Lesson 6

[Rice Rice]

Frances’s Delivering Multiple Layers!
What I learned doing this assignment is a very helpful structure that makes it possible for me to create layers for my story.
Here are the layers I’ve chosen:
Potential plot layers:
Surface Layer: The diary of the deceased wife of my main character
Beneath That: The diary is revealed to be an ancient magical spell book
How Revealed: During a group therapy session, my main character succumbs to pressure and reads a passage from the book with frightening visual results.
Potential character layers:
Surface Layer: My main character is introduced as an ordinary mild-mannered cynic.
Beneath That: My main character is the descendant of an ancient sorcerer.
How Revealed: My main character brews a portion, believing it could heal sickness or kill people, then poises to drink the liquid, wanting to heal his ailment. The suspense: Will it heal him or kill him?
Potential location layers:
Surface Layer: A quiet mountaintop resort.
Beneath That: A former monastery with hidden rooms
How Revealed: My main character uses a room in the resort as a brewery and a small explosion blasts a hole in a wall, revealing a hidden chamber with a magical diagram on the floor.

[Micki Hess]

Micki’s Delivering Multiple Layers!
What I learned doing this assignment is this assignment help me develop layers of the characters, plots and discovering layers that build up characters, scenes and plots.
The Surface Layer of Making the Christmas Eve Loop
Surface Layer:
On the surface, the Christmas Eve loop appears to be a whimsical, magical enchantment that perpetuates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas forever. The hotel has an almost fairytale-like charm, where it’s always the festive, joy-filled night before Christmas, with lights twinkling, carols playing, and the atmosphere brimming with holiday cheer. The staff and regular guests make it seem as though this is a special experience to keep the magic of Christmas alive eternally, ensuring that everyone is always happy and content in the festive spirit.
Beneath That:
The loop is not just a harmless holiday enchantment but a curse placed on the hotel long ago. It traps the guests in a never-ending cycle of anticipation without fulfillment, reflecting their own unresolved issues and desires. Each family that arrives has the opportunity to break the cycle by confronting their deepest fears and learning to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas beyond the superficial celebrations. The loop feeds off the families’ inner conflicts, making it harder for them to break free until they find true harmony.
How Revealed:
The true nature of the loop is gradually revealed through the experiences of the families. Small cracks begin to appear in the perfect facade—decorations start looking faded, carols sound out of tune, and the joy feels increasingly forced. As the characters explore the hotel and unearth its hidden layers, they discover old records and journals from previous guests who were also trapped. It becomes clear that the loop is not about preserving Christmas magic but about forcing people to face their own inner turmoil, with the hope that breaking free from the cycle requires personal growth and genuine connection.
Character Layers Related to the Christmas Eve Loop
Mark Anderson
Surface Layer: Mark appears as a strict, overbearing father who believes that everything must be perfect to truly capture the spirit of Christmas. He insists on maintaining strict traditions and rules, trying to keep the family from falling apart.
Beneath That: Mark’s need for control stems from his past as a magician, where he failed to control an illusion that led to a tragic accident. This experience left him scarred, unable to handle the unpredictability of life. The Christmas Eve loop is a metaphor for his life—stuck in a cycle of trying to control every outcome, never moving past his guilt and fear of failure.
How Revealed: Mark’s behavior becomes increasingly rigid and obsessive as the loop continues. When the family discovers his past, it becomes clear that the only way to break the cycle is for him to let go of his need for control and embrace the imperfections of life, symbolized by him finally performing the trick that went wrong, this time letting fate take its course.
Grace Walker
Surface Layer: Grace is the pragmatic, no-nonsense mother who insists that the family focus on practical matters rather than indulging in holiday fantasies. She dismisses the loop as a weird but manageable phenomenon, preferring to find a logical solution.
Beneath That: Grace’s skepticism mmand practicality are her defense mechanisms. After exposing a corporate scandal in her past, she now avoids any situations that seem too good to be true, fearing they will come crashing down. The loop traps her in a cycle of disbelief and denial, preventing her from accepting any possibility of magic or genuine connection.
How Revealed: Grace’s layers are peeled back when she encounters evidence of the curse she can’t explain away—such as her own photo in a journal from decades past. She realizes that her insistence on logic is a barrier to seeing the truth, forcing her to confront her past and open her heart to the possibility of redemption and trust.
Chloe Anderson
Surface Layer: Chloe is the ever-cheerful daughter who tries to keep everyone’s spirits up, pretending that the eternal Christmas Eve is an exciting adventure. She distracts herself with holiday activities and ignores the underlying tension.
Beneath That: Chloe’s cheerfulness hides a deep fear of being alone and unloved. Her failed marriage left her feeling unworthy, and the loop represents her unwillingness to confront these feelings, as she clings to the surface joy of Christmas rather than face the emptiness underneath.
How Revealed: Chloe’s facade crumbles when her ex-husband appears in the loop, forcing her to confront her unresolved feelings of betrayal and rejection. Her journey toward self-acceptance and moving past her fear of loneliness is crucial to breaking the loop.
Dylan Walker
Surface Layer: Dylan is the rebellious teenager who detests the enforced family togetherness and constant festivities. He lashes out, challenging the hotel staff and his family, treating the loop as a challenge to beat or escape from.
Beneath That: Dylan’s rebellion hides his fear of not belonging, stemming from his adoption. The loop traps him in a cycle of rejection and defiance, representing his inner conflict about his identity and his place within the family.
How Revealed: Dylan’s breakthrough comes when he discovers his biological connection to the hotel through a hidden journal. Realizing that his past is intertwined with the hotel’s history forces him to confront his fear of rejection and accept his dual identity, helping him to break free from his self-imposed isolation.
Emma Anderson
Surface Layer: Emma is the curious, imaginative child who views the loop as a magical game. She explores the hotel, interacting with the enchanted objects and rooms, unknowingly uncovering clues.
Beneath That: Emma’s childlike wonder masks a deeper understanding. She senses the pain and unresolved issues in her family, and the loop represents her wish to keep them together forever, fearing that once Christmas ends, so will their unity.
How Revealed: Emma’s role as the key to breaking the loop is revealed when she begins drawing scenes she has never witnessed but are crucial to the hotel’s history. Her innocent belief in the magic of Christmas is both the cause and solution to the loop. She must learn that real magic is letting go and allowing life to move forward.
Overall Character Dynamic in the Loop
The Christmas Eve loop forces each character to confront their unresolved issues, with the hotel itself responding to their internal conflicts. Breaking the cycle requires them to move beyond their surface personas, revealing their true selves and healing old wounds. Each character’s personal growth is intertwined with the larger mystery of the hotel, making their individual journeys essential to freeing everyone from the endless anticipation of an unfulfilled Christmas.

