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Story Structure Analysis: Moana (Movie)

Format: Movie

Released: 2016

Screenplay By: Jared Bush

Directed By: Ron Clements and John Musker

Run Time: 96 minutes

Character: Moana “You Will Board My Boat” of Motunui

 

Plot summary of the 2016 film Moana continues below…

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Story Structure Analysis: Moana

DRAMATIC PHASE ONE: THE SETUP

All of the main characters are introduced. The story world and its mechanics are established. Foundations are laid for the main throughline, subplots and central conflict.

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation and must assume a New Role .

Free-spirited young girl Moana dreams of sailing the seas (the imperfect situation) but is forbidden from it by her father the chief (oppressive opposition) as she struggles to come to terms with her role on the island (initial goal). But when the coconut trees begin dying and the fishermen can’t find fish (the disturbance), Moana’s grandmother tells her she’s the chosen one and gives her the heart of Te Fiti to return to its place (the dilemma), sending Moana on an oceanic adventure (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Moana, daughter of the chief, dreams of sailing away from her island, but her father and the traditions of her people forbid it.

Initial Goal: Moana wants to come to terms with her role on the island.

Oppressive Opposition: Moana’s dad intervenes with every attempt she makes to take a boat into the ocean.

Episode 0: Prologue – 0 minutes: Moana’s grandma tells baby Moana about Maui, Te Fiti, and Te Kā . This sparks Moana’s desire to explore the seas. She waddles down to the beach and helps a baby turtle reach the ocean. The Ocean responds by giving her a series of seashells, culminating in the heart of Te Fiti and marking her as special.

The reverse swirly.

Her father finds her and tells her it’s dangerous to go into the ocean.

Episode 1: Out of Order: 7 minutes (7.2%) – Moana’s dad and the villagers sing a song about the joys of living on the island as Moana grows up but she longs to explore the oceans. This goes on for years until her dad takes her to the stack of stones where all the village leaders place a stone and tells her she must place on there. Reluctantly accepts that she is the princess of the village and must lead her people.

Episode 2: Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: 12 minutes (12.5%) – Moana has decided to follow her dad’s instructions and goes about her daily princess duties, helping take care of the village. But when the coconut pickers reveal that all the coconuts they’ve harvested are ashes on the inside the village fishermen can no longer find any fish in the reef, Moana suggests they fish beyond the reef. Moana’s dad forbids it. Moana’s mother tells her about her dad’s boyhood trip beyond the reef and how his best friend died because of it. In spite of this, Moana tries to take a boat out on the ocean and she and her pig Pua nearly drown.

Episode 3: Turning Point One – The Dilemma: 21 minutes (21.8%) – Moana learns her tribe’s real history when her grandmother shows her the secret cave with all their old boats. The tribe had to stop exploring because Maui stole the heart of Te Fiti and released the darkness. Her grandma gives her the heart of Te Fiti and tells her the Ocean chose her. Moana runs off to convince her dad to restore it to save their island. Her dad is displeased, but when grandma falls ill, Moana sneaks off to restore the heart herself.

The New Role: Moana becomes a voyager and sailor.

Act Run Time: 32 minutes (33.3%)

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 32 minutes (33.3%)

Moana sets sail in the Pacific ocean with no training or experience (the unfamiliar situation), nearly loses her boat and sails into a storm (incidental opposition) as she tries to reach Maui and get him to return the heart (transitional goal). But when Maui turns out to be a self-serving narcissist who traps her in a cave and steals her boat (the reality check), Moana goes after him and must battle a horde of Kakamora before agreeing to help him get his hook back (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: With no prior experience, Moana sails the open seas in search of Maui.

Transitional Goal: Find Maui and convince him to return Te Fiti’s heart.

Incidental Opposition: Moana discovers Hei Hei has stowed away on her boat and must confine him to prevent him from stumbling into the ocean. Moana struggles with learning how to sail, falls asleep and capsizes her boat. When a storm closes in, the Ocean doesn’t seem to be of much help. When a band of Kakamora attack and steal the heart, Maui offers no help in getting in back.

“Coconuts.”

Episode 4: Rushed Initiation: 32 minutes (33.3%): Moana sails the open seas alone in search of Maui. When Moana discovers Hei Hei has stowed away on board she nearly loses her boat trying to rescue him from the sea. She falls asleep at the oar and loses her bearing. A storm hits and capsizes her boat.

Episode 5: Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: 35 minutes (36.4%) – Shipwrecked on an island, Moana finds Maui. He turns out to be not the hero of legend, but a self-absorbed jerk who traps her in a cave and steals her boat.

What can I say.

