Lesson 6 Assignments

[Phyllis Strong]

Lesson 6: Relationship Maps, Sample is The Vampire Diaries

DAMON STEFAN

Surface Brothers

Common Ground Both are vampires; both appear to hate each other

Conflict Sibling rivalry; he wants to dominate Stefan

History Loved the same woman in the past

Subtext He wants his brother to be like him

Relationship Arc From adversaries to reunited

DAMON ELENA

Surface Adversaries

Common Ground Both strong willed and have ties to Stefan

Conflict He threatens her and Stefan

History He’s noted her resemblance to Katherine

Subtext He is in love with Elena

Relationship Arc From adversaries to friends

DAMON CAROLINE

Surface Victim

Common Ground Physically attracted to each other

Conflict He is using her for amusement and revenge against Stefan

History He seduces her

Subtext He has some skewed affection for her

Relationship Arc From victim to mutual respect

[Kimberly Gore]

Sample Show: Secrets and Lies

Ben’s Relationships Episode 6

KEVIN

Surface Neighbors, military surveillance career

Common Ground Hiding Ben’s affair

Conflict Thinks Ben killed Tom, thinks he’s selfish and disrespectful

History Friends at one time, saw Kevin cheating with a soldier’s wife

Subtext Is exacting revenge for something that happened to him

Relationship Arc Friends to mortal enemies

JESS

Surface Neighbor, had a fling with Ben

Common Ground Dramatic measures to get info Son Tom, sadness and anger over Tom’s murder, hiding the fling

Conflict She seems like she wants more than he does relationship-wise

History Got to know each other better at Kevin’s 4th of July party

Subtext Might just need a friend whom can relate with her

Relationship Arc Friends to estranged

DET. CORNELL

Surface adversary

Common Ground finding who killed Tom

Conflict They don’t trust one another

History she’s made him the number one suspect

Subtext She is looking at things from all angles

Relationship Arc Acting like his enemy, but being his rescuer

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  Kimberly Gore.
• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  Kimberly Gore.

[Brigitte Timmerman]

Assignment #1 TV Relationship

Handmaid’s Tale June Osborne

Serena Joy Waterford

Surface – Subordinate Handmaid her boss

Common Ground – Both want motherhood

Conflict – Have distain for her power and she has distain for her fertility

History – Spearheaded new government for June to become a handmaid

Subtext – Tension and power struggle

Relationship Arc – Secret kindred spirits have respect for each other

Comandor Fred Waterford

Surface – Subordinate Handmaid her boss

Common Ground – Both want something from each other.

Conflict – Has distain for control over her

History -Spearheaded new government for June to become a handmaid

Subtext –He wants her she does not want him but obliges to his desires to get what she wants

Relationship Arc – Become a secret lover to get to plan an escape

Nick

Surface -Subordinate Handmaid

Common Ground – Both have empathy for each other

Conflict – Knows he’s an eye

History -Low level job with old government and now has power over June

Subtext – Attraction

Relationship Arc – Become lovers and fuels plan for an escape

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  Brigitte Timmerman.
• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  Brigitte Timmerman.

[H.G. MIDDLEMASS]

>Module 1.6 – Relationship Map Assignment 1

>Mr. Robot

Elliot – Mr. Robot

Surface: Allies

Common Ground: Both want to bring down Evil Corp

Conflict: Elliot doesn’t agree with all of Mr. Robot’s methods

History: Mr. Robot is kind of a mentor

Subtext: Conspirators

Relationship Arc: Elliot goes from mistrust to alliance

Elliot – Darlene

Surface: Siblings

Common Ground: Both want to bring down Evil Corp

Conflict: Elliot doesn’t want Darlene interfering in his personal life.

History: Siblings of a uncaring mother

Subtext: Conspirators

Relationship Arc: Elliot goes from avoidance to a more accepting attitude

Elliot – Mr. Wellick

Surface: Adversaries

Common Ground: Both are intelligent IT experts and some mutual respect

Conflict: Elliot doesn’t want Wellick to know his trying to bring down Evil Corp

History: Wellick disappointed Elliot doesn’t want to work for him

Subtext: Wellick is suspicious but also envious

Relationship Arc: Wellick goes from minor interest, to being impressed to admiration

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  H.G. MIDDLEMASS.

[Marcus Wolf]

Assignment 1 – As the Relationship Map does not appear to be transferable to this forum post, I’ll type it out.

Relationship Maps, Game of Thrones: Character 1 – Jon Snow

Character 2 – Ned Stark

Surface – Father/son

Common Ground – family

Conflict – acceptance as a real son

History – brought home as and infant and raised as a bastard

Subtext – Jon feels disappointment and resentment

Arc – from birth until Jon enlists in the Night’s Watch

Character 2 – Alliser Thorne

Surface – fight instructor

Common – Night’s Watch

Conflict – looks down on Jon as a noble boy and a bastard

History – off to a bad start at the Night’s watch

Subtext – Alliser sees Jon as a snob and resents his privilege

Arc – from bad to worse

Character 3 – Samwell Tarly

Surface – friends

Common – both of noble upbringing

Conflict – Jon is dismissive of Sam at first because he can’t fight

History – Jon comes to accept Sam and becomes his guardian

Arc – from pity to respect to friendship

[Kimberly Gore]

Kim’s Show’s Relationship Map

What I learned from doing this assignment is that relationships can be layered…AND connected. I hadn’t started out connecting Eric’s best friend (Matt) to Eric’s first wife (Danielle) or Natalie’s friend (LaDonna) to Natalie’s therapist (Krystal). But once I saw it evolve, it made more sense and gave me more places to create tension and conflict.

ERIC

Linnie

Surface daughter

Common Ground Quick-thinking on her feet

Conflict He hides a lot from her, and she senses it

History Divorced when she was five

Subtext Doesn’t fully trust her father

Relationship Arc From unconditional love to hate to love again

Danielle

Surface Ex-wife

Common Ground Love their daughter

Conflict Never felt she was “the one”

History Met Eric through her brother, Matt

Subtext Has never forgiven Eric for leaving her for Natalie

Relationship Arc From love to apathy

Matt

Surface Best friend

Common Ground Danielle…Matt is Danielle’s brother

Conflict Matt doesn’t like Eric’s wife Natalie, probably shouldn’t be representing her in court

History Known each other since seventh grade

Subtext Anger over what Eric did to his sister, even as he helps Eric and Natalie out

Relationship Arc From trust to mistrust to taking time to trust again

Natalie’s three are Eric, LaDonna, and Jeff

Krystal’s are Eric, Natalie, and LaDonna

All mapped out on my own sheets. 🙂

[Phyllis Strong]

Phyllis’ Show Relationship Maps

I learned from this assignment that the relationships among my characters can generate deeper motivation and more story ideas.