[Bob Rowen]

Bob Rowen’s Delivering Multiple Layers!

In developing layers for my screenplay, I learned the immense value that depth and complexity add to storytelling. By exploring multiple layers within characters, locations, and plot elements, I gained a better understanding of how these hidden facets can transform a narrative from simple to multifaceted, creating intrigue, suspense, and emotional impact.

One of the key lessons I learned was the importance of subtext. Characters like Wade Meadows, whose past as a military reluctant whistleblower is concealed beneath his role as a teacher, highlight how secrets can drive motivation and shape the story in ways that aren’t immediately apparent. This made me realize how a character’s internal struggle, if kept hidden until the right moment, can give the audience a much richer experience when it’s finally revealed.

I also learned that adding layers to relationships—such as Amy’s secret alliance with Trevor—can create unexpected twists that redefine the dynamics between characters. In this case, the contrast between their public personas and their private conspiracy brings a new tension to the plot, allowing for moments of revelation that upend expectations.

Furthermore, developing these layers taught me the power of setting as a storytelling tool. The community hall, for example, is not just a physical location but a symbol of political maneuvering and hidden agendas. By giving deeper meaning to the places where events unfold, I realized that locations themselves could influence the mood and stakes of the scenes, becoming part of the narrative fabric.

Overall, this process revealed how careful planning and layering not only make characters and plots more engaging but also create a world that feels alive and interconnected. It has expanded my thinking on how each element of the screenplay—characters, relationships, locations, and plots—can serve multiple functions, weaving together to create a more immersive and compelling story.

Layers I’m Considering or have Chosen (it’s only a partial listing):

PLOT LAYER
Major Scheme Revealed
• The Hearing as a Front: Wade’s dismissal hearing isn’t just about his teaching methods—it’s a calculated political move by Ken Franks and his allies to remove teachers who won’t conform to a conservative agenda across the county.
Mystery Revealed
• Public Disinformation Campaign: The anti-Wade sentiment isn’t organic—it’s the result of an orchestrated smear campaign led by a local media outlet with ties to Franks.
Thought it Was One Thing, But It’s Another
• Wade’s Charge: What seems like a simple dismissal hearing turns out to be an elaborate “trial” for Wade’s personal integrity, aimed at smearing his name across the community rather than just removing him from his post.
Major Shift in Meaning
• Wade’s Teaching Philosophy: Initially viewed as radical, Wade’s teaching methods are later revealed to be deeply rooted in democratic ideals and critical thinking that reflect the founding principles of education.
Hidden History
• Military Secret: Wade has kept his military history hidden. Wade’s silence over a tragic cover-up while serving in the Marines is one of the reasons he’s so determined to stand up now.
Hidden Plan
• Wade’s Counterattack: Wade has secretly gathered evidence not just to defend himself but to expose the corruption within the school board and implicate Franks and his allies.
Another Hidden Plan
• Franks’ Ultimate Goal: Beyond just Wade’s dismissal, Franks is working to use the hearing to launch himself into a higher political position, using Wade as a stepping stone to gain favor with state-level conservative leaders.

CHARACTER LAYER
Secret Identity
• Wade Meadows as a Reluctant Military Whistleblower: Wade isn’t just a teacher; he was involved in a major military incident in his past where he witnessed corruption or a cover-up. He’s been living under the radar, and his passion for teaching truth is his way of making amends for not speaking up back then.
Intrigue Layers
• Franks’ Puppet Master: While Ken Franks appears to be the mastermind, it’s actually George Brandis pulling the strings from behind the scenes. Every move Franks makes is carefully orchestrated by Brandis, who manipulates events through his wife, Mrs. Pat Brandis, a school board member strategically placed to execute his agenda without drawing suspicion.
Hidden Relationships and Conspiracies
• Amy’s Covert Communications with Trevor: Though they are on opposite sides politically, Amy Franks and Trevor Blake have been secretly working together to expose her father’s plans. Their alliance is unknown to the rest of the group and could change the entire dynamic if revealed.
Hidden Character History
• Wade’s Military Trauma: Wade’s insistence on teaching uncomfortable truths stems from his experience in the Marines, where he witnessed a cover-up of a fatal incident. He’s been silently bearing the guilt for years, and his drive to stand for truth now is a form of redemption.

LOCATION LAYER
Hidden Operation
• Franks’ Private Home Office: What looks like an ordinary home office is, in fact, a hub for Franks’ personal agenda. Hidden behind locked drawers are files that reveal the depth of his network, containing everything from political blackmail to strategies for controlling public opinion. – AMY discovers this and collects “evidence” she shares with Trevor.
Deeper Meaning
• The Auditorium of the Community Hall: What seems like a simple public venue for the hearing is actually a battleground for ideological control over the education system. It symbolizes the larger war between censorship and intellectual freedom, with every word said on stage reverberating through the community.
Trap to Draw Prey
• Vice Principal’s Office: Swayze’s office is an unassuming space where Wade is invited for “neutral” discussions. However, it’s a trap where Swayze can gather more dirt on Wade, leading him to say things that will later be twisted in the hearing.
Unique Sub-world
• The Community Hall: A simple, large public space, filled with attendees from the local community. The people present are split into factions—those who support Wade and those who align with Franks’ ultraconservative agenda. Hidden in the crowd are political operatives from outside the community, ensuring Franks’ agenda spreads beyond just this school board hearing. The hall represents a microcosm of the larger national ideological battle, with small-town politics reflecting the culture wars brewing across the country.

