Robin Atwood
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Hello All!
I’m Robin Atwood. I’ve written 2 scripts. I hope to learn more about preparing the “bible,” developing characters as well as how to write several story lines that intersect and also how to pitch and market my TV series. I’m a nonprofit executive and a former journalist – both make for great experiences enhancing storytelling.
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Robin Atwood – “I agree to the terms of this release form.”
GROUP RELEASE FORM
As a member of this group, I agree to the following:
1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.
2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.
This completes the Group Release Form for the class.
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ROBIN ATWOOD’S ACT 1 OPENING SCENE
What I learned from this lesson is how to structure the opening scene to hook the audience by introducing the journey and the characters. This shows the audience who they are joining on this journey.
OPENING SCENE OUTLINE
EXT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
BEGINNING: Ivy is preparing to go to the forest with her wolf dog Wulfgar to gather herbs for her father’s healing practice and for her mother’s cooking.
MIDDLE: Before she leaves the cottage, Ivy’s father comes out of the cottage and reminds her to be careful. He tells her not to daydream like she is often doing because dangers in the forest will find her if she is not paying attention.
END: Ivy hugs her father and reminds him that this is not the first time she has gone without him and besides she will have Wulfgar with her. She smiles at Wulfgar and they head off into the forest.
SECOND SCENE OUTLINE
EXT. FOREST – DAY
BEGINNING: Ivy is gathering herbs in the forest when Henry the crown prince happens upon her.
MIDDLE: Henry is stunned by her beauty and innocence. Ivy is initially afraid of Henry not knowing who he is. Wulfgar is growling at the stranger.
END: Ivy drops her basket of herbs and runs home. Henry follows her.
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Robin Atwood’s Beat Sheet Draft 2
I learned that a well written beat sheet interweaves both of the main characters. One is almost dependent upon the other. The high speed writing rules helped tremendously.
EXT. FOREST — DAY
Opening: Ivy is in the forest gathering herbs when Henry comes upon her. He is immediately smitten with her beauty and innocence and decides he must have her. Ivy is frightened by the unknown man who is greedily staring at her.
TE 1: Meets Ivy and is immediately smitten.
Inciting Incident: Ivy runs from him. He follows slowly.
INT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
She finds out from her father that the man pursuing her is Henry the crown prince of England. She is intrigued and daydreams of a life with him.
EXT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
Ivy and Henry have their first conversation.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is afraid of Henry who is worldly and confident. He vows to pursue her until she gives in.
PLACEHOLDER: Ivy talking with her mother about Henry.
INT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
There’s a knock on the door. It’s Henry. He brings gifts for the family. He turns on the charm to woo them all.
TE 2: Henry’s gifts and charm allow him to get a bit closer to the family.
Inciting Incident: Ivy’s father asks Henry to join him outside to discuss his intentions.
EXT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
Henry tries to convince Ivy’s father that he only has the best intention. Ivy’s father explains his concerns and love for his only daughter.
PLACEHOLDER: Henry expresses interest in herbalism cures while talking to Ivy’s father in an effort to get closer to him. Henry finds that he is truly interested.
EXT. FOREST — DAY
Henry has accompanied Ivy and her father into the forest to gather herbs and plants for healing. Ivy’s father explains what they are gathering and how they cure. He further explains how it’s the only medicine that the poor have available to them.
Inciting Incident: Henry is surprised at his own interest in herbal medicine and asks for more information. He is more interested in the information than in Ivy. She is intrigued.
EXT. FOREST CLEARING — DAY
Ivy’s mother joins them bringing food for a picnic in the clearing. Henry lays on the charm flirting with Ivy’s mother and ignoring Ivy. Her father looks on with interest.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is hurt that Henry is ignoring her. She wants his attention.
TE: 3
INT. IVY’S COTTAGE — NIGHT
Ivy, Henry and her parents are back at the cottage. Henry has joined them for dinner. He is telling them stories about his life. He asks for stories about Ivy. Ivy and Henry’s relationship heats up. It’s late and Henry asks if he can sleep in their barn because it’s too late to find his way back home. After some consideration they agree.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is thrilled to have Henry’s attention again. Ivy and Henry fall in love and begin a relationship. A year later she gives birth to a boy. She is heartbroken that they cannot be a family.
PLACEHOLDER: These visits continue for months and Henry charms everyone in the family. He explains to them that they must keep it a secret.