SASHA & DUNCAN

Surface: Employee/Boss

Common Ground: Both believe in fighting climate change by whatever means possible

Conflict: Personalities are opposite: practical vs. idealistic and cautious vs. impulsive. Sasha doesn’t believe in the monsters Duncan thinks are real

History: Sasha has heard of Duncan as a climate activist and philanthropist

Subtext: Mutual Exploitation

Relationship Arc: From lack of trust to belief that Duncan’s monsters are real

SASHA & DELIA

Surface: Adversaries

Common Ground: Both are competent women working in a man’s world

Conflict: Environmental activist vs. CEO of oil conglomerate

History: Sasha investigating Delia’s Company

Subtext: Major Rivalry

Relationship Arc: From deep rivalry to grudging respect

SASHA & HER FATHER

Surface: Estranged

Common Ground: Sasha’s childhood with him until he left her when she was 12

Conflict: She feels abandoned because he disappeared without a trace

History: He is the father who abandoned Sasha and her mom

Subtext: Father not sincere about repairing relationship; he needs money

Relationship Arc: From second chance to dismay

DUNCAN & SASHA

Surface: Boss/Employee

Common Ground: Both believe in fighting climate change by whatever means possible

Conflict: Duncan wants Sasha to take more risks; he believes his monsters are real

History: Duncan knows Sasha from her EPA investigation into his sister’s Company

Subtext: Mutual Exploitation

Relationship Arc: From a “marriage of convenience” to a deep friendship

DUNCAN & DELIA

Surface: Brother-Sister

Common Ground: Family background

Conflict: Duncan wants to slow climate change; Delia wants to pay lip service

History: Close as children but became rivals when Duncan decided to break with the family business

Subtext: Prove themselves worthy to the other

Relationship Arc: From estranged to a complex sibling relationship

DUNCAN & HIS EX-WIFE

Surface: Estranged

Common Ground: Married for 10 years

Conflict: Whether Duncan was responsible for their 16 year old daughter’s death

History: They met through Delia and she fit perfectly with his family

Subtext: Deep hurt

Relationship Arc: From guilt to redemption

DELIA & DUNCAN

Surface: Sister-Brother

Common Ground: Family background

Conflict: Duncan wants to slow climate change; Delia wants to pay lip service

History: Close as children but became rivals when Duncan decided to break with the family business

Subtext: Prove themselves worthy to the other

Relationship Arc: From estranged to a complex sibling relationship

DELIA & SASHA

Surface: Adversaries

Common Ground: Both are competent women working in a man’s world

Conflict: Environmental activist vs. CEO of oil conglomerate

History: Delia getting Sasha fired as part of Company settlement deal with EPA

Subtext: Major Rivalry

Relationship Arc: From deep rivalry to grudging respect

DELIA & DUNCAN’S EX-WIFE

Surface: Boss/Delia’s Sustainability Chief

Common Ground: Both are competent women working in a man’s world

Conflict: Delia pays lip service while Duncan’s Ex-Wife believes in sustainability and the eventual transformation of the Company

History: Business School Classmates, Colleagues, Sisters-in-law

Subtext: Superficial friendship

Relationship Arc: From friendship to betrayal

[Brigitte Timmerman]

Assignment #2

Character Relationship Map – Refuge Nation

What I learned from this assignment is mapping relationships will layer and move a story forward. There are so many opportunities to layers characters, intertwine stories that makes a story more interesting.

Irene Relationships

Jessie

Surface: Older Sister

Common Ground: raising Isaac and Mira

Conflict: Her behavior puts the family at riskHistory: She was born when Irene was a 15 helped raise Jessie

Subtext: contempt for her free spirit nature

Relationship Arc: Thinks Jessie’s actions are the reason for Isaac taken away

Grandpa Frank

Surface: Spirit that guides the family and is Isaac’s ancestor

Common Ground: Wants the family to make it to safety

Conflict: Irene hides something only he knows about History: He’s been watching Irene since she adopted Isaac.

Subtext: frustrated with not being forthright

Relationship Arc: She finally sees him but thinks she’s imagining

Isaac

Surface: Irene’s adopted nephew Common Ground: They love each other very much wants a home. Conflict: Waking up to his Native culture questions outside culture. History: Mother died of a drug overdose, Irene adopts himSubtext: loves both Irene and his new native cultureRelationship Arc: is rehomed with his native relatives

Jessie Relationships

Irene

Surface: Little rebellious sister

Common Ground: Want a new home and safety

Conflict: Irene disapproves of her behavior

History: sex and drug abuse Irene disapproves

Subtext: wishes she control her impulses

Relationship Arc: when they lose Isaac she blames Irene

Grandpa Frank

Surface: Thinks Isaac and Irene are imagining him

Common Ground: both want a safe home for Isaac

Conflict: Unhealthy for the kids to think he’s real

History: Been watching her since they took in Isaac she always felt someone was there

Subtext: Disapproves of her behavior but see the good she does

Relationship Arc: He may be real

Isaac

Surface: Her little man, more of a buddy Common Ground: She feels free with himConflict: worried they will loose the relationship if he finds his native family History: Help raise IsaacSubtext: Fear he won’t survive the journey Relationship Arc: See the true love he has for her when he has to stay with his tribe

Grandpa Frank Relationships

Jessie

Surface: Watches over Jessie

Common Ground: both feel Irene is hiding something

Conflict: disproves of her risky behavior

History: Watched over

Subtext: Knows her secret for survival but does not judge

Relationship Arc: She leaves Isaac’s family he watches over her

Irene

Surface: Thinks she is the leader of the family but lacks insight

Common Ground: Safety and love for Isaac and Mira

Conflict: Undermines his advice to Isaac as trivial

History: Watched over her since she adopted Isaac

Subtext: Helps her reveal her secret

Relationship Arc: Helps her say goodbye to Mira

Isaac

Surface: His grandson and hope for his people

Common Ground: deep love for each other

Conflict: Fears one day he will not see him

History: been watching him since he was born

Subtext: both want for him to embrace his culture

Relationship Arc: upset that he is starting to fade and Isaac questions if he is real

Isaac Relationships

Jessie

Surface: Fun Aunt who he loves very much

Common Ground: They have fun together relieves him from his worry

Conflict: worries about her risky behavior

History: She helped raise him

Subtext: instinctively he knows she does bad things for good reasons

Relationship Arc: She has to leave he knows it the right thing

Grandpa Frank

Surface: Loving ancestral grandfather

Common Ground: Only he and Mira can see him

Conflict: Worries he may not be real from time to time

History: know he has always been with him in spirit

Subtext: They work as a team to guide Irene and Jessie

Relationship Arc: Isaac questions him if he is real

Irene

Surface: His mother

Common Ground: love for nature and his curiosity

Conflict: Does not like how she judges his Aunt Jessie

History: Adopted him when he was two

Subtext: know she’s hiding something but does not know what

Relationship Arc: questions her raising him

[Mary Andrews]

DAY 6 ASSIGNMENT 1
Mary J. Andrews Relationship Map of The 100. What I learned is another way to diagram relationships out.

B E L L A M Y relationship Map

============================O C T A V I A==============================

Surface…Overprotective Brother & Sister demanding independence

Common Ground…Brother & Sister

Conflict…His refusal to hear anything she says has cost her mother to be executed, Finn’s wounds, Atom’s death.

History…On the Ark, their mother had a second child and hid her under the floorboards against the law; penalty was death for mom, Finn became a Janitor and Octavia was locked in jail since she was underage.

Subtext…He is trapped by the responsibility since childhood/She has never had a say about anything all her life.

Relationship Arc…Family>Co-dependence>Domination>Resentment> Guilt/Blame/Anger

=============================CLARKE================================

Surface…They begrudgingly work together to help the group

Common Ground…Both care for others & take control of things, natural leaders

Conflict…He works for himself and his sister/ She works for everyone.

History…He is poor and she is privileged on the ARK./ She is optimistic & naïve/ he is realistic and jaded.