Wade’s Dismissal Hearing: A calculated political move by Ken Franks and his allies to remove teachers who won’t conform to a conservative agenda across the county.

Surface Layer: The hearing is ostensibly about Wade’s alleged indoctrination of students with a radical left agenda.
• Beneath That: The hearing is a public spectacle to discredit Wade, framing him as an extremist to justify his removal.
• Beneath That: The true motive is to purge the school district of any teachers who resist the conservative shift in the curriculum. Wade is the first domino in a county-wide campaign.
• Beneath That: Franks and his allies have quietly started identifying and blacklisting other educators they see as threats to their ideological control. This isn’t just about Wade—it’s a test case.
• How Revealed: A school board member, uneasy with the heavy-handed tactics, leaks documents that show Franks has been planning similar hearings for other educators, exposing the broader agenda.

Surface Layer: Wade’s hearing is presented as a standard disciplinary measure.
• Beneath That: Franks uses the hearing to generate media attention, painting Wade as an example of what’s wrong with the school system.
• Beneath That: The hearing is designed to rally local conservative voters ahead of an election, using Wade’s dismissal to showcase Franks’ “tough stance” on teachers not following the agenda.
• Beneath That: Franks and his allies have partnered with a national conservative think tank that provides talking points, legal advice, and even financial support for the broader initiative to reshape the district’s educational policies.
• How Revealed: Wade’s defense attorney uncovers emails between Franks and political operatives discussing the hearing as part of a nationwide strategy to control school boards, revealing the national dimension of the scheme.

Surface Layer: The hearing is about whether Wade’s teaching style crosses the line into political indoctrination.
• Beneath That: Franks is using Wade’s hearing to scare other teachers into falling in line with the new conservative agenda, creating a culture of fear.
• Beneath That: The long-term goal is to alter the curriculum across the district to reflect conservative values, including revising textbooks, removing certain books, and promoting a specific worldview.
• Beneath That: Franks is coordinating with other counties to replicate this process, creating a regional conservative stronghold in education.
• How Revealed: A whistleblower within Franks’ inner circle comes forward during the hearing, sharing recordings of private strategy sessions that reveal the scope of the plan to re-engineer the curriculum.

Surface Layer: The hearing is presented as an objective review of Wade’s professional conduct.
• Beneath That: Franks has stacked the school board with allies, ensuring the hearing’s outcome is a foregone conclusion.
• Beneath That: The hearing is being used to set a legal precedent for removing “non-compliant” teachers, making it easier to target others in the future without as much scrutiny.
• Beneath That: Conservative legal organizations are watching this case closely, offering Franks legal and financial backing if the case goes to appeal. They want to replicate this model in other districts.
• How Revealed: During cross-examination, Wade’s attorney forces Franks to admit under pressure that this isn’t just about Wade but about establishing a district-wide policy shift.

Surface Layer: The hearing is marketed as a chance for the community to weigh in on the school’s teaching standards.
• Beneath That: Franks and his team have already orchestrated media coverage and public opinion, manipulating public forums to make it appear that the community overwhelmingly supports Wade’s removal.
• Beneath That: Conservative influencers have been mobilizing behind the scenes, staging protests and media appearances to create a groundswell of apparent grassroots support for Franks’ position.
• Beneath That: Franks is using Wade’s hearing as a proving ground to gauge public reaction before launching even more aggressive actions against progressive teachers and policies.
• How Revealed: A local journalist, investigating media manipulation, uncovers a PR firm hired by Franks to stage and coordinate public opinion campaigns, revealing the manufactured nature of the community outrage.

Board Takeover: Franks and his conservative backers are plotting a full-scale takeover of the school board, aiming to replace liberal-leaning educators with people who will push their ideology.

Surface Layer: Franks runs a campaign to install new, “family-values” candidates on the school board.
• Beneath That: Franks has quietly purged the board of moderates and liberal-leaning members by creating scandals or using intimidation tactics.
• Beneath That: Conservative political operatives have identified the school board as a key battleground and are funneling resources into replacing members with hardline conservative candidates.
• Beneath That: Once in control, Franks plans to push through sweeping changes to the district’s educational policies, rewriting the curriculum to fit a conservative agenda, all while appearing to be responding to voter concerns.
• How Revealed: An investigative reporter connects campaign donations to out-of-state conservative PACs, revealing the real backers of the board takeover.

Surface Layer: The school board elections appear to be a standard democratic process.
• Beneath That: Franks and his team are secretly coordinating to unseat long-standing liberal board members by funding conservative challengers.
• Beneath That: Franks is using the school board as a stepping stone for a larger political career, hoping that the success of this takeover will catapult him into higher office.
• Beneath That: The school board is just the first stage of a plan to take over all local government positions, creating a conservative stronghold in the county.
• How Revealed: A disgruntled former board member leaks meeting notes that show strategic planning discussions, exposing the full extent of the political conspiracy.

Surface Layer: Franks pushes for a change in school policies, citing a need for reform.
• Beneath That: Franks’ “reforms” are really about gaining more control over hiring practices, allowing him to select teachers who align with his political ideology.
• Beneath That: Franks’ backers have promised jobs and political favors in exchange for supporting the school board takeover, creating a network of political loyalty that’s about personal gain more than policy.
• Beneath That: Franks is working to implement a long-term strategy to rewrite educational standards, eliminating liberal-leaning topics like climate change, racial history, and gender studies from the curriculum.
• How Revealed: A disgruntled campaign aide releases internal memos showing how candidates were selected based on their willingness to conform to Franks’ ideology.

