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Lesson 10
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JP Serra’s Plot and Character Layers
What I learned doing this assignment is that we need much more than 2 or 3 layers to keep the viewer engaged. 4 would be the minimum but we should actually aim for 5+.
ASSIGNMENT 1: Example Show
The show I watched is SUPERNATURAL S1E10
PLOT LAYERS – Story beneath the story.
- Plot surface: Sam and Dean’s mom was killed by a demon when they were young. More recently, their father disappeared and Sam’s girlfriend was killed the same way that his mother was.
- Major shift in Meaning: The mother comes back as a spirit to fight off off an evil spirit who took over their family house.
- Hidden history: Sam confides he’s had visions of his girlfriend getting killed by a demon. He now knows his vision were premonitory and feels guilty to not have done anything to save her.
- Hidden plan: The father has not been killed or abducted like we thought. He is in hiding and purposely avoid contacting his sons.
<strong style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color);”>CHARACTER LAYERS – identity beneath the identity.
- Surface: Sam is a normal college student
- Secret identity: Sam is a monster hunter
- Character intrigue: He has premonitory visions and could have saved his girlfriend. He uses this knowledge to save other people.
- Hidden Character history: He has not been pursuing the monster hunter path because he was tired of being a “freak”
ASSIGNMENT 2: Your Show
Discover the layers that could exist for your show.
1. Brainstorm a list of possible PLOT layers.
PLOT LAYERS – Story beneath the story.
- Major scheme revealed
- Mystery revealed
- Thought the story was one thing, but it is another
- Major shift in Meaning
- Hidden history
- Hidden plan
- Major betrayal
2. Brainstorm a list of possible CHARACTER layers.
CHARACTER LAYERS – identity beneath the identity.
- Secret identity
- Character intrigue
- Hidden relationships and conspiracies
- Hidden Character history
3. Organize them each into a possible sequence of reveals.
Plot Surface:
- Layer 1: A serial killer goes after all of the hispanic homeless men
- Layer 2: He is looking to kill one in particular
- Layer 3: The one he wants to eliminate is a threat to all jumpers.
- Layer 4: A jumper who wanted to exposed all other jumpers “jumped” in the body of the homeless man.
- Layer 5: The homeless man they are looking for is Finch.
Character Surface:
- Layer 1: Eliza is head of the squad who hunts jumpers.
- Layer 2: She has a special arrangement with a jumper she keeps alive to get information.
- Layer 3: The jumper used to be her husband, before he was jumped.
- Layer 4: He was jumped because of her. She feels guilty about it.
4. Use this prompt with AI to see what kinds of layers it brainstorms. When you list the characters, include the one or two things that are most intriguing about them.
PLOT LAYERS:
Major scheme revealed:
Beneath the surface, it’s revealed that the jumpers are part of a larger network orchestrated by a secret society seeking to manipulate humanity’s destiny.
Mystery revealed:
The true origin of the curse plaguing Finch is unveiled, exposing a centuries-old pact made with dark forces that threatens to consume him entirely.
Thought the story was one thing, but it is another:
Initially believed to be unrelated, the jumpers’ killings are discovered to be part of a ritualistic plot to awaken an ancient entity that could reshape reality.
Major shift in Meaning:
The team realizes that their fight against the jumpers is not just about saving lives but preventing a cataclysmic event that could bring about the end of the world as they know it.
Hidden history:
A hidden history between Cornelius and Eliza is revealed, showing their past collaboration and shared experiences that shaped their conflicting ideologies.
Hidden plan:
Unbeknownst to the team, Isabella has been secretly working on a plan to capture and rehabilitate the jumpers instead of eliminating them, leading to tension and conflict within the group.
CHARACTER LAYERS:
Secret identity:
Finch discovers that Cornelius has been hiding his true identity as a powerful ghost, complicating their already strained relationship.
Intrigue layers:
Isabella’s true motivations for joining the ghost-hunting team are unveiled, revealing a personal vendetta against the jumpers stemming from a tragic event in her past.
Hidden relationships and conspiracies:
Angela’s connection to a government official involved in the deportation threats against her family is revealed, hinting at a larger conspiracy to dismantle their lives.
Hidden Character history:
Eliza’s traumatic past as a survivor of a jumper attack is brought to light, shedding new light on her relentless pursuit of justice against the jumpers.
Hidden Agenda:
Finch harbors a hidden agenda to find a cure for his curse, even if it means risking the safety of his team and delving into dark and dangerous territory.