Subtext…He is desperate to keep himself & Octavia safe from the ARK/She cannot forget his betrayals

Relationship Arc…Disdain>Contention>Respect>Anger>Sympathy>Romance?

===============================JASPER===============================

Surface…Bellamy is the leader/Jasper is a nerd crony.

Common Ground…Jasper is wants the same thing he does—to keep sister safe.

Conflict…After Jasper is wounded with the spear, Bellamy is willing to kill him to appease others.

History…Bellamy, a guard in training, snuck his sister to a party and she got caught, / Jasper became enamored. The Earth drop put all of them on equal terms

Subtext…Bellamy is filled with anger, regret and fear/ Jasper has found the ability to be brave and is willing to die for Octavia.

Relationship Arc…Bellamy does not take Jasper seriously, but Octavia does…there will be trouble

===================================================================

[Mary Andrews]

DAY 6 ASSIGNMENT 2
Mary J. Andrews Relationship Map of The Fireborn Chronicles.
<div>
What I learned is that I have room for more intrigue in my characters.
</div><div>

===================================================================

R A E L P O I N T E’s relationship with

===================== L A Y N A L D L O C K H E I M========================

Surface…friends, coworkers, equals.

Common Ground…Laynald keeps Rael grounded and provides experience
& wisdom. Rael values the humanity of him.

Conflict…Laynald sometimes is non-orthodox in his methods,
but he always gets the job done

History…Rael & Ira rescued Laynald from his home world.
He was King’s Healer and foul play won a coupe and killed his king. They
carried him wounded to Nemesis & signed him up to team.

Subtext…Rael finds Laynald’s candor refreshing. And can
almost see him as the father he never had.

Relationship Arc…Laynald gets things done his way

============================= I R A H A Z E============================

Surface…Rael is Ira’s Captain and Team leader,

Common Ground…Ira is a paranormal team member who lives aboard
Nemesis with the team.

Conflict…Likes the boy but teases and treats him as a
youngling; uses his authority to keep his power in check.

History…Rael commandeered Ira & his sister from slavery
of The Wall on their home planet. Ira’s mastery of his abilities makes him
invaluable to the team,

Subtext…Rael uses his authority to keep Ira’s power in
check. Almost Father-like

Relationship Arc…Rael can trust Ira explicitly

============================= T R I S T E N============================

Surface…Accepts her as a valuable addition to the team

Common Ground…Everything about her is alien to Rael. He keeps
distant.

Conflict…Rael has seen & felt her mental powers so he
keeps Ira between them

History…She claims to be a Chosen one who will save her
world from destruction—wherever it is.

Subtext…Rael never forgets how she mind-jacked and
controlled him. He keeps Ira between them

Relationship Arc…Tristen will surprise him

</div><div>

===================================================================

L A Y N A L D’s relationships with

============================ R A E L P O I N T E=========================

Surface…Rael is his Captain and Team Leader

Common Ground…They live and work together

Conflict…Laynald wishes Rael would be more vigilant and
sometimes He takes it upon himself to do things that have to be done, his way.

History…Rael saved his life during a coup on his horrible
home world

Subtext…Laynald feels indebted to him for this.

Relationship Arc…Laynald will always be there for his team.

==============================I R A H A Z E==========================

Surface…to Ira, Laynald serves as Healer, Assassin, and tactician.

Common Ground…They live and work together.

Conflict…Laynald pushes Ira constantly, forcing him to keep
up his control at all times.

History…Ira warned him of the coup that killed his king, saved
his life afterwards

Subtext…Laynald is a bit of a sadist.

Relationship Arc…Laynald worries about Ira and Tristen working
together so closely

===============================T R I S T E N ==========================

Surface…They are team mates–eventually

Common Ground…They will work together

Conflict…He does not trust her and is always on guard at the
beginning.

History…From the start, he is ever cautious of her and questions
her loyalty.

Subtext…He has always found a beautiful woman to be the
most dangerous…

Relationship Arc….Eventually he becomes quite fond of her and even
dotes on her.

===================================================================

I R A H A Z E’s relationships with

============================ R A E L P O I N T E=========================

Surface…Rael is his Captain/Team Leader

Common Ground…They work together & live aboard Nemesis

Conflict…Rael taunts him for his youth and Ira feels
underappreciated.

History…Rael freed him and his sister from slavery. Ira
will always be grateful and loyal to the captain.

Subtext…Ira seeks Rael’s approval as if he were his father.

Relationship Arc…Ira’s arc will cause him to grow independent &
more powerful

==========================L A Y A L D L O C K H E I M===================

Surface..Is rough and condescending, but looks after Ira’s
health closely

Common Ground…They work and live aboard the Nemesis

Conflict…Laynald’s harassment keeps Ira on his toes and strengthens
his continual need to remain in control. Ira accepts Laynald’s ways.

History…Laynald loves a good hunt and frequently participates i the end hunt after ta find. he watches over Ira’s health for what he does is physically straining.

Subtext…Ira realizes Laynald is trying to look out for him
whether he likes it or not

Relationship Arc…Ira trusts Laynald despite the old man’s attempts
to harass him.

============================= T R I S T E N============================

Surface…They work more and more closely together

Common Ground…Both are Psi born and have much in common

Conflict…He rewrites her mind and feels guilty of it

History…She was psi-jacker for Psi terrorists. Ira captured
her and to free Rael, he overwrites her mind into thinking she is his slave

Subtext…They draw more and more in sync each time they work together

Relationship Arc…Though he resists, eventually they will become
bonded…and happy

===================================================================

T R I S T E N’s relationships with

============================ R A E L P O I N T E=========================

Surface…He is her master

Common Ground…Tristen serves him

Conflict…His compu-link and interfaces disrupt her gifts

History…When enslaved by the Psi terrorists, she psi-jacked
his mind

Subtext…She is in his service now. His commands are to be
followed

Relationship Arc…With time, she will develop into a full creature.

==========================I R A H A Z E=============================

Surface…They work together closely because they are both
Psi born.

Common Ground…They are both Psi Born

Conflict…He cannot get her to consider her own future. She lives
for her mission above all else

History…Tristen was rescued from a psi terrorist ring on a pleasure
planet where she had psi-jacked a Universal Gov Ambassador

Subtext…Nothing anyone can tell her will make her not
believe she is chosen.

Relationship Arc…From slavery to her mission to independence?

========================L A Y N A L D L O C K H E I M ====================

Surface…Laynald is
part of the team

Common Ground…She knows he doesn’t trust her

Conflict…She does not care for his harassing Ira

History…Laynald has suspiciously kept watch on her all
along

Subtext…She recognizes Laynald as head of security and is
not bothered by it

Relationship Arc…Slavery is liberating to her

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  Mary Andrews.

