Lesson 7

[Peter Saltzman]

Saltzman’s Empathy Distress for “Tune Out the End.”

Misty

· Undeserved misfortune (Distress): Banished from earth for her music

· Undeserved misfortune (Distress): Misty is hacked in a way that makes it appear she plagiarized her music, damaging her artistic integrity and leaving her to grapple with the false accusations.

· External Character conflicts (Distress): Members of her crew go against her

· External Character conflicts (Distress): Elan Trank manipulates Misty’s music, exploiting her trust and creative process for the Programmer’s benefit.

· Plot intruding on life (Distress): Programmers plan to reset universe threatens her existence

· Plot intruding on life (Distress): The DeFunked experiences a critical malfunction, hindering Misty’s ability to create the music necessary to thwart the Programmers.

· Moral dilemmas (Distress): She can save herself and her music but it will mean the end of the universe

· Moral dilemmas (Distress): Misty must choose between sacrificing a crew member or compromising the mission, causing internal conflict and self-doubt.

· Forced decisions they’d never make (Distress): She will die if she doesn’t help the programmers with their plan

· Forced decisions they’d never make (Distress): Misty is compelled to use her musical powers in a way that goes against her artistic principles, intensifying her internal struggles.

· Put the character in distress (Empathy): She can’t visit her family and friends on Earth, nor communicate with them

· Put the character in distress (Empathy): Misty grapples with impostor syndrome, feeling inadequate as a leader and artist due to the false accusations against her.

Caden

· Undeserved misfortune (Distress): Incomplete programming makes him morally incomplete

· Undeserved misfortune (Distress): Cade experiences glitches that threaten his existence, making him question his own AI stability.

· External Character conflicts (Distress): Helps Bandu only to be cheated because Bandu see AI’s and inferior

· External Character conflicts (Distress): Another AI on the ship challenges Cade’s loyalty to Misty, creating a rift in their partnership.

· Plot intruding on life (Distress): Saving the universe may end his existence

· Plot intruding on life (Distress): Cade’s internal struggle for advancement clashes with the urgency of the mission, putting his priorities in question.

· Moral dilemmas (Distress): Helping the programmers may give him the complete humanity he desires

· Moral dilemmas (Distress): Cade must choose between self-improvement and the greater good, testing his commitment to the mission.

· Forced decisions they’d never make (Distress): Saving himself vs. the universe

· Forced decisions they’d never make (Distress): Cade is forced to choose between advancing his own interests and prioritizing the mission, a choice that jeopardizes his own development.

· Put the character in distress (Empathy): His teacher (Elan) programmed him to favor the Programmers.

· Put the character in distress (Empathy): Cade faces the fear of obsolescence, making him more relatable to the crew.

· Make them Relatable (Empathy): Caden, like all of us, is product of his “upbringing” and “genetics”.

· Make them Relatable (Empathy): Cade grapples with existential questions, trying to understand his own purpose and morality.

· Universal experiences that are emotional (Empathy): He is caught between protecting protecting himself and humanity as a whole

Bandu

· Undeserved misfortune (Distress): His scientific discoveries were stolen and credited to somebody else on his home world

· Undeserved misfortune (Distress): Bandu is falsely accused of sabotage, jeopardizing his chance for redemption.

· External Character conflicts (Distress): Elan tries to have him brought down or killed

· Plot intruding on life (Distress): His background on his home planet may get him incarcerated

· Plot intruding on life (Distress): Bandu’s past transgressions resurface, threatening his standing within the crew and his redemption arc.

· Moral dilemmas (Distress): Saving the DeFunked (and perhaps the universe) will mean exposing this horrible background

· Moral dilemmas (Distress): Bandu must choose between personal vendettas and the greater mission, testing his loyalty to Misty.

· Forced decisions they’d never make (Distress): He must save himself or the ship

· Put the character in distress (Empathy): Elan is trying to destroy him

· Put the character in distress (Empathy): Bandu’s internal struggles with biases and prejudices come to light, humanizing him to the crew.

· Make them Relatable (Empathy): He is fantastically creative and playful, likeable

· Make them Relatable (Empathy): Bandu shares the pain of past mistakes, fostering understanding and empathy among the crew.

· Universal experiences that are emotional (Empathy): Betrayed by those he trusted most on his home world

Celine

· Undeserved misfortune (Distress): Was put into power push an agenda she doesn’t believe in

· Undeserved misfortune (Distress): Celine discovers that her rise to power was orchestrated by the Programmers, shattering her illusion of control.

