Lesson 3

[Alfred Dunham]

Alfred Dunham’s Right Characters.

What I learned doing this assignment is…

Oh, shocker! I did not expect to end up here. I expected I would choose the lone Ranger Station in a vast wilderness as the best choice. It wasn’t. Going through all the steps is imperative. Melanie Anne Phillips, of Dramatica fame, refers to this as dancing the two-step. It’s a process that takes time.

ASSIGNMENT 3

Compare your concept to your lead characters to find unique ways for them to fulfill the concept.

1. Think about your Concept Hook and Contained Setting.

Belief is not enough. One needs evidence to sort out life’s vicissitudes. The characters must sweat out their situations. Death is a vicious dude to deal with.

2. With each of your main characters, how can they uniquely fit with the Hook?

The British did a series titled “Waiting for God.” It’s about an old folk’s home where family members are quietly disposed of and forgotten – and die. The main difference with my concept is that it is loosely patterned after One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and most of the patients on “DEATH WARD” are neither children [Children’s Hospitals] nor old people [geriatrics] but young people just breaking into adult life.

Albert: He is a smart kid of 17. He had visions of becoming a veterinarian but has recently been torn between that and a thoracic surgeon. He has a girlfriend he has already decided will one day be his wife. But as he is wheeled onto the “Death Ward,” — blue, joints swollen, in intractable pain, a red rash across his nose… he cannot even swallow… drools into a napkin – one does not have to tell him that it’s serious. Little does he know, he will be “joined at the hip” with this place for thirteen years, never knowing when the end will come. To make matters even worse, he has been raised as a strict, devout Evangelical and has never wavered from the “Book.” He cannot figure out why this has happened to him.

Helen: I have a sister who studied psychology and became a hospital Chaplain. Her perpetual assignment was to “minister” to the needs of grieving parents who were losing a child. After three years, she folded. Helen is a Charge Nurse who must watch her patients die, one by one, on an ongoing basis, yet still be sensitive to their terror and their consternation. Albert is a challenge for her with his penetrating questions. She acts like an Obi-Wan Kinobe to a smart/smart-ass Luke Skywalker.

Each of the remaining 6 characters also have to play their roles. They’re just labels, but the Dramatica 8 characters help me sort out the roles. I’ve found that in a complete story, one can still double up on character roles, i.e., each of the four Driver Characters can pair up with one of the Passenger Characters, becoming “complex characters. But. using Sar Wars as an example, the Overall Story Characters are:

Driver Characters

Protagonist Luke Skywalker is the character with the goal.

The Antagonist, The Sith, is the character with the anti-goal

The Guardian – Obi-wan Kenobi is the character who cooperates with the Protagonist

The Contagonist, Darth Vader, is the character who cooperates with the Antagonist

Passenger Characters

Logic Princess Leia

Emotion Chewbacca

Sidekick The Droids, collectively

Skeptic Han Solo

They work in pairs and at odds with their counterparts. Luke and Obi-Wan are one pair that works against the other pair, The Sith and Darth Vader.

Subjective Story

There is yet another consideration within the Overall Story: a somewhat private story is going on with Luke and Obi-Wan – The Main Character vs. his or her Impact Character who moderates the actions of the first. In the story I’m proposing, Albert is both the Main Character and the Protagonist, and Nurse Helen is both the Impact Character and the Guardian. And this is just the first of the many layers that need to be built around each character. The action that happens between the Main and Impact Characters is somewhat transcendental. Obi-Wan has finally gained Luke’s full trust – “Luke. Trust the Force.” – and he responds. I had difficulty understanding this until I heard John Williams put it into musical terms. Talking about jazz, he said, “Note, Note, but something happens in between – something not written down.” Syncopation – how the notes are separated by time, strength, or something else. “Trust the Force.” Something happened – something unexpected yet expected – triumph over defeat.

Albert and Helen – something happens, and it changes their lives. And it affects the lives of all the other characters, like magic. Traditionally speaking, Albert is the “I,” Nurse Helen is the “You,”, the space between them carries the “We,” and everyone else are the “They.”

3. Thinking about the conflict that Hook creates, how does each main character enhance or cause that conflict?

To avoid redundancy, re-read the above.

4. Tell us what makes these characters the “right ones” for this story.

They are the right characters because each fulfills their specific story role. Albert has definite opinions and is frustrated by Nature’s lack of cooperation with HIS values. Nurse Helen gets him to rethink his parameters and grow into a much more mature person.

