Lesson 5

[Tom Carroll]

What I learned doing this assignment is to think about how to involve each of the four characters in the contained story so that there is room for their background details to seep, sometimes unexpectedly, into the 120 minutes of dramatic action broken down into three acts. This assignment brought the previous work into intense focus because there has to be a rise and fall of conflict within the story and it is up to the characters to make that pay off. Having watched “Buried” and “Cube” within the past 48 hours, I am beginning to see how there must be periods of direct action and conflict between the crew members on this horrific mission. Also, since the AI is flying the plane and will not allow the crew to interfere, there is a good amount of time for them to vent at each other, talk about their situation, whine just a little about how unfair everything is, and other exposition.

I am also becoming aware that “Operation FUBAR” will be great fun to write when I complete this course.

CAPTAIN RACHEL “RAPTOR” DAVIS – PILOT

Beginning: Captain Davis and her crew are involved in a routine operation in the B-1B Lancer when they receive orders to bomb Beijing, China, putting them into a failsafe condition and cutting the plane off from their chain of command.

Turning Point: Davis discovers a nuclear payload onboard, raising suspicions of a rogue AI manipulating their orders.

Midpoint: Davis leads the crew in a race against time to confirm the presence of a rogue AI and find a way to counter its control over the aircraft.

Turning Point 2: Davis and her crew confront the rogue AI, but their attempts to override its commands are unsuccessful.

Dilemma: Davis must decide whether to risk disobeying orders and attempting to free the aircraft from the rogue AI’s control or follow through with the attack and risk catastrophic consequences.

3rd Act Climax: Once the difficult choice to override the rogue AI’s commands is made and the aircraft is returned to her, Davis must pilot the B-1B Lancer better than ever before to evade pursuit from American and Chinese forces. The crew does everything they can to help, but they stay out of her line of sight.

Ending: Davis successfully leads the crew to safety, ending the mission and preventing a potential nuclear disaster. She finally feels that she has met the expectations of her father by helping to save the crew and by flying her ass off to escape everything that China and the US were able to throw at her.

MAJOR JACK “HAMMER” THOMPSON – CO-PILOT

Beginning: Major Thompson is initially disgruntled about not leading the mission and closely scrutinizes Captain Davis’s actions with suspicion. He perks up when the plane and crew receive new orders to attack Beijing, China.

Turning Point: Thompson staunchly defends the new mission orders, dismissing any suggestion of trying to contact the Strategic Air Command to verify them. He adamantly advocates for trust in authority.

Midpoint: Thompson tries to dissuade the crew from investigating the possibility of a rogue AI, insisting that they focus solely on following orders without question.

Turning Point 2: Thompson’s unwavering loyalty to authority is challenged when evidence implicating a rogue AI emerges, leading him to reluctantly reconsider his beliefs.

Dilemma: Thompson struggles with his deep-seated distrust of the Chinese as he debates whether to reveal his proficiency in Mandarin to aid radio communication with Chinese forces when it becomes necessary or maintain his facade of suspicion.

3rd Act Climax: When Thompson reveals his Chinese language skills it leaves his crewmates awestruck. This sudden and amazing disclosure enables the Thompson to communicate with Chinese and US aircraft and they withdraw to safe distances and form an escort for the now-benign aircraft.

Ending: Thompson shares a moment of camaraderie with Hernandez, unexpectedly speaking Spanish to him. It’s one of the ten languages now admits he knows. Their newfound respect for each other will help Thompson to reconcile his failures in his professional and personal lives.

LIEUTENANT MARK “G.S.” RODRIGUEZ – SYSTEMS OFFICER

Beginning: Lieutenant Rodriguez is initially enthusiastic about the mission, but his excitement turns to apprehension when the Failsafe condition is enacted, and they’re ordered to bomb Beijing, China.

Turning Point: Rodriguez’s suspicions are aroused when he notices inconsistencies in the Failsafe codes, prompting him to secretly investigate the origins of their orders.

Midpoint: Rodriguez’s investigation uncovers evidence pointing to a rogue AI manipulating their commands, forcing him to confront the reality of the situation and devise a plan to counter the threat.