· External Character conflicts (Distress): She is addicted to powerful men who use and betray her (was she abused by her politically powerful dad)

· External Character conflicts (Distress): Celine faces opposition from within her own government, questioning her ability to lead effectively.

· Plot intruding on life (Distress): A global warming debacle gets in the way derails her negotiations with the programmers to save earth

· Moral dilemmas (Distress): Celine must choose between aligning with the Programmers and betraying her people or risking Earth’s destruction.

· Forced decisions they’d never make (Distress): Banishing Misty from Earth because if she doesn’t she would be banished herself.

· Forced decisions they’d never make (Distress): Celine is pressured to make political decisions that go against her core values for the sake of Earth’s survival, creating internal conflict and ethical dilemmas.

· Put the character in distress (Empathy): Celine grapples with imposter syndrome, feeling inadequate as a leader due to the revelation about her ascent to power.

· Make them Relatable (Empathy): She wants to do the right thing but her abusive past leads her to act out of fear and distrust

· Universal experiences that are emotional (Empathy): The Fear of losing everything regardless of her choices

Elan

· Undeserved misfortune (Distress): He’s an AI and doesn’t know it, has no knowledge of his origins, or a false implanted knowledge

· External Character conflicts (Distress): Though the head of Programmers, the others are plotting to deprogram him

· Plot intruding on life (Distress): His plans to restart the U are being messed with my Misty and her crew

· Plot intruding on life (Distress): Elan’s past affair with Misty resurfaces, causing unexpected consequences and emotional turmoil.

· Moral dilemmas (Distress): Restarting the universe will make it better, but destroy those closest to him

· Moral dilemmas (Distress): Elan must confront the moral ambiguity of his actions, questioning the righteousness of his mission.

· Forced decisions they’d never make (Distress): The plot against him from other programmers on one side, and Misty on the other forces him to do the reset before he know it’s ready

· Forced decisions they’d never make (Distress): Elan is forced to confront the potential failure of the universe reset, putting everything he believes in at risk, intensifying his internal struggles.

· Put the character in distress (Empathy): He wants to do what’s right but ultimately doesn’t know what’s right

· Put the character in distress (Empathy): Elan struggles with the weight of responsibility and the consequences of his choices.

· Make them Relatable (Empathy): He makes life and death decisions based on many unknowns, the consequences either way could be devastating

· Universal experiences that are emotional (Empathy): He wants to do what he believes is right, but isn’t sure what’s right.

[John Livingstone]

Subject Line: Robert’s Empathy/Distress for Return to Mars

What I learned doing this exercise is that there are infinite variables involved in constructing character profiles.

Jason Goldman:

A. Hope/Fear:

• Hope: Jason hopes to prove to himself and others that he is more than just the carefree, undisciplined son of a powerful man.
• Fear: He fears failing in the leadership role thrust upon him and the consequences it may bring to the survival of the group.

B. Want/Need:

• Want: Jason wants the freedom to continue living carefree, but he realizes the need to step up and take responsibility for the group’s survival.
• Need: He needs to find purpose and meaning beyond his previous carefree lifestyle.

C. Base Negative Emotion/Public Mask:

• Base Negative Emotion: Jason struggles with self-doubt and insecurity, feeling he doesn’t measure up to the expectations placed on him.
• Public Mask: He wears a mask of nonchalance and carefreeness to hide his internal struggles and maintain the appearance of confidence.

D. Weaknesses:

• Jason’s weaknesses include impulsiveness, a lack of discipline, and a tendency to avoid confronting serious issues.

E. Triggers:

• The realization of the dire situation on Earth and the responsibility placed on him triggers anxiety and self-doubt in Jason.

F. Coping Mechanism:

• Jason copes with his internal struggles through humor and deflecting serious matters, but he gradually learns to confront his fears and take charge.

Trevor Goldman:

A. Hope/Fear:

• Hope: Trevor hopes to prove his worth as a leader, surpassing his father’s doubts about his capabilities.
• Fear: He fears that his egotistical nature might lead to disastrous consequences for the group.

B. Want/Need:

• Want: Trevor wants recognition and validation, particularly from his father, for his leadership abilities.
• Need: He needs to overcome his ego and learn to collaborate effectively with others.