TE: 4
INT. WESTMINSTER ABBY — DAY
TE: 5
It’s Henry’s Coronation. He is able to have Ivy who is pregnant with their second child and her parents present in a hidden alcove. He does this because he know how much it will mean to them. He wants them there for his big day. Ivy is thrilled to be a part of his public life even if she is hidden out of view of others.
Inciting Incident: After the coronation, Henry goes immediately to his betrothed Catherine of Aragon. Ivy is devastated.
INT. WESTMINSTER ABBY — DAY
Henry marries Catherine of Aragon two months after his coronation. He is concerned about Ivy but he is duty bound.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is giving birth to their second son during the marriage ceremony.
TE: 6
INT. IVY’s FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
Ivy is giving birth to their third son while King Henry is in London attending to Catherine as she is giving birth to their second child.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is sad and crying while birthing the babe. Her mother and father are extremely upset. Ivy can’t believe the path she has chosen for herself and her family.
PLACEHOLDER: Ivy realizes that her relationship with Henry will never be more than it is. She must make sure she and her family are all provided for knowing now that this is the only relationship she will have. A smarter, more worldly Ivy knows what she has to do.
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Robin Atwood’s High Speed Beat Sheet
What I learned in this assignment is how the story changes from exercise to exercise. Hopefully for the better. The beat sheet helps further outline the 4 Act Structure and the TE. It brings to light where you have some flaws and that is even when I was writing quickly without any editing. I will be using the high speed writing rules proposed in this lesson.
EXT. FOREST — DAY
Opening: Ivy is in the forest gathering herbs when Henry comes upon her. He is immediately smitten with her beauty and innocence and decides he must have her. Ivy is frightened by the unknown man who is greedily staring at her.
TE 1: Meets Ivy and is immediately smitten.
Inciting Incident: Ivy runs from him. He follows slowly.
INT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
She finds out from her father that the man pursuing her is Henry the crown prince of England. She is intrigued and daydreams of a life with him.
EXT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
Ivy and Henry have their first conversation.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is afraid of Henry who is worldly and confident. He vows to pursue her until she gives in.
PLACEHOLDER: Ivy talking with her mother about Henry.
INT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
There’s a knock on the door. It’s Henry. He brings gifts for the family. He turns on the charm to woo them all.
TE 2: Henry’s gifts and charm allow him to get a bit closer to the family.
Inciting Incident: Ivy’s father asks Henry to join him outside to discuss his intentions.
EXT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
Henry tries to convince Ivy’s father that he only has the best intention. Ivy’s father explains his concerns and love for his only daughter.
PLACEHOLDER: Henry expresses interest in herbalism cures while talking to Ivy’s father in an effort to get closer to him. Henry finds that he is truly interested.
EXT. FOREST — DAY
Henry has accompanied Ivy and her father into the forest to gather herbs and plants for healing. Ivy’s father explains what they are gathering and how they cure. He further explains how it’s the only medicine that the poor have available to them.
Inciting Incident: Henry is surprised at his own interest in herbal medicine and asks for more information. He is more interested in the information than in Ivy. She is intrigued.
EXT. FOREST CLEARING — DAY
Ivy’s mother joins them bringing food for a picnic in the clearing. Henry lays on the charm flirting with Ivy’s mother and ignoring Ivy. Her father looks on with interest.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is hurt that Henry is ignoring her. She wants his attention.
TE: 3
INT. IVY’S COTTAGE — NIGHT
Ivy, Henry and her parents are back at the cottage. Henry has joined them for dinner. He is telling them stories about his life. He asks for stories about Ivy. Ivy and Henry’s relationship heats up. It’s late and Henry asks if he can sleep in their barn because it’s too late to find his way back home. After some consideration they agree.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is thrilled to have Henry’s attention again. Ivy and Henry fall in love and begin a relationship. A year later she gives birth to a boy. She is heartbroken that they cannot be a family.
PLACEHOLDER: These visits continue for months and Henry charms everyone in the family. He explains to them that they must keep it a secret.
TE: 4
INT. WESTMINSTER ABBY — DAY
TE: 5
It’s Henry’s Coronation. He is able to have Ivy who is pregnant with their second child and her parents present in a hidden alcove. He does this because he know how much it will mean to them. He wants them there for his big day. Ivy is thrilled to be a part of his public life even if she is hidden out of view of others.
Inciting Incident: After the coronation, Henry goes immediately to his betrothed Catherine of Aragon. Ivy is devastated.