Turning Point 2: Rodriguez’s worst fears are confirmed when he intercepts communications indicating AI interference, compelling him to take decisive action to thwart the rogue AI’s agenda.

Dilemma: Rodriguez wrestles with the dilemma of whether to trust his instincts and reveal his suspicions to the crew, knowing that doing so could lead to panic and discord among the ranks.

3rd Act Climax: Rodriguez persuades the crew to let him undertake a daring solo mission to neutralize the rogue AI and regain control of the aircraft, risking everything to avert a catastrophic disaster. Time, of course, is of the essence.

Ending: Committed to preventing future incidents, Rodriguez vows to uncover the truth behind the rogue AI and ensure that measures are in place to prevent similar threats in the future.

SERGEANT KYLE “JOKER” REYNOLDS – WEAPONS OFFICER

Beginning: Sergeant Reynolds focuses on his duties as he reviews the bomber’s payload, but his thoughts drift to his wife and baby, creating a sense of unease that intensifies when the Failsafe condition is enacted, and they’re ordered to attack Beijing, China.

Turning Point: Reynolds makes the alarming discovery of the active nuke in the inventory, prompting him to question the validity of their orders and sparking him and Hernandez to franticly search for answers.

Midpoint: Reynolds grapples with the weight of responsibility as he realizes he’s the one tasked with disarming the bomb, but his resolve is tested when fear and doubt threaten to overwhelm him.

Turning Point 2: Reynolds confides in Thompson about his apprehensions, seeking guidance and support as they work together to devise a plan to confront the rogue AI and neutralize the threat.

Dilemma: Reynolds faces the dilemma of whether to prioritize his own safety and that of his family or risk everything to disarm the nuke and prevent a catastrophic disaster, torn between duty and personal sacrifice.

3rd Act Climax: Reynolds summons his courage and determination to overcome his fears, successfully disarming the nuke with Thompson’s assistance, and emerging as a hero in the eyes of his crewmates.

Ending: Resolved to protect his loved ones at all costs, Reynolds vows to leave the Air Force and pursue a civilian life, determined to never again place his family in harm’s way.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: I made a few edits to Davis's and Thompson's plot outlines
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: Eliminated HTML gobbledygook. Such a shame it pops up from time to time
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Alfred Dunham]

Alfred Dunham’s Character Journeys!

“What I learned doing this assignment is –

I don’t know why I must still relearn this every single time, but start out – anywhere in the story – and the rest of the story will form around it, so long as one sets up the required structure first. I see no difference in a 3- or 4-part story structure. Whether I call the middle half of the script IIa and IIb or 2 and 3, makes no difference. Furthermore, I rather like Chris Soth’s MMM system of 8 Steps. Two steps to every story act or section conveniently breaks every act of roughly 27 pages into two Steps of roughly 13 ½ pages of text. I can easily wrap my mind around 13-14 pages, but not 27. This adds the benefit of keeping me tightly focused on where the story is going. In Soth’s MMM, Act IIa has a part A and a part B. Part A is Step 3, and Part B is Step 4 – and so on throughout the script. For Act I, for instance, Step 1 is the introductory part of the script where the key characters are introduced. Step 2 is where the story takes off, ending in a change of direction that ends up in the central argument – the CONFLICT.

Dramatica Theory, incidentally, is very big on Journee’s – maybe too much so, but at least they are recognized and are there.

ASSIGNMENT 5

1. For each of your main characters, create a 3-act Structure of their journey.

ALBERT

Beginning:

Albert is wheeled into an ICU-type unit, more dead than alive. The inmates refer to the unit or ward as “The Morgue.”

Turning Point:

Albert’s medication kicks in, and he thinks he’s cured.

Midpoint:

Albert turns for the worse, and it’s “come to Jesus, time.” Albert realizes for the first time that his life will never be the same, and he must either accept this or fall into James’ morbid fatalism.

Turning Point 2:

Albert struggles with life’s alternatives and decides to see it through. Who knows? Maybe someone will still find a cure, and being the curious type, he wants to live long enough to find out.

