WHAT DOES YOUR HERO WANT? #5: Sameness
In this series of articles exploring the various goals your hero will pursue, all the desires have had one thing in common: they all serve to move your hero…
WHAT DOES YOUR HERO WANT? #4: Preliminary Goals and Ultimate Objectives
Defining your hero’s Outer Motivation can sometimes seem confusing because it can easily be mistaken for two of your hero’s other desires.
WHAT DOES YOUR HERO WANT? #3: Longings & Needs
The Outer Motivation answers the question, “What is my hero’s visible goal?” To discover your hero’s Inner Motivation ask, “Why does my hero want this?”
WHAT DOES YOUR HERO WANT? #2: Inner Motivations
As I discussed last time, the Outer Motivation is a character’s specific, visible goal. When we read or hear what it is, we can picture what achieving it would look like.
WHAT DOES YOUR HERO WANT? #1: The Outer Motivation
I’m beginning with the Outer Motivation, not because it appears first, but because it is essential.
What’s at Stake?
The simplest way to understand the idea of STAKES for the hero (or for any character in a story) is to ask, “What will this character lose if he fails to achieve his goal?”
Increasing the Impact of Surprise
The film THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI includes an early scene where the hero, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) is confronted by…
Writing from Your Essence
Last week I once again was part of a wonderful, almost indescribable experience. I had the privilege of joining World Champions of Public Speaking.
Delivering a Powerful Theme
The most powerful and persuasive stories don’t simply entertain or enlighten – they challenge their readers and audiences to transform.
Make Your Characters Distinct
In the outstanding film HIDDEN FIGURES, screenwriters Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi faced the formidable task of immediately…