, lure him to her old home, there disables him and carefully orchestrates a scenario that frames him for Emily’s disappearance. She leaves behind subtle evidence that points toward his involvement (GAMING, violent past).
Life Threatening: Public humiliation – Jessica via social media. Liam exposed using fake dating profiles, met with Emily numerous times.
Life Threatening: Other parties who need to solve the mystery first. Liam, suspect number one, and he really does love Emily, needs to find her and clear his name. Interrogating Liam, he tells her he knows all about her and her past – don’t try to pin this on me or my company, as you have plenty of people who seem to want you dead – Emily told me about the tire, no NAIL. Knifed.
Life Threatening: Talking about the danger – David tells Hazel that Liam is either a devious lover or she is being targeted by a past patient, a psychotic killer.
Life Threatening: The threat that their own secret could be revealed – Trevor discovers Liam behind the fake profiles from Emily’s deleted dating app, showing he and Emily were constantly corresponding and dating.
Life Threatening: Other parties who need to solve the mystery first / Threat – Liam fights back against Hazel’s accusations. Hazel believes Liam has her daughter now convinced and she has been harassed through the app — believes he is playing a game with her. But he says he loves Emily, he bought the house – he is being followed. He now believes Emily is in danger. She asked him for a few days, he popped the question to her and scared her, thought she needed time and she told me how protective you are of her, she’s your whole life. Liam calls Trevor and tells him he was not the only fake profile that reached out to Emily, there was another and he thinks they have been harassing Hazel, sending her profile matches that are old patients she failed to help/save. Are you a hero? What does your journey really say about the fruits of your labor? What about the lives of the innocents?
Life Threatening: Trapped / Abducted: Jessica takes Liam.
Life Threatening: Arrested Police arrive to arrest Liam ???
TURNING POINT 2: Trevor is dead and Liam is missing and all signs point to Hazel’s past as a child psychologist.
Distrust Liam withholds that he created fake profiles to connect secretly via the dating app with Emily.
TWIST: It just got more dangerous.
Mystery: Is Jessica the killer?
TWIST: A mistake returns to haunt them. We see an unexpected side of someone. It just got more dangerous.
Distrust Jessica is really Mandy Dune, an ex-patient of Hazel.
Secret: Jessica is an ex-patient of Hazel’s and she is out for revenge
Cover Up:
A) Jessica changed her name to hide something. Her real name is Mandy Dune.
B) Trevor was investigating Emily’s dating profile, tracks down a fake profile that contacted both Emily and Hazel. He tracks those to an account M. Dune. He searches and finds that M. Dune is none other than Jessica Burnside. This revelation terrifies Trevor,And, he is murdered, making it look as though Liam did it.
Secret: Jessica, a former patient of Hazel, seeks vengeance.
Cover Up:
A) She kidnaps Liam, leaves evidence that he killed Trevor.
B) Frustrated by Hazel’s perceived hero status, Jessica meticulously devised her escape plan and adopted a new identity as Jessica.Intrigue: In a high-stakes confrontation, Jessica reveals her true identity to Hazel, exposes the depths of her revenge plan, and unravels the connection between their pasts, all while Emily’s life hangs in the balance.
Life Threatening: Physical Harm: Jessica discovers Trevor has put it together that there was another fake profile, but he did not create it, leading her to target Trevor.
TWIST: It just got more dangerous. We see an unexpected side of someone. A mistake returns to haunt them. New consequences emerge.
Life Threatening:Physical Harm: Hazel told by Trevor he may have something for her, they plan to meet, but he is killed.
CLIMAX: Hazel breaks into Mandy Dune’s childhood home and battles her past to save the future.
Life Threatening:Physical harm / Arrested: Turns out that Jessica is actually Mandy Dune. Hazel goes to Mandy’s old house. They battle and David is wounded, but Hazel stops Jessica before she can hurt anyone else when the police arrive. Jessica is taken into custody.
RESOLUTION: Hazel reunites with Emily.
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