Surface Layer: Franks claims his goal is simply to “protect the children” from political indoctrination in schools.
• Beneath That: Franks’ real goal is to eliminate any progressive influence in the district by systematically removing teachers and administrators who don’t align with conservative principles.
• Beneath That: He’s pushing conservative members to join the school board to implement policies that allow for easier dismissal of teachers without needing public hearings.
• Beneath That: Franks is working with conservative educational think tanks that provide him with legal frameworks and policy proposals that allow for the stealth implementation of a conservative curriculum.
• How Revealed: A parent with connections to Franks’ inner circle leaks documents revealing long-term plans to reorient the district’s hiring and firing policies, showing how Franks has been pulling strings for years.

Secret Identity: Wade Meadows as a Failed Military Whistleblower

Surface layer: Wade Meadows is a passionate high school social science teacher accused of indoctrinating students with left-wing ideology. He’s known for pushing critical thinking and challenging conventional narratives.
• Beneath that:
Wade isn’t just motivated by academic freedom—he’s carrying the weight of his past. Years ago, while serving in the Marines Wade witnessed a fatal incident covered up by corrupt officers. He remained silent, and it has haunted him ever since.
• Beneath that:
The guilt of his silence fuels Wade’s unrelenting commitment to truth in the classroom, as a way of atoning for his failure to speak out when it mattered. His refusal to stay silent now puts him at odds with school board president Ken Franks, who unknowingly triggers this personal trauma.
• Beneath that:
A major military report with Wade’s name on it is buried deep within government files, and someone connected to Franks discovers this document, threatening to expose Wade’s secret past if he doesn’t back down.
• How revealed:
A flashback sequence or a confrontation between Wade and a former military officer, who arrives unexpectedly at the hearing, forces Wade to admit to his secret in a private conversation, which is then overheard or leaked.

Hidden Relationships and Conspiracies: Amy’s Covert Communications with Trevor

Surface layer: Amy Franks is the daughter of school board president Ken Franks and a leader of the Young Republicans. Trevor Blake is part of the Progressive Students group, opposing her. They appear to be on opposite sides of the political spectrum, representing the ideological divide in the community.
• Beneath that:
Despite their public opposition, Amy and Trevor have been communicating in secret. Amy, disillusioned by her father’s ruthless tactics and hidden agenda, reached out to Trevor to quietly work together to expose Ken’s real plans for the school district.
• Beneath that:
Their collaboration is built on trust and shared concern for the future of the school, but neither can let their respective groups know—they’d be seen as traitors. Trevor helps Amy gather information, while Amy provides insider knowledge of her father’s strategy.
• Beneath that:
Amy’s motives are personal—she doesn’t just disagree with her father’s politics; she’s seen firsthand how far he’s willing to go, even blackmailing people like Vice Principal Swayze to secure his position. She wants to stop him but fears the repercussions.
• How revealed:
A heated argument during the hearing between Trevor and Amy goes too far, and in a moment of vulnerability, Trevor lets slip that Amy helped him gather evidence. The room goes silent, and their secret alliance is exposed to everyone present.

[Leona Heraty]

Leona Heraty’s Delivering Multiple Layers!
What I learned doing this assignment is…adding layers is fun and makes the story come alive!

1. Brainstorm potential plot layers.
Major scheme revealed: Jamison isn’t really a realtor. He paid a shady realtor to get the keys to the greenhouse and the house to look for the formula.
Mystery revealed: Who is the Green Lady Ghost? It’s Mrs. Grimes, who says she was murdered by her husband and his maid. But it turns out she is the murderer! She’s not the nice old lady she says she is!
Thought it was one thing, but it is another: There’s a twist! The ghost is the killer!
Major shift in Meaning: When the tunnel is revealed, there’s more to the story than just a formula that supposedly hidden in the greenhouse. It could be hidden in the tunnel or somewhere in the mansion!
Hidden history: The house holds a secret: The skeletons of the Mr. Grimes and the maid, Betty, are hidden in the basement or the greenhouse, from the murder that was committed in 1920!
Hidden plan: Louisa didn’t just come out of the rain, she plans to buy the house and find the formula and manufacture it to become rich!

2. Brainstorm potential character layers.
Secret identity: Louisa is really the person who bought the house! She didn’t just “run into the greenhouse to get out of the rain!” She saw Jamison in the getting into the greenhouse with the key, and nobody has a key! Where did he get it? Jamison isn’t really a realtor, he’s a fortune hunter who wants to find the fabled formula, just like Louisa. Mrs Grimes isn’t the elderly neighbor next door who has a key to the house to water the plants…she’s really the Green Lady ghost who murdered her husband and their maid.

Intrigue layers: Louisa, Jamison and Mrs Grimes are all there, in the greenhouse, under false premises! Nobody is who they say the are and they all have hidden goals.
Hidden relationships and conspiracies: Jamison bribed the realtor who is selling the house for the key to the greenhouse! The realtor is really friends with Louisa, and Louisa and the realtor are in on Jamison’s scam and playing along with it!
Hidden Character history: Mrs Grimes isn’t the friendly elderly neighbor next year who “pops by every so often to water the plants the previous owner’s left behind!” She’s actually a ghost and she’s never left the property! She’s been searching for the hidden formula for 100 years!

3. Brainstorm potential location layers.
Hidden operation: The greenhouse is old and haunted by a Green Lady ghost. Nobody knows why but there’s always been a legend of murder because the house’s owner in 1924 went missing and so did the maid. They never found them!
Deeper meaning: The plants can be healing plants around the greenhouse, they’re not really toxic!
Trap to draw prey: Toxic fumes around the greenhouse
Unique sub-world: The Grimes in the 1920s grew all kinds of weird plants in the greenhouse and wanted to sell them for medicinal and healing purposes.