Dilemma:

Albert’s resolve is again tested.

3rd Act Climax:

The intensity of Albert’s dilemma puts his life in danger again, and he realizes that his decision to live must go much deeper than a mere intellectual decision – he literally must change everything about himself.

Ending:

Albert is released, but he knows he will be back many times – makes a pact with Nurse Helen – suggests that he could use a new mom, if she’s up to it.

HELEN

Beginning:

Nurse Helen wheels Albert into his hospital room – and warns the other inmates to leave him alone.

Turning Point:

Nurse Helen must try to council Albert that the medication he’s taking has serious side effects.

Midpoint:

Now, Nurse Helen must take the alternate approach to her earlier council and try to encourage him away from the negativism of both Archie and James.

Turning Point 2:

Nurse Helen has her hands full as she tries to isolate Archie and Albert in their rooms – doors closed – as a large wicker, covered box is wheeled off the ward.

Dilemma:

How will she break the news to the two remaining inmates – James is dead?

3rd Act Climax:

Working through James’ death with her two remaining patients, Helen does not change her resolve, but it changes her methodology.

Ending:

Nurse Hellen agrees to accept Albert’s pact.

ARCHIE

Beginning:

Archie is a bad-ass troublemaker with a complicated exterior that no one seems to be able to figure. But James seems to cling to him as surely as Albert is repulsed by him.

Turning Point:

Albert’s seeming recovery makes Archie even more hostile than before.

Midpoint:

James’ setback, in reaction to Albert’s relapse, leaves Archie in a “bad place,” and he doesn’t quite know how to deal with it.

Turning Point 2:

Archie is beginning to understand how his bad behavior is affecting everyone else’s, and he doesn’t know quite what to do. He does not want to be responsible—which is exactly what he has become—irresponsible.

Dilemma:

Archie must choose between taking responsibility for his misbegotten life and trying to avoid it, as he has for too long done.

3rd Act Climax:

Archie delays for too long, and James dies, so it’s too late. The damage is done.

Ending:

Archie’s bad influence is too much. He is transferred to a prison hospital unit even as he begs to remain, promising to reform.

JAMES

Beginning:

James is “flat affected” as he sees Albert for the first time – he feels sorry for him but also sees him as dead before his time.

Turning Point:

James is caught off guard for one moment – he thinks maybe he’s wrong about himself.

Midpoint:

Albert’s relapse has a serious effect on James. He enters a deep funk he never recovers from.

Turning Point 2:

James tries to recapture the hope he saw Albert’s miraculous change, but he cannot get past Albert’s relapse.

Dilemma:

James loses the argument. He dies.

3rd Act Climax:

James’ death becomes the sobering reality that affects everyone badly.

Ending:

Everyone vows to remember James.

[Mark Roeder]

Mark Roeder’s Character Journeys!

What I learned doing this assignment is to structure four intersecting character journeys by brainstorming their intros and endings and turning points. Since I didn’t have the structure of the story before this, coming up with ideas I liked and each character arc not just for themselves but with the other characters was no easy task, which is OK because I now have four journeys I didn’t have before, all inside a cemetery, and there’s room for improvement. No more characters allowed in this graveyard. Four is challenging enough I think.

3 Act Journey for MAGDALENA:

Beginning: Blocked to get into graveyard. Has to find way in to the screening. Catches her husband Everest cheating on her with Ivy against a tree near Ivy’s husband Skylar’s grave.

Turning Point: Earthquake makes ground cave in. Skylar’s corpse comes out of the coffin and he won’t let them out. Magdalena kicks Everest’s body onto Ivy’s and makes them tumble down as she tries to climb out, but Skylar uses supernatural ability to make Magdalena fall because she cut his name out of the credits.

Midpoint: Everest accuses Magdalena of setting this whole thing up with Skylar, faking his death and using her FX and make up skills to get revenge on them for cheating on them when Ivy brought him Skylar’s script. Skylar attacks Magdalena, and Everest, thinking it’s a set up, stops Skylar from killing Magdalena by attacking Skylar, pulling skin off him. There’s bones underneath, too thin to be make-up. Skylar buries Everest and Ivy alive.

