Lesson 25

[Kenneth Johnson]

Kenneth Johnson – Solved Structural Problems

what I learned today is that my script still has structural problems, but things are moving forward. I mean, it doesn’t suck, but it has a ways to go.

Act 1:
Opening/Old Ways: Is this an engaging opening scene that lures us into the story? Is the lead character clearly living in a pre-transformation mode? Do the “Old Ways” show up in their behavior and dialogue?
Yes. We introduce our protagonist, Michael, with a brief history of how he got to the place and time where the inciting incident happens. He is self absorbed and not concerned about how his actions affect others.
Inciting Incident: How does this incident invite and propel us into the journey?
Michael gains special knowledge about his father’s combat experience.
Turning Point: How is this Turning Poing a twist that locks us into the journey with “no going back?”
20 years later, the protagonist is a down-on-his-luck writer who needs a break and proposes his father’s combat story as a script for a film. The pitch is accepted by the studio and now Michael must deliver.
Act 2:
New Plan: What new plan did the protagonist create to deal with the Act 1 Turning Point?
He will simply ask his father, the antagonist, about his time in the Korean War.
Plan in action: How does the protagonist take action on that plan?
Michael brings a recorder and
Midpoint Turning Point: How does the Midpoint change the meaning, creating a reveal that changes everything while keeping us on the same journey?
Michael does research on the 24th Regiment. He meets a vet and book author who was there. Michael learns the 24th Regiment had been labelled “cowards.”
Act 3:
React/Rethink: What is revealed to the protagonist from the Midpoint? How do they react or rethink things?
He thought of his dad as a hero. Michael realizes that he must take a more nuanced approach. He has to understand his father.
New Plan: What new plan did the protagonist create to deal with this new level of conflict?
Michael arranges for he and his father to travel to South Korea to see for himself what his time in combat means to the people of Korea.
Turning Point: The lowest of the low. How has this Turning Point brought the character to the lowest of lows, making it almost impossible for them to win in a normal way? This forces them to adopt the change in a much bigger way.
Their Korean host show up in their hotel room with a full documentary crew expecting Lee to tell his story for the camera. Lee feels that Michael has crossed a line and their trust is broken.
Act 4:
Dilemma: What emotional dilemma requires the protagonist to choose between two alternatives, losing something with either choice?
I have to work on this. There is not a strong dilemma in the story so far.
Climax/Ultimate @xpression Of The Conflict: How is this the ultimate expression of the conflict? How does it require a “fight to the death,” either literally or symbolically?
At an event where an important U.S. General is speaking to honor the Korean War vets in attendance, Michael gets the idea to tell the General about his father and his situation. The General honors Lee. Lee opens up and shares the remaining part of his story.
Resolution: How does this resolution represent the “New Ways” and bring this story to a fitting conclusion?
Michael gets to sell his script. Lee gets to have a good night’s sleep.
New Ways: What are the New Ways and do they clearly show up in your lead character’s Act 4 behavior and dialogue?
Michael has gained a new respect for his father and the soldiers he fought beside to allow a people to have a nation that has grown to one of the great economic powers of the world.