[Ahnee Rikkel Broman]

Ahnee’s Relationship Map

What I learned from doing this assignment is that the bonds between these 3 siblings is why they go to such extreme measures to try to save one another as adults

RIKKI MC#1

Gabbi

Surface Older sister by 2 years

Common Ground Grew up in same dysfunctional family, uncared for by many

Conflict Unknowingly resents her for having to take care of her, but loves her deeply at the same time

History Given up by mom, left to fend for herself and siblings

Subtext relies on herself from very young age

Relationship Arc Deep love and protection, to resentful, jealous and angry…to acceptance

Arthur

Surface Little brother by 15 months

Common Ground Grew up side by side with Rikki

Conflict Loved by her, but in a mean/dysfunctional way because that’s how she has been shown to love

History Partner in crime, had each others back, sidekick, always together

Subtext Looks up to her as his best friend, his ride or die

Relationship Arc Mistaken twin, best friend to asking her to break all the rules and ditch her moral compass to save him

GABBI MC#2

Rikki

Surface Little sister by 2 years

Common Ground Grew up in same dysfunctional family

Conflict Relies heavily on her for safety, belonging, acceptance ands love

History Diagnosed depressed at 4 years old because she was away from her sister Gabbi and pit on a plane alone from LAX back to NY to be with her

Subtext Looks up to Gabbi as her hero, coolest sister ever

Relationship Arc Deep love and adoration to confusion and disbelief, to acceptance

Arthur

Surface Little brother 3.5 years

Common Ground Abused and grew angry like her, same dysfunction

Conflict He becomes a disrespectful little brat to her

History Went back and forth from mom and grandma, so in and out of dad’s home, leaving them not as close and he and Rikki

Subtext Bratty little brother, always getting into trouble

Relationship Arc Sweet baby brother to unruly, out of control, not really caring what anyone says

ARTHUR MC#3

Rikki

Surface Big sister by 2 years

Common Ground Grew up in same dysfunctional family, shared friends, both loved to wrestle/fight, cause ruckus

Conflict He does not know when enough is enough, becomes antagonistic and their bond becomes one of annoyance, yet still unbreakable

History Because these two are ride or dies, they get into a lot of trouble together and cover for one another

Subtext She will always be there for him, no matter what he does or how high the price because she is his ride or die

Relationship Arc Safety, protection, belonging to saviour, lifeline, only family by his side until she is not

Gabbi

Surface She is his big sister by 3.5 years

Common Ground He and Gabbi are more outspoken and opinionated than Rikki, so they get into more trouble at home and at school and both become more outspoken and angry

Conflict His choice of friends conflict with her choice of friends, because of race which tends to create conflict between the two

History Tends to go to gabby less than to Rikki, so his bond with her is not at tight

Subtext Bratty little brother, but can always call on Gabbi for help if needed

Relationship Arc Bratty younger brother who gains more love and respect with age and hardships

[Marcus Wolf]

Assignment 2

Subject: Marcus Wolf’s Character Relationship Maps.

This assignment taught me how to begin to set up relationships between my main characters. It seems that interrelationships between characters are sort of characters themselves and can’t be superficial. It is the interaction between characters that creates all drama, so having a method of creating complex relationships is critical to the story.

-Harold Godwinson to William of Normandy

Surface: Acquaintances

Common Ground: Noble men, relationship by marriage to Count
Baldwin V

Conflict: William holds Harold’s brother and nephew hostage

History: William believes Harold should support his claim to
King of England

Subtext: Both want to succeed Edward as King.

Relationship Arc: Acquaintances to deadly enemies

-Harold Godwinson to King Edward of England

Surface: A vassal lord to the King

Common Ground: England, defense of the realm

Conflict: Power struggle between Harold’s family and King
Edward

History: The revolt of 1051 then reinstatement of 1052, then a
new balance of power. They become close friends.

Subtext: Harold, closely associated with his father and older
brother, must prove himself.

Relationship Arc: Enemies to best of friends

-William of Normandy to King Henry of France

Surface: Henry is former protector of William, now adversary

Common Ground:

Conflict: Henry comes to see William as a threat as he gains power and independence.

History:

Subtext: Henry was his friend only as long as it suited him.

Relationship Arc: Friends becoming
enemies.

-William of Normandy (William) to William Fitz Osbern (Fitz Osbern)

Surface: Closest friend and deputy to William

Common Ground: The rule and protection of Normandy.

Conflict:

History: Fitz Osbern’s father protected William as a child.
They became close.

Subtext: Fitz Osbern is devoted to William, trust.

Relationship Arc: Lifelong friends.

-William of Normandy to Count Geoffrey Martel of Anjou

Surface: Worst enemy and rival

Common Ground: Powerful lords in France.

Conflict: Ultimate control of Normandy (and County Maine).

History: They vie for the favor and support of King Henry.
Geoffrey wins.

Subtext: A hatred which goes from “business” to personal.

Relationship Arc: Constant warfare. Geoffrey loses.

-King Edward to Robert of Jumieges

Surface: Friend and advisor to Edward

Common Ground: Life in Normandy as young men

Conflict: Robert is too single-minded in hating Godwin and
becomes a religious fanatic – where it suits his interests.

History: They meet during Edward’s exile and become friends.
Later, Edward must exile him from England.

Subtext: Robert begins to take advantage of Edward’s good
will. He thinks he’s better than Edward.

Relationship Arc: Good friends during Edward’s exile, Edward brings
him to England and gives him important positions in the church. Edward must exile him
because he becomes too troublesome.

-King Edward to Earl Godwin of Wessex

Surface: Vassal lord to Edward

Common Ground: Rule of England

Conflict: Both are players in the balance of political power in England.

History: Godwin played a hand in the murder of Edward’s
brother, Alfred. Godwin supported Edward’s accession to the throne.

Subtext: Edward needs Godwin but does not trust him in the
least and vice versa.

Relationship Arc: Godwin opposes Edward (and his brother)
overthrowing King Harthecnut. After Harthecnut dies, Godwin supports Edward.
Edward later exiles Godwin. Godwin wins back his title and lands.

-King Edward to Count Eustace of Boulogne

Surface: Brothers-in-law

Common Ground: Edward’s sister, Goda married Eustace as her second
husband. Certain political expediencies. Edward can help Eustace with his problems, so
Eustace must find a way to make Edward indebted to him.

Conflict:

History: During his exile, Edward finds friends in Boulogne.
Eustace even marries his sister. Eustace then looks for friendship from the
King of England.

Subtext: They each feel that the other can further their
goals of power.

Relationship Arc: Eustace marries Goda. Goda dies without children by
Eustace. Eustace comes to Edward with a mutual proposition which instigates the
revolt of the Godwins.

[Bob Onufer]

Mod 1 Lesson 6 Assignment 1

Main Character: Lenny Belardo (Pope Pius XIII)

Character 1 – Sister Mary

Surface: Adviser

Common Ground: Both believe Lenny may have been selected by God to be Pope

Conflict: Different visions for the Catholic Church

History: Sister Mary raised Lenny after he was abandoned by parents

Subtext: Strained parent-child relationship

Relationship Arc: From timid adviser to major player in the Vatican

Character 2 – Cardinal Angelo Voiello

Surface: Adversary

Common Ground: Catholic Church and the Vatican

Conflict: Control of the Vatican

History: Vioello’s plotting during the conclave helped Lenny become Pope

Subtext: Mutual mistrust

Relationship Arc: From subtle maneuvering to direct confrontation

Character 3 – Cardinal Michael Spencer

Surface: Rival

Common Ground: Both were former archbishops of the diocese of New York

Conflict: Lenny holds the position Michael believes belongs to him

History: Michael was Lenny’s mentor

Subtext: Who would be the better Pope

Relationship Arc: From disgust to subservience

[Bob Onufer]

Bob’s Relationship Map

What I learned from doing this assignment was that developing more relationships allows you to develop additional story lines.

