[Tom B.]

Subject line: Tom’s Show – Empathy and Distress

What I learned doing this assignment is the need for a personal and identifiable connection to each lead character down to an emotional level to trigger the hormonal craving to continue to watch the BW TV show.

Todd:
Distress:
A. Undeserved misfortune: Todd’s mother will lose the house. Todd’s brother is in jail for a crime he did not commit.
B. External Character conflicts: Todd has to confront the sheriff and bank president.
C. Plot intruding on life: Todd has to somehow show the sheriff is a criminal and show the bank president is corrupt, while still balancing life as a high school senior.
D. Moral dilemmas: Todd may have to kill the sheriff and/or bank president.
E. Forced decisions they’d never make. Entering a bank with a gun and looking like a desperate criminal or bank robber.

Empathy:
A. Put the character in distress: Feels alone, no father, mother in financial turmoil, older brother in jail.
B. Mark them relatable: Has to make big decisions on how to help family, survive and not get arrested.
C. Universal experiences that are emotional: Being broke, alone, unable to rely on parents or family.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ai RESPONSE:

Certainly! Let’s delve into creating distress and empathy for each of the lead characters in your TV series concept.

Lead Character 1: Todd
Distress:

Undeserved misfortune (A):Todd faces the unjust pressure of potentially losing their family home due to the corrupt bank president.
External character conflicts (B): Todd is up against the corrupt sheriff and bank president who wield considerable power in the town.
Plot intruding on life (C):Todd’s attempt to expose the corruption forces him into dangerous situations, threatening his safety and that of his family.
Moral dilemmas (D): Todd wrestles with the ethical implications of using a gun and risking violence to achieve justice.
Forced decisions they’d never make (E): Todd is pushed to take extreme measures, such as breaking into the bank and confronting armed criminals, actions he never imagined he’d have to take.

Empathy:
Put them in distress (A): Seeing Todd’s struggle against powerful and corrupt adversaries evokes sympathy.
Make them relatable (B): Todd’s motivations—protecting his family and seeking justice for his brother—are deeply relatable.
Universal experiences (C): Themes of family loyalty, the fight against corruption, and the desire for justice resonate universally, making Todd’s journey emotionally engaging.

Lead Character 2: Trish
Distress:
Undeserved misfortune (A): Trish is caught in a situation where her boyfriend (Joey) is wrongly imprisoned, leaving her pregnant and alone.
External character conflicts (B): She faces pressure from the corrupt bank president who may threaten her and her unborn child’s future.
Plot intruding on life (C): Trish becomes entangled in the dangerous web of the bank robbery, risking her safety and that of her child.
Moral dilemmas (D): She grapples with decisions that affect not only herself but also her unborn child’s future.
Forced decisions they’d never make (E): Trish is forced to navigate between her loyalty to Joey and the dangerous realities of the criminal world.

Empathy:

Put them in distress (A): Trish’s vulnerability as a pregnant woman facing threats amplifies empathy.
Make them relatable (B): Her love for Joey and the desire to protect her family resonate with audiences.
Universal experiences (C): Themes of love, sacrifice, and the challenges of single parenthood are universally emotional, drawing viewers into Trish’s struggles.

Lead Character 3: Madeline
Distress:
Undeserved misfortune (A): Madeline faces the impending loss of her home due to the corrupt actions of the bank president, despite her years of hard work.
External character conflicts (B): She clashes with the bank president over the foreclosure issue and feels powerless against his influence.
Plot intruding on life (C): Her position at the bank puts her in direct conflict with the corrupt activities she becomes aware of, endangering her job and safety.
Moral dilemmas (D): Madeline struggles with compromising her ethics to protect her family from financial ruin.
Forced decisions they’d never make (E): She is forced to confront the reality of corruption within her workplace, challenging her sense of trust and security.

Empathy:
Put them in distress (A): Madeline’s plight as a mother trying to save her home strikes a chord with viewers.
Make them relatable (B): Her determination to protect her sons and maintain her integrity resonates with the audience.
Universal experiences (C): Themes of familial love, financial hardship, and the fight against corruption are universally emotive, making Madeline’s story compelling.

Lead Character 4: Sheriff Bufford
Distress:

Undeserved misfortune (A): Bufford’s addiction to drugs and involvement in criminal activities stem from personal vulnerabilities and his traumatic past.
External character conflicts (B): He faces external pressures from higher-level criminals and risks exposure by Todd’s investigation.
Plot intruding on life (C): Bufford’s criminal activities are threatened to be exposed, jeopardizing his career and safety.
Moral dilemmas (D): He grapples with his conscience as his actions become increasingly unethical, especially in relation to Joey’s wrongful imprisonment.
Forced decisions they’d never make (E): Bufford is forced to confront his own demons and make choices that challenge his moral compass and professional ethics.