INT. WESTMINSTER ABBY — DAY
Henry marries Catherine of Aragon two months after his coronation. He is concerned about Ivy but he is duty bound.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is giving birth to their second son during the marriage ceremony.
TE: 6
INT. IVY’s FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
Ivy is giving birth to their third son while King Henry is in London attending to Catherine as she is giving birth to their second child.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is sad and crying while birthing the babe. Her mother and father are extremely upset. Ivy can’t believe the path she has chosen for herself and her family. PLACEHOLDER: Ivy realizes that her relationship with Henry will never be more than it is. She must make sure she and her family are all provided for knowing now that this is the only relationship she will have. A smarter, more worldly Ivy knows what she has to do.
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Robin Atwood’s Transformational Events
What I learned doing this assignment is how to fill in the story based on the the old and new ways. How knowing the old ways of the main character drive the beginnings of the story to the middle and the new ways pick up and drive the story to the end.
Character Arc and the list of Old Ways and New Ways
Ivy starts a journey of transformation from lower class shy maiden to a woman of wealth who knows her own mind.
Ivy’s Old Ways
Shy, innocent, unassuming, daddy’s little girl, she has a lot of fear of the unknown, is skittish, a conformist. She rationalizes her behaviors, impractical in affairs of the heart.
Ivy’s New Ways
Confident, astute, nurturing of others, loving, listens. She is trustworthy, brave, consoling and the wisdom she has gained from experience has resulted in an easy going nature making her insightful, logical, wary, self-regulating
Make a list of 6 – 8 changes or steps that need to happen for that character to go from who they are in the beginning (Old Ways) to who they are in the ending (New Ways).
1. Ivy is tenaciously pursued by Henry. She is wary of him and continues to turn him away. Her father encourages her to stay away from him.
2. His continued attention, gifts and innate charm start turning Ivy’s heart around. Against her father’s advice, she begins welcoming his attention.
3. Ivy falls in love with Henry. Henry professes his love and devotion. He explains to Ivy and to her father that he is duty bound to marry the Spanish Princess. He promises to love and protect Ivy and her family until their deaths if she will agree to be his secret mistress. Ivy is so in love with Henry that she agrees. Her father agrees because he believes there is no better life for her.
4. After more than a year, Ivy gives birth to a baby boy. She and Henry are ecstatic about their son. Ivy is hopeful that Henry will publicly acknowledge their son, but Henry says he cannot explaining that he will care for them but the boy is illegitimate and cannot be his heir. Ivy is heartbroken. She refuses to see Henry for a couple of months. Henry misses her so much that he finally agrees to at least have the boy educated and give him lands.
5. When Ivy is pregnant with their second child, Henry becomes King and marries Catherine of Aragon two months later. His visits become infrequent. Ivy once again is devastated. She fears she has lost him. She wonders what will become of them. Henry finally comes to call when Ivy is in the throws of labor pains. She sends him away but not before another son is born to them. She decides if Henry returns she will demand more than being a secret family.
6. Henry returns after Catherine gives birth to a boy who dies shortly after birth. He begs Ivy to forgive him for being absent for so long. Ivy says she will forgive him and welcome him back into their lives so long as he provides a large cottage with stables and education for her and the boys.
7. After Ivy gives birth to a third son, Henry showers her with lavish gifts. Provides education for Ivy and their boys. Ivy tells him it’s time for him to introduce them to England. He refuses. She turns him away telling him that he is no longer welcome.
8. Henry breaks after nearly a year without Ivy. Ivy allows him back into their lives after he agrees to marry her to a nobleman who will secure their future with lands and titles.
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Robin Atwood’s 4 Act Transformational Structure
What I learned doing this assignment is how to structure the story based on what I know about my main characters. The previous lessons helped to develop the characters
Concept – Henry comes across Ivy as she is collecting plants and herbs in the forest. Henry is so captivated by her beauty that he endlessly purses Ivy. Ivy does not welcome Henry’s pursuit of her at first because she knows that nothing can come from a relationship with the future king due to her station in life. Henry makes promises and Ivy starts believing that her dreams may be fulfilled if she gives into him.
Main Conflict – The main conflict is that Ivy wants what Henry can’t give her. She wants marriage, children with the man she loves. He is duty bound to wed for an alliance and to produce male heirs within that marriage.