C. Base Negative Emotion/Public Mask:

• Base Negative Emotion: Trevor battles with his egotism, which often clouds his judgment and decision-making.
• Public Mask: He presents a confident and authoritative demeanor to the group to maintain their trust and confidence in his leadership.

D. Weaknesses:

• Trevor’s weaknesses include impulsiveness, a tendency to dismiss others’ opinions, and a struggle with balancing his egotism and leadership responsibilities.

E. Triggers:

• Challenges to his leadership trigger defensiveness and a need to assert his authority, revealing his internal struggles.

F. Coping Mechanism:

• Trevor copes with his internal conflicts through assertiveness, but he learns to value collaboration and humility over time.

Hank Goldman:

A. Hope/Fear:

• Hope: Hank hopes for a peaceful resolution to conflicts, driven by his extreme pacifism.
• Fear: He fears that his inventions, intended for the betterment of humanity, might be misused or weaponized.

B. Want/Need:

• Want: Hank wants to ensure the survival of his family and the group through the underground facility.
• Need: He needs to reconcile his extreme pacifism with the harsh realities of the post-nuclear world.

C. Base Negative Emotion/Public Mask:

• Base Negative Emotion: Hank battles with guilt over creating technologies that could be used for harm.
• Public Mask: He maintains a calm and collected exterior, concealing the internal turmoil caused by his pacifist beliefs.

D. Weaknesses:

• Hank’s weaknesses include his overreliance on pacifism, sometimes to the detriment of practical survival strategies.

E. Triggers:

• The threat of violence or harm to the group triggers Hank’s internal conflict between pacifism and the need for self-defense.

F. Coping Mechanism:

• Hank copes by focusing on the scientific aspects of his work and the hope that his inventions will contribute to a peaceful future.

Elizabeth Goldman:

A. Hope/Fear:

• Hope: Elizabeth hopes to ascend to a position of power and influence within the group.
• Fear: She fears losing control and relevance as the dynamics within the group shift.

B. Want/Need:

• Want: Elizabeth wants to manipulate the power structure in her favor, sidelining her husband and son.
• Need: She needs to recognize the value of collaboration and genuine connection over manipulation.

C. Base Negative Emotion/Public Mask:

• Base Negative Emotion: Elizabeth struggles with insecurity, masked by her provocative and confident exterior.
• Public Mask: She wears a mask of confidence and manipulation to maintain control and influence.

D. Weaknesses:

• Elizabeth’s weaknesses include her manipulative tendencies, underestimating others, and a lack of genuine connections.

E. Triggers:

• Challenges to her influence and attempts to sideline her trigger Elizabeth’s manipulative and controlling behaviors.

F. Coping Mechanism:

• Elizabeth copes by manipulating those around her, but she gradually learns the value of authentic relationships.

Carl:

A. Hope/Fear:

• Hope: Carl hopes to position himself favorably within the group, potentially replacing Trevor as a leader.
• Fear: He fears being exposed as opportunistic and losing the trust of others.

B. Want/Need:

• Want: Carl wants to secure a leadership position and further his own agenda.
• Need: He needs to recognize the consequences of his opportunism and prioritize the group’s well-being.

C. Base Negative Emotion/Public Mask:

• Base Negative Emotion: Carl struggles with a sense of entitlement and superiority.
• Public Mask: He wears a mask of friendliness and cooperation to further his agenda.

D. Weaknesses:

• Carl’s weaknesses include his opportunistic nature and a lack of genuine concern for the group’s well-being.

E. Triggers:

• Threats to his influence and exposure of his true intentions trigger Carl’s defensive and manipulative behaviors.

F. Coping Mechanism:

• Carl copes by ingratiating himself with others, but he learns the importance of sincerity and collaboration.

Sophia:

A. Hope/Fear:

• Hope: Sophia hopes to control Jason and maintain a stable relationship.
• Fear: She fears losing control and the stability she derives from the relationship.

B. Want/Need:

• Want: Sophia wants to maintain control and influence over Jason.
• Need: She needs to recognize the value of mutual respect and shared decision-making in their relationship.

C. Base Negative Emotion/Public Mask:

• Base Negative Emotion: Sophia struggles with insecurity, masked by her attempts to control Jason.
• Public Mask: She wears a mask of confidence and control in her relationship with Jason.

D. Weaknesses:

• Sophia’s weaknesses include her controlling nature and a fear of vulnerability.

E. Triggers:

• Challenges to her control over Jason trigger Sophia’s defensive and controlling behaviors.