Empathy:

Put them in distress (A):** Bufford’s internal conflict between duty and corruption humanizes him despite his flaws.
Make them relatable (B):** His vulnerabilities and struggles with addiction and guilt make him a complex and intriguing character.
Universal experiences (C):** Themes of redemption, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of past decisions resonate universally, drawing empathy towards Bufford’s troubled character.

By weaving these elements of distress and empathy into each character’s storyline, your TV series can create a rich and emotionally engaging narrative that keeps viewers invested in their journeys and moral dilemmas.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[Tom B.]

What I learned doing this assignment is the need and importance of interconnectivity, cooperation, and friction in developing each character and the story.

I’m only doing a partial RELATIONSHIP MAP for the main character – Todd – due to the complexity of posting and formatting a table:

Todd and Trish
Surface: Brother’s girlfriend
Common Ground: Wants best for brother
Conflict: She is to blame for brother’s incarceration
History: She is new to brother’s life
Subtext: Causes trouble in their family’s life
Relationship Arc: She has to chose between his family or her family

Todd and Madeline
Surface: Mother
Common Ground: Wants best for family
Conflict: Is losing family home
History: Raised him but busy at multiple jobs
Subtext: Prefers older brother to him
Relationship Arc: She has to trust and appreciate younger son

Todd and Sheriff
Surface: Authority figure
Common Ground: Headstrong
Conflict: Arrested brother
History: Previously arrested and shot and killed his father
Subtext: Deep animosity towards family
Relationship Arc: From superiority complex to respect

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ai Response:

Certainly! Here’s a table showing the relationships between Todd (the main character) and the other characters in the serial TV series: (Unable to post the table)

Explanation of Relationship Dynamics:

– Common Ground: Todd shares involvement in the bank robbery and familial ties with Joey (who is implicated in a murder he didn’t commit). Trish, as Joey’s pregnant girlfriend and bank teller, has ties to both Todd’s family and the criminal activity through the robbery. Madeline, Todd’s mother and bank assistant manager, faces financial issues linked to the bank’s criminal activities. Sheriff Bufford, the town’s law enforcer with hidden criminal ties, connects to Todd through his arrest of Joey and his involvement in the town’s criminal underbelly.

– Relationship Conflict: Todd faces conflicts due to his involvement in the robbery and the resulting trust issues with others. Trish is conflicted by her loyalty to Joey, who is wrongly accused, and her role in the robbery. Madeline’s conflicts arise from financial pressures and potential conflicts of interest. Sheriff Bufford’s conflict stems from his dual role as a law enforcer and criminal, particularly in Joey’s arrest and his past involvement with Todd and Joey’s father.

– Relationship History: Todd’s history is deeply tied to his family dynamics and recent events surrounding the robbery. Trish’s history involves her relationship with Joey and recent events affecting their future. Madeline’s history revolves around her family ties and the impending foreclosure of her home. Sheriff Bufford’s history is marked by past conflicts, including his arrest of Joey and his involvement with Todd and Joey’s father.

– Relationship Subtext: Todd grapples with the hidden truths of innocence and guilt surrounding the robbery. Trish’s subtext involves loyalty shifts and future concerns with Joey’s situation. Madeline deals with financial strain and personal issues impacting her decisions. Sheriff Bufford’s subtext involves hidden agendas and his struggles with addiction and corruption.

– Relationship Arc: Todd’s arc revolves around unraveling family ties and navigating moral choices in the face of the robbery. Trish’s arc is influenced by the impact of her pregnancy and shifting loyalties. Madeline’s arc is shaped by financial desperation and difficult choices she must make. Sheriff Bufford’s arc centers on the exposure of his corruption and the escalation of conflicts stemming from his dual role.

This table outlines the complex web of relationships and dynamics that drive the narrative of the crime, mystery, and suspense genre within the series.

• This reply was modified 10 months, 2 weeks ago by  Tom B..

[Tom B.]

Response:
What I learned doing this assignment is that emotions are the catalyst for behavior, conduct and actions; ultimately, it makes the show compelling, binge-worthy and “must see TV!”