Ivy Old Ways
Old Identity: Ivy is a shy, innocent young maiden who dreams of love and family with a man of stature.
She falls in love with Henry because he showers her with attention and affection.
She trusts those that she loves. She has put Henry on a pedestal.Ivy New Ways
New Identity: Confident, wise, loving secret mistress and mother
She understands that she cannot have the kind of relationship she wants with Henry
She accepts what Henry offers for the sake of their boys and her futureAct 1
Opening: Ivy is in the forest gathering herbs and plants when Henry comes across her unexpectedly. He is immediately smitten with her beauty and innocence and decides he must have her. Ivy is frightened by the unknown man who is greedily staring at her. She runs from him.
Inciting Incident: Ivy finds out from her father that the man pursuing her is Henry the crown prince of England. She is intrigued and daydreams of a life with him.
Turning Point: When Henry starts bestowing gifts upon her along with affection and attention, Ivy warms up to him. When he professes his undying love saying that he will love, provide and protect her forever, she gives into his advances.Act 2
New plan: Ivy’s relationship with Henry deepens. She wants marriage and a family. He explains to her that he is duty bound and has been betrothed to a Spanish princess. He cannot marry her but he wants her for his secret mistress. He tells her he will always provide for her and any children that they have.
Plan in action: Because of her love for him, Ivy agrees to be his mistress. They have three sons in about 4 ½ years.
Midpoint Turning Point: Henry marries Katherine of Aragon. She has several pregnancies that end in stillbirths or miscarriages.Act 3
Rethink everything: Ivy realizes that Henry is more duty bound than in love with her. She realizes being Henry’s secret mistress will not give her the life she wants for herself and her sons.
New plan: Ivy will try to sway Henry into making her his official mistress and recognizing their sons as his heirs.
Turning Point: When Henry denies Ivy’s request telling her that he must keep her and their sons a secret for their own protection.Act 4
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: An extremely upset Ivy finally understands that she will never have the life she has dreamed of even though she and Henry love each other. She tells Henry that he has wanted sons from Katherine yet Ivy is the one who has produced what he wants the most male heirs.
Resolution: Henry matches Ivy with one of his nobleman at her suggestion. She and her sons are protected and financially secure.
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Robin Atwood’s Character Interviews
What I learned from this assignment is that my characters form the story. Each has its own side and their thoughts and actions are what defines the story. The characters tell the story. And I found out that Ivy is more forthcoming than Henry.
Q&A of Ivy
Tell me about yourself. I’m Ivy Wren and I’m 15. I’m getting close to spinsterhood. I’m afraid I’ll never marry or find my true love. My father is very strict. He doesn’t allow me friends other than my wolf dog, Wulfgar. He was abused as a boy and fears the same will happen to me. It must have been awful because he never talks about it. I would love to have friends and even men callers but I know my Da loves me so much and wishes to keep me safe. My mother tries to intervene but so far has had no luck. My father is teaching me about the healing properties of herbs and plants so that I can work with him and take his place as the village healer someday. Da cares about people but he keeps his distance. I think he is afraid to become attached and this is hurtful when people betray you or when they pass on. My mother on the other hand is openly affectionate and trusting but out of difference to my father she stays clear of any close relationships. My mother teaches me how to use herbs for cooking to make tasty and healing meals. My other used to tell me tales of princesses and princes and knights in shining armor rescuing the damsel in distress. I daydream a lot of being the princess or the damsel. I would play act when I was younger until my Da told me not to be foolish and waste my time dreaming of things that could never be. He said I was of the lowest class and I would never be more and therefore my dreams were beyond my reach. I was heartbroken. I still dream of becoming a princess every day when Im working with the herbs or hunting them in the nearby forest. Yes I do dream but I know my father is right. <div>
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you? Well because I’m deserving of a higher station in life and so is my family. We are good, caring people who help the sickly. Besides I’m the only one who truly sees and understands Henry. At the base of everything he is kind, compassionate, loving, sensitive and giving. He’s also a scared little boy who is so afraid that he will not be able to fulfill his duty of male heirs carrying on the Tudor line. We will have children but because of our station in life he cannot acknowledge us. As a matter of fact I carry his babe now. I know it will be a son. I was also called to this journey to help him through his life. To be the one person who loves him unconditionally no matter what. And I do love him. There is no one else for me. I know he will marry and I know that he will love her and care for her and their children because that is who he is. I also have no doubt whatsoever that he will always come back to me because we are truly soul-mated. And you can only be soul-mated with one person in your lifetime.