F. Coping Mechanism:

• Sophia copes by exerting control, but she learns the importance of trust and collaboration in their relationship.

Jasper:

A. Hope/Fear:

• Hope: Jasper hopes to guide the group toward a more spiritually enlightened and morally upright path.
• Fear: He fears the rejection of his ideals and the descent into chaos within the group.

B. Want/Need:

• Want: Jasper wants to establish himself as the moral compass and leader of the group.
• Need: He needs to balance idealism with practicality and recognize the complexities of leadership.

C. Base Negative Emotion/Public Mask:

• Base Negative Emotion: Jasper battles with self-righteousness and a judgmental attitude.
• Public Mask: He wears a mask of moral superiority and idealism.

D. Weaknesses:

• Jasper’s weaknesses include his preachy nature, a lack of flexibility, and a tendency to impose his ideals on others.

E. Triggers:

• Resistance to his spiritual guidance triggers Jasper’s defensive and judgmental behaviors.

F. Coping Mechanism:

• Jasper copes by emphasizing his moral stance, but he learns the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.

Carolyn Jennings:

A. Hope/Fear:

• Hope: Carolyn hopes to find purpose and connection within the group.
• Fear: She fears being manipulated and losing her sense of self within the power struggles.

B. Want/Need:

• Want: Carolyn wants genuine connections and recognition for her skills as a scientist.
• Need: She needs to navigate the power dynamics while staying true to herself.

C. Base Negative Emotion/Public Mask:

• Base Negative Emotion: Carolyn battles with self-doubt and fear of being overlooked.
• Public Mask: She wears a mask of confidence and independence.

D. Weaknesses:

• Carolyn’s weaknesses include a tendency to doubt herself and a struggle to assert her opinions in a male-dominated environment.

E. Triggers:

• Instances of manipulation and being overlooked trigger Carolyn’s internal conflicts.

F. Coping Mechanism:

• Carolyn copes by focusing on her work, but she learns to assert herself and build genuine connections.

William Carlson:

A. Hope/Fear:

• Hope: William hopes to establish himself as a protective leader within the group.
• Fear: He fears the consequences of venturing out and facing the dangers of the post-nuclear world.

B. Want/Need:

• Want: William wants to maintain control and safety within the facility.
• Need: He needs to recognize the importance of exploration and adaptability in their survival.

C. Base Negative Emotion/Public Mask:

• Base Negative Emotion: William battles with paranoia and a fear of the unknown.
• Public Mask: He wears a mask of authority and strength to project an image of security.

D. Weaknesses:

• William’s weaknesses include a tendency to prioritize safety over exploration and a fear-driven decision-making process.

E. Triggers:

• Challenges to his authority and the suggestion of venturing outside trigger William’s defensive behaviors.

F. Coping Mechanism:

• William copes by enforcing strict safety measures, but he learns the importance of calculated risk-taking.

Alex:

A. Hope/Fear:

• Hope: Alex hopes to replace Hank as the leader of the colony.
• Fear: He fears being sidelined and losing influence within the group.

B. Want/Need:

• Want: Alex wants recognition for his leadership abilities.
• Need: He needs to understand the importance of collaboration and shared leadership.

C. Base Negative Emotion/Public Mask:

• Base Negative Emotion: Alex battles with jealousy and a desire for validation.
• Public Mask: He wears a mask of cooperation and loyalty to maintain trust within the group.

D. Weaknesses:

• Alex’s weaknesses include a desire for validation, a lack of patience, and a tendency to undermine others.

E. Triggers:

• Challenges to his leadership and the rise of competing leaders trigger Alex’s defensive and undermining behaviors.

F. Coping Mechanism:

• Alex copes by asserting his authority, but he learns the value of collaboration and teamwork.

Ivan:

A. Hope/Fear:

• Hope: Ivan hopes to contribute to the survival of the group through his genetically engineered wildlife.
• Fear: He fears the unintended consequences of his creations and the potential harm they may cause.

B. Want/Need:

• Want: Ivan wants recognition for his scientific contributions.
• Need: He needs to grapple with the ethical implications of his creations and prioritize the group’s safety.

C. Base Negative Emotion/Public Mask:

• Base Negative Emotion: Ivan struggles with guilt and a fear of the consequences of his creations.
• Public Mask: He wears a mask of scientific detachment and confidence.

D. Weaknesses:

• Ivan’s weaknesses include a tendency to prioritize scientific achievement over ethical considerations.