Wound:
Angela’s deep-seated resentment towards Finch for abandoning their family in their time of need is exposed, adding a layer of emotional conflict to their already fraught relationship.
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I Sunil Batra learned that by plotting and layering characters you can write easily and add easily to the story any data
Genre religion
Concept. IS OUR GOD ONE AND HOW?
The Walking dead
ASSIGNMENT 1.
Character LAYER
1. RICK got injured and taken to hospital by his best friend and colleague Shane. he up and found himself among the dead people.
2. He wanted to meet his family.
3. He was surrounded by the dead people. And the car gas finished.
4. He able to reach home find his family is not home.
5. his journey back to Atlanta shelter to find his wife Lori’s and son carl’s
6. rick finds his family living in the
7. Shane shocked to see nick. He, Shane loves his wife Lori and son carl’s
8. Rick is emotionally week while Shane is stronger.
Rick wants to keep his family safe
9. Sophia a little girl in the group of survivals lost when protecting herself from the zombie attack.
10. rick finds himself responsible for that incident.
11. Rick’s sons got hurt while they finding Sophia.
12. Ric looking for doctor to take the bullet out.
13. They reach the shelter and doctor start operating.
14. Equally hurt Shane.
15. Shane help rick to bring antibiotics and respirator.
16. Rick’s son revives and LORI thanks Shane.
17. Rick ‘s wife positive for pregnancy test.
CHARACTER LAYER WITH AI.
PRe -APOCALYPSE
1. Strong sense of duty and morality
2. Family man
Strong family value and protective instincts
3. Waking up to the apocalypse
4. Adaptation
5. Leadership emergence
6. Moral dilemmas. His sense of right and wrong.
7. Struggle for humanity.
8. often emphasizing the importance of empathy. compassion and corporation amidst the chaos.
9. Conflict with Shane
10.Clash over leadership and moral differences. Adding layer of tension and complexity to rick’s character.
11.Loss and grief
12.Father’s son dynamic – rick striving to protect and guide his son while
also recognizing carl’s growing independence resilience
13. Journey toward redemption- he grapples with his past mistake and strives to rebuild a sense of hope and purpose in the midst of devastation.
Plot layer.
1. Rick and shane both worked in same department as police chief.
2. Rick got shot and had a wound and admitted in the hospital and got up among walking dead people.
3. Rick and Shane form separate group and shane staying in the tent with nick wife and son carl’s.
4. Rick escaped from zombies he met other guy both try to solve the problems
5. Rick did not find his family home. He faced zombie meets other group. Took responsibility of that group.
6. They found abandoned house All moved there.
7. Sooner they attacked by zombies. They tried to move from that shelter.
8. Shane was always against rick.
9. They built there house a broken prison
PLOT WITH AI
THE SEQUENCE COVER THE MAJOR EVENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIRST 11CHAPTERS. OF THE WALKING DEAD SERIES HIGHLIGHTING THE STRUGGLE OF THE SURVIVERS AS THEY FIGHT TO SURVIVE in post- apocalyptic world overrun by Zombies.
my story,
harry. (Harminder) came to USA TO STUDY COMPUTER SCIENCE, very liberal guy, but ends up in religion when he met john who impressed by Hindu religion.
He met Asylum a Muslim girl.
Will he convert religion
Will he marry her.
Harry met another friend from jeruselum
And his Chinese girl friend
Did harry survive in this world obeying god or takeplo it easy as fun.
Plot layer
Harry relationship with an other friends.
Peru a scholar will harry treat him right.
How he will resolve the god is one faces are many
WITH AI
HE TALKS ABOUT DIFFERENT RELIGION HAS THERE BELIEF NO SIGHN GOD IS ONE.
I have to prove it.
PLOT LAYER
HARRY COMES TO USA AND JOIN SCHOOL.
HE DRIVES TAXI FOR LIVING PLUS PER HELP HIM
John take harry to church he is greatly expressed
Harry takes john to temple
Chinese girl irritated by harry
Judish man celebrating Hanukah
Harry reaction to Jewish religion
Prove God is one by per converted in to a saint.
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Module 1 – Lesson 10: Creating Intriguing Layers
Moses Quainoo
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?”
ASSIGNMENT 1: Example Show
Watch the next episode of your Example Show and notice how layers show up in this show — both in this episode and throughout the episodes you’ve already seen.
