Lesson 6. Layers that Fascinate Us

[Dean Burkey]

Dean's Delivering Multiple Layers

What I learned from this lesson is that Bruce Willis was a ghost the whole time! What?! ;oP

What I learned is that adding layers to the elements of the story adds layers of intrigue and fun for the audience's experience!

Plot Layers

1. Major Scheme Revealed

Surface Layer:

The syndicate wants to eliminate Lena to protect their operations.

Beneath That:

The syndicate’s ultimate goal is to collapse the entire witness protection program, sending a message that no one can escape their reach.

How Revealed:

Lena and Carter discover encrypted messages and documents detailing coordinated attacks on multiple safehouses, revealing the broader scheme.

2. Mystery Revealed

Surface Layer:

Carter appears to be a dedicated agent committed to protecting Lena.

Beneath That:

Carter has been working both sides to gather enough evidence to bring down the syndicate from within.

How Revealed:

Carter intentionally leads Lena to a hidden cache of evidence he’s been compiling, explaining his true motives and actions.

3. Thought it was One Thing, but it is Another

Surface Layer:

The safehouse is perceived as a secure hideout for Lena.

Beneath That:

The safehouse is a strategic trap set by the syndicate to lure out informants and their protectors.

How Revealed:

Hidden sections of the safehouse containing surveillance equipment are discovered, indicating it was designed to monitor and report movements to the syndicate.

4. Major Shift in Meaning

Surface Layer:

The syndicate appears to be a standalone criminal organization.

Beneath That:

The syndicate is part of a larger, more dangerous international criminal network.

How Revealed:

A captured syndicate member hints at a "greater power" that ensures their downfall even if the syndicate fails, leading to the discovery of the global network.

5. Hidden History

Surface Layer:

The safehouse is a remote, secure location for protecting witnesses.

Beneath That:

It was previously a syndicate stronghold and has historical significance as a resistance site.

How Revealed:

Old blueprints, documents, and personal stories reveal its past, linking it to Lena’s family and past syndicate operations.

6. Hidden Plan

Surface Layer:

Carter’s mission is to protect Lena and the information she carries.

Beneath That:

Carter’s true mission is to use Lena as bait to draw out the entire syndicate leadership.

How Revealed:

Carter explains his strategy to Lena during a critical moment, showing her the risks and the bigger picture.

Character Layers

Lena

Surface Layer:

Lena is an informant with crucial information against the syndicate.

Beneath That:

She was once a high-ranking member of the syndicate, with deep connections and personal stakes.

How Revealed:

Flashbacks and interactions with characters from her past gradually reveal her deeper involvement and motivations.

Agent Carter

Surface Layer:

Carter is a federal agent dedicated to protecting Lena.

Beneath That:

He is working as a double agent, gathering evidence against the syndicate while maintaining his cover.

How Revealed:

Strategic decisions and hidden evidence he leads Lena to uncover his true role and intentions.

Agent Miller

Surface Layer:

Miller is a loyal federal agent on Carter’s team.

Beneath That:

He is being blackmailed by the syndicate, forced to provide inside information.

How Revealed:

Intercepted communications and a desperate confession during a confrontation reveal his coercion and internal conflict.

The Boss

Surface Layer:

The Boss is the ruthless leader of the syndicate.

Beneath That:

He is also a high-ranking government official, using his position to shield the syndicate’s activities.

How Revealed:

Investigation and uncovered documents during the climax reveal his dual identity and extensive control.

Location Layers

Safehouse

Surface Layer:

A secure hideout for protecting Lena.

Beneath That:

Contains hidden surveillance rooms, an underground armory, and was previously a syndicate stronghold.

How Revealed:

Exploration and hidden panels discovered by Lena and Carter during moments of tension and investigation.

Syndicate Compound

Surface Layer:

The main headquarters of the syndicate.

Beneath That:

Includes a command center, interrogation rooms, and an underground network of bunkers.

How Revealed:

Lena and Carter infiltrate the compound, discovering the hidden facilities and the scale of the operation during their escape.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Dean Burkey.
• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Dean Burkey.