Lesson 12

[Mark napier]

ASSIGNMENT 12 (Mark) Challenging Situations

What I learned? As I learned earlier to take the existing situation and scene arc and apply the traits and interest techniques to layer and reinforce the scene for the plot; I am expanding on the scene to create challenging situations for the Protagonist that too adds layers and forces the characters to interact with one another just as we do in real life.

Scene 1: (Redaction of words below for this exercise is from my personal scenes in my script and is intended to protect, than waive, my rights that fall under this course’s application. I will honor the course’s exercises and not use the material I complete in exercises for my usage.)

A. Current Scene Logline: SCENE 17: An opportunity to retrieve evidence is lost and a near death experience for witnesses ############# could have been passed off as a ##############, if it had been successful.

B. Essence: To raise questions on whether a US ################### would deliberately use a ######## to ###### and operate off ###########.

C. Brainstorm list of possible challenges.
Values and Physical:
Why was the Protagonist chosen to go on this mission?
What life threatening experience could the Protagonist experience?
Does national security take precedence over #### exploitation?
What coverups have been noticeable and how where they covered up?

D. Quick summary of how you will write the scene differently with the new challenge.
Since I had three events going on in one scene, applying the concept from this exercise has enabled me to meld two of the events that were closely related and build off one another. The third event I will simply use in another scene later. This exercise enabled me to focus on the purpose of the scene and refine and shape the dialogue and subtext further toward addressing the four questions I posted making the scene stronger and relevant to the core essence of the plot. This made the scene tighter.

Scene 2:
A. Current Scene Logline: SCENE 19: The first phase of the coverup is nearly completed, but the Protagonist’s official report and his professional credibility is the next hit job.

B. Essence: The Protagonist is now in the crosshair of a character assassination attempt to undermine his credibility.

C. Brainstorm list of possible challenges.
Wound:
What are the Protagonist’s weaknesses that can be exploited?
Can the Protagonist’s credibility be upended based on his performance in the field?
Does the Protagonist have any allies who can be exploited?
Can his career be upended?
What leverage (title, position, and authority) can senior officials wage against the Protagonist?

D. Quick summary of how you will write the scene differently with the new challenge.
Here, a senior official is placating what steps are in order to undermine the Protagonist’s credibility citing events (on the surface) that the Protagonist was believed to have botched or not handled well. Unbeknownst to the leadership, the Protagonist was running interference for his home office and plans to disclose more than the Station expected that reinforces his credibility enough to result in a field title promotion instead.

• This reply was modified 1 day, 12 hours ago by  Mark napier.