Tell us the layers you have discovered in the Example Show.
Example Show: Hijack
PLOT LAYERS =
EPISODES 1 to 7 only
.
CHARACTER LAYERS =
ASSIGNMENT 2: Your Show
Discover the layers that could exist for your show.
1. Brainstorm a list of possible PLOT layers.
PLOT LAYERS – Story beneath the story.
Major scheme revealed =
When SKYY LAR pecking about in a Shopping Mall cum market, stepped on a fake hair strand, got entangled, and strung itself. Everyone thought it was caused by human neglect. But it was more/ larger than that.
Mystery revealed =
SKYY LAR and allies thought they were fighting environmental destruction alone.
Thought the story was one thing, but it is another =
I thought it was a story about negligence but it was more than that.
Major shift in Meaning =
Hidden history =
Hidden plan =
Major betrayal =
2. Brainstorm a list of possible CHARACTER layers.
CHARACTER LAYERS – identity beneath the identity.
Secret identity =
RAPHAEL is part of the rebellion and part of the Beauty Industry. A double Agent.
Character intrigue =
Hidden relationships and conspiracies =
Hidden Character history =
1. Organize them each into a possible sequence of reveals.
Plot Surface:
Layer 1:
Start with how SKYY LAR got strung and was freed by EMMA who constructed a prosthetic leg for it. Set the stage for conflict. Set the stage for conflict.
Layer 2:
EMMA investigates when the string/fake hair strand originated.
Layer 3:
Introduce RAVEN mentoring the injured SKYY LAR to form a coalition of Avian for a rebellion.
Layer 4:
Introduce Raphael, the spy within.
Etc.
Character Surface:
Layer 1:
Layer 2:
Layer 3:
Layer 4:
Etc.
4. Use this prompt with AI to see what kinds of layers it brainstorms. When you list the characters, include the one or two things that are most intriguing about them.
I’m writing a TV Series that is [Format/Genre] about [Concept] with [Lead Characters]. Can you generate [Plot Layers] and [Character Layers] that could play beneath the surface and be revealed in Turning Points or Cliffhangers?
Definition of Layer = A new level of meaning beneath the surface that changes things. It makes us rethink what has happened up to that point and/or causes us to anticipate a new future. You start with a Surface Layer. Then a new layer is revealed. That new layer becomes the new surface. It is what we know as the “reality.” When the next layer is revealed, it surprises us, but soon becomes the next new surface.
PLOT LAYERS = Story beneath the story.
– Major scheme revealed
– Mystery revealed
– Thought the story was one thing, but it is another
– Major shift in Meaning
– Hidden history
– Hidden plan
CHARACTER LAYERS = identity beneath the identity.
– Secret identity
– Intrigue layers
– Hidden relationships and conspiracies
– Hidden Character history
– Hidden Agenda
– Wound
Format/Genre = 1 hour Drama/Family/Animation(Concept) = SKYY LAR, a feral pigeon injured by human negligence,
collaborates with a compassionate girl EMMA, in London to ignite a
worldwide bird rebellion against environmental destruction, focusing on
the beauty industry’s influence.Lead Characters =
1. SKYY LAR – The Unpredictable Leader
2. EMMA – The Conscientious Ally
3. DR. AVA GREEN – The Innovative Scientist.
4. RAPHAEL (English Trumpeter Pigeon) – The Doubtful Participant.
5. RAVEN – SKYY LAR’s Mentor.
PLOT LAYERS
Surface Layer: The initial setup of SKYY LAR leading a rebellion against the beauty industry due to its environmental destruction, with EMMA’s support and DR. AVA GREEN’s scientific contributions.
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Layer 1: Major Scheme Revealed: Mid-season, it’s uncovered that the beauty industry’s destruction is not just negligence but part of a larger, intentional scheme to monopolize resources or manipulate the environment for profit.
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Layer 2: Mystery Revealed: A shocking turn reveals that the synthetic compound causing harm to birds was originally developed for a benevolent purpose, complicating the rebellion’s stance against the beauty industry.
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Layer 3: Shift in Meaning: The rebellion discovers that their fight is not only against the beauty industry but also against a global network of industries contributing to environmental degradation, widening the scope of their mission.
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Layer 4: Hidden History: The rebellion uncovers ancient wisdom or technology that can counteract the environmental damage, possibly connected to RAVEN’s past and the origins of the avian species’ intelligence.