You are up against a system imbued with political scheming, backbiting, intermingling of the class system and perhaps mostly a duty that is to be fulfilled by the king. What is it about all of this that makes this journey even more difficult for you? The fact that I’m an innocent who is unfamiliar with the dirty games played at court and among the nobles. I don’t understand how those who say they love Henry and only have his best interest at heart can manipulate him for their own interests. They are the true pretenders. I learned that word from Henry when he was telling me about his father’s taking of the crown. My heart goes out to my beloved who really cannot trust anyone, anyone but me that is. He is always so heartbroken when he finds out about the game playing and how they all try to use him. It breaks my heart too. It always makes me understand the importance of our secret relationship and how our babes will need to remain in the dark so to speak.
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult? I need to become more worldly learning more about politics, game playing that happens at court so that I can better understand the trials Henry faces. I want him to be able to talk with me and know that I understand. I want him to love me for my mind and not just my beauty or the way we love together. The learning itself is the most difficult because I need teachers and these are not easy to come by for a person of my status. Henry has taught me how to read and has brought me many books. I want our sons to be well educated too but it will be difficult for the same reasons. Henry has protected us providing accommodations. I’m hopeful he will bestow lands upon us. I would wish for titles for our sons but I know this will not happen without raising eyebrows. Me and my fathers role as the King’s herbalist healers could result in the rewarding of lands so I’m hopeful for that at least.
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of? It will be hard for me to stop dreaming of my knight in shining armor coming to my rescue. It will be even more difficult for me to share the man I love with his wife and other mistresses. I’ve learned much about Henry. I know he loves beautiful things and beautiful women. I am lucky he returns to me over and over because he doesn’t return to them. He says I’m the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and he has no intention of every sharing me with any other man. It will be difficult to let go of my dreams of a loving husband even though I have the family.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back? I’m afraid that Henry won’t always love me. Sometimes I wonder if he will always be a part of our lives and if not will he continue to give us his protection. It hurts to think that he will love and share himself with others. I’ve always been poor and always wanted more. He says he loves me and our sons yet he acts ashamed of us our lowly status. His duty is more important to him.
What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict as antagonist? The conflict as I see it in this moment is being the secret that Henry keeps from others, whether that secret will be maintained and protected as promised even though I do not necessarily want a secret life. Even my sons as they age may never know their father. My mother taught me to trust in those you love. I trust Henry knowing that he does not intentionally hurt us. My parents kept to themselves. Others were not invited into our home. We only came in contact when healing was required. This being alone, being out of site and contact with others has prepared me for this situation.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know? I am hiding my true self. I don’t want them to know that even though I love Henry and have agreed to be his secret love, I am unhappy with the situation. I want more for myself and my sons. I want to be his wife and the only woman he loves. Perhaps it’s more obvious than I think. Henry does not seem to notice. That’s because he visits so infrequently that when I do get to be with him I am overjoyed forgetting all my doubts.
What do you think of Henry after he becomes king and marries Katherine? I knew that he would have to marry because it is one of his responsibilities. It helps countries come together and he must produce mail heirs. At first I was accepting because it was the way of things but then I became pregnant. Henry was thrilled about the pregnancy. He promised to take care of us but also reminded me that we had to remain a secret. He also reminded me of his duty as king. I understood but it didn’t keep me from being brokenhearted. He spent less time with me and was not with me when our first baby was born. It was a boy that I named Basil. Henry came a few days after the birth. He told me how happy he was and that he wished that he could acknowledge the baby as his. I cried. He hugged me and told me all would be well. This is when I started having doubts about Henry and his feelings for me.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict /story. I was gathering herbs one day in the forest near our cottage. I was 15 and such a daydreamer of princesses and princes. Henry was on his horse racing through the forest with his friend Charles Brandon. He was 16. I stood up just in time not to be overrun. As he raced past me, he halted his horse and turned around. It was then that he smiled and I feel in love without even knowing who he was. He pursued me relentlessly and I finally gave in when he told me he loved me and would never let me go. He told me he was a prince and that one day he would be king. He also promised to alway be with me and to love me. He was sweet, kind, compassionate and handsome. My prince had come and he was going to sweep me up and take me away. As time passed, he became king, married a princess from Spain and we had sons each about a year apart. His visits to us slowed but he always made sure that his friend took care of our needs. I eventually opened my eyes and saw that he was stringing me along and while he might love us we were his secret life that he would never reveal because his duty would not allow him. As I aged I realized I would have to go after what I wanted for myself and my sons and that is land, some wealth and security.