E. Triggers:

• Instances of harm caused by his creations trigger Ivan’s internal conflict and guilt.

F. Coping Mechanism:

• Ivan copes by distancing himself emotionally, but he learns to balance scientific ambition with ethical responsibility.

[Michelle Gaza]

LESSON 7

Example Show

ELLIOT:

Undeserved Misfortune: Dad died, mother is horrible to him, girlfriend Shayla murdered.

External Conflicts: Loves Angela but she doesn’t feel the same. Conflict with people he hacks and reports on. Conflict with Gideon who wants to help Elliot, Conflict with therapist who wants to help, conflict with Vera, conflict with Tyrell, Conflict with E Corp, Conflict with Terry Colby

Plot Intruding On Life: Tyrell sees Elliot at E Corp when he manipulates his way in, Vera forces him to free him from prison, Shayla is murdered anyway

Moral Dilemmas: Lies about Terry Colby and frames him, invades the privacy of those he hacks, hacks Krista and her bad boyfriend and forces boyfriend out of Krista’s life forcing her to go through pain, let all the prisoners out to save Shayla

Forced Decisions: Forced to Join F Society, forced to let all the prisoners out

MY STORY:

DELPHINE:

Distress:

• A. Undeserved misfortune: Delphine does not know what plans are being made for her, or that she is being groomed to play a role that is risky. She lost her parents in unfortunate ways. She was attacked by her mother’s demonic friends. She was innocently confused as a child and not supported or understood.
• B. External Character conflicts: Mother doesn’t understand her and gets her diagnosed with RID, then puts her in a terrible program to “correct” her. Delphine is often offensive to people without intending to be, simply because she tells the truth. She has conflicts with Jeriko who didn’t tell her who he was initially when they met online. She has conflicts with her Dad who “died” but seems rather to have disappeared. She has conflicts with the psychiatrists and psychologists who tried to change her. She has conflicts with Dr G and Jessie because they are living a parallel life, as her doppelgänger, and she has no idea. Conflicts with Dr Eugene Jacobs who is manipulating her in the dream plane while pretending to be an innocent academic scientist professor in waking life.
• C. Plot intruding on life: Skywalker never shows up at the cafe. Suddenly people are being turned into monkeys. Delphine is forced by the three sisters to jump off the train. The Mayor blocks the overtakers. The Inorganic Beings continue to find new human hosts to do their bidding, like a horrible whack-a-mole game. Delphine wants to lay low and stay invisible but the reality forces her
• D. Moral dilemmas. Should Delphine expose her own mother’s corruption and unethical dealings with Big Pharma? Should Delphine expose her mother’s colleagues who did the same and worse? Should she put her own safety at risk to expose Dr Eugene Jacobs, who invented the vaccine that is turning people into monkeys? Delphine may face a moral dilemma in deciding how far she is willing to go to protect her father, considering her belief that he is still alive. If she discovers information that could potentially endanger his safety, she would need to decide whether to prioritize exposing the corrupt vaccine experiments or keeping her father’s whereabouts and well-being hidden from those involved in the corruption. Will Delphine betray the trust of her family’s friends or her father’s business clients? What will Dr G propose to students in The Overtakers Academy? What kind of wild things will she make them do to foster their own empowerment and awakening?
• E. Forced decisions they’d never make: Forced to jump timelines and jump off the train with the three sisters. Forced to emerge as her true self and use all her power to save humanity from Dr Jacobs and the inorganic beings who want to trap humans and feed off them.

JERIKO:

Distress:

• A. Undeserved misfortune: Jeriko had an abusive childhood with great poverty and abandonment
• B. External Character conflicts: He is in love with Delphine. Dr Jacobs is his blood relative. The Three Sisters want to be in control.
• C. Plot intruding on life: The vaccine makes people turn into monkeys and Jeriko wants to save humanity from this horrible fate.
• D. Moral dilemmas: He disappears and allows everyone to believe he has died in order to lead The Overtakers to taking down Dr Jacobs evil plan. He disappears on friends and loved ones inside The Overtakers and lets them down.
• E. Forced decisions they’d never make: He was forced to disappear and let people believe he was dead.