4. Tell us about the layers you’ve chosen. Use this format with each of them:
Surface Layer: An abandoned mansion and greenhouse from the 1920s.
Beneath That: The house and greenhouse are haunted by the Greenhouse Ghost who is reported to be kind but she’s really angry and vengeful and she’s looking for the formula too!
How Revealed: The third act climax Mrs Grimes turns into the Greenhouse Ghost and tries to make them look for the formula! Instead, they find the bodies of Mr Grimes and the maid! Louisa reveals she’s the new owner of the house and greenhouse and she’s bought it to look for the healing formula. She tells Jamison she knows his scheme because her friend is the realtor and they know he’s also looking for the formula.

• This reply was modified 7 months, 2 weeks ago by  Leona Heraty.

[Marni Sullivan]

Marni’s Delivering Multiple Layers

WHAT I LEARNED:
The layers are easy to figure out once you have done the Assignment 4 work on the characters.

LYSHA
• Surface Layer: Lysha and Wallace take the Christmas Eve “Tomb Shift” for security.
• Beneath That: Lysha is using the night to do some personal research and hopefully get to know Wallace better without prying eyes.
• How Revealed: Lysha admits to Wallace she volunteered for the Tomb Shift instead of getting picked by their annoying boss. But she claims it’s to avoid her family.

WALLACE
• Surface Layer: Wallace claims to be happy he drew the Tomb Shift with Lysha.
• Beneath That: Wallace volunteered for the Tomb Shift to assist in a heist.
• How Revealed: Lysha figures it out when she sees the access breaches could only have happened if someone left certain points open for exploit. It gets confirmed when he tries to confine her to the I.T. office.

THE TRIO:
• Surface Layer: The Trio are breaking into Lysha’s work to retrieve a flash drive hidden somewhere among the archival boxes of the warehouse.
• Beneath That: The Trio have inside information on how to get inside the facilities and not all of it is coming from Wallace.
• How Revealed: Lysha squares off with the leader of The Trio before he can get into the high-security vault, kills him and then discovers his communications with a Board member.

[Karyn Laitis]

Karyn Laitis–LESSON 6 ASSIGNMENT—Delivering Multiple Layers
“What I learned from doing this assignment…” This is my first attempt at developing plot, character and location layers in this way. This approach is very appealing to me and has made it easier to brainstorm. I’m still in the process of brainstorming, but I am happy with my first draft.

• Plot Layers:
o Surface Layer: The team, lead by the Protagonist, discovers alien and human remains deep within the cave/tunnel system. These remains are ancient and have great scientific significance.
o Beneath That: Hidden within the remains are alien “guardians” that are alive and there to protect the cave and its contents—no one gets out alive!
o How Revealed: Along with the remains, there are encrypted technological artifacts The remains have an energetic, mind altering intelligence affecting the team and controlling the cave.
• Character Layers:
o Surface Layer: Protagonist is motivated by guilt over failed expedition and death of her twin sister. Seems to be a strong, driven leader to prove and redeem herself.
o Beneath That: Haunted by visions and nightmares of her sister and aliens drives her return to the cave which she hides from the team.
o How Revealed: Her subconscious connection to the alien energy—a magnetic force.
• Location Layers:
o Surface Layer: The Cave is a labyrinth with false tunnels, traps, alien artifacts, mind altering crystalline energy and alien organisms. It’s purpose is to protect it’s contents.
o Everything within the cave is a living organism and reacts to the presence of intruders-from shapeshifting holograms to reshaping of the cave itself—a compass won’t work!
o The cave holds records of creation of humanity, alien/human war and secrets for survival or demise of humanity.

• This reply was modified 7 months, 2 weeks ago by  Karyn Laitis.

[Arthur Anderson]

Lesson 6 – Delivering Multiple Layers

I learned that by integrating these layers into the screenplay, you can create a more engaging and multi-faceted narrative that resonates with audiences, ensuring a memorable viewing experience.

Potential Plot Layers

Plot Layer 1
Surface Layer: The group believes they are on a fun Halloween adventure on a houseboat.
Beneath That: The island is actually a former bio-weapons lab, with hidden dangers lurking.
How Revealed: As they explore, they uncover documents or remnants of experiments that indicate the island’s dark past.

Plot Layer 2
Surface Layer: The mutated creatures are simply the result of nature gone awry.
Beneath That: The creatures are part of a larger experiment, created intentionally by scientists. The lead creature is one of the scientists who has mutated.
How Revealed: A character finds an old video or recording that details the experiments conducted on animals.

Plot Layer 3
Surface Layer: The group is united against the external threat of the creatures.
Beneath That: Internal conflicts and betrayals are brewing among them, leading to divisions.
How Revealed: Tensions flare during a crisis, revealing hidden grudges and secrets that fracture their unity.

Plot Layer 4
Surface Layer: The main conflict revolves around surviving the night against the creatures.
Beneath That: There’s a deeper philosophical battle about humanity’s impact on nature and the consequences of scientific tampering.
How Revealed: Characters engage in discussions about morality and the ethics of genetic experimentation as they confront the horrors around them.

Potential Character Layers
Character Layer 1
Surface Layer: Riley is seen as the cautious, fragile final girl.
Beneath That: She harbors deep guilt and trauma from her sister’s death, making her stronger than she appears.
How Revealed: Through flashbacks or emotional breakdowns, her true motivations and past are unveiled during critical moments.

Character Layer 2
Surface Layer: Alex is the optimistic friend trying to maintain morale.
Beneath That: He struggles with feelings of inadequacy and guilt over his inability to prevent their situation.
How Revealed: In private conversations or moments of vulnerability, Alex reveals his fears and insecurities, providing depth to his character.

Character Layer 3
Surface Layer: Mason presents himself as a brave, thrill-seeking risk-taker.
Beneath That: His need to prove himself stems from a troubled relationship with his father and fear of being perceived as weak.
How Revealed: Interactions with other characters reveal Mason’s backstory and internal struggles, particularly when faced with danger.

Character Layer 4
Surface Layer: Samira is the rational skeptic, focused on science.
Beneath That: She hides her insecurities and fear of being undervalued, which drives her need to prove her intellect.
How Revealed: As the danger escalates, her logical reasoning clashes with the need for instinctual survival, revealing her true motivations.