What does it do for your life if you succeed here? It propels me and my sons into a higher class system. It provides protection. It makes me more than I am.
Q&A of Henry
Tell me about yourself. I’m Prince Henry son of King Henry VII. I love sport and entertainment. I am well educated can speak many other languages. I create music and play several instruments. I love beautiful things and specifically beautiful women. One day I’ll be the King of England and plans have been made for me to marry my brother’s widow Katherine of Aragon. Until then I plan to sport and chase women to have fun doing whatever I like. </div><div>
</div><div>Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses? My strengths include a strong sense of duty and to fulfill my kingly obligations no matter what my personal desires may be. I am passionate, intelligent, forthright and well educated. My main weaknesses are beautiful women, that I am easily manipulated and that I am a bad judge of character.
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change? I know that Ivy wants more from me but I cannot give her all that she wants and I cannot to lose her. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She is compassionate, a wanton lover, a great listener, a fast learner. She is my greatest confident. I cannot lose her. Her campaign for more must fail because I cannot lose her, she and our sons must remain secret, my secret joy and I must fulfill my duties as King. This part of my life cannot include my secret family.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition? I get to keep my secret family, the love and comfort they provide. And my three sons remind me that I am able to produce healthy male heirs.
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death? My duty to my father, the Tudor line and duty to my country as its king.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity? I’m a romantic at heart. I may chase after women but I respect and admire them — their grace and innocence are . They are delicate creatures who need protection. Also I am afraid that I won’t be able to carry out my duties like my father desires and my god and kingdom </font>expect.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special? I am King and they are my subjects.
What do you think of Ivy? She is the sun, the light in my oftentimes dark life. She is beautiful, smart, an excellent healer, a good listener. She is my home.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story. From the moment I saw Ivy in the woods gathering herbs, her long chestnut hair blowing in the wind, her voluptuous figure, beautiful heart shaped face with striking blue green eyes, I knew I must have her. She was shy and uncomplicated. I was smitten and she was wary of me. She kept me at bay for months mostly by avoiding me. I used my charm, brought her trinkets and jewelry. She told me when she gave herself to me that she was in love with me. It was then that I knew I could have her as I wanted her, my own secret love. No one could corrupt her. No one else could touch her. She was mine and only mine. When we had three healthy sons within four or so years, I knew I’d produce many male heirs I also know how much she loves me and will do whatever I ask. I do love her swell.
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Robin Atwood’s Character Profile Part 2
What I learned doing this assignment was how to delve more deeply into character development both individually and as they are together.
Ivy Wren
What draws us to this character? Her happy go lucky state of mind in a world where she is one of the lower classes with no hope of moving up is what draws us in. She brings out the best in others by encouraging them to see life as beneficial as she does.
- Traits: Introspective, intuitive, obedient, intelligent
- Subtext: She wants to believe in Henry and his promises so she disregards obvious signs about her future.
- Flaw: She can easily be taken in by others
- Values: Honesty, love, family, security, integrity
- Irony: She has to give in to Henry’s wants to secure a life of love and security. A secret life with Henry flies in the face of integrity and honesty.
What makes this the right character for this role? She is unassuming and trusting of those she loves believing their intent is never to harm her no matter the situation.
Henry Tudor
What draws us to this character? His childlike charm, playful nature, zest for life and intelligence are what attracts others to him. He is a player who knows that he is irresistible to women specifically and people in general and can have whatever he desires.
- Traits: Attentive, expressive, manipulator, risk taker
- Subtext: He recognizes that he may cause Ivy pain but he rationalizes his pursuit of her and ultimate relationship with her is wanted by both and will result in making her life better.
- Flaw: He rationalizes everything he does is right regardless of its impact on others
- Values: Duty, power, wealth, loyalty
- Irony: He is a prince and then a king who can have whatever he desires yet the thing he ends up desiring the most is legitimate sons which is out of his reach because he will not break with the custom of the class system.
What makes this the right character for this role? This role is about a player who manipulates to get what he wants from people regardless of its impact on them so long as it gets him what he feels he needs.
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Robin Atwood’s Character Profiles Part 1
What I learned doing this assignment? I learned the importance of well-defined characters and how truly knowing them helps the story write itself.