 

Episode 6: Turning Point Two – The Commitment: 41 minutes (42.7%) – Moana escapes the cave and goes after Maui with a little help from the ocean. But when Kakamora attack and capture Hei Hei who’s swallowed the heart, Moana fights through them to get them both back. Moana agrees to help Maui get his hook back if he will restore the heart of Te Fiti. The two of them shake on it.

Act Run Time: 19 minutes (19.7%)

DRAMATIC PHASE TWO: CONFRONTATION

The character is thrown in the middle of the Central Conflict and is placed at direct odds with the forces of antagonism. He undergoes a series of success and failures as he works toward resolving the main throughline.

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 51 minutes (53.1%)

Moana and Maui face monsters of Polynesian lure (the central conflict) who have no reservations about killing them (intentional opposition) as they try to get Maui’s hook back (false goal). But when Maui can no longer control his hook powers and Moana must use her smarts to save them both (the turn), Moana agrees to help Maui remaster his powers in exchange for learning how to sail (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Moana and Maui must battle the monsters of Polynesian lure to restore the Heart.

False Goal: Get Maui’s hook back.

Intentional Opposition: Tamatoa has Maui’s hook, and is willing to kill to keep it.

Episode 7: Making Progress: 51 minutes (53.1%) – Maui agrees to teach Moana how to wayfind. She has a dream of returning to her island only to see it crumble into ash. When she awakens, Maui tells her they’ve arrived at the entrance to the realm of monsters. He tries to leave Moana behind but she climbs up the mountain alongside him.

Episode 8: Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: – 57 minutes (59.3%): Moana jumps into the realm of monsters behind Maui and is promptly attacked by an assortment of monsters.

This thing has no business being in a kids’ movie.

Maui uses Moana as bait to distract Tamatoa while he gets his hook. Maui recovers the hook but discovers he can no longer use it properly. It is up to Moana to outsmart Tamatoa. She breaks out of the cage Tamatoa put her in and uses a clever ruse with bioluminescent algae to make a fake heart of Te Fiti.

Episode 9: Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: 65 minutes (67.7%): After escaping the realm of monsters, Maui apologizes to Moana for not believing in her. Disheartened about not being able to use his hook, Maui no longer wants to help restore the heart. Moana appeals to his basic decency by admitting she doesn’t know what she’s doing either but that she wants to help him. He tells her the story of how he became a demigod. Moana tells him the gods aren’t who make him Maui, he is. She volunteers to help him learn to remaster his powers.

Act Run Time: 19 minutes (19.7%)

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 70 minutes (%)

Moana and Maui approach Te Kā head on (the doomed plan) and willingly engage in battle with her (self-inflicted opposition) as they try to defeat her together (penultimate goal). But when Maui severely damages his hook saving Moana and gives up on returning the heart  (the lowpoint), her grandmother’s spirit comes to give her a pep talk and Moana resolves to try again (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Maui and Moana attempt to defeat Te Kā together and restore the heart.

Penultimate Goal: Remaster Maui’s power, defeat Te Kā together.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Moana doesn’t listen to Maui’s instructions when they face Te Kā and his hook is catastrophically damaged saving her.

Episode 10: False Sense of Heroism – 70 minutes (72.9%): Maui begins relearning how to use his hook while teaching Moana how to sail properly. Maui tells Moana he now understands why the Ocean sent her. When they arrive at the island of Te Fiti, Moana gives him the heart and he flies off to save the world. Unfortunately, Maui is no match for Te Kā and is forced to retreat. Moana tries to steer the boat through the barrier islands and is nearly killed by Te Kā, but Maui saves her, severely damaging his hook.

Like swatting flies.

Episode 11: Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: 75 minutes (78.1%): Maui chastises Moana for not listening to him. He refuses to re-engage with Te Kā for fear that his hook will be permanently destroyed. He flies off, leaving Moana alone.

Episode 12: Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: 78 minutes (81.2%): The ghost of Moana’s grandma shows up and apologizes for putting so much responsibility on her. She tells Moana she will still support her if she turns back. Moana resolves to try again without Maui.

Act Run Time: 13 minutes (13.5%)

DRAMATIC PHASE THREE: RESOLUTION

The character and the forces of antagonism engage in a final confrontation to resolve the Central Conflict. The main throughline and all additional subplots are resolved. The new status quo is established.

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 83 minutes (86.4%)

Lowly human Moana goes up against a goddess (the longshot) who is furiously defending Te Fiti’s island (ultimate opposition) as Moana attempts to return the heart of Te Fiti alone (ultimate goal). But when Moana’s boat is capsized and she is nearly killed before Maui returns (all is lost), he creates a distraction while Moana tries to return the heart first to Te Fiti and then to Te Kā (the final push).