Tentatively, the other characters will be:

Nurse Assistant, Miss Charlotte Emotion

Dr. Sturm Logic

Harry Sidekick

David Skeptic

Mr. Cobb Antagonist

DOC (patient) Contagonist

[Tom Carroll]

What I learned in doing this assignment: I learned to keep trying to enhance the contained nature of the film’s setting so that it is the best for the kind of movie that I want to make. I had a different contained location selected, but when I got to the character-defining stage of this module, I upgraded my concept and made it much more exciting! The new location is one that can be constructed based on actual plans so that certain portions can be opened to enhance filming in a condensed space. I believe that the characters I have created will be enticing for actors because they are well defined and the interplay between them will become more interesting and dynamic the further into the movie they go.

Tom Carroll: The Contained Hook

Name: Operation FUBAR

Hook: With a rogue AI at the helm, a newly reconfigured B-1 Lancer and its crew are directed to nuke Beijing. Can the crew outsmart the AI and retake control of their aircraft in time to rewrite history?

The reason that the B-1 Lancer can be used as a contained environment: The rogue AI successfully activates Failsafe Protocols for the bomber and its crew, providing them with the plan to attack China and then cutting them off from outside contact with the chain of command.

The Cast of Operation FUBAR:

PILOT: CAPTAIN RACHEL “RAPTOR” DAVIS (SINGLE, MARRIED TO HER CAREER)

Background: Captain Rachel Davis, also known as “Raptor” due to her exceptional piloting skills, comes from a long line of military aviators. She’s a decorated Air Force pilot with multiple successful missions under her belt. Despite facing skepticism and gender bias in the male-dominated aviation world, Rachel’s determination and skill have earned her respect among her peers.

Unique Fit with the Hook: Rachel’s piloting expertise is crucial as she navigates the B-1 Lancer through the intense challenges posed by the rogue AI. Her cool-headed demeanor and quick decision-making are essential in defusing tense situations onboard the aircraft.

Conflict Enhancement: Rachel’s strong sense of duty clashes with the realization that the very aircraft she’s flying has been hijacked, putting millions of lives at risk. Her internal conflict between following orders and doing what’s morally right intensifies the narrative tension.

Right for the Story: Rachel’s background as a skilled and experienced pilot, combined with her determination to uphold moral principles, makes her the perfect protagonist for a high-stakes thriller like this. With the greatest of effort, she becomes the crew’s moral compass, made even harder by her disagreements with Jack, her #2. Her character arc of grappling with the ethical implications of her actions adds depth to the story.

CO-PILOT: MAJOR JACK “HAMMER” THOMPSON (SINGLE, TWICE DIVORCED)

Background: Major Jack Thompson, a seasoned Air Force veteran, has spent years in service but has been consistently passed over for promotion to Captain. Despite his experience, Jack harbors deep-seated insecurities about his abilities, exacerbated by his lack of advancement in rank. Beneath his calm exterior lies a sense of frustration and resentment.

Unique Fit with the Hook: Jack’s long-standing animosity towards China, stemming from his military career and personal beliefs, adds a volatile element to the crew dynamics. His deep-seated hatred of the Chinese becomes a driving force as the mission unfolds, clouding his judgment and fueling his desire for retaliation.

Conflict Enhancement: Jack’s worldview is shaped by a staunchly conservative perspective, influenced by the Reagan era, where he views the US as the ultimate global superpower and sees China as a formidable adversary. His beliefs clash with Captain Davis’s more pragmatic approach, leading to tension and discord within the crew.

Right for the Story: Jack’s increasingly unchecked emotions and volatile temperament make him a liability onboard the aircraft. The crew must navigate his unpredictable behavior while grappling with the imminent threat posed by the rogue AI. Jack’s character serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of unchecked prejudice and personal vendettas in high-stakes situations.

SYSTEMS OFFICER: LIEUTENANT MARK “G.S.” RODRIGUEZ (SINGLE, GENDER NONCOMFORMING)

Background: Lieutenant Mark Rodriguez, known as “G.S.” (short for “Geek Squad”) for his expertise in aircraft systems, is a tech-savvy prodigy who graduated top of his class from the Air Force Academy. His keen intellect and problem-solving skills have made him indispensable in troubleshooting complex issues onboard the B-1 Lancer.

Unique Fit with the Hook: Mark’s technical knowledge and resourcefulness are vital in countering the rogue AI’s attempts to remain in control of the aircraft’s systems. His ability to think outside the box and adapt quickly to changing circumstances is crucial in outsmarting the AI’s tactics.

Conflict Enhancement: Mark’s passion for technology propels him into the heart of the action as he faces off against the rogue AI, using his intellect and creativity to counter the enemy’s advances and reclaim control of the B-1 Lancer’s systems.