Todd:
A. Situational: Hope – Save or rescue mother and brother. / Fear – losing both.
B. Motivation: Want – To be the hero. / Need – Help family.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion – Aggressive and angry. / Public Mask – Quiet and reserved.
D. Weaknesses – Naïve.
E. Triggers – Being underestimated or ignored.
F. Coping Mechanism – Scheming and planning.

Trish:
A. Situational: Hope – Leaving town. / Fear – Losing boyfriend.
B. Motivation: Want – A happy family. / Need – Love and attention.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion – Insecure. / Public Mask – Confident.
D. Weaknesses – Naïve.
E. Triggers – Being told what is best for her.
F. Coping Mechanism – Exercising and binge TV watching.

Madeline:
A. Situational: Hope – Provide for her kids. / Fear – Losing her kids.
B. Motivation: Want – Protector and provider. / Need – Support and help.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion – Shame. / Public Mask – Confident, assured.
D. Weaknesses – Lack of time for kids.
E. Triggers – Being reminded she is single and needs help.
F. Coping Mechanism – Eating, daydreaming.

Sheriff Bufford:
A. Situational: Hope – Take over town. / Fear – Being embarrassed.
B. Motivation: Want – Greed, money, power. / Need – Validation.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion – Anger, hate. / Public Mask – Calm.
D. Weaknesses – Drugs.
E. Triggers – Disrespect.
F. Coping Mechanism – Drugs.

Barry Wipple:
A. Situational: Hope – Take over town and other towns. / Fear – Loss of position.
B. Motivation: Want – Respect. / Need – Respect and acknowledgment.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion – Superiority complex. / Public Mask – Kindness.
D. Weaknesses – Drugs.
E. Triggers – Disrespect.
F. Coping Mechanism – Drugs.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ai Response:
Let’s delve into the internal struggles for each of the main characters in this crime, mystery, and suspense TV series based on the given concept:

1. Todd (17-year-old son of Madeline, involved in the bank robbery)
A. Situational: Hope / Fear
-Hope: Todd hopes to help his family overcome financial struggles and save their home.
-Fear: He fears getting caught and the consequences for his family, especially his imprisoned brother Joey.
B. Motivation: Want / Need
-Want: Todd wants to prove himself capable and responsible, especially in his family’s dire situation.
-Need: He needs to feel in control and important, given his mother’s stress and his brother’s absence.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion / Public Mask
-Base Negative Emotion: Todd harbors deep resentment towards the bank for his family’s financial woes.
-Public Mask: In public, Todd maintains a façade of being a typical teenager, hiding his inner turmoil and desperation.
D. Weaknesses
-Todd’s youth and lack of experience make him susceptible to manipulation and poor judgment.
He struggles with impulsiveness and a sense of inferiority compared to his older brother.
E. Triggers
-Seeing his mother’s distress over potentially losing their home triggers Todd’s determination to take drastic measures.
-Any mention of Joey’s wrongful imprisonment ignites Todd’s anger and desire for justice.
F. Coping Mechanism
-Todd copes by focusing on the immediate goal of securing money for his family, pushing aside doubts and ethical concerns.

2. Trish (Bank teller, pregnant girlfriend of Joey)
A. Situational: Hope / Fear
Hope: Trish hopes to provide a stable future for her unborn child, despite Joey’s incarceration.
Fear: She fears losing Joey permanently and raising their child alone, especially after the bank robbery.
B. Motivation: Want / Need
Want: Trish wants security and stability for her child’s future.
Need: She needs emotional support and reassurance, which Joey provided before his arrest.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion / Public Mask
Base Negative Emotion: Trish harbors resentment towards the justice system for failing Joey.
Public Mask: Publicly, she appears composed and professional, concealing her personal turmoil and fears.
D. Weaknesses
Trish’s pregnancy makes her vulnerable and protective, influencing her decisions.
She struggles with guilt over Joey’s situation and the consequences of her own actions.
E. Triggers
Any threat to her unborn child triggers Trish’s protective instincts and determination to secure their future.
Conversations about Joey’s case or his potential release stir up conflicting emotions in Trish.
F. Coping Mechanism
Trish copes by focusing on practical tasks and plans for the baby, redirecting her anxiety into preparation.

