Fictional writing...

Some pointers I've pick up in studing fictional writing:

Protagonist= motivated to achieved something important, but faces obstacles and complications.
Who's story are you telling.
Wants something: to have, or be or to do (accomplish) something
What is at stake for the protagonist? What could s/he lose?
We want to care for/root for him or her
Inner conflict/flaws: guilt, remorse, shame
Inner strength: courage, generosity, sense of justice

Inciting incident= incident upsets the inciting incident
Why does the story start at this moment in the character’s life?

Antagonist= What does s/he want? Could be a person, an agency (w/one main person representing that group), a beast or nature.
Also wants something. The antagonist prevents the protagonist from his or her goals.

Action = Roller coaster of events moving the story closer to
What happens to the main character?
In each scene what are the characters physically doing?
Cause of Action: A caused B to happen, what will happen now because of B? (B now becomes A)
Use Present tense verbs – runs, stumbles, jumps
Avoid passive/use active wording – “The sidewalk is covered with snow” active is more dramatic “Snow covers the sidewalk”.

Conflict/Tension = How does your antagonist prevent your protagonist from their goals? What is the drama? What is the cause of the action?
Who pushes the story forward.

Plot = What is the story about?
An suspense plot and an emotional plot
A series of events connected by cause-and –effect relationships.
Does the story go beyond the shallow and into the secret lives of the characters?
Sub-plot – secondary line of events with own cause and effect relationship. Should be related to the main plot

Exposition = Don’t rush exposition. It should be within dialog that has other purposes and not fed to the audience. Give early enough not to seem like a last minute contrivance. Remind audience so that it is fresh in their head at end.

Foreshadowing = set something up in the beginning that pays off later.

Theme = What is the message?
Who are the supporting main characters - What do they want?
Minor characters can help advance/hinder the plot
Minor characters can create tension
Supporting characters can justify giving the audience information
Supporting characters can provide comic relief.

Who is the most interesting Character? Not necessary the main character.

Dialogue = reveal information or give clues to character

Scenes = How many scenes are required? Whenever there is a change in place or time.
Which character controls the scene?
What is the objective of the scene, does it move the story forward?
Locations (set designs) give the story life.

Plot Points: events that catapult the story forward from an Act.
Unit changes: Where does the story change directions?
Scene transitions: contrast, mix intense w/calm. Night w/day etc.…
Is there a recurring motif?

Climax = What is the turning point. When the audience gets its answer.
Is the outcome in doubt, rather than predictable?

Conclusion/Resolution = How does the story end. How is the theme resolved?

Credibility = Was the story believable? Does the story make sense?