Potential Location Layers
Location Layer 1
Surface Layer: The island appears to be a picturesque, remote location for a Halloween party.
Beneath That: It serves as a trap designed to ensnare unsuspecting visitors for the mutated creatures to prey upon.
How Revealed: As they explore, they uncover signs of previous visitors who never left, such as remnants of past parties or abandoned belongings.

Location Layer 2
Surface Layer: The abandoned lab facilities appear dilapidated but harmless.
Beneath That: They house advanced, unstable experiments that can turn on the characters.
How Revealed: Characters accidentally activate dormant systems or encounter remnants of failed experiments that threaten their safety.

Location Layer 3
Surface Layer: The houseboat seems like a safe haven for the group.
Beneath That: It becomes a trap when the creatures disable it, leaving them stranded and vulnerable.
How Revealed: As they attempt to fix the boat, they realize it’s been tampered with or sabotaged, heightening the tension.

Location Layer 4
Surface Layer: The dense woods surrounding the island feel like a typical camping ground.
Beneath That: The woods are alive with unseen dangers, and the environment itself is a character that can mislead or ensnare them.
How Revealed: Characters find themselves lost or led into danger by seemingly ordinary trails or sounds that turn out to be deceptive.

[Anna Maganini]

Anna Maganini’s Delivering Multiple Layers!

WHAT I LEARNED FROM DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT IS… Tough lesson for me. I feel like I’m going around in circles. I got my mind in a froth – but maybe that’s good.

1. Brainstorm potential plot layers.

Major scheme revealed – (Neighborly game goes from friendly -to ominous and dangerous, Rainey turns from helpless victim to avenger, Kayla and Josh have their own nefarious plan to cheat and kill Rainey first, Rainey’s apartment has secret tunnels and rooms, the villain was the kindly old man all along, villain dies by his own hand, Rainey’s preparation for a date turns into a robbery of her home, Kayla and Josh thought they were doing ——, /robbing a store/, robbing back the object from pawn shop/robbing some bootleg/but they are robbing a cripple’s house

Mystery revealed -Who is THE SNIFFER, how can he smell and hear everything you do, how do his notes get into your apartment? How does Rainey figure out THE SNIFFER’S identity? WHY is THE SNIFFER doing this?

Thought it was one thing, but it is another – thought it was a neighborly game, but it turns into a cruel, and random game, which turns into a very targeted game against Rainey, the quaint apartment and neighborhood turns into a series of tunnels and warrens through which THE SNIFFER moves

Major shift in Meaning – the games that were so friendly become invasive and dangerous, old man knows Rainey’s history all along and has it in for her

Hidden history – Both Rainey and the old man have hidden histories- he has some Arabic word/motto in his home. Rainey, a former soldier in Afghanistan, later remembers it and pieces it together with other clues, realizes it’s him OR – old man is a former race car driver or stunt devil who wants the old adrenalin rush and the games in which someone dies are his way to do it

Hidden plan – Rainey seems helpless but she thinks on her feet – bamboo to hide her smell so she can go exploring while she is supposedly taking a shower, she finds a tunnel that connects to old guy’s home, she finds the vent they all share through which he smells her home and the couple’s when she smells something from him

2. Brainstorm potential character layers.

Secret identity – Rainey is no helpless cripple, but a trained former soldier in Afghanistan, Old man is no regular old man but a rabid anti-war activist, out to kill soldiers who served and support war (fewer soldiers, fewer people to fight wars) Josh also fought in Iraq, so he is also targeted, Kala is just collateral and an unpleasant person – OR – old man is a former race car driver or stunt devil who longs to get back the adrenalin rush of younger days
Intrigue layers – The old man seems friendly and helpless but is targeting his neighbors for their service, Rainey seems crippled and helpless but has a sharp soldier’s man and can get herself out of scrapes, Kayla seems evil but turns out to be bigger-hearted, Josh seems like a good soul but turns out to reworking with THE SNIFFER
Hidden relationships and conspiracies – Josh and THE SNIFFER have conspired together, At one point Rainey thinks Josh will collaborate with her, but Kayla is the one who approaches Rainey and they conspire to bring the race down. Rainey and the old man have some soldier history in common.

– Hidden Character history – Rainey is a former soldier in Afghanistan, Old man was once a soldier until he deserted, Josh is in the same anti war group as the old man, Kayla is ????? OR – Old man is a former race car driver or stunt devil who pines for the adrenalin rush he used to get

3. Brainstorm potential location layers.

Hidden operation – the game is really a race that ends in people’s death, a seemingly random that reaily targets Rainey because of her soldier history

Deeper meaning – the old man feels a deep kinship to his religion and the land of his birth (which is Afghanistan), Rainey feels she must survive for her child

Trap to draw prey – the games are one big trap to draw people the old man feels destroyed his country, the old man craves excitement from the days he was a spy/race car driver, stunt devil

Unique sub-world – a world of tunnels and secret rooms leading from Rainey’s apartment, a section of neighbors into evil games against neighbors, a section of rabid anti-war neighbors, a section of neighbors wanting to get rid of the disabled, veterans, other races, gays, etc. – The old man loves flirting with death – he was a former race car driver / stunt devil / spy

4. Tell us about the layers you’ve chosen. Use this format with each of them:

Surface Layer: Friendly, neighborly game

Beneath That: Win or Lose, people die

How Revealed: They each find a gun outside their door with step by step notes that slowly show the players the gravity of life and death situation they’re in

Surface Layer: Old man is the last one you’d suspect as the villain

Beneath That: He is THE SNIFFER and mastermind getting people to kill each other

How Revealed: Rainey, in a seemingly awkward, neophyte shooting of her gun through his wall, manages to shoot and kill him, AND blow up his oxygen tank, as he has his finger on the computer button that was about to blow up Rainey and the couple to smithereens.