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Layer 5: Hidden Plan: Towards the season finale, it’s revealed that there’s a mole within the rebellion, secretly forwarding their plans to the beauty industry, leading to a betrayal that shifts the dynamic within the group.
CHARACTER LAYERS
SKYY LAR
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Secret Identity: Initially seen as a mere pigeon, SKYY LAR is revealed to have been part of a secret experiment enhancing its intelligence, connecting it directly to the beauty industry’s scientific endeavors.
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Hidden Agenda: SKYY LAR’s ultimate goal is to establish a new world order where avian species are safeguarded against human threats, challenging the rebellion’s human-centric approach.
EMMA
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Intrigue Layers: EMMA struggles with her family’s direct involvement in the beauty industry, leading to personal conflicts and a moral dilemma about exposing them.
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Hidden Character History: It’s revealed that EMMA’s activism was inspired by a personal tragedy linked to environmental harm, driving her passionate involvement in the rebellion.
DR. AVA GREEN
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Secret Identity: DR. AVA GREEN is eventually discovered to have once spearheaded the development of the very compounds now harming wildlife, seeking redemption by aiding the rebellion.
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Wound: His guilt over past actions fuels his commitment to finding a solution, but also causes internal conflict about the ethical implications of his work.
RAPHAEL
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Hidden Relationships and Conspiracies: RAPHAEL’s true allegiance is ambiguous, with ties to both the rebellion and opposing forces, culminating in a pivotal reveal about his double agent role.
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Hidden Agenda: His actions are motivated by a desire to protect a specific segment of avian life affected by the industry, leading to morally grey decisions.
RAVEN
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Hidden Character History: RAVEN holds ancient knowledge about the natural world that could be key to reversing environmental damage but fears its power.
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Wound: A past betrayal by humans, leading to a deep-seated distrust, complicates his mentorship of SKYY LAR and his involvement in the rebellion.
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ATAUR’S PLOT AND CHARACTER LAYERS
What i learned doing this assignment – that i can start with just a sketch of a story and using this prompt and maybe the open loops prompt in lesson 9, visualizing necessary scenes in the story/script
ASSIGNMENT 1
EXAMPLE SHOW – HOUSE OF CARDS STARRING KEVIN SPACEY:
Plot Layers:
<ul type=”disc”>
- Surface
Layer: Frank is passed over for the Secretary of State position by the
newly elected President, who he helped get elected. He decides to use his
influence and connections to manipulate the political landscape and get
what he wants.- Layer
1: Frank is secretly working with Zoe, who he feeds exclusive stories and
leaks in exchange for favorable coverage and influence. He also uses her
to expose his enemies and rivals, such as Peter Russo, a troubled
congressman who he blackmails and ultimately kills.- Layer
2: Frank is not only using Zoe, but also having an affair with her. He
keeps this hidden from Claire, who is also pursuing her own agenda and
interests, such as running a non-profit organization and having an affair
with an old flame.- Layer
3: Frank is not loyal to anyone, not even Zoe or Claire. He is willing to
sacrifice anyone and anything to achieve his ultimate goal: becoming the
President. He orchestrates a series of events that lead to the resignation
of the Vice President and his nomination as his replacement.- Layer
4: Frank is not only a master manipulator, but also a murderer. He kills
Zoe when she gets too close to the truth about his involvement in Russo’s
death. He also kills the billionaire businessman Raymond Tusk, who is his
rival and the President’s confidant, by poisoning him.Character Layers:
<ul type=”disc”>
- Frank
Underwood:<ul type=”circle”>
- Surface
Layer: A charismatic and influential politician who is respected and
feared by his peers and allies. He is a master of the game and knows how
to get things done.- Layer
1: A vengeful and ruthless schemer who will stop at nothing to get what
he wants. He is willing to lie, cheat, blackmail, and betray anyone who
stands in his way or crosses him.- Layer
2: A cold and calculating lover who uses his charm and power to seduce
and manipulate women, such as Zoe and Christina, Russo’s girlfriend. He
does not care about their feelings or well-being, only about his own
satisfaction and advantage.- Layer
3: A lonely and unhappy man who is dissatisfied with his life and
marriage. He does not have any real friends or confidants, only allies
and enemies. He does not have any hobbies or passions, only ambitions and
plans.- Layer
4: A sociopath and a killer who does not feel any remorse or guilt for
his actions. He is willing to kill anyone who threatens his position or
exposes his secrets. He does not value human life, only power and
control.- Claire
Underwood:<ul type=”circle”>
- Surface
Layer: A supportive and elegant wife who stands by her husband and helps
him with his career and goals. She is a graceful and sophisticated woman
who is admired and envied by many.- Layer
1: A ambitious and cold woman who has her own agenda and interests. She
runs a non-profit organization that she uses to advance her causes and
influence. She also has an affair with an old flame, Adam Galloway, a
photographer who she visits in New York.- Layer
2: A manipulative and ruthless woman who does not hesitate to use her
position and connections to get what she wants. She sabotages the
President’s wife’s initiative on clean water, which is also her
organization’s main focus, by leaking a scandalous story to the press.