Title: Mount Moriah

Main Character: Daniel Shay

Character 1 – Christine Wade

Surface: Activist

Common Ground: Both want Israel to control the Temple Mount

Conflict: Different visions of what Israeli control will look like

History: From same neighborhood in New York

Subtext: Using each other

Relationship Arc: From relatively unknown to possible lovers

Character 2 – Avi Tiber

Surface: Daniel’s superior

Common Ground: Mossad operatives

Conflict: Operational methods

History: Both were trained in an elite program in the Israeli Defense Force

Subtext: Who’s in charge

Relationship Arc: From colleagues to political opponents

Character 3 – Najeh Tamra

Surface: Enemy

Common Ground: The Land of Israel

Conflict: Najeh is the terrorist leader of a group that Daniel opposes

History: Najeh participated in the raid that killed Daniel’s parents

Subtext: Both are fighting for what they believe is a noble cause

Relationship Arc: From knowing each other as the face of an enemy to knowing each other as human beings

[Nadine Vaughan DArdenne]

Nadine’s Show Relationship Map

What I learned doing this assignment is a deeper experience of the characters’ relationships in a well-written show.

I also learned that even when the technology does not allow me to present assignments as envisioned, I am still able to complete the assignments, until the technology is corrected (eg., after numerous attempts, I was unable to download the Character Relationship Chart).

ASSIGNMENT 1:

I watched a LOST episode and focused on ONE of the main characters (Jack), and how he interacts with others. I discovered how I can create a Relationship Map where I can enter data for any lead character and see more clearly their relationship with others.

Jack’s relationship with three others:

JACK – KATE – SAWYER

Surface:

With Kate, has a respectful friendship. With Sawyer, expresses competition and power.

Common Ground:

With Kate, both are brave, adventurous. With Sawyer, predictable as Alpha males.

Conflict:

With Kate, he doesn’t trust her. Jack believes Sawyer’s just a user.

History:

With Kate, he appreciates that she helped tend his deep cut. Jack sees Sawyer as always benefitting from others’ pain.

Subtext:

With Kate, he likes but can’t love her. With Sawyer, Jack needs him to help so all will survive.

Relationship Arc:

With Kate, went from seeing each other as allies to not trusting each other With Sawyer, Jack went from seeing him as sleazy to seeing other’s strengths.

ASSIGNMENT :

I created a Relationship Map for 3 of the lead characters in my script, KUNO and JAI, and completed a Character Map for each.

KUNO – JAI- CHARLOTTE

Surface:

Kuno will work w/ Jai to get to the truth. He’s puzzled why Charlotte helps him.

Common Ground:

Kuno and Jai are both on a mission. Regarding Charlotte, she’s related to him.

Conflict:

Kuno is bitter that Jai set him up and he went to prison. Kuno respects Charlotte

History:

Kuno and Jai were on opposite teams in a school competition. Kuno’s history with Charlotte is a big secret.

Subtext:

Both Kuno and Jai are attracted to ea. other. With Charlotte, he feels a deeper connection.

Relationship Arc:

Kuno and Jai went from competitor – to betrayer – to partner. With Charlotte, they went from strangers to her being his mentor, to bonding as mother and son.

NOTE: I was finally able to download four “TV Relationship charts” on which I entered the relational information between KUNO, JAI, CHARLOTTE, and LIONEL. However, I was unable to copy these * onto this forum (*my KUNO AND JAI screenplay). If someone needs to see them, please email me and I will send them as a PDF via email.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  Nadine Vaughan DArdenne.

[Eric Watterson]

ASSIGNMENT 2:

“What I learned doing this assignment is how to purposely create relationship connections between characters”

=======================================

Anthony David, Jr.

Surface:
– Edward: Young teen require to watch over
– Chris: Young teen require to watch
– Officer Tim: Ex-military pro, assigned over his community service

Common Ground:
– Edward: Both has daddy issue
– Chris: Doesn’t trust people
– Officer Tim: Ex-military officer

Conflict
– Edward: Disrespects Anthony
– Chris: Think Anthony is an uneducated drunk
– Officer Tim: This Anthony is a loser

History:
– Edward: Edwards family was targeted by Anthony Father for corruption
– Chris: Anthony could have turns Chris in for steaking but didn’t
– Officer Tim: Anthony is targeted by the group that paid Tim is place him to setup Anthony

Subtext:
– Edward: Edward wants a father figure
– Chris: Chris knows he’s a good man but doesn’t want to admit it
– Officer Tim: There’s a hidden agenda against Anthony that Tim is a part of

Relationship Arc:
– Edward: Edward grows to respect Anthony
– Chris: Chris grows to follow Anthony
– Officer Tim: Anthony grows to see where Tim has conspired against him

==============================

Christopher Hope

Surface:
– BrayBray: He’s his cousin
– Officer Tim: He has arrested him a couple of times
– Edward: He is another teen in group home

Common Ground:
– BrayBray: They both are into crime
– Officer Tim: Both from broken homes
– Edward: They bot have abilities they don’t understand completely

Conflict:
– BrayBray: BrayBray is competing with Chris
– Officer Tim: Officer Tim doesn’t believe there’s any good in Chris
– Edward: Chris believe Edwards family is racist

History:
– BrayBray: They have always competed growing up and BrayBray always seemed to loss to Chris
– Officer Tim: Tim drops several charges from Chris crimes for a share of the goods
– Edward: Chris found negative history about Edwards family and targeting them through cyber attack

Subtext:
– BrayBray: They tolerate eachother because there’re family but they don’t really like each other
– Officer Tim: Officer Tim blackmails Chris to continue to do wrong
– Edward: Chris doesn’t want to trust Edward but kinda does

Relationship Arc:
– BrayBray: They grow to dislike each other more as Chris is drawn to good while BrayBray wants to continue to do bad
– Officer Tim: Chris begins to look for ways to turn the tables of Officer Tim to blackmail him and get free from his control
– Edward: They grow into friends despite their differences and racial divide

[Kristopher King]

I learned that characters are as complex as you make them. A concrete map like this will help me to imply these complexities during the writing process.

The Fisherman— Show Relationship Map

John

Kate

Surface Lovers

Common Ground Age, Smarts, Culture

Conflict Trust

History High school

Subtext Conspirators

Arc Friends/Lovers

Capt.T

Surface Co-workers

Common Ground Fishing/Work

Conflict Morals

History Family Friend

Subtext Father figure

Arc Role model/Caretaker/Confidant

Mother

Surface Mother/Son

Common Ground Family

Conflict Caretaker roll Reversed

History Wild lifestyle during John’s childhood

Subtext Burden/Excuse

Arc Purpose/Burden/Excuse

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  Kristopher King.
• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  Kristopher King.

[Anne James]

Anne James

Show Relationship Map – Lesson

What I learned doing this assignment: I really enjoyed creating a visual representation of my character’s interconnections to the people around them. Was surprised what popped up.

ASSIGNMENT #1:

CARDINAL DUSSOLIER 1) LENNY 2) SISTER MARY

Surface: 1) Cardinal & best friend 2) Nun & Mother figure

Common Ground: 1) Devoted and loyal 2) Adores him and wants him to find peace

Conflict: 1) Secretly violated vow of chastity. Gay and straight sex. Not the cardinal that everyone thinks he is. 2) Mother figure and confidant.

History: 1) Orphans who grew up together. Identical paths.

Subtext: 1) Can’t be what Lenny wants him to be 2) Loyalty ultimately is to Lenny.

