Is there a Story Formula?

Welcome to The Scribblers Toolbox, where we dive into the mystical world of crafting compelling screenplay stories.

I'm Jesse Alexander, your friendly neighborhood screenwriter, here to guide you through this creative journey.

Let's explore two essential concepts: "A character plus a situation equals a condition that generates a story" and "A story is how somebody deals with danger."

Characters are the heart and soul of any story. They must feel like real people, complete with quirks, strengths, and weaknesses. And don't forget about character growth and development!

When working on Alias, we spent countless hours developing Sydney Bristow's character. She was a badass spy, sure, but she also had a vulnerable side, with a complicated family history that drove her motivations and goals.

Creating memorable and relatable characters like Sydney is crucial to a story's success.

Next up, the situation. A captivating premise is the backbone of a story. The situation should throw your characters into a whirlwind of tension and conflict, forcing them to make tough choices and grow along the way.

During my time on Heroes, we had a blast creating intriguing situations for our characters. Remember when Peter Petrelli discovered his ability to absorb other people's powers? Talk about a game-changing situation! This newfound power propelled him into a series of conflicts and moral dilemmas that captivated viewers.

Now it's time to create a unique condition that generates a story. The condition is the result of your character and situation colliding, setting the stage for a dynamic and engaging narrative. It's essential to push your characters to their limits through the condition, forcing them to confront their fears, desires, and weaknesses.

Working on Star Trek Discovery, we often explored how characters dealt with conditions presented by their situations.

Now let's talk about danger. "A story is the record of how somebody deals with danger." Danger comes in many forms: physical, emotional, and moral. Your characters will face these dangers head-on, showcasing their resilience, resourcefulness, and growth.

Take season one of Lost, for example. The survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 found themselves stranded on a mysterious island, facing danger at every turn. From the enigmatic Smoke Monster to internal conflicts among the group, each character had to confront their own fears, desires, and limitations.

Strategies for showcasing how characters face and overcome danger are crucial to making a story feel authentic and compelling. Remember, actions have consequences, and the stakes should always feel real.

When characters emerge from a dangerous situation, their experiences should have a lasting impact on their development.

Take season one of Heroes, for example. The diverse group of characters suddenly discovered they possessed extraordinary abilities, leading them to face various forms of danger.

By showcasing the characters' resilience and resourcefulness in the face of danger, Heroes demonstrated the power of overcoming adversity and embracing one's potential.

So, get out there and experiment with characters, situations, and conditions that push the boundaries of your storytelling abilities. Embrace the journey and let your creative juices flow. And most importantly, have fun!