Making a Good Script Great

1. Structure is the foundation of a compelling screenplay

A good subplot pushes the plotline, often changing the plot's direction.

Three-act structure. The three-act structure provides a solid framework for storytelling:

• Act One: Setup (10-15 pages) and development (20 pages)
• Act Two: Main action and conflict (45-60 pages)
• Act Three: Resolution and climax (20-35 pages)

Key structural elements:

• Catalyst: An event that sets the story in motion
• Central question: The main problem or goal that drives the plot
• Turning points: Major events that shift the direction of the story
• Midpoint: A significant event that occurs halfway through the script
• Climax: The highest point of tension and conflict resolution

2. Subplots add depth and dimension to the main story

A good subplot not only pushes the plotline, it also intersects it.

Purpose of subplots. Subplots serve several important functions in a screenplay:

• Reveal character: Show different aspects of the protagonist's personality
• Explore theme: Delve deeper into the story's central ideas
• Add complexity: Create a richer, more layered narrative
• Provide contrast: Offer different perspectives on the main plot

Subplot integration. To effectively incorporate subplots:

• Ensure they connect to the main plot in meaningful ways
• Use them to raise the stakes or create obstacles for the protagonist
• Develop subplots with their own beginning, middle, and end
• Limit the number of subplots to avoid overwhelming the main story

3. Maintain momentum to keep the audience engaged

Momentum in a script is the sense that one scene propels us into the next scene, which propels us into the next.

Creating momentum. Keep the story moving forward by:

• Using action points: Events that demand a response and drive the story
• Employing implied scenes: Suggesting off-screen events to maintain pace
• Crafting obstacles: Challenges that force characters to make decisions
• Developing complications: Introducing new elements that affect the plot
• Utilizing reversals: Sudden changes in direction that surprise the audience

Scene structure. Organize individual scenes for maximum impact:

• Begin scenes as late as possible and end them early
• Use scene sequences to build tension and excitement
• Contrast scenes in tone, pace, and content to maintain interest

4. Establish a clear point of view to guide the narrative

Film is a visual medium. We don't want anyone between us and the action.

Types of point of view:

• First person: Tells the story through a single character's perspective
• Two-person: Alternates between two main characters' viewpoints
• Third person/omniscient: Provides a broader perspective on the story

Choosing the right POV:

• Consider the story's needs and the information you want to convey
• Establish the POV early in the script to orient the audience
• Use POV shifts strategically to reveal new information or create tension

Voice-overs and flashbacks:

• Use sparingly to provide insight into characters' thoughts or backstory
• Ensure they add value to the narrative without disrupting the flow

5. Craft impactful scenes that serve multiple purposes

A great scene will do all of these. A good scene will do more than one.

Scene objectives. Each scene should accomplish multiple goals:

• Advance the story: Move the plot forward
• Reveal character: Show new aspects of personalities
• Explore theme: Deepen the central ideas of the script
• Build image: Create visual metaphors and establish tone

Scene components:

• Context: Establish the setting and situation
• Action: Show characters making decisions and taking action
• Dialogue: Reveal information and personality through conversation
• Emotion: Convey characters' feelings and motivations

Balancing elements:

• Use a mix of visual storytelling and dialogue
• Avoid excessive exposition or "on-the-nose" dialogue
• Create subtext to add depth and nuance to character interactions

6. Create a cohesive script through foreshadowing and motifs

Whatever is needed to make a story work at its end is planted somewhere in its beginning.

Foreshadowing techniques:

• Plant subtle clues or information early in the script
• Use seemingly unimportant details that gain significance later
• Create expectations that are either fulfilled or subverted

Recurring motifs:

• Visual elements: Repeated images or symbols
• Thematic ideas: Concepts that appear throughout the story
• Character traits: Behaviors or qualities that evolve over time

Creating unity:

• Ensure all elements of the script contribute to the central story
• Use repetition and contrast to reinforce themes and ideas
• Develop a consistent tone and style throughout the screenplay

7. Balance commercial appeal with artistic integrity

Commercial success is almost never dependent on any single element.

Elements of commercial success:

1. Solid script structure
2. Creativity and originality
3. Strong marketability

Creating audience connections:

• Universal themes: Explore ideas that resonate with a wide audience
• Personal stories: Make the narrative relatable and emotionally engaging
• Topical issues: Address current events or social concerns
• High stakes: Ensure the protagonist's goal is compelling and important

Raising the stakes:

• Increase the difficulty of achieving the protagonist's goal
• Create multiple levels of conflict (personal, relational, societal)
• Show the emotional impact of events on characters

8. Develop multidimensional characters with transformational arcs

Characters need all three of these elements to clearly define who they are, what they want, why they want it, and what they're willing to do to get it.

Character dimensions:

• Thinking: Philosophy, values, and attitudes
• Acting: Decisions and actions taken to achieve goals
• Feeling: Emotional life and responses to events

Creating a transformational arc:

• Establish the character's starting point and flaws
• Introduce catalysts for change throughout the story
• Show gradual development and growth over time
• Demonstrate a clear difference between the beginning and end states

Supporting character transformation:

• Use other characters as influences and catalysts for change
• Create obstacles that force the protagonist to adapt and grow
• Show the impact of the transformation on relationships and goals

9. Utilize conflict to drive the story forward

Conflict is the basis of drama.

Types of conflict:

• Inner conflict: Character's internal struggles
• Relational conflict: Opposing goals between characters
• Societal conflict: Individual versus a larger group or system
• Situational conflict: Character versus environment or circumstances
• Cosmic conflict: Character versus supernatural forces
• Us versus them conflict: Group dynamics and opposing factions

Creating effective conflict:

• Make conflicts specific and personal
• Ensure conflicts are directly related to characters' goals
• Use a variety of conflict types to add depth to the story
• Escalate conflicts as the story progresses

Resolving conflict:

• Consider alternative resolutions beyond violence or defeat
• Show character growth through conflict resolution
• Ensure resolutions are satisfying and consistent with the story's themes

10. Assign clear functions to characters for a focused narrative

Every character in a film should have an essential role to play, something specific to contribute to the production.

Main character functions:

• Protagonist: The central character driving the story
• Antagonist: The character opposing the protagonist's goals
• Love interest: A character who adds depth to the protagonist's journey

Supporting character functions:

• Catalyst: Initiates important events or changes
• Confidant: Provides insight into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings
• Comic relief: Offers moments of levity in tense situations
• Contrasting character: Highlights the protagonist's traits through difference

Thematic character functions:

• Balance character: Grounds the story and reinforces themes
• Voice of character: Represents different perspectives on the theme
• Writer's point of view character: Expresses the author's message
• Audience point of view character: Helps viewers relate to unfamiliar concepts

By assigning clear functions to each character, writers can create a focused and engaging narrative that maximizes the impact of every element in the script.

Last updated: March 3, 2025