Lesson 7

[Lynn Vincentnathan]

Lynn’s 4 Act Structure

What I learned doing this assignment is that the character journeys really helped and I’m glad I did those first, since I got new and better ideas from them. So this wasn’t too hard AND I got better ideas for the script. I did fill in more details that asked for, because I wanted to remember them, even though the details may change as I write it.

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1. LIST CONCEPT AND MAIN CONFLICT

Concept: When the third killing spree of the elderly flares up, an old man must resist.

Main Conflict: Between Lew and himself (regrets), between Lew and Josh & Megan (for different, opposite reasons), and MAINLY between a wise elder (Lew) and elder killers.

2. ACT 1: 25 TO 30 PAGES — INTRO THE CHARACTERS AND SET UP THE CONFLICT

Opening: Lew, age 87, is like a repentant monk in a monastery — a hiding place in grandson Josh’s home. Josh says he has nothing to feel bad about, that he was a hero in getting people on board to mitigate climate change. However, Josh’s wife, Megan, with baby on the way is concerned there might not be enough rations for them all. She’s heard of some elderly camp. Josh points out Lew is growing veggies and nearly makes up for any loss.

Meanwhile in the Rations Department: Roz, chief inspector, is discussing problems with Hillard, her young, hot-headed assistant. And they get a call that they will have to find a way to cut rations, with food supplies dwindling faster than expected.

Inciting Incident: The Rations Recipients (Rat-Res) Inspector makes an appointment to visit Josh and Megan. They have to make sure Lew is well hidden

Turning Point: Rations inspectors arrive at Josh’s home, telling they cannot give more rations to Megan bec she’s pregnant, and even the food for her child will be barely enough. They also mention that they need to find all the elderly and trot them off to an elderly camp, where they’ll be given less rations – Hillard: “until they die. Hopefully sooner than later.”

3. ACT 2: 20 TO 30 PAGES — CHALLENGE THE CHARACTER’S REALITY

Reaction: After the Rations Inspectors leave Josh tells Lew and Megan he does buy it (remembers earlier geronticides), but Megan seems to (or remains silent) – big fights, with Lew thinking of leaving & letting them have more.

New plan: With Josh putting down his foot, Lew and Megan agree to see how it goes with Lew’s new horticultural efforts and rations. Lew saying “I don’t really deserve it.”

Turning Point/Midpoint: Josh received a call that they have information that he is harboring an eldering person, which could endanger his entire family. They also find out their been some elderly killings – the start of another geronticide??

4. ACT 3: 20 TO 30 PAGES — WITH MIDPOINT CHANGE, EVERYTHING MUST BE RETHOUGHT

Rethink Everything: Megan admits she informed, thinking it best for all & didn’t realize they would also be in jeopardy.

New Plan 1: Lew suggests the fight (note the real Lew as a pacifist). They start setting up the house with booby traps, making a 2ndary hiding place (so they can admit they did have an elderly, but he died and they were afraid to tell).

Turning Point 3: Roz and Hillard begin to case the house, barge in, take Josh & Megan as hostages.

5. ACT 4: 25 PAGES — TEST THE CHANGE IN THIS CHARACTER!

New Plan 2: Lew gets out his weapons (locked & hidden away).

Climax: Hillard is about to kill Josh or Megan, and Roz calls him to cease and desist, telling Lew that she’s figured out he is not Lew Grayson (who’d be 120 yrs old), but Jerrod Isaacs, her hero, the man who killed many elderly in the 2049 geronticide. Jerrod explains he lived a life of regret because he’d aimed to kill off elderly, whom he blamed for CC and the death of his first wife, but that Lew (he came to realize) had done great things to get people to mitigate it. And he doesn’t want Roz to go through that same life of regret and repentance.

Resolution: Hillard kills Lew; Roz chases Hillard, or??, who falls into Lew’s trap and dies. She is a changed person.