3. Madeline (Mother of Todd and Joey, assistant manager of the bank)
A. Situational: Hope / Fear
Hope: Madeline hopes to keep her family together and their home, despite financial strain.
Fear: She fears losing her job, home, and respectability in the community.
B. Motivation: Want / Need
Want: Madeline wants security and stability for her sons’ futures.
Need: She needs to maintain control and dignity in the face of adversity.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion / Public Mask
Base Negative Emotion: Madeline struggles with bitterness towards the bank and the town’s decline.
Public Mask: Publicly, she maintains a composed and authoritative demeanor, masking her inner turmoil.
D. Weaknesses
Madeline’s sense of responsibility for her sons sometimes leads to self-sacrifice and poor judgment.
She wrestles with guilt over Joey’s predicament and her inability to protect him.
E. Triggers
Threats to her family’s stability and well-being trigger Madeline’s fierce protectiveness and determination.
Any hint of betrayal or deceit in her personal or professional life deeply affects Madeline.
F. Coping Mechanism
Madeline copes by focusing on practical solutions and maintaining a strong front for her sons’ sake.

4. Sheriff Bufford (Law enforcement officer addicted to drugs, involved in criminal activities)
A. Situational: Hope / Fear
Hope: Bufford hopes to maintain control over the town and his criminal enterprises without detection.
Fear: He fears exposure, loss of power, and the consequences of his addiction.
B. Motivation: Want / Need
Want: Bufford wants to preserve his authority and expand his influence.
Need: He needs validation and respect, masking his insecurities and weaknesses.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion / Public Mask
Base Negative Emotion: Bufford struggles with paranoia and guilt over his illegal activities.
Public Mask: Publicly, he projects an image of competence and authority, hiding his addiction and criminal involvements.
D. Weaknesses
Bufford’s addiction compromises his judgment and makes him susceptible to manipulation.
He battles with feelings of inadequacy and the fear of losing control.
E. Triggers
Any threat to his authority or exposure of his crimes triggers Bufford’s defensive and aggressive responses.
Discussions about his addiction or vulnerabilities provoke Bufford’s denial and anger.
F. Coping Mechanism
Bufford copes by exerting control over others and burying his guilt and fear under a façade of authority.

5. Barry Wipple (Bank president, greedy and addicted to drugs)
A. Situational: Hope / Fear
Hope: Wipple hopes to maintain his wealth and influence in the town.
Fear: He fears losing his position, reputation, and control over his addiction.
B. Motivation: Want / Need
Want: Wipple wants to accumulate more wealth and power, regardless of the consequences.
Need: He needs validation and approval, hiding his insecurities and ethical compromises.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion / Public Mask
-Base Negative Emotion: Wipple battles with guilt and shame over his unethical actions and addiction.
-Public Mask: Publicly, he presents an image of success and authority, concealing his personal weaknesses and struggles.
D. Weaknesses
-Wipple’s greed blinds him to moral considerations and makes him vulnerable to manipulation.
-He struggles with feelings of emptiness and diss
atisfaction despite his material success.
E. Triggers
-Threats to his wealth or status trigger Wipple’s defensive and aggressive behaviors.
-Discussions about ethics or the consequences of his actions provoke Wipple’s denial and defensiveness.
F. Coping Mechanism
-Wipple copes by seeking immediate gratification and distraction from his internal conflicts through drugs and wealth accumulation.

These internal struggles add depth to each character, shaping their decisions and interactions as the series unfolds, revealing layers of complexity and moral ambiguity within the small-town setting fraught with crime and deception.

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• This reply was modified 10 months, 2 weeks ago by  Tom B..

[Tom B.]

What I learned doing this assignment (Lesson 4) is that characters without layers are boring and can make the show one dimensional, uninteresting, and unwatchable. Going through the main categories to create layers in characters helps push me to explore what can be more meaningful and compelling for the journey of each character, for the audience and for the story.

Character Name: Todd
Role: Help his mom and help his brother.
Hidden agendas: Get revenge on sheriff and bank president
Competition: Sheriff and sheriff’s son.
Conspiracies: With brother and Trish.
Secrets: He has a violent streak and waited years for revenge.
Deception: Deceiving mother, classmates, sheriff and bank president.
Wound: Father was also falsely imprisoned and killed.
Secret Identity: Closet genius.

Character Name: Trish
Role: Girlfriend of Todd’s brother (Joey)
Hidden agendas: Wants to expose father/sheriff’s criminal activities.
Competition: Other workers at bank and sheriff’s office.
Conspiracies: Working with Joey and Todd.
Secrets: Pregnant but who is the father?
Deception: Father, Joey, Madeline and co-workers.
Wound: Neglected by father and unappreciated.
Secret Identity: Bank president.

Character Name: Madeline
Role: Todd and Joey’s mother.
Hidden agendas: Help Joey and Todd.
Competition: Bank president.
Conspiracies: Joey and Trish.
Secrets: Wants to lose the house.
Deception: Backs up all the bank records.
Wound: Lost husband and supporting children by herself.
Secret Identity: CPA.