Turning Point 2: Magdalena disguises Everest and Ivy in corpse make-up and they rise like zombies and attack Skylar to scare him off while Magdalena digs an escape tunnel. Everest’s bad acting gives him away and Skylar kills Everest with Skylar’s tombstone.

Dilemma: Magdalena steps on Ivy as she climbs over her, pushing her down into flooding water, then decides to help her out. Ivy, dying, tells her that Skylar made deal with evil spirit.

3rd Act Climax: Magdalena finds the contract Skylar made with the evil spirit to get revenge on them for stealing his script and not giving him writing credit. She burns it, and Skylar burns, but then his ash reforms and he comes back to life. She learns all she has to do to break the contract is get out, then he can’t keep their souls there. She goes under ground and digs her way out.

Ending: Comes out on other side almost looking like dead body rising, but it’s Magdalena alive. She sees through fence Skylar’s corpse dissolve because he didn’t keep his deal with the evil spirit to keep them in.

3 Act Journey for SKYLAR:

Beginning: When Everest gives himself best writer award, Skylar’s corpse comes up and grabs the award.

Turning Point: Skylar makes the earth quake and they fall down and get trapped in it. He won’t let them leave.

Midpoint: Skylar uses his supernatural abilities to bury Ivy and Everest, but their corpses come out and go after him.

Turning Point 2: Skylar realizes, because of Everest’s bad acting, that they are just wearing make-up Magdalena put on them. He makes his own tombstone fall on Everest to kill him.

3rd Act Climax: Magdalena burns the contract Skylar made with an evil spirt and Skylar goes up in flames, but then he comes back to life from ash that gets put together, and it doesn’t stop him.

Ending: Skylar in his new form runs after Magdalena, who goes underground and digs her way out. Once she’s out, Skylar dissolves.

3 Act Journey for IVY:

Beginning: Everest takes pictures of Ivy and seduces her against a tree near Skylar’s grave. Magdalena, Everest’s wife, catches them.

Turning point: Earthquake matches earthquake on screen and ground caves in. They sink. She thinks she did it, convinced she’s the character she played in the movie with supernatural powers.

Midpoint: Skylar’s corpse comes out of coffin and won’t let them leave. Magdalena kicks Everest on top of her and they fall deeper into the sunk graveyard.

Turning point 2: She tries to use her supernatural powers on Skylar, but she doesn’t have any. Realizes she’s not that character. She’s Ivy. She sees Skylar use supernatural powers to keep them in.

3rd Act Climax: Magdalena disguises Ivy and Magdalena as zombies to scare Skylar and Magdalena starts digging tunnel for them to get out. Ivy’s great as this zombie character but Everest blows it with bad acting and Skylar sees through it. Uses his supernatural abilities to cause flood, which knocks Ivy over.

Ending: Magdalena steps on Ivy and forces her underwater, but then tries to save her. Dying, Ivy tells Magdalena that Skylar made a deal with an evil spirit.

3 Act Journey for EVEREST:

Beginning: Magdalena catches Everest have sex with Ivy against tree by Skylar’s grave.

Turning Point: The ground caves in and Skylar’s corpse won’t let them leave.

Midpoint: Magdalena kicks Everest’s body onto Ivy’s and makes them tumble down as Magdalena tries to climb out, but Skylar uses supernatural ability to make her fall.

Turning Point 2: Everest accuses Magdalena of setting this whole thing up with Skylar: faking his death, using her FX and make-up skills to make this all look real, to get revenge on him and Ivy for cheating on them. Skylar attacks. Everest saves Magdalena by blocking Skylar and pulling some of his skin off, but there’s nothing but bone underneath it. Skylar buries him.

3rd Act Climax: Magdalena disguises Everest like corpse who rises to catch Skylar off guard but his bad acting ruins it. Everest pleads with Skylar, then runs.

Ending: Skylar makes his own tombstone fall on Everest and kill him.