The Longshot: Moana, a mere human, goes up against the goddess Te Kā.

Ultimate Goal: Return the heart to Te Fiti alone.

Ultimate Opposition: Moana battles the goddess Te Kā all by herself.

“Let’s do this.”

Episode 13: Here’s the Plan: 83 minutes (86.4%): Moana sails back toward the island and explains the plan to Hei Hei. None of which he understands because he is a chicken.

Episode 14: Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: 85 minutes (88.5%): Moana makes it past the barrier reef, but her boat is capsized by Te Ka. Maui returns and saves her from being pulverized. He engages Te Ka to buy Moana time to replace the heart.

Episode 15: Turning Point Five – The Final Push: 88 minutes (91.6%): Moana discovers Te Fiti is gone. This leads her to realize that Te Ka is Te Fiti. She holds up the heart to get Te Ka’s attention then boldly strides up to give it to her.

Act Run Time: 89 minutes (92.7%)

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 89 minutes (92.7%)

Moana saved the world and fulfilled the prophecy. Her parents and people are proud of her. (the new situation).

Give me one!

Episode 16: The New Situation: 89 minutes (92.7%): Moana is a hero. Te Fiti is returned to normal. The darkness leaves the world. Maui gets a new hook from Te Fiti. Moana’s island springs back to life as she returns home. Moana’s people return to being voyagers again.

Act Run Time: 7 minutes (7.2%)

To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

Story Structure Analysis: Get Out (Movie)

Format: Movie

Released: 2017

Screenplay By: Jordan Peele

Directed By: Jordan Peele

Run Time: 100 minutes

Character: Chris Washington

 

Plot summary of the 2017 film Get Out continues below…

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Looking to streamline your script writing? Want to learn how to write a book? Searching for an easy to understand plot diagram? Pick up your copy of “Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret” today, and take your storytelling to a whole new level!

Story Structure Analysis: Get Out (Movie)

DRAMATIC PHASE ONE: THE SETUP

All of the main characters are introduced. The story world and its mechanics are established. Foundations are laid for the main throughline, subplots and central conflict.

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Black photographer Chris Washington is concerned about prejudices (the imperfect situation) and racial biases he may encounter (oppressive opposition) when he goes to meet his white girlfriend’s family at their countryside estate (initial goal). But when Rose hits a deer and they meet a prejudice cop (the disturbance), Rose asks him if he’s having second thoughts when they arrive at the house (the dilemma) and he becomes a guest of the Armitages (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Chris is reluctant to meet Rose’s parents at their house, especially because Rose says she hasn’t told them he is black. Chris’ friend Rod is adamant that Chris shouldn’t have gone on the trip. When Rose hits a deer en route, the responding officer requests to see Chris’s ID despite the fact he wasn’t driving. This is shocking to Rose who seems to have no experience with this type of discrimination.

Initial Goal: Prepare for and go on a trip to Rose’s parents’ house.

Oppressive Opposition: Rod tells Chris he shouldn’t go to the house. The police officer asks to see Chris’ ID for no reason.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: 8 minutes (8%) – On the way to the Armitage place, Chris and Rose hit a dear. It reminds him of his mom’s death. Afterward the responding officer asks to see Chris’ ID despite the fact he wasn’t driving.

“I am the law.”

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: 13 minutes (13%) – Chris agreeing to go on the trip before the movie begins is the actual Dilemma, but this is reiterated when Chris and Rose arrive at the house and she asks him if he’s ready.

The New Role: Chris becomes a distrusting guest at the Armitage’s house.

Act Run Time: 14 minutes (14%)

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 14 minutes (14%)

Chris meets Rose’s parents and their black servants (the unfamiliar situation) who all come off a little strange (incidental opposition) as he gets to know Rose’s family (transitional goal). But after Rose’s brother Jeremy begins making disparaging comments with racial overtones over dinner (the reality check) Chris sees the servants behaving oddly that evening and is hypnotized by Rose’s mom (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Chris has never been to Rose parents’ house. They have black servants who act very abnormal. Rose’s brother is even weirder. There is a lot of seemingly innocuous, racially charged talk. He gets hypnotized for the first time.

Transitional Goal: Get to know Rose’s family.

Incidental Opposition: Despite the Armitage’s outward appearance and seeming benevolence, the strange things Chris witnesses make him begin to question their intentions.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: 22 minutes (22%) – Over dinner, Chris gets acquainted with Rose’s brother who’s a weird jerk who tries to wrestle with him.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: 28 minutes (28%) – Unable to sleep, Chris goes out for some air (with cigarette smoke in it). He is startled to see Walter running through the yard for no reason.