DR JACOBS:

Distress:

• A. Undeserved misfortune: Dr Jacobs was teased mercilessly as a child for being different, for being a nerd, for having a large head. He was abandoned and neglected by his corrupt parents who were busy cheating on each other and scheming for power in their kingdoms. He developed a bitter hatred of people.
• B. External Character conflicts: The Overtakers are on to him and working against his plan. The Three Sisters are sabotaging his prophecy. He accidentally falls in love with Delphine. Jeriko is also in love with Delphine. The King of China might have his own motivations that conflict with and compete with Dr Jacobs’ goals.
• C. Plot intruding on life: The Three Sisters expose him, The Overtakers expose him, Government pawns wake up or have second thoughts, The Overtakers create the magic water that wakes up the monkeys. The vaccines don’t “take” on the monkeys healed by The Overtakers.
• D. Moral dilemmas: Punishing humanity to teach them a lesson ? He loves Delphine but pursuing her will foil his plans.
• E. Forced decisions they’d never make: The horrors and betrayals of his childhood created a deep bitterness and hatred for humanity that motivated him to create the evil vaccine. Had he been raised in a healthy, loving family and culture he probably would have turned out differently and had different goals.

[Lawrence Fraly]

Larry Fraller’s Show Empathy/Distress.

What I learned doing this assignment is how much more I see in The Diplomat now that I know what to look for, mostly differences between big picture and situation. AI insights into adding depth to characters and plot that go hand-in-hand, but can be very vague.

ASSIGNMENT1

The Diplomat

KATE

Distress

Undeserved misfortune Appointed to a job where she’s way out of her element.

External character conflicts Hal keeps going behind her back. Dennison complains of her going behind his back. Sec of State can’t stand her or Hal, and he’s her boss!

Plot intrudes on life She can’t divorce Hal if she’s going to be VP

Moral Dilemma Using Hal to help with her job while wanting to be rid of him altogether.

Keeping her distance from Dennison, while being drawn to his charisma.

Forced decisions As sole representative of US, she has to make global decisions.

Empathy

Distress Has to learn on the job how to stop a war

Make her relatable Struggling with her marriage. She can’t trust her husband.

Universal experiences that are emotional Hal and half the people around her often don’t take her seriously. She has to watch her temper. She’s hot and cold with her marriage

ASSIGNMENT 2

SARAH

Distress

Undeserved misfortune constant threat of danger from her abusive ex-

External character conflicts Her husband’s mother despises her, her ex-

Plot intrudes on her life Marries the musician and has a baby—to inherit the oil well.

Moral dilemma Sarah falls in love with Daniel who despises her child she had with her ex who pleads with Sarah not to abandon him for Daniel

Forced decisions she’d never make Married and has baby so she can inherit the oil well

Empathy

Distress Daniel can’t accept her other child, Alex.

Relatable picks herself up when she gets knocked down, refuses help until she can’t go any further alone.

Universal experiences that are emotional She loves her abuser, and abuses the one who loves her – until she frees herself of both.

DANIEL

Distress

Undeserved misfortune conned into marriage and having a baby

external character conflicts Sarah’s ex

Plot intrude on life Stifles his music

Moral dilemma His art or his family or his mother

Forced decisions he’s never make Breaks away from his mother

Empathy

Distress Her other child

Relatable in over his head socially

Universal experiences that are emotional Learns to love his stepchild. Escapes S’s ex.

AI generated

I’m going to provide my TV series [format/genre], [concept] in which the mom marries the street musician and has a baby by him, and [conflict]. Can you give me ways to create [distress] and [empathy] for each of my [lead characters]? Please be detailed and provide unique and specific answers for each character in short sentences that are precise..

genre = crime drama

concept = a mom and her ex- scheme to steal from a street musician and his controlling mother the rights to a secret capped oil well in the Everglades

distress = A. undeserved misfortune

B. external character conflicts

C. plot intruding on life

D. moral dilemmas

E. forced decisions they’d never make

empathy = A. put them in distress

B. make them relatable

C. universal experiences that are emotional

format/genre = crime drama

concept = a mom and her ex- scheme to steal from a street musician and his controlling mother the rights to a secret capped oil well in the Everglades

conflict = control of the oil well and the ex-‘s threats of violence against the mom and the musician

lead characters = the mom, her ex-, the musician, his mother

ChatGPT

Lead Characters:

1. The Mom (Distress):

· A. Undeserved Misfortune: Uncover the mom’s tragic past, revealing that her life has been marked by hardships and betrayals, making her current situation feel like an undeserved continuation of her misfortunes.

· B. External Character Conflicts: Introduce a formidable adversary from her past who resurfaces, bringing external conflicts that force her to confront unresolved issues, complicating her life further.