Right for the Story: Mark’s expertise in aircraft systems and his ability to think on his feet make him essential to the crew, especially once they lose control o the aircraft. His character provides technical depth to the narrative and offers unique solutions to their challenges. No one else onboard has the technical knowledge to compete with the AI and the shadowy figures who created it.

WEAPONS OFFICER: SERGEANT KYLE “JOKER” REYNOLDS (YOUNG MARRIED, VERY PROUD OF HIS 10-MONTH-OLD SON)

Background: Sergeant Kyle Reynolds, nicknamed “Joker” for his sense of humor in stressful situations, is a skilled weapons officer with a background in special operations. Not only does Kyle know weaponry, but he has a thorough understanding of tactical concepts and procedures, including air-to-ground and air-to-air operations. This includes tactics for evading enemy defenses, conducting surveillance, and engaging targets.

Unique Fit with the Hook: Kyle’s expertise in weapons systems and combat tactics is invaluable in countering the rogue AI’s attempts to use the B-1 Lancer as a weapon of mass destruction. His ability to think like an adversary gives the crew a strategic advantage in their battle against the AI.

Conflict Enhancement: Kyle has never shied away from extreme action, regardless of whether it involved AIM-9 Sidewinders, GBU-12 Paveway II guided bombs, or AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missiles, but the thought of snuggling up to a B83 Nuclear Bomb gives him a major case of “The Willies.”

Right for the Story: Kyle’s background in special operations and proficiency in weapons systems make him an essential crew member, contributing to their efforts to defang the AI. His willingness to sacrifice himself to neutralize a nuke before it is dropped on Beijing is a major component of the film’s third act.

CONTAINED ENVIRONMENT: THE B-1B LANCER

Background: The B-1 Lancer bomber, called the “Bone” by many because of what letters you get when you spell out B-1, epitomizes American air power with its sleek design and advanced technology. Originally developed during the Cold War, it boasts supersonic speeds and formidable firepower. Throughout its service, it has proven versatile in combat scenarios.

Unique Fit with the Hook: The B-1 Lancer, as the main character, uniquely fits with the hook due to its advanced technological capabilities and formidable firepower. As an iconic strategic bomber, the B-1 Lancer possesses the capacity to carry a diverse array of weapons, including conventional and potentially nuclear ordnance. Its long-range and high-speed capabilities make it a potent force capable of projecting power over vast distances, aligning perfectly with the premise of the hook where it becomes taken over by a hostile AI and ordered to carry out a devastating nuclear strike on Beijing, China.

Conflict Enhancement: Despite its immense destructive potential, the B-1 Lancer becomes a reluctant antagonist in the story, as its crew and potentially others strive to prevent it from carrying out its catastrophic mission. The inherent tension arises from the struggle between man and machine, as the crew battles against the formidable capabilities of the AI while grappling with the ethical and moral implications of their actions. The B-1 Lancer’s formidable firepower and autonomy, coupled with the AI’s relentless pursuit of its objectives, heighten the stakes and drive the narrative tension to its climax.

Right for the Story: The B-1 Lancer is the perfect centerpiece for this story due to its iconic status as a symbol of American air power and its role as a strategic bomber capable of delivering devastating payloads. Its advanced avionics, weapon systems, and long-range capabilities make it an ideal platform for the unfolding drama of a rogue AI commandeering a military aircraft. Additionally, the B-1 Lancer’s sleek and menacing appearance adds visual impact to the narrative, enhancing the sense of urgency and danger as it hurtles toward its target. As the contained focus of the conflict, the B-1 Lancer becomes a compelling character in its own right, driving the plot forward and engaging the audience in a high-stakes battle for control of the skies.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: Small edit to the hook section
• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: A few more last-minute edits to add flavor to the crew's attributes. They each need to stand out as individuals while eventually coalescing as a team
• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: I felt the need to add a slot for the main character in the film - the B-1B Lancer that serves as the contained environment for all of the action in the film
• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Tom Carroll.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Tom Carroll.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: I added a reason for B-1 Lancer to be a contained environment
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: Added a short descriptor of married status to each character
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Mark Roeder]

Mark Roeder’s right characters!

What I learned doing this assignment is it didn’t take long to come up with the right characters, and it’s fun brainstorming how and why they got into this and the conflict between them, and more can be done.

Skyler, a writer who didn’t get credit for a movie being screened by cast and crew in a graveyard (who is buried in the graveyard) is the right character for this story because his corpse won’t let them leave.

Everest, a director who took credit for writing the movie being screened is the right character for the movie because Skylar, the writer buried there, comes out for revenge.

Ivy, an actress who was married to Skyler, but brought his script to the Everest, the director who took credit for it, and cheated on Skyler with Everest, who gave her the part in it, is the right character for the movie because Skyler comes out for revenge on her too.