Relationship Arc: 1) Trusted, close friend to destroyed, banished Cardinal 2) Ma to Lenny loyalist

ASSIGNMENT #2:

NERILLA:
ALIENA
Surface: Fellow Vestal
Common Ground:Desperate to restore credibility of Vestals
Conflict: Wants to be Head Vestal and most popular with Roman people
History: The three of them used to be very close. Came into the House around the same time as young children.
Subtext:Competition for love of the people
Relationship Arc: Public face – loving, spiritual goddesses / Privately – adversaries out to destroy the other.

SILVIUS
Surface: Boss/Employee
Common Ground: Restore credibility and get control back over the House
Conflict: Wants to keep her in previous role – obedient and silent
History: Been in job only eight months. Predecessor was a trusted, father figure.
Subtext: She’s more of an instinctual politician than he is. Smart and shrewd.
Relationship Arc: Awkward, incapable leader to trusted ally.

LIVIA
Surface: Fellow Vestal
Common Ground: Childhood friend, confidante and lover.
Conflict: Mystery and scandal surrounding her pregnancy.
History: Allies — always had each other’s back
Subtext: Devastated and betrayed by pregnancy.
Relationship Arc: Cherished leader and lover to fallen virgin riddled in scandal and 1st Vestal put to death.

AELIANA:
NERILLA
Surface: Fellow Vestal
Common Ground: Desperate to restore credibility of Vestals
Conflict: Passed over as Head Vestal. Wants control over the House.
History: The three of them used to be very close.
Subtext: Competition
Relationship Arc: Public – loving, beautiful spiritual goddess to adversary out to undermine Nerilla

SILVIUS
Surface: Boss/Employee
Common Ground: Befriended him when he first took over as Pontifex.
Conflict: He chose Nerilla to be Head.
History: Supports him and helped get him credibility in the House.
Subtext: She’s his favorite.
Relationship Arc: Coddled favorite to distrusted obstacle

LIVIA:
Surface: Fellow Vestal
Common Ground: Childhood friend who she looked up to.
Conflict: Mystery and scandal surrounding her pregnancy. Jeopardizes their safety.
History: 3rd wheel. Nerilla was always closer to Livia.
Subtext: Livia knew Aeliana wasn’t a virgin.
Relationship Arc: Worshipped hero to fallen virgin riddled in scandal and put to death.

SILVIUS:
NERILLA
Surface: Boss/Employee
Common Ground: Chose her for Head. Respects her.
Conflict: She wants to be a new kind of Vestal.
History: Turned a blind eye to her and Livia’s relationship.
Subtext: Competition for power and authority over the brand and the House.
Relationship Arc: Adversary to reluctant ally

AELIANA
Surface: Boss/Employee
Common Ground: Befriended him and has a crush on her.
Conflict: Chose Nerilla over her.
History: Their fathers are both political machines. Wealthy families.
Subtext: Enjoys attention of this beautiful but unattainable “star” of Rome
Relationship Arc: Smitten to frustratingly uncontrollable.

LIVIA
Surface: Boss/Employee
Common Ground: Let her lead — she made him look good.
Conflict: Scandal occurred on his watch.
History: She mentored him when he first came to the post.
Subtext: He called for her swift death. No trial.
Relationship Arc: Admiration to destroy all evidence that she existed.

[Giles]

Charles Ferrell’s Relationship Map

What I learned doing this assignment is how complexity can be so simple.

Scarlett Taylor,Dr. Les White,Vasilli Petrov,Lilly Clark

Relationship Surface ,Colleage,adversary,sister

Relationship Common Ground,”both seek restoration, intelligent and moral”,”smart, care about their children,”,”same parents, sisters”

Relationship Conflict,”Scar disapproves of his addictions, Dr. White resents being judged”,He delivers the threat that the parent crime family will not let her leave,”Lilly hates her life and wants Scar’s freedom, Scar is judged against Lilly by their parents”

Relationship History,”Both come from medical background, Scar has not lost her license and slipped in making a comment about his”,He keeps her locked into this life of crime with a false threat. Secretly he is jealous that her child is still alive.,”Lilly does everything right on the surface. Being the source of judgement against Scar. Lilly wants to dump the pressure of being “”miss perfect”” for the fun life she thinks Scarlett has.”

Relationship Subtext,unspoken connection over their life mistakes,They are both loving parents ,Major competition and jealousy runs both ways

Relationship ARC,from mutal judgement to mutual respect,Near hatred to Understanding via mutual fear,”Social, tolerant, friendly…..dangerous exposure, vengeful “

[Leslie DuFresne]

Lesson 6, Assignment 1

What I learned in doing this assignment is that there are so many layers to think of, I especially liked figuring out the common ground my characters have even if they are enemies.

Mr. Robot

ELLIOT

Mr. Robot

Surface: Partners in crime

Common Ground: Both want to change the status quo

Conflict: Elliot is an empath while Mr. Robot couldn’t care less whom he hurts. To him – the end justifies the means.

History: Not much history between them midway through the series. That will change as Elliot learns more about Mr. Robot.

Subtext: Elliot is very skeptical of Mr. Robot much of the time.

Arc: They start out adversarial but become partners in the fight to bring down economic injustice.

Angela

Surface: Co-workers at AllSafe

Common Ground: Friends since childhood

Conflict: Elliot makes her feel incompetent

History: Both of their parents died at the hands of Evil Corp

Subtext: Elliot loves Angela. Angela only sees him as a friend.

Arc: Angela begins to fight the injustice that brought about her mother’s death.

Shayla

Surface: Drug dealer/client

Common Ground: Broken individuals with very little connection to others in the world

Conflict: Elliot keeps breaking his promises he makes to her re: Vera and Morphine

History: Next door neighbors who become friends and she’s Elliot’s supplier.

Subtext: She knows when Elliot is lying, can read him easily.

Arc: Friends to lovers

Lesson 6, Assignment 2

JILL

Jimmy

Surface: Mentor/Mentee

Common Ground: They are the only ones in the crew who do not drink.

Conflict: He does not want her involved with the crew but realizes she’s an asset.

History: He was present when her father was tortured. He also started a war on his behalf.

Subtext: Romantic attraction

Arc: from mentor/mentee to lovers

Charlie “Rooster” Andriacchi

Surface: Rival crew members

Common Ground: take out aggression on others

Conflict: She wants revenge on him

History: Tortured her father and made a public display, whereas Jill and her family were cognizant of it.

Subtext: He can pick up her unease with him

Arc: Fears him/shuts down around him to warring against him.

Ray

Surface: Surveillance partners, mentor/mentee, ex-boyfriend

Common Ground: grew up in mob life, same neighborhood

Conflict: She doesn’t love him, she was the one who broke off the relationship.

History: Surveilled and collected from debtors together, he taught her what he knew, became romantically involved

Subtext: She has her suspicions about him, secretly uses his tools of surveillance to surveille him

Arc: Goes from being on friendly terms to reporting his deceptive activities to Jimmy.

[Marie Jordan]

Lesson 6 – Assignment 1

Example show: INVENTING ANNA

ANNA’s relationship map:

1/ Relationship with Vivian

RELATIONSHIP SURFACE – Prisoner interviewed by an average journalist

RELATIONSHIP COMMON GROUND – Need of recognition

RELATIONSHIP CONFLICT – Anna wants to test Vivian to see if she is able to write about her.

RELATIONSHIP HISTORY – from first interview in jail.

RELATIONSHIP SUBTEXT – Anna manipulates Vivian for her own sake.