Ivy Wren — protagonist
Role in the story: Dreamer. Ivy is a young, innocent maiden. She is learning from her parents how to heal and cook with herbs. Ivy has no hope for a better life because people don’t change classes in medieval Europe. She desires more but doesn’t believe it is possible.
Age range and description: 15, beautiful, voluptuous, striking eyes
Internal journey: From a shy, innocent, unworldly young maiden who knows her place to an unshakeable woman who knows her own mind.
External journey: From a low class maiden healer to the king’s closest confidant and mother of his sons.
Motivation: A better life for herself and her family, to secure the lives of her sons.
Wound: When she is a young girl, her mother fills her head with stories of dreams coming true and happy endings. It is her father who dashes her dreams and presses upon her that her life will never be different. She will always be poor and without status.
Mission/Agenda: Ivy wants her relationship with Henry to grow and become so important to him that he cannot give her up no matter the circumstances in his life. She knows Henry will provide for her and their sons so long as she accepts what he has to offer them.
Secret: She truly loves Henry.
What makes her special? Her complete loyalty to Henry regardless of his treatment of her and their sons.
Henry Tudor — antagonist
Role in the story: Authority. Henry as King of England is expected to have legitimate heirs to the throne, to ensure the Tudor line continues beyond his life.
Age range and description: 17, athletic/physically fit, chivalrous, attractive, strawberry blonde
Internal journey: From being a momma’s boy who was spoiled growing up to a romantic, considerate, gentle and loving partner to an obsessed, suspicious tyrant.
External journey: From a young man who was reared and influenced mostly by women, his mother, sisters, ladies in waiting, nurses to becoming the King of England.
Motivation: In order to secure the Tudor Dynasty, he must have male heirs.
Wound: Henry was overindulged by his mother, which made him believe all of his wants and desires would be his, that there would be no obstacles. Yet he is unable to produce legitimate, living male heirs from his first two wives.
Mission/Agenda: To produce legitimate male heirs and to protect and provide for Ivy and their sons without his secret life becoming public.
Secret: The love of Henry’s life is Ivy. He cannot recognize her or acknowledge their sons as legitimate because of her lowly class status. She is his closest confidant.
What makes him special? He is King.
Supporting characters: William Wren, Hazel Wren, Charles Brandon
Minor roles: Henry VII, Henry VIII’s wives, Ivy and Henry’s sons Basil, Oweyn, Alfred, Frances I, Cardinal Wolsey
Background characters: nobles, courtiers, bards, town folk
Genre – Drama
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What I learned doing this assignment is that knowing the hero’s internal and external journeys places you on a quicker path to completing what comes in the middle of the journey.
Subject Line: Ivy’s (Robin’s) Transformational Journey
Ivy, 15, crosses paths with Henry Tudor, 16, in 1507 as she is collecting plants and herbs in the forest. Henry is so captivated by her beauty that he starts endlessly pursing Ivy. Ivy does not welcome Henry’s pursuit of her because she knows that nothing can come from a relationship with the future king. Ivy starts a journey of transformation from lower class maiden to a woman of wealth.
Internal Journey: From a shy, innocent, unworldly young maiden who knows her place to an unshakeable woman who knows her own mind.
External Journey: From a low class maiden healer to the king’s closest confidant and mother of his sons.
Ivy’s Old Ways
Shy, innocent, unassuming, daddy’s little girl, she has a lot of fear of the unknown, is skittish, a conformist. Sh rationalizes her behaviors, impractical in affairs of the heart<div>
Ivy’s New Ways
Confident, astute, nurturing of others, loving, listens. She is trustworthy, brave, consoling and the wisdom she has gained from experience has resulted in an easy going nature making her insightful, logical, wary, self-regulating
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Hello everyone! My name is Robin. I’ve written one script and with this class it will be two! I hope to learn how to write entertaining stories that have characters that truly connect with the audience through character depth and journey. Perhaps it is unique that I have been a nonprofit CEO for 23 years and in the nonprofit sector for 35 years. I’m ready for the next trek. I’m excited to be part of this group and thrilled to be taking this course!
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Robin Atwood
I agree to the terms of this release form.
GROUP RELEASE FORM
As a member of this group, I agree to the following:
1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.
2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.
This completes the Group Release Form for the class.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by Robin Atwood. Reason: When I replied initially the entire Group Release Form for the class was not copied
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