She also blackmails and threatens a former employee, Gillian Cole, who
sues her for wrongful termination.- Layer
3: A conflicted and unhappy woman who is dissatisfied with her life and
marriage. She does not have any children or close friends, only
associates and rivals. She does not have any love or affection, only
respect and fear.- Layer
4: A survivor and a fighter who does not give up easily. She overcomes a
rape trauma from her college days, which she reveals to the public in a
televised interview. She also stands up to Frank when he tries to control
her and tells him that she is leaving him.ASSIGNMENT 2
MY SHOW – PROVISIONAL TITLE – THE ZIG ZAG ROAD
Plot Layers:
<ul type=”disc”>
- Surface Layer: Diego is hired by a US firm to work on a highway
project in Guyana, which is supposed to improve the infrastructure and
development of the country. He is excited and curious about the
opportunity and the culture.- Layer 1: Diego meets Lila, a local journalist who is investigating
the highway project and its impacts. She tells him that the project is
actually a cover for oil and gas exploration, and that the US firm, the
local governments and the mining companies are colluding to exploit the
natural resources and the people of the Guiana Shield. She asks him to
help her expose the truth and stop the project.- Layer 2: Diego agrees to help Lila, but he also faces pressure and
threats from his employer and his supervisor, Sam, who warn him to stay
loyal and not to interfere with the project. He also learns that Ricardo,
the owner of the mining company, is behind the sabotage and violence that
have been plaguing the project, and that he has a personal grudge against
him.- Layer 3: Diego and Lila discover that the highway project is not
only about oil and gas, but also about finding the lost city of Z, a
mythical ancient city that is rumored to be hidden in the jungle and to
contain untold riches and secrets. They also meet Mara, a Venezuelan
explorer who claims to know the way to the city and offers to guide them
there.- Layer 4: Diego and Lila reach the lost city of Z, but they also
find out that Mara is actually working for Ricardo, who has been following
them and plans to take over the city and its treasures. They also learn
that the city is not what it seems, and that it holds a dark and dangerous
secret that could change the world.Character Layers:
<ul type=”disc”>
- Diego:
<ul type=”circle”>
- Surface Layer: A Canadian engineer who works on a highway project
in Guyana. He is idealistic, curious and adventurous, but also naive and
conflicted.- Layer 1: A South American born who has a strong connection to his
heritage and culture. He is proud of his roots and wants to learn more
about his ancestors and their history.- Layer 2: A whistleblower who decides to help Lila expose the truth
and stop the highway project. He is brave, loyal and ethical, but also
risk-taking and rebellious.- Layer 3: A survivor who faces danger and violence from Ricardo and
his men. He is resourceful, smart and resilient, but also traumatized and
wounded.- Layer 4: A hero who saves the lost city of Z and its people from
Ricardo and his greed. He is courageous, selfless and noble, but also
humble and grateful.- Lila:
<ul type=”circle”>
- Surface Layer: A Guyanese journalist who works for a local
newspaper. She is smart, brave and passionate, but also cynical and
distrustful.- Layer 1: A activist who fights for the rights and welfare of the
people and the environment of the Guiana Shield. She is compassionate,
dedicated and outspoken, but also stubborn and impulsive.- Layer 2: A lover who falls in love with Diego and forms a
partnership with him. She is romantic, supportive and loyal, but also
conflicted and insecure.- Layer 3: A leader who inspires and mobilizes the people of the
Guiana Shield to resist and protest against the highway project and the
exploitation. She is charismatic, influential and empowering, but also
controversial and divisive.- Layer 4: A legend who becomes the voice and the face of the
movement and the cause. She is famous, respected and admired, but also
targeted and hunted. - Surface
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