· C. Plot Intruding on Life: Have her personal life invaded by the machinations of the oil well scheme, disrupting her attempts to build stability and happiness.

· D. Moral Dilemmas: Force her into morally ambiguous situations, where her choices impact not just her future but also the well-being of those she cares about.

· E. Forced Decisions They’d Never Make: Compel her to make choices that go against her principles, creating internal conflict and distress as she navigates the murky waters of crime and deceit.

Empathy for the Mom:

· A. Put Them in Distress: Showcase her vulnerabilities and struggles, highlighting the weight of her past and the challenges she faces in the present.

· B. Make Them Relatable: Establish common ground by portraying her as a person with dreams, regrets, and a deep desire for a better life.

· C. Universal Experiences: Connect her experiences to universal themes like the pursuit of redemption, love, and the struggle to break free from a cycle of hardship.

2. Her Ex- (Distress):

· A. Undeserved Misfortune: Reveal a personal tragedy in the ex-‘s past, humanizing him and creating sympathy even as he engages in nefarious schemes.

· B. External Character Conflicts: Introduce a powerful adversary who threatens the ex-‘s existence, making his involvement in the oil well plot a desperate bid for survival.

· C. Plot Intruding on Life: Demonstrate the personal sacrifices he makes for the scheme, emphasizing the toll it takes on his relationships and mental well-being.

· D. Moral Dilemmas: Present him with moral crossroads, forcing him to question the righteousness of his actions and grapple with the consequences.

· E. Forced Decisions They’d Never Make: Push him to make choices that go against his nature, creating internal turmoil as he becomes entangled in the criminal world.

Empathy for Her Ex-:

· A. Put Them in Distress: Reveal the emotional weight of his struggles, making it clear that his actions are born out of desperation rather than malice.

· B. Make Them Relatable: Explore his motivations and dreams, painting him as a person with flaws and vulnerabilities rather than a one-dimensional antagonist.

· C. Universal Experiences: Depict his yearning for redemption and a second chance, tapping into universal themes of forgiveness and the search for personal growth.

3. The Musician (Distress):

· A. Undeserved Misfortune: Uncover the musician’s past, exposing instances of betrayal and heartbreak that have left him emotionally scarred.

· B. External Character Conflicts: Introduce a rival musician who challenges the musician’s place in the street music scene, creating external conflicts that exacerbate his distress.

· C. Plot Intruding on Life: Portray the scheme’s impact on his artistic pursuits, as the oil well conflict disrupts his passion for music and artistic expression.

· D. Moral Dilemmas: Force him to grapple with ethical decisions that test the boundaries of his principles, causing inner turmoil.

· E. Forced Decisions They’d Never Make: Place him in situations that compromise his artistic integrity, highlighting the internal conflict between survival and staying true to his craft.

Empathy for the Musician:

· A. Put Them in Distress: Showcase the emotional toll of his past and present struggles, emphasizing the weight he carries as he navigates the dangerous world around him.

· B. Make Them Relatable: Explore his love for music and the solace it provides, making him a relatable character with dreams and aspirations.

· C. Universal Experiences: Connect his experiences to universal emotions like love, loss, and the pursuit of personal identity, fostering empathy from the audience.

4. His Mother (Distress):

· A. Undeserved Misfortune: Uncover a tragic event in the mother’s past that shaped her controlling demeanor, revealing a vulnerability that adds depth to her character.

· B. External Character Conflicts: Introduce a family rival or an old acquaintance who resurfaces, threatening the mother’s carefully maintained facade of control.

· C. Plot Intruding on Life: Demonstrate the strain the oil well conflict places on her relationship with her son, exposing the emotional toll of their shared secrets.

· D. Moral Dilemmas: Force her to confront the ethical implications of her actions, challenging her to reassess her commitment to preserving the family legacy.

· E. Forced Decisions They’d Never Make: Place her in situations that force her to question her authoritative stance, creating internal conflict as she grapples with the need for change.

Empathy for His Mother:

· A. Put Them in Distress: Reveal the emotional burdens she carries, shedding light on the reasons behind her controlling nature and fostering understanding.

· B. Make Them Relatable: Explore her motivations and fears, illustrating that she, too, is a complex individual with a history that shapes her present actions.

· C. Universal Experiences: Connect her struggles to universal themes of parental love, the fear of loss, and the desire to protect one’s family, making her a more sympathetic figure.

Top of Form