film protagonist

How Do You Write a GREAT Sidekick Character?

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Samwise Sidekick Character
Writing a sidekick character can come with a lot of creative freedom. Where your protagonist or hero may have a rigid characterisation, a sidekick can complement them in many different ways. Are they a life-long friend, a reluctant ally, or even an animal? As the name suggests, their main role is to assist the protagonist (or perhaps antagonist). As such, a sidekick can be equally as crucial to story development as those that they accompany. Despite not being at the center

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What The Social Network Opening Scene Teaches Screenwriters

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The Social Network Opening Scene
The Social Network opening scene grips the audience into its world. It’s one of the most compelling examples of an opening scene in its use of quick dialogue, acute character set-up and rich conflict. Written by the characteristically sharp Aaron Sorkin, The Social Network, as a whole, is a masterful exploration of clashing egos. It’s ultimately a brilliant character study, taking a look at what drives someone with ruthless ambition. And it’s the opening scene that lays this thematic purpose

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What is Circular Storytelling? The KEY Lessons For Story Structure

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Gone Girl Circular Storytelling
Circular storytelling is a structural technique visible in many stories across film, TV, literature and other mediums. But what exactly does the structure entail? And could it be useful to your screenplay? We take a look… Table of ContentsWhat is Narrative Structure?What’s the Point of Circular Storytelling?Circular Storytelling in Other MediumsThe Hero’s JourneyCircular Storytelling in Dan Harmon’s Story CircleCircular Storytelling in SitcomsDetermining the Best Narrative Structure For Your ScreenplayIs Circular Storytelling Right for Your Story? What is Narrative Structure? Everyone

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How To Write an Active Protagonist (and Avoid a Passive Protagonist)

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Licorice Pizza Active Protagonists
Table of ContentsWhat is an Active Protagonist?Goals and DesiresMatchmaking: Antagonism and the Active ProtagonistEscalation and the Active Protagonist Actioning Dialogue and Avoiding PassivityStakes and Ticking ClocksExamples of Active ProtagonistsRon Woodroof in Dallas Buyers ClubJoe Goldberg in YouRay Ferrier in War of the WorldsAC 12 in Line of DutyProfessional Protagonists What is an Active Protagonist? An active protagonist is a main character who is not merely affected by the world around them, but affects that world too. Their actions, both internal

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How Do You Write a Cinematic Two Hander? The ESSENTIAL Steps

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The Lighthouse Two Hander
A movie that not only follows one protagonist but two always feels like one with an added layer of depth and substance. In the screenwriting world, this kind of movie, with dual protagonists, is often called a two hander. Many movies and genres follow the arc of dual protagonists. It’s a popular form because you get to see two distinct characters on a journey together. The audience watches their conflicts push the story forward and how they develop as characters

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Dual Protagonists: How to Handle TWO Lead Characters in Your Screenplay

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The Prestige - Dual Protagonists
Table of ContentsDual Protagonists: Breaking the MouldThe Function of a ProtagonistEmpathy for Your ProtagonistThe Dual ProtagonistsThe Three Plot LinesCompeting for a Shared GoalThe DepartedThe Inner + Outer JourneysThe Shawshank RedemptionA Unifying ThemeChallenging Their BeliefsThe PrestigeRobert Angier and Alfred BordenThe Structure of Dual Protagonists Tandem NarrativesFlashback Forms In Summary Dual Protagonists: Breaking the Mould There is no law in screenwriting that dictates you must only have one protagonist, or main character, in your screenplay. Granted, most writers choose to dedicate their

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Antagonist Examples: 15 of the BEST Formidable Foes from Film & TV

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Erik Killmonger, Antagonists Examples
In screenwriting terms, the antagonist of a story is arguably as important as the protagonist. In the very simplest terms, if your protagonist is the hero, then the antagonist is the villain… Table of ContentsWhat is an Antagonist?15 Fantastic Antagonist ExamplesAntagonist Example 1: Tracy Flick 2: Erik Killmonger3: Terence Fletcher4: John Fitzgerald + Nature5: King George VI’s Stammer6: Travis Bickle + Society7: The Joker8: Violence + Anton Chigurh 9: Reality TV + Christof10: Tyler Durden11: Infertility (Dystopia)12: The Shark13: Ava

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