Forrest Gump would be proud.

When he returns to the house he is surprised by Rose’s mom and hypnotized by her when he stops to chat. He relives his mom’s death and is temporarily sent to the sunken place, inadvertently undergoing the first phase in the Coagula process.

Act Run Time: 22 minutes (22%)

DRAMATIC PHASE TWO: CONFRONTATION

The character is thrown in the middle of the Central Conflict and is placed at direct odds with the forces of antagonism. He undergoes a series of success and failures as he works toward resolving the main throughline.

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 36 minutes (36%)

Chris meets the wealthy members of the Coagula group (the central conflict) and is forced to interact with them without contact to the outside world (intentional opposition) as he tries to get to the bottom of all the racial strangeness going on (false goal). But when Georgina repeatedly unplugs his phone and one of the black guests at the party attacks him after Chris takes his picture (the turn), Chris attempts to get Rose to leave with him while the Coagula member bid on Chris’s body (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Chris meets the Coagula group who, unbeknownst to him, are bidding for his body.

“He’s the one who doesn’t look like a mental patient.”

False Goal:  Attend the party and figure out all the racial strangeness going on.

Intentional Opposition: Georgina unplugs Chris’ phone. The Armitages attempt to steer Chris into conversations with the Coagula members.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: 48 minutes (48%) – While the party’s in full swing, Chris returns to his room to find his phone unplugged again. All the other guest stop talking when he goes upstairs. Back at the party, Chris takes a picture of Logan. The flash frees the Andre inside of Logan who lunges at Chris and tells him to get out. After some time in Rose’s mom’s office, Logan is “himself” again. He apologizes to Chris and leaves the party.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: 57 minutes (57%) – Rose and Chris go for a walk while the others play “bingo”. Chris tells Rose he needs to go, while at the party there is a silent auction with a large photograph of Chris on display.

Bingo!

Chris tells Rose about the night his mom died. They profess their love for each other and she agrees to leave with him to go back to the city.

Act Run Time: 26 minutes (26%)

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 62 minutes (62%)

Chris attempts to leave (the doomed plan) and willingly reenters the house (self-inflicted opposition) to pack up and leave with Rose (penultimate goal). But when he is barred by the Armitages and Rose reveals she is in on it, he’s captured and bound (the lowpoint) and must come up with a plan while Rod goes to the police (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Chris attempts to leave the Armitage house. He is captured and tied to a chair by the Armitages and forced to undergo the next phase of the Coagula procedure.

Penultimate Goal: Leave the Armitage house with Rose.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Chris trusts that Rose is on his side and willingly reenters the house.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: 66 minutes (66%) – Chris attempts to leave with Rose, but is stopped by the entire Armitage clan.

Not creepy at all.

Rose reveals her treachery when she refuses to give him the car keys. When he tries to fight back against Rose’s brother, he is sent to the sunken place by Rose’s mom.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: 75 minutes (75%) – Rod goes to the police with his suspicions. They laugh at his story. Rod attempts to interrogate Rose over the phone but she outsmarts him. Chris awakens and has a teleconference with Jim Hudson who tells him he bought his body and Chris will spend the rest of his life in the sunken place. Chris listens to Jim Hudson explain the Coagula procedure. Afterwards, Chris realizes he can use the cotton from the chair to plug his ears.  When the teacup returns, Chris feigns sleep.

Act Run Time: 24 minutes (24%)

DRAMATIC PHASE THREE: RESOLUTION

The character and the forces of antagonism engage in a final confrontation to resolve the Central Conflict. The main throughline and all additional subplots are resolved. The new status quo is established.

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 86 minutes (86%)

Chris uses cotton to block Missy’s hypnosis and escape his bonds (the longshot) and must face off with the now murderous Armitages (ultimate opposition) to escape their house (ultimate goal). But after Jeremy gets the drop on him, and Chris can’t leave Georgina laying on the side of the road (all is lost) he is chased down by Walter and Rose and uses his camera flash to bring “Walter” to his side (the final push).

The Longshot: Chris uses cotton balls to block Missy’s hypnosis and then attempts to make it past the Armitages and out of the house.

Ultimate Goal: Escape the Armitage house.

Ultimate Opposition: After Chris escapes from the chair, Missy and Jeremy attempt to recapture or kill him. When he makes it out of the house he is attacked by Georgina, Walter, and a gun-toting Rose.

Run, rabbit. Run, rabbit…

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: 91 minutes (91%) – Jeremy gets the drop on Chris as he’s fleeing the house and attempts to put him in a chokehold to put him to sleep. Chris stabs him in the leg and then stomps him to death.