RELATIONSHIP ARC – From seeing her as a worthless person to understanding her motives and using the best of her.

2/ Relationship with Chase

RELATIONSHIP SURFACE – Lovers and business partners

RELATIONSHIP COMMON GROUND – Ambition

RELATIONSHIP CONFLICT – Ego conflict. He works for himself and she has to work for herself too. Competition and mistrust.

RELATIONSHIP HISTORY – Lovers travelling the world.

RELATIONSHIP SUBTEXT – which one is using the other the most?

RELATIONSHIP ARC – from passionate love to being abandoned.

3/ Relationship with Val

RELATIONSHIP SURFACE – Friends

RELATIONSHIP COMMON GROUND – The love for fashion

RELATIONSHIP CONFLICT – she doesn’t love him as he loves her.

RELATIONSHIP HISTORY – she is using him to be introduced to the wealthiests.

RELATIONSHIP SUBTEXT – she ignores his love for her.

RELATIONSHIP ARC – she likes having him around but when she discovers he looked at her passport, she turns her back to him.

[Marie Jordan]

Lesson 6 assignment 2

My show: LIGHT WINGS

Character: SKYLER

1/ Relationship with CHARLIE

RELATIONSHIP SURFACE – both are Guardian angels

RELATIONSHIP COMMON GROUND – both work hard at increasing their knowledge of the angel world in order to escape it.

RELATIONSHIP CONFLICT – Charlie destroys everything Skyler does.

RELATIONSHIP HISTORY – They have been sitting on the same school benches for ever.

RELATIONSHIP SUBTEXT – Skyler has been instructed to spie on Charlie who is suspected to be a fallen angel.

RELATIONSHIP ARC – from friendship to mistrust

2/ Relationship with Murrill

RELATIONSHIP SURFACE – Both are Guardian Angel

RELATIONSHIP COMMON GROUND – Murrill helps Skyler to spie on Charlie.

Skyler shares his visions from earth with Murrill. (he is the only one who has vision as he cannot drink at the fountain that makes you forget what you saw on earth.

RELATIONSHIP CONFLICT – Murrill discovers that Skyler is planning to live on earth and hasn’t shared his plan. She feels betrayed.

RELATIONSHIP HISTORY – Have always been studying together.

RELATIONSHIP SUBTEXT – Skyler lies to cover his plan to live on earth.

Merrill lies to cover that she has been talking to Charlie and they are destroying everything he does around his departure.

RELATIONSHIP ARC – from mistrist to real friendship

3/ Relationship with ROSE

RELATIONSHIP SURFACE – Skyler is her Guardian Angel

RELATIONSHIP COMMON GROUND – Love

RELATIONSHIP CONFLICT – she cannot follow his guidance because she has to do what she is told to do or else she would be locked in a cellar. And without knowing it, she is influenced by Charlie, the fallen angel (the demon) to put her life at risk and regret it after.

RELATIONSHIP HISTORY – He was assigned to guard her since birth;

RELATIONSHIP SUBTEXT – Skyler plans to live with her as a human being but she doesn’t know that.

RELATIONSHIP ARC – from impossible love to being together for good.

[Chantria Tram]

Chantria’s Relationship Maps

What I learned from this assignment is that creating a visual relationship map gave me a bird’s eye view of the connections between the characters and, in turn, allows me to see any gaps that I can create to make a more compelling show.

ASSIGNMENT #2 <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Sample Show: The Handmaid’s Tale

June Osborne >> Serena Waterford

Surface: Handmaid to her and her husband

Common Ground: Women trapped in this new order. Both want family units

Conflict: June wants to destroy Mrs. W. Mrs. W is jealous June can conceive and that her becoming a mother is dependent on June.

History: June is the new concubine after something tragic happened with the last. Mrs. W has been kind only when she thought June was pregnant and reverted to her aggressive/controlling

self after finding out June was not.

Subtext: Competitors

Relationship Arc: Competitors to partners

June Osborne >> The Commander

Surface: Handmaid to him and his wife

Common Ground: Enjoys playing scrabble and connecting to each other

Conflict: June does not want to be a handmaid

History: They have been secretly playing Scrabble together. He gives her small gifts.

Subtext: Co-conspirators

Relationship Arc: Enemies to friends

June Osborne >> Nick

Surface: Fellow lower-ranking staff

Common Ground: Both work for the Waterfords and disagree with the new order

Conflict: She feels betrayed by him

History: He has been driving her around for errands. He’s also warned her when an Eye came to

question her relationship with Ofwarren. They’ve slept together intentionally and passionately.

Subtext: Allies

Relationship Arc: From strangers to lovers

ASSIGNMENT #2

“Beyond Temple Walls”

Dekhune Serey >> Sovannah Thach

Surface: Attends temple events regularly. Dekhune Serey is one of 5 monks who reside at the temple.

Common Ground: They both care deeply about the well-being of the temple and its community members.

Conflict: Sovannah breaks all the rules, legally and sometimes morally. As a devoted monk, he cannot condone that.

History: They have known each other for over 15 years and have spoken a handful of times.

Subtext: Secretly attracted to one another

Relationship Arc: From strangers to each others’ “ride-or-die”

Dekhune Serey >> Detective Tran

Surface: Local detective, unfamiliar to Dekhune Serey. Detective Tran is intrigued by the temple but has never attended.

Common Ground: Believes justice is of upmost importance.

Conflict: Wants to dig into the history of the temple and suspects the place to be the headquarter of a major underground illegal gambling operation.

History: The precinct is a block away. Detective Tran has been scoping the temple for a few months now.

Subtext: He is morally superior to her.

Relationship Arc: From allies to enemies

Sovannah Thach >> Detective Tran

Surface: They live in the same city and have mutual friends. Both have questionable moral values.

Common Ground: Both street-smart and strategic

Conflict: Detective Tran wants to take expose the temple for money laundering and other criminal activity. Sovannah cannot let that happen otherwise it will collapse the community.

History: Seen one another at various mutual friends’ birthdays and get togethers. Have been attracted and intrigued by one another but no one’s made the move.

Subtext: frenemies

Relationship arch: From distrusting frenemies to lovers

[Diana Ceres]

Diana’s Show Relationship Map

What I learned: It’s really cool to look at the relationships among each of the characters. Plotting it out this way helps me see the key elements of the relationships that I will incorporate into their actions, motivations, dialog, etc. later.

The tables don’t paste well. Sorry for that.

Part 1: Apply to Mr. Robot:

Elliot Mr. Robot Elliot’s Boss Tyrell

Surface Colleagues Employee/Boss Employee/Boss

Common Ground Hacker Computer savvy Computer savvy

Conflict Elliot doesn’t take his advice. Elliot is going to betray him Elliot is a threat to Tyrell. Tyrell is a threat to Elliot.

History Strained Strained Strained

Subtext I need you. Don’t make stupid mistakes. Left server vulnerable: Betrayal Wants Elliot to work for him:

Relationship Arc Intrigue to TBD Awkward to less awkward Not sure yet

Part 2: Apply to My Show

Husband Wife Mother-in-Law Ex-Boyfriend of Wife

Surface Spouse Son-in-law Friend of family

Common Ground Married Family by marriage They’re both attracted to the same person.

Conflict She is breaking the law without his knowledge. She is breaking the law without his knowledge. Sleeping with his wife.