Character Name: Sheriff Bufford
Role: Father of Trish and law enforcement for town.
Hidden agendas: Become wealthiest and most powerful figure in town.
Competition: Bank president.
Conspiracies: Working with gang members.
Secrets: Killed father of Todd and Joey.
Deception: Wants to bring down bank president.
Wound: Jealousy.
Secret Identity: Leader of criminal enterprise.

Character Name: Barry Wipple
Role: Bank president.
Hidden agendas: Own all properties in town.
Competition: Madeline, sheriff.
Conspiracies: Bank manager and sheriff.
Secrets: Gambling habit and debt.
Deception: Bank staff and sheriff.
Wound: Never married and without kids.
Secret Identity: Irresponsible and careless.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ai Response:
Certainly! Here are the brainstormed intriguing layers for each main character in this crime, mystery, and suspense TV series about a small-town bank robbery:

1. Todd
Role: 17-year-old son of Madeline, caught in the bank during the robbery.
Hidden agendas: Todd may have a hidden agenda related to his father’s mysterious past or debts owed to dangerous individuals.
Competition: Faces competition from other desperate individuals who are also involved in the robbery and have conflicting interests.
Conspiracies: Unknowingly drawn into a conspiracy involving local criminals and possibly law enforcement figures.
Secrets: Hides the truth about his knowledge of the robbery’s planning or his involvement with individuals linked to criminal activities.
Deception: Pretends to be a naive teenager caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, but secretly has deeper knowledge or motivations.
Wound: Harbors deep emotional wounds from his family’s troubled history and his brother Joey’s wrongful imprisonment.
Secret Identity: Potentially connected to a secret identity or past that complicates his involvement in the robbery.

2. Trish
Role: Bank teller and pregnant girlfriend of Joey (Todd’s older brother, wrongly imprisoned).
Hidden agendas: Trish might have a hidden agenda involving securing her future and the well-being of her unborn child, which could lead her to make questionable decisions.
Competition: Competes with other bank employees or customers who are desperate enough to consider participating in the robbery.
Conspiracies: Unwittingly becomes part of a conspiracy involving the bank’s president or other influential figures in the town.
Secrets: Conceals her true feelings about Joey’s imprisonment and her doubts about the baby’s father.
Deception: Maintains a facade of normalcy and stability despite the chaos caused by the robbery and her personal struggles.
Wound: Carries emotional wounds from Joey’s wrongful accusation and the pressure of being a single mother-to-be.
Secret Identity: Potentially has a secret identity or past that could be exposed during the investigation into the robbery.

3. Madeline
Role: Mother of Todd and Joey, assistant manager of the bank on the verge of losing her home.
Hidden agendas: Madeline’s hidden agenda might involve desperate measures to save her home and protect her sons from the fallout of the robbery.
Competition: Faces competition from the bank president and other officials who have their own agendas and may exploit the robbery for personal gain.
Conspiracies: Is inadvertently involved in a conspiracy involving corrupt local officials or influential town figures.
Secrets: Keeps secrets related to financial troubles and her attempts to protect her sons from the town’s darker elements.
Deception: Presents a facade of stability and authority while hiding the extent of her desperation and involvement in the robbery.
Wound: Has deep emotional wounds from the pressure of being a single mother in a small town with limited options.
Secret Identity: Could have a secret identity or past that could be revealed through her desperate actions during the robbery.

4. Sheriff Bufford
Role: Law enforcement officer for the town, secretly involved in criminal activities.
Hidden agendas: Sheriff Bufford’s hidden agenda involves protecting his criminal enterprises and maintaining his reputation despite his involvement in illegal activities.
Competition: Faces competition from other corrupt officials and criminals who may use the robbery to further their own agendas.
Conspiracies: Is a central figure in a conspiracy involving local crime syndicates or influential individuals in the town.
Secrets: Hides his involvement in criminal activities and his true motives for his actions during the robbery investigation.
Deception: Maintains a facade of lawfulness and authority while secretly manipulating the investigation and protecting his interests.
Wound: Carries emotional wounds from his past involvement in criminal activities and the pressure of maintaining his facade as a respected lawman.
Secret Identity: Could have a secret identity or past connection to the robbery that complicates his role as the town sheriff.