When he drives off in Jeremy’s Porsche, he hits Georgina on accident. Rose somehow hears this. Reminded of his mother, Chris saves Georgina against his better judgment. When she come to, she causes him to crash the car into a tree.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: 94 minutes (94%) – Chris awakens after the crash to find Georgina dead and Rose shooting at him. He is chased down and tackled by Walter who  threatens to crush his skull. Chris uses the flash from his phone to awaken the real person inside of Walter, who tricks Rose into giving him the gun then shoots her with it before blowing his own and Roman Armitage’s brains out.

Act Run Time: 12 minutes (12%)

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 98 minutes (98%)

Chris heads back to the city with Rod as Rose lays dying in front of the burning Armitage house (the new situation).

The New Situation: Chris climbs into Rod’s TSA car seeming to have learned a valuable lesson. The two friends drive off as Rose lays dying.

Act Run Time: 2 minutes (2%)

To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

 

Story Structure Analysis: Carlito’s Way (Movie)

Format: Movie

Released: 1993

Screenplay By: David Koepp

Directed By: Brian De Palma

Run Time: 129 minutes

Character: Carlito Brigante

 

Plot structure breakdown of the 1993 film Carlito’s Way continues below…

Revolutionize your writing with Actions and Goals!

Looking to streamline your script writing? Want to learn how to write a book? Searching for an easy to understand plot diagram? Pick up your copy of “Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret” today, and take your storytelling to a whole new level!

Carlito’s Way: Story Structure Analysis

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Reformed criminal Carlito Brigante is released from prison (the imperfect situation) and is expected to return to a life of crime by everyone he knows (oppressive opposition) even though he wants to find a means of going clean (initial goal). But when his cousin is killed in a drug deal gone wrong (the disturbance) Carlito takes the drug money and uses it to take Kleinfeld up on his offer (the dilemma) to become the manager of a nightclub (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Though Carlito is released early from his 30 year prison sentence, everyone harasses him about returning to a life of crime.

Initial Goal: Find a way of life without returning to crime.

Oppressive Opposition: No one thinks Carlito is reformed. Kleinfeld gives Carlito a hard time for wanting to go clean. Rolando thinks Carlito is still in the drug game. His little cousin asks him to come on a drug run with him, drawing him back into the life he’s trying to leave behind.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: 17 minutes (13.1%) – Carlito’s cousin asks him to come with him on a drug pick up to impress his clients. The pick up turns out to be a setup and Carlito’s cousin is killed.

“I hate to say I told you so, but…”

Carlito kills the would-be bandits and takes the $30,000. He doesn’t invite this sh*t, it just comes to him.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: 27 minutes (20.9%) – Carlito visits Kleinfeld’s office and tells him he will run the club until he saves up $75,000. Kleinfeld offers to put up the $25,000, but Carlito says he will only do it with his own money. Kleinfeld asks Carlito to find him a bodyguard and Carlito recommends Pachanga.

The New Role: A nightclub manager

Act Run Time: 29 of 129 minutes (22.4%)

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 29 of 129 minutes (22.4%)

Carlito becomes a nightclub manager for the first time in his life (the unfamiliar situation) and deals with the criminal activities his new profession attracts (incidental opposition) while trying to save up $75,000 to flee to the Bahamas (transitional goal). But when Kleinfeld is threatened by Tony Taglialucci and District Attorney Norwalk (the reality check), Carlito’s old friend Lalin shows up at the club wearing a wire and reveals that someone told Norwalk Carlito’s been dealing again (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Carlito begins working as a nightclub manager. It proves a bit more difficult than he thought.

Pacino doesn’t have the best track record with nightclubs.

Transitional Goal: Run a nightclub.

Incidental Opposition: Sasso doesn’t initially want to give up more than 25% of his end in the club. Pachanga proves himself incompetent. Carlito meets a young, seemingly disrespectful upstart criminal, Benny Blanco he takes a disliking to. Kleinfeld would appear to be being strong-armed by a mobster for something he didn’t do. Norwalk sends Lalin to Carlito’s bar after Kleinfeld misleads him into thinking Carlito is dealing again.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: 36 of 129 minutes (27.9%) – Carlito tracks Gale down and reunites with her. The two have coffee and she tells him to give her some time to come to terms with his sudden reappearance.

Kleinfeld meets with Mr. Tony Taglialucci who threatens to have him killed if he doesn’t help him escape. When Kleinfeld returns to his office he is visited by District Attorney Norwalk who warns him his problems are not just going to go away.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: 50 of 129 minutes (38.7%) – While counting his savings and planning to escape in a few months, Carlito gets a visit from his old friend Lalin who turns out to be wearing a wire for the police.