Surface Layer: Rainey’s quaint apartment building

Beneath That: a warren of secret tunnels and rooms through which THE SNIFFER moves and spies on his victims

How Revealed: Rainey finds it, by ———-???

Surface Layer: Rainey is a crippled lonely lady wanting to make friends

Beneath That: She is a former soldier in Afghanistan, trained in intel gathering

How Revealed: when she confronts THE SNIFFER ???

• This reply was modified 7 months, 2 weeks ago by  Anna Maganini.

[Joy Smith]

Joy Smith’s Delivering Multiple Layers!

What I learned doing this assignment is… layers are great for keeping the audience engaged, as long as they’re unique and not completely predictable. I didn’t come up with all the answers, but I am at least now thinking about how I can add some layers into my story to make it more unique.

1. Brainstorm potential plot layers.
• Major scheme revealed
• Mystery revealed
o An external force or magical entity (perhaps connected to the Bermuda Triangle) threatens Santa’s magic, causing Sandra to realize that the future of Christmas is at stake, not just her marriage.
• Thought it was one thing, but it is another
• Major shift in Meaning
• Hidden history
• Hidden plan
o The surface story is about Sandra choosing between two potential husbands, but beneath that, it’s really about her learning to embrace her independence and that she doesn’t have to marry right away to secure the future of Christmas.
o Magnus’s plan with the Elf to usurp Santa no matter what.

2. Brainstorm potential character layers.
• Secret identity:
o Santa appears eager to retire, but deep down, he’s nostalgic and conflicted about letting go of the Christmas magic he’s embodied for centuries.
o Sandra plays it cool in her romantic decisions, but deep down, she still harbors unresolved feelings for her ex, which makes her hesitant to commit to anyone new.
o Jasper seems serious and a bit reserved, but beneath that, he’s an amazing singer who could become the new voice of Christmas carols—something Sandra finds out when she catches him singing alone.
• Intrigue layers
o Before she is trapped, Sandra is actually considering running away entirely to live her own life. Forced to choose between the two men, she helps Magnus realise he loves the Elf, and allows them to escape together.
o At first, the plot seems to paint Magnus as an antagonist, but beneath that, it’s a redemption story where he learns that Christmas isn’t about fame or recognition—it’s about selflessness.
• Hidden relationships and conspiracies
o On the surface, this is a romantic holiday trip, but once the jinx/magic is in action, Santa’s magic is fading, and unless Sandra makes a choice by Christmas Eve, all holiday magic might disappear for good. When she does, the magic transfers to her.
o The elves seem like cheerful bystanders, but they’re secretly scheming to help Jasper win Sandra’s heart because they believe he’s the one who’ll treat them the best.
o Magnus realises he loves the Elf he’s been work secretly plotting with, and Magnus and the Elf leave the magical island and go rogue.
• Hidden Character history
o It seems like the story is about Sandra’s dilemma between Jasper and Magnus, but the underlying layer is her unresolved feelings for her ex, which she has to confront before truly moving forward with either of them. Even though her ex was mortal and is probably long dead.
o Sandra doesn't just want to escape marriage, she secretly longs for a life outside the North Pole but feels trapped by family duty.
o Sandra had a relationship with another woman, but she's never told her father, Santa, because she's afraid of disappointing him further (because she knows Santa really wanted a boy).
o

3. Brainstorm potential location layers.
• Hidden operation
o Hidden Power Source: The island has a hidden cave filled with magical crystals that emit a faint glow, appearing like a natural phenomenon.
o Beneath That: These crystals are connected to Santa’s power and longevity, and they weaken the longer Sandra delays in accepting her role, adding tension to the story.
o
• Deeper meaning
o It looks like a tropical island, but Santa’s been growing a secret Christmas-themed vineyard here for decades, with magical wine that makes anyone who drinks it reveal their true feelings. Makes for a fun office party, and then they can’t lie to each other when they’re trapped.
• Trap to draw prey
• Unique sub-world
o The Bermuda Triangle island appears like a tropical paradise, but it’s actually a magical nexus that warps time and space, causing strange occurrences.
o The island’s magical energy blocks all communication with the North Pole, forcing Sandra, Jasper, and Magnus to solve problems without help.
o There’s a hidden portal back to the North Pole on the island, but it only appears once a day at sunset – this is accidentally shut down by Santa’s magic, leaving the 4 of them stuck on the island.

4. Tell us about the layers you’ve chosen. Use this format with each of them:
• Surface Layer:
• Beneath That:
• How Revealed:

Plot Layers
1. Major Scheme Revealed
o Surface Layer: Santa wants Sandra to choose between two suitors so he can retire.
o Beneath That: Unknown to Santa, his words to Sandra awaken a spell/magic (connected to the Bermuda Triangle) which threatens Santa’s magic, and Sandra's choice will determine if Christmas survives.
o How Revealed: When strange magical disruptions begin affecting the island (like the portal closing and not reopening), Santa figures out what’s happening, but can’t tell Sandra because of its effects, so she also has to figure it out with the help of Jasper and Magnus.
2. Mystery Revealed
o Surface Layer: The island is a fun tropical getaway where the North Pole crew parties every year.
o Beneath That: An external magical force from the Bermuda Triangle has disrupted the magic of Christmas, threatening to drain Santa’s power and magic permanently.
o How Revealed: The island’s strange phenomena grow worse, and Sandra discovers a hidden cave with magical crystals that seem to be draining energy from Santa himself. This is reversed once she makes her decision, and Santa’s magic passes to her.
3. Thought It Was One Thing, But It’s Another
o Surface Layer: Sandra believes the trip is just an office party.
o Beneath That: It’s really about matchmaking her with a husband, so that she can embrace her potential and become the new Santa Claus.
o How Revealed: After a few drinks of truth-telling wine, Sandra speaks to her Dad, who lets slip he wants her to marry. His exact words trap them on the island.
4. Major Shift in Meaning
o Surface Layer: Magnus competes with Jasper for Sandra’s affection.
o Beneath That: Magnus is plotting to take over Santa’s position regardless of Sandra’s choice, scheming with an Elf to usurp him.
o How Revealed: Sandra overhears Magnus and the Elf secretly discussing their plan when she gets lost exploring the island.
5. Hidden History
o Surface Layer: It’s a simple romantic getaway with suitors vying for Sandra’s hand.
o Beneath That: Sandra is haunted by her unresolved feelings for a past relationship with a mortal, now long dead, and it’s influencing her decision-making.
o How Revealed: Sandra shares her past heartbreak with Jasper during an emotional moment, and they bond over their own vulnerabilities.
________________________________________
Character Layers
1. Secret Identity (Santa)
o Surface Layer: Santa seems excited to retire.
o Beneath That: He’s actually nostalgic and terrified of letting go of his role, feeling conflicted about giving up the magic of Christmas.
o How Revealed: Santa expresses his concerns during a quiet moment, admitting to Sandra that he’s not sure what he’ll do without being Santa, despite his cheerful facade.
2. Secret Identity (Sandra)
o Surface Layer: Sandra is playing it cool, being a rebel but humouring her Dad by pretending she’s open to the idea of marriage.
o Beneath That: She’s still struggling with her feelings for her ex, a relationship that was never fully resolved.
o How Revealed: She stumbles upon an old Christmas ornament tied to her past relationship, which sparks a conversation with Jasper about her reluctance to move forward.
3. Intrigue (Sandra’s Escape Plan)
o Surface Layer: Sandra is considering marriage because it seems to be what everyone expects.
o Beneath That: She was actually thinking of running away before she got trapped on the island.
o How Revealed: Sandra reveals her plans to Magnus in a moment of frustration, hinting that she feels overwhelmed by expectations.
4. Intrigue (Magnus’ Redemption)
o Surface Layer: Magnus appears as the antagonist, self-absorbed and only interested in becoming Santa’s successor.
o Beneath That: He learns to be selfless, helping the group when it matters most, surprising everyone.
o How Revealed: Magnus sacrifices his own chance at glory to ensure that Sandra makes the right chose and marries Jasper, proving that he’s changed.
5. Hidden Relationship (Magnus and Elf)
o Surface Layer: Magnus is plotting with an Elf to gain the Santa position.
o Beneath That: Magnus realizes he has feelings for the Elf and they’ve been working together out of mutual affection.
o How Revealed: During a climactic argument, Magnus admits his true feelings, surprising Sandra and the others as he chooses love over power.
________________________________________
Location Layers
1. Hidden Operation
o Surface Layer: The island is just a picturesque, tropical paradise.
o Beneath That: The island has a cave with glowing crystals that are linked to Santa’s magical longevity.
o How Revealed: Sandra and Jasper stumble into the cave while exploring, noticing the crystals dimming as Santa’s magic fades.
2. Deeper Meaning (Vineyard)
o Surface Layer: There’s a small vineyard where the elves and Santa relax with a bit of Christmas-themed wine.
o Beneath That: The wine has magical properties—it forces people to speak their true feelings, leading to unintended confessions.
o How Revealed: After a toast at the party, characters start blurting out secrets they’ve been keeping, sparking both comedic and romantic moments.
3. Trap to Draw Prey
o Surface Layer: The island seems perfect, but no one can seem to leave.
o Beneath That: The Bermuda Triangle’s magic has trapped them until Sandra makes a critical decision about her future.
o How Revealed: After trying multiple escape routes (boats, calling for help), the group realizes they’re being held until Sandra accepts her responsibility as future Santa.
4. Hidden Portal
o Surface Layer: They miss the magical portal back to the North Pole because of an argument.
o Beneath That: Santa accidentally shuts the portal down with his words to Sandra about choosing a husband.
o How Revealed: After a failed attempt to escape, Santa’s magic causes the portal to vanish, leaving the group stranded until Sandra chooses her new Santa Claus.

[Gina Coviello]

Gina’s Delivering Multiple Layers!

What I learned doing this assignment is… This is a great way to work in important moments of the story and be able to set it up to not only surprise the audience, but make sure everything is in place that needs to be before you begin writing. I definitely need to work on creating more layers to add in to my story.

Surface Layer – Keller is an IT expert and former hacker

Beneath That – He’s working for the organization that is blackmailing Nadine, and was put there to make sure she delivers the virus

Beneath That – He’s hacking and stealing secrets about the base’s structure and objectives, and copying it to a flash drive to sell to their competitor

Revealed – Nadine catches him quickly pulling the flash drive out of the computer and pocketing it, while using the system to disable two of the 3 available two-person submarines.

To me, this one covers character and plot layers. Character, because Keller is the IT guy, but he has a secret identity – working for another organization blackmailing Nadine, and hidden conspiracy – for the same above reason and also his own agenda of stealing the base’s information. But also plot. He has a hidden plan and major scheme – to steal the information and leave everyone else behind.

Surface – The corridors of the base

Beneath That – They become flooded from the damage by the earthquake

Beneath That – The venomous marine life that Lena was experimenting with have gotten loose and are swimming unseen through the corridors

Reveal – As Keller swims toward the opening, the box jellyfish wraps its tentacles around him, sending him into cardiac arrest and killing him.

I consider this one a location layer, but it could also be considered plot – thought it was one thing, but it is another, as you think it’s just a flooded corridor, but is actually filled with venomous marine life.

Surface – Nadine is working on discovering cures for diseases and viruses

Beneath That – She is secretly being blackmailed into creating a designer virus for a terrorist organization

Beneath That – Without their knowledge, she is also creating the cure to it, rendering it useless

Reveal – Lena overhears Nadine and Keller talking, and then discovers evidence of the designer virus in encrypted files on Nadine’s computer

Surface – Lena is working on discovering cures for diseases and viruses

Beneath That – She secretly only works on one cure – the one that will help her child

Reveal – (haven’t figured out how I want to do that yet)

• This reply was modified 7 months, 1 week ago by  Gina Coviello.

[Agnes McCourt]

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