5. Barry Wipple
Role: Bank president, greedy and manipulative.
Hidden agendas: Barry’s hidden agenda involves using the robbery to cover up his financial mismanagement or to eliminate potential threats to his position.
Competition: Competes with other influential figures in the town who may exploit the robbery for their own gain.
Conspiracies: Is involved in a conspiracy to manipulate the investigation and protect his own interests at the expense of others.
Secrets: Hides his true financial situation and the extent of his involvement in shady dealings within the bank.
Deception: Presents a facade of authority and respectability while secretly orchestrating events to benefit himself.
Wound: Has emotional wounds from past business failures and the pressure to maintain his position of power within the community.
Secret Identity: Could have a secret identity or past connection to criminal activities that are uncovered during the investigation into the robbery.

These layers add depth and complexity to each character, intertwining their personal struggles and hidden motives with the unfolding mystery of the bank robbery.

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• This reply was modified 10 months, 2 weeks ago by  Tom B..

[Tom B.]

What I learned doing this assignment is there is quite a bit of work, thought, deliberation, and strategy involved in constructing your main and supporting characters to create a BW show.

1. Tell us the journey of your show:
Todd is a 17 year old boy that realizes the only way to help his mother and older brother is to expose the corruption in bank where she works and at the sheriff’s department that framed his brother.

2. Who are the main characters that will sell your show? See below.

3. Answer these questions for each of those characters.

Todd:
A. Role in the show: See above

B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Highly observant, analytical

C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface? Everyone thinks he is quiet and uninterested

D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing? Using a gun in a bank

E. Unpredictable: What will they do next? Nothing to lose

F. Empathetic: Why do we care? Lost his father, feels compelled to take care of the remaining parts of his family

Trish:
A. Role in the show: Pregnant young lady that wants to get out of this small town and is daughter of sheriff

B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Serves as motivation for boys’ characters

C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface? Is she really pregnant?

D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing? Either lying about being pregnant or using it to her advantage

E. Unpredictable: What will they do next? Willing to deceive to get what she wants

F. Empathetic: Why do we care? Father is overbearing sheriff in town

Madeline:
A. Role in the show: Mom that is trying to take care of her two boys, but is broke and about to lose the house

B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Demonstrates how the bank is corrupt

C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface? She owes more than money

D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing? Lying to her boys

E. Unpredictable: What will they do next? What will she do to protect her boys and their home?

F. Empathetic: Why do we care? Single mom that is struggling

Sheriff Bufford:
A. Role in the show: Law enforcement figure that threatens all main characters

B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Antagonist

C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface? He is covering up his own illegal money making scheme

D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing? Allowing drug gangs to operate in the town

E. Unpredictable: What will they do next? Willing to do anything to avoid being caught

F. Empathetic: Why do we care? He is past the point of no return

Barry Wipple:
A. Role in the show: Bank president and manager that is profiting on loans and foreclosing houses

B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Insensitive

C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface? Is a white collar crook

D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing? Illegally taking people’s homes

E. Unpredictable: What will they do next? Crossed point of no return, maybe in partnership with Sheriff

F. Empathetic: Why do we care? Can cross line to be dangerous

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ai RESPONSE:

Sure, let's brainstorm the Character Basics for each main character based on the given TV series concept:

**Todd**
A. Role in the show: Protagonist turned antagonist; starts as a bank robber.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Rebellious teen caught in a web of family secrets and crime.
C. Intrigue: Secret beneath the surface is his troubled home life and conflicted loyalties.
D. Moral Issue: Crossing the boundary of family loyalty versus legal responsibility.
E. Unpredictable: His actions are driven by emotional turmoil and the pressure of his circumstances.
F. Empathetic: We care because he's a young man pushed to extremes by his family's criminal ties, struggling to find his own path.

**Trish**
A. Role in the show: Sympathetic figure caught between family loyalty and doing what's right.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Represents the human cost of crime and the impact on innocent lives.
C. Intrigue: Secret beneath the surface is her conflicted feelings for Todd and her own uncertain future.
D. Moral Issue: Crossing the boundary of loyalty to her boyfriend's family versus protecting her unborn child.
E. Unpredictable: Her decisions are influenced by fear for her child's future and the desire for a stable life.
F. Empathetic: We care because she's trying to navigate an impossible situation with compassion and bravery.

**Madeline**
A. Role in the show: Key link between the robbery and the personal lives of the characters.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Juggling the roles of a single mother and a responsible bank employee.
C. Intrigue: Secret beneath the surface is her hidden knowledge of the bank's operations and financial struggles.
D. Moral Issue: Crossing the boundary of ethical duty to her job versus protecting her son.
E. Unpredictable: Her choices are influenced by her protective instincts as a mother and her fear of losing everything.
F. Empathetic: We care because she's a strong woman trying to hold her family together while facing overwhelming odds.

**Sheriff Bufford**
A. Role in the show: The law enforcement figure trying to unravel the mystery behind the robbery.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Represents justice and order in the small-town setting.
C. Intrigue: Secret beneath the surface is his own personal connections to some of the involved parties.
D. Moral Issue: Crossing the boundary of personal relationships versus professional integrity.
E. Unpredictable: His actions are driven by his commitment to justice and his ties to the community.
F. Empathetic: We care because he's torn between his duty as sheriff and his personal connections, trying to do what's right.

**Bank Manager Barry Whipple**
A. Role in the show: Initially a secondary character, but becomes pivotal as the plot unfolds.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Represents the face of authority within the bank and the local community.
C. Intrigue: Secret beneath the surface is his involvement in financial misconduct and desperate attempts to cover it up.
D. Moral Issue: Crossing the boundary of financial ethics versus personal survival.
E. Unpredictable: His decisions are influenced by his fear of exposure and the consequences of his actions.
F. Empathetic: We care because he's a flawed character grappling with the consequences of his choices, trying to protect himself and his reputation.

These character basics should provide a solid foundation for each character's role and motivations within the crime, mystery, and suspense genre of the TV series concept.

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• This reply was modified 10 months, 2 weeks ago by  Tom B..
• This reply was modified 10 months, 2 weeks ago by  Tom B..

[Tom B.]

Module 1 – Lesson 2:
Assignment 1: Wednesday

A. Main Characters Circle: Wednesday, Enid, Xavier Thorpe, Tyler Galpin
B. Connected Circle: Sheriff Galpin, Ms. Thornhill, Bianca, Dr. Kinbott, Principal Weems, Gomez Addams, Morticia
C. Environment Circle: Nevermore, Jericho, Forest

Assignment 2:
What I learned doing this assignment is that using Ai prompts to generate different character descriptions is extremely useful, handy, in creating backstory, complexity, and added different elements that I did not otherwise think of at the conception.

Three Circles of Characters – MY BW SHOW

A. Main Characters Circle:

• Todd – teenage boy in a bank with a gun, not there to rob it, but trying to help mom and older brother caught up in trouble
• Trish – teenage girl, pregnant, works at bank as a teller, somehow caught up in trouble
• Madeline – boy’s mom, works at bank as assistant manager, caught up in trouble
• Sheriff Bufford – Trish’s father, small town sheriff, tasked with handling troubles in town

B. Connected Circle:

• Joey – older brother in jail, deputy trainee, blamed for creating trouble
• Benny – gang member, great at causing trouble
• Angel – Bufford’s wife, helps to magnify trouble
• Sunshine – Bufford’s daughter, is a magnet for trouble

C. Environment Circle::

• Bank
• Small town
• Madeline’s home
• Sheriff’s Office
• prison

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Module 1 – Lesson 2:
Assignment 2: Ai Generated Character Circles for MY BW SHOW

Certainly! Here are the characters grouped as per your request:
A. Main Characters:
Todd

• Unique Role: Todd is the accidental central figure in the presumed bank robbery, trying to protect his family from being implicated in a larger crime.
• Secret or Intrigue: Todd secretly knows the real reason behind the bank incident and struggles to reveal the truth without endangering his family.

Trish

• Unique Role: Pregnant teenager working as a bank teller, caught in a dangerous situation not of her making.
• Secret or Intrigue: Trish hides a personal connection to one of the actual robbers, complicating her involvement and motives in the eyes of law enforcement and her family.

Madeline

• Unique Role: Assistant manager at the bank, Todd and Trish’s mother, unwittingly entangled in a web of deception.
• Secret or Intrigue: Madeline harbors a past that resurfaces during the crisis, linking her to the true mastermind behind the robbery.

Sheriff Bufford

• Unique Role: Small-town sheriff and Trish’s father, ostensibly responsible for maintaining law and order.
• Secret or Intrigue: Sheriff Bufford is compromised by his involvement with local criminal elements, forcing him to make choices that conflict with his duty as sheriff.

B. Connected Characters:
Joey

• Role: Older brother of Todd, currently in jail but training to become a deputy.
• Impact: Joey’s incarceration and subsequent involvement in law enforcement strain his relationships with both the criminals and law-abiding citizens in town.

Benny

• Role: Gang member known for causing trouble in the small town.
• Impact: Benny’s actions directly affect the unfolding events, often leading to unintended consequences that escalate the tension.