History Mercurial Strained Strained

Subtext Please love me. I put up with you because you’re family. I don’t trust you.

Relationship Arc People-pleasing to pissed off Pretense to pissed Strained to Neutral

Wife Husband Mother-in-Law Ex-Boyfriend of Wife

Surface Spouse Daughter Friend of family

Common Ground Married Family Lovers

Conflict Husband won’t take the fall for her. Wants daughter to take the fall for her. She is married to someone else.

History Verbally and emotionally abusive Dysfunctional On again/off again

Subtext I don’t love you. When the shit goes down, I am going to rat you out. I am going to betray you.

Relationship Arc Married to separated Plotting to Pissed Fucking to Fucked

Mother-in-Law Daughter Son-in-Law Ex-Boyfriend of Wife

Surface Mother Son-in-law Friend of family

Common Ground Crooks, family Family, both like to cook Both are crooks

Conflict She won’t take the fall for her. She is breaking the law without his knowledge. TBD

History Dysfunctional Strained Opportunistic

Subtext I resent you. I am going to such you dry, mijo. I am using you.

Relationship Arc Plotting to pissed Cordial to strained Warm to Cool

<br clear=”all”>

[David Thome]

<div>Dave’s Character Map for Blank Slate</div><div>

What I learned is that adding these levels yet again changed the direction of the stories and the characters.

SALVA SEGUIR

Surface: Partner

Common Ground: Both want to return to the base reality

Conflict: Wants revenge on Joshua for causing her death in the base reality

History: Worked together on The Experiment

Subtext: Hidden agenda

Relationship Arc: From unknown to partner with agendas and baggage

THE TWO AGENTS

Surface: Spying on Joshua

Common Ground: Want to know the secret of The Experiment

Conflict: Working for government, and not always in Joshua’s best interests

History: Spied on Joshua in the runup to The Experiment

Subtext: Who’s side are they on?

Relationship Arc: From unknown to unreliable allies and/or enemies

HENNA BLANK

Surface: Joshua’s wife

Common Ground: Marriage; he’s father to their daughter and stepdad to her son

Conflict: Her personality (and her history with Joshua) changes from reality to reality

History: A good marriage—in the base reality; otherwise, history changes unpredictably

Subtext: She loves Joshua

Relationship Arc: From loving wife to confounding question mark

</div>

[MARK Lederkramer]

Mark Lederkramer Binge Worthy TV Module 1 Lesson 6 Assignment 1

Model Show Mr. Robot

What I learned from these assignments is that it is imperative to look at every aspect of the main characters relationships and history. The more you can put into the relationship maps the better you can flesh out what these characters are really about and create interesting characters

TV Relationship Map for Elliot

Mr. Robot

Surface: Elliot is following Mr. Robot into F Society. They are allies

Common Ground: They both want to bring down E Corp

Conflict: Elliot doesn’t like Mr. Robot or some of his actions but he wants to help him and F Society take down E Corp

History: Elliot is stalked by Mr. Robot and he is convinced to help Mr. Robot and F Society take down E Corp

Subtext: Elliot doesn’t really understand how Mr. Robot found him and he doesn’t like him but he respects him for his creation of F Society

Relationship Arc: When they first meet, Elliot doesn’t really want to get involved with Mr. Robot. As time goes by Elliot starts to build a relationship like father and son.

Angela

Surface: Elliot has known Angela longer than anyone. He considers her his closest and best friend

Common Ground: Elliot will do anything for Angela. They both work together at All Safe

Conflict: He loves Angela but she considers him a friend.

History: Angela and Elliot have known each other since they were very young

Subtext: Elliot really loves Angela and watches over her. He can’t understand how she can date douchebags who cheat on her and then lie to her face that they love her

Relationship Arc: Elliot loves Angela and will do anything to help and protect her. Over time she will get mixed up in Elliot’s plans and problems

Titus Wellick

Surface: Elliot really doesn’t know what to make of him. He doesn’t like him.

Common Ground: They are both doing things that will affect E Corp

Conflict: Elliot is not sure what Tyrell’s game is. Tyrell wants Elliot to work for him but Elliot wants no part of anything he has planned

History: Elliot meets Tyrell briefly after the big meeting at All Safe with E corp. Shortly after that Elliot is forced to go to E Corp where Tyrell offers him a job which Elliot turns down

Subtext: Elliot is really worried about what Tyrell has planned and why Tyrell is so set on bringing Elliot into the fold at E Corp

Relationship Arc: At first Elliot is scared of Tyrell and what he knows or doesn’t know about F Society’s plans to destroy E Corp. He can’t understand why Tyrell is so set on befriending Elliot and getting him to work for E Corp. Not sure yet where the relationship goes

[MARK Lederkramer]

Mark Lederkramer Binge Worthy TV Module 1 Lesson 6 Assignment 2

Show: Smuggle

What I learned from these assignments is that it is imperative to look at every aspect of the main characters relationships and history. The more you can put into the relationship maps the better you can flesh out what these characters are really about and create interesting characters

TV Relationship Map for Micky

Matty

Surface: Micky works for Matty

Common Ground: They are friends as well as boss and employee. They both need the Columbian trip to be a huge success

Conflict: Stuey and Tony and more importantly Jackie Torrio are asking Micky to help keep Matty focused. They also want Micky to report to them on Matty’s behavior. Micky is loyal to Matty but his behavior causes Micky an enormous amount of stress and frustration

History: Micky and Matty have been. friends since junior high school

Subtext: Micky really cares about Matty. He wishes that the Boys were right and that he had as much influence as they thought he had with Matty

Relationship Arc: Micky is one of Matty’s only real friends. Most of those supposed friends were just using him for drugs or money. As time goes by their friendship will be strained. It starts to feel more transactional and Micky worries that not only will the Columbian trip get busted but that Matty could be arrested or even worse killed.

Stuey

Surface: Micky works for Stuey who always has the last word on decisions

Common Ground: They are strictly boss and employee but. they both need the Columbian trip to be a huge success

Conflict: It’s really hard for Micky to be talked down to by Stuey. He respects and fears Stuey but he really doesn’t like him. He hates the fact that he knows how much smarter he is than Stuey

History: Micky has known Stuey since the 7^th grade. They started out as enemies with Stuey picking a fight with him and then threatening to have his friends gang up on him. Micky stood up to them and they ended up all being friends.

Subtext: Micky really doesn’t like Stuey. He thinks that Stuey is a bully and only as tough as the people who will fight his battles for him.

Relationship Arc: Micky doesn’t really like Stuey. Their relationship started off badly in junior high school. Micky is doing his best to make Stuey think that he likes him. As time goes by Micky gets closer with Stuey but in the back of his mind he knows that Stuey would give them all up to save himself.

Tony

Surface: Micky works for Tony

Common Ground: They are friends as well as boss and employee. They both need the Columbian trip to be a huge success

Conflict: Micky likes Tony a lot but he doesn’t trust him. He also feels that Tony is just riding on Matty’s coat tails. Tony really doesn’t bring anything to the success of the Big 3 crew

History: Micky just met Tony a few years ago. Before joining the crew. He didn’t really know that much about him. He does like Tony just like the rest of the world

Subtext: Micky is making sure to make Tony a friend and an ally. He figures that if the shit hits the fan between the partners, this way he would have two of the three partners on his side

Relationship Arc: Over time Micky develops a real friendship with Tony. As it has been said before, everybody loves Tony and Micky is no different