“So a Dane and an Italian walk into a movie about Hispanics, right…”

Carlito goes to Kleinfeld and tells him someone told Norwalk he was dealing again. “There’s nobody left”.

Act Run Time: 29 of 129 minutes (22.4%)

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 58 of 129 minutes (44.9%)

Carlito foolishly trusts Kleinfeld (the central conflict) and makes an enemy of Benny Blanco (intentional opposition) while trying to avoid getting caught up in the criminal activities around him (false goal). But after he he assaults Benny and decides against killing him (the turn), Kleinfeld asks him to help spring Tony Taglialucci from Rikers Island (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Carlito gets into a big beef with the upstart Benny Blanco. He also unwittingly agrees to help Kleinfeld rip off Tony Taglialucci, eventually earning the ire of the mob.

False Goal: Avoid getting caught up in the criminal activities around him.

Intentional Opposition: Benny Blanco finally confronts Carlito over his mistreatment. Kleinfeld double-crosses Carlito, manipulating his loyalty to elicit support.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: 63 of 129 minutes (48.8%) – Benny Blanco comes to the club in search of Stephy, but she’s “preoccupied” with Kleinfeld. Carlito insults Benny and Kleinfeld escalates things by pulling a gun. Carlito’s goons escort Benny to the back exit. When Benny threatens him, Carlito’s old instincts kick in and he knocks Benny down a flight of stairs.

“Judo chop!”

His goons want to kill Benny but Carlito tells them to let him go against his better judgement.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: 71 of 129 minutes (55%) – Carlito goes to Kleinfeld’s house party where he is asked to help spring Tony Taglialucci using Kleinfeld’s boat. Carlito reluctantly agrees, thinking Kleinfeld is in over his head.

Act Run Time: 19 of 129 minutes (14.7%)

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 77 of 129 minutes (59.6%)

Carlito goes along with Kleinfeld’s plan (the doomed plan) out of a misguided sense of loyalty (self-inflicted opposition) to help Kleinfeld break Tony T. out of prison (penultimate goal). But after Carlito and Gale fall out over his loyalty to Kleinfeld, and when Dave kills Frank and Tony Taglialucci (the lowpoint), Carlito learns Gale is pregnant with his child and comes up with a plan for the three of them to escape to the Bahamas (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Carlito agreeing to help Kleinfeld with his prison break puts him on the mob’s hitlist.

Penultimate Goal: Help Dave spring Tony Taglialucci.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Carlito goes along with Kleinfeld’s plan to spring Tony T, not knowing Kleinfeld intends to kill Tony and his son.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: 90 of 129 minutes (69.7%) – Carlito and Gale return to her apartment where she questions him about what Kleinfeld wants to do on a boat. She tells him that he hasn’t changed and wisely warns him that Kleinfeld and every instinct he learned in his neighborhood is going to get him  killed. He tells her that Kleinfeld is his friend and he has to do this one last thing because he owes him. It’s who and what he is. The two part ways.

Carlito and Dave meet Tony’s son Frank and set off on their late night trip to pick up Tony Taglialucci. Dave is a jerk to Frank. He ultimately kills Tony and Frank before Carlito can stop him.

“This is for my 3rd grade lunch money!”

Back at the house Carlito gets Dave to admit that he actually stole Tony T’s million dollars and to say that they’re even.

Sasso tells Carlito that Pachanga is disgruntled and spying on him for Benny Blanco.

Kleinfeld gets a call at his office that his Benz has been damaged. When he heads down to investigate he’s stabbed up by the Italians.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: 104 of 129 minutes (80.6%) – Carlito catches Gale on the way to the doctor. She tells him she’s pregnant and getting an abortion. The DA and the police surround them and tells Carlito Kleinfeld was stabbed earlier in the day and to come with them. Gale says she is going too.

Norwalk tells Carlito about Kleinfeld’s illicit activities and plays a tape revealing Dave is the one who told him Carlito was dealing again.

Afterward Gale and Carlito ride in a cab. He tells her he has a plan and a way to get out of it. He goes and gets train tickets to Miami and tells her they can escape to the Bahamas. He asks her to meet him at the train to Miami at 11:30.

Act Run Time: 32 of 129 minutes (24.8%)

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 109 minutes (84.4%)

Carlito tries to outsmart the mob (the longshot) who want to kill him for his role in Tony T’s death (ultimate opposition) before he can escape to the Bahamas with Gale (ultimate goal). But when Sasso steals Carlito’s money forcing him to re-confront the mob on his way out of the club (all is lost) Carlito leads them through the subway in a daring chase only to be shot by Benny Blanco as he boards the train (the final push).

The Longshot: Carlito attempts to outsmart the DA and the mob to sneak out of the country with Gale.

Ultimate Goal: Escape to the Bahamas with Gale.

Ultimate Opposition: The mob guys piece together that Carlito helped Kleinfeld kill Tony T and attempt to murder him, throwing a monkey wrench in his escape plan. Plus Benny Blanco wants revenge for being slighted.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: 120 of 129 minutes (93%) – Carlito sneaks away from the Italians to his office only to find his money has been stolen. He realizes it was Sasso and confronts him. Sasso tells him the money is behind the register. Tony has to go back through the club and is confronted by Tony’s remaining son Vincent.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: 124 of 129 minutes (96.1%) – Having realized Carlito escaped, Vincent and his crew head outside and give chase. Carlito leads them through the subway on a daring chase, only to be surprisingly shot by Benny Blanco while boarding the train.

Though they did kind of warn you up front.

Act Run Time: 18 of 129 minutes (13.9%)

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 127 of 129 minutes (98.4%)

The New Situation: Carlito is dying. Having failed to escape with Gale he gives her all the money he saved up and tells her to take their baby and escape.

Act Run Time: 2 of 129 minutes (1.5%)

To learn more about Six Act story structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

 

Story Structure Analysis: The Shape of Water (Movie)

Format: Movie

Released: 2017

Screenplay By: Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor

Directed By: Guillermo del Toro

Run Time: 118 minutes

Character: Elisa Esposito, Fishman McGills

 

Plot structure breakdown of the 2017 film The Shape of Water continues below…

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The Shape of Water: Story Structure Analysis

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Orphaned janitor Elisa Esposito (the imperfect situation) is a mute woman in the 60s (oppressive opposition) who lives an uneventful life as a janitor at a government research facility (initial goal). But when a new security leads arrives with a fishman from the Amazon (the disturbance) she and her friend Zelda are assigned as the cleanup crew for the fishman’s storage area (the dilemma) and she becomes friends with it (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Elisa Esposito is a mute, orphan who works as a janitor at a government research facility. She is shown to be single and a dreamer. She has a few friends but mainly just listens to their problems.

Initial Goal: Live an uneventful life. Work at the research facility. Repeat.

Oppressive Opposition: The film is set in the 60s, where civil rights and women’s rights were still contended. Strickland is an intentional caricature of the inherent superiority complex of the era.

“The world is my urinal and I refuse to wash my hands after I use it.”

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: 16 minutes (13.5%) – While cleaning the mens room, Elisa and Zelda meet Strickland, who is a loathsome chauvinistic douche. Shortly thereafter they’re assigned to clean up the fishman’s room when Strickland is attacked and injured by the creature. Elisa sees the fishman in his tank.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma:  23 minutes (19.4%) – Elisa goes to visit fishman. She gives him an egg. Later, Strickland calls Elisa and Zelda to his office. He assigns them to be the permanent clean up crew for the fishman room. Fishman ponders the eggshell and demonstrates understanding of sign language.

The New Role: Elisa becomes friends with a fishperson.

“It’s Aquatic American actually.”

Act Run Time: 30 minutes (25.4%)

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 30 minutes (25.4%)

Elisa begins hanging out with fishman (the unfamiliar situation), sneaking around security and Strickland (incidental opposition) as she gets to know it and makes friends with it (transitional goal). But when learns fishman is to be killed and dissected (the reality check) she resolves to break him out of the complex and goes to Giles for help (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Elisa begins hanging out with a weird, alien-like, swamp creature.

“Nom nom nom.”

Transitional Goal: Get to know fishman.

Incidental Opposition: Elisa isn’t supposed to be hanging out with fishman and must sneak around the security to visit him. Although Strickland doesn’t know of Elisa’s budding friendship with fishman, the empathetic Elisa witnesses Strickland torturing him.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: 35 minutes (29.6%) – We learn Dr. Hoffstetler is actually a Russian spy named Dimitri when he meets with his handler.

We are shown the laundry carts and loading dock Elisa will use to free fishman and learn about the camera’s blind spot.

“Newport pleasure.”

Elisa visits fishman to find him chained up. Strickland comes in with the General and tortures fishman. Dr. Hoffstetler sees Elisa hiding but doesn’t say anything. Elisa learns fishman is to be vivisected.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: 45 minutes: Elisa is all about breaking fishman out. She attempts to convince Giles to help her. He refuses despite her emotional pleas to his humanity.

Act Run Time: 18 minutes (15.2%)

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 48 minutes (40.6%)

Elisa bumps heads with Strickland (the central conflict) who wants to vivisect fishman (intentional opposition) while she wants to set fishman free (false goal). But when Strickland professes sexual attraction to Elisa (the turn) she implements her escape plan with the aid of her friends the day before fishman is to be terminated (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Elisa and fishman vs. Strickland.

False Goal: Break fishman out of the complex.

Intentional Opposition: Giles is initially against the rescue of fishman but ultimately has a change of heart. Strickland begins implementing his plans to vivisect fishman. Dr. Hoffstetler/Dimitri receives orders to kill fishman to prevent the Americans from dissecting him. Elisa’s escape plan places her at odds with Strickland.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: 57 minutes (48.3%) – Strickland intentionally spills a beverage and sends for Elisa to come clean it up. When she arrives he tells her in a rather unpleasant manner that he has the hots for her. She is obviously dismayed.

Michael Shannon has that effect on people.

Her situation has gotten a lot more complicated.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: 58 minutes (49.1%) – Elisa implements her escape plan. Hoffstetler asks Strickland to delay the procedure, but he refuses. The doctor sees the camera on the loading dock move and goes to aid Elisa. Zelda too realizes what Elisa is up to. She initially tries to stop her but ultimately decides to help. Together with Giles, they narrowly pull off the escape.

Act Run Time: 22 minutes (18.6%)

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 67 minutes (56.7%)

Elisa tries to keep fishman alive and hidden (the doomed plan) under the heightened security of the facility and fishman’s declining health (self-inflicted opposition) as she waits for high tide to free him (penultimate goal). But when Elisa and fishman get it on and she doesn’t want to let him go (the lowpoint), Fishman becomes fatally ill and Strickland vows to find him (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Elisa plans to release fishman when the tide comes in, but begins questioning if she can when she start to fall in love with him.

In her defense, that’s one tasty looking fish.

Penultimate Goal: Keep fishman alive until the tide comes in.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Breaking fishman out was Elisa’s idea. When the facility goes on lockdown and Strickland becomes suspicious of the two cleaners it is all brought about by her actions. In addition to rebuffing his advances, Elisa infuriates Strickland by refusing to help his investigation.

And giving him the fingers.

Elisa realizes she is falling for the fishman and tries to resist the urge to jump his fishbones. She relents and goes to him, and the two get it on. Now the question becomes will her love of fishman hinder her ability to release him into the wild?

When Zelda sees Elisa grinning like an idiot at work she realizes she sexed up the fishman.

ASL for fish stick.

Fishman becomes fatally ill from not being able to fully submerge in salt water.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: 94 minutes (79.6%) – Strickland gets a visit from General Hoyt. Hoyt tells him that decency is meaningless and that in 36 hours his career and his life will be over. If he doesn’t find the fishman he’s done. Strickland vows to find him.

The day of high tide comes. When Elisa checks the back of the calendar for the previous day it says “Life is but the shipwreck of our plans.” She is sad because she must send her love away. She has a internal musical number professing her love for fishman.

He’s surprisingly nimble for having two left fins.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: 101 minutes (85.5%): At work Zelda finds Elisa crying. When they go to Elisa’s apartment we discover fishman is dying. Zelda calls Hoffstetler but he’s just left for his extraction. Strickland and his sidekick are on a stakeout and watch him leave.

Act Run Time: 36 minutes (30.5%)

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 103 minutes (87.2%)

Elisa and her friends narrowly elude Strickland (the longshot) who is now willing to kill anyone who stands in his way (ultimate opposition) to prevent fishman from being released to the wild (ultimate goal). But when Strickland catches up to them and shoots and kills Elisa and fishman (all is lost) fishman rises from the dead heals himself and kills Strickland (the final push).

The Longshot: Elisa and company attempt to release fishman at the docks before he dies or Strickland catches up to them.

Ultimate Goal: Release fishman into the wild.

Ultimate Opposition: Strickland learns that Elisa and Zelda were the ones who sprung fishman. With his career on the line, he now comes after them in full force. Elisa must send fishman away despite their love for one another. 

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: 112 minutes (94.9%) – Giles says his goodbyes to fishman. Elisa struggles to say goodbye to fishman. He didn’t realize she wasn’t coming with him and signs “You and me together” .

ASL for bumping uglies.

Strickland arrives, punches Giles out and shoots both fishman and Elisa. She looks at fishman who appears to be dead.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: 114 minutes (96.6%) – As Strickland gloats, Giles arises and hits him with a bit of wood. Fishman stands and heals himself. Strickland proclaims that fishman is a god after all, before fishman slices his throat. Fishman takes Elisa and jumps into the canal as Zelda, who has arrived with the police, and Giles look on.

Act Run Time: 18 minutes (15.2%)

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 116 minutes (98.3%)

Fishman heals Elisa and gives her gills. The