Angel

• Role: Sheriff Bufford’s wife, involved in activities that contribute to the town’s troubles.
• Impact: Angel’s connections and actions add layers of complexity to Sheriff Bufford’s dilemma, blurring lines between personal loyalty and professional duty.

Sunshine

• Role: Sheriff Bufford’s daughter, inadvertently attracting trouble due to her rebellious nature.
• Impact: Sunshine’s decisions create ripple effects, drawing attention to hidden truths and putting her family at further risk.

C. Environment Characters:
• Bank Customers
• Town Mayor
• Bank Security Guard
• Local News Reporter
• Paramedics
• Town Council Members

Genre: Crime, Mystery, Suspense
Concept: A small-town bank robbery that unveils deeper secrets and alliances, challenging perceptions of innocence and guilt.
Sub-World: The interconnected lives and hidden agendas within a seemingly tranquil small Texas town, where everyone has something to hide and the truth is often obscured by personal motivations and loyalties.

• This reply was modified 10 months, 3 weeks ago by  Tom B..
• This reply was modified 10 months, 3 weeks ago by  Tom B..
• This reply was modified 10 months, 3 weeks ago by  Tom B..

[Tom B.]

Example Show: Wednesday

Wednesday begins with the utterly unique antihero outcast Wednesday Addams delivering revenge on bullies at school only to be expelled once again and sent to Nevermore school, the haven for many other outcasts and specially talented students, and where her own parents met and declared their own mutual bond(age). Once there, she experiences immediate challenges and conflict with other classmates and learns of a recent murder nearby that intrigues her and firmly establishes her presence in the school and whether she can solve its mysteries.

What I learned doing this assignment is the need for a quick pace of the first pilot for setting up the characters, conflict and intrigue, the importance of originality in the main character, and the undeniable pull and pleasure of clever and humorous writing.

Big Picture Hooks
Ask this: What is the big hook of this show? Murder mystery around a school that is populated with all sorts of strange, interesting, mysterious characters, and punctuated by the main character, new enrollee, Wednesday, an outcast among outcasts, as she has been kicked out of numerous schools in the past.

Amazing and Intriguing Character
Ask this: What makes these main characters intriguing and interesting? Wednesday is incredibly intelligent, savvy, and original as a protagonist, unapologetically rebellious and stoic in moments that would evoke emotion and reaction in others. All other students possess unique talents and have mysterious pasts and motives.

Empathy / Distress
Ask this: What situations causes us to feel both empathy and distress for these characters? It’s a school of outcasts and adolescent monsters, that all have experienced rejection and alienation.

Layers / Open Loops
Ask this: What questions are created by this first episode that can only be answered by watching the entire season? The pilot introduces multiple layers to the main story of solving the murder mystery, such as addressing the romantic element, determining whether this school is interesting enough to capture Wednesday’s continued enrollment as a student, and the mystery of the other characters.

Inviting Obsession
Ask this: How does this pilot create the need to see every single episode? Humor, originality, mystery is established in the pilot to create an insatiable need to see every episode in the whole season.

• This reply was modified 11 months ago by  Tom B..
• This reply was modified 11 months ago by  Tom B..
• This reply was modified 11 months ago by  Tom B..
• This reply was modified 11 months ago by  Tom B..
• This reply was modified 11 months ago by  Tom B..
• This reply was modified 11 months ago by  Tom B..

[Tom B.]

1. Name? Tom P.

2. How many scripts you’ve written? I have written one script which I entered into a handful of contests many years ago, it was selected as a quarterfinalist (or something like that) in the Blue Cat Screenwriting competition. I have previously written 20 or so sketch comedy plays that were produced by a local acting group. I've taken a handful of screenwriting classes over the years.

3. What you hope to get out of the class? Learn the science, technique, intricacies, and ultimately, the ins and outs of analyzing, preparing, drafting, writing, re-writing, and finishing teleplay/scripts that are binge-able shows, which appeal to streaming services, broad audiences and maybe critics.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I have a book coming out in about 2 weeks (June 25th launch date), self-published. I don't want to distract from this class and project, but if anyone is interested in further details, please let me know.

I am looking forward to this class.

By the way, while my posts going forward may be late, all homework is and will be done by the deadlines. I just don't want to post crap if the quality is questionable. Thanks!

• This reply was modified 11 months ago by  Tom B..

[Tom B.]

I agree to the terms of this release form.
-Tom P.

• This reply was modified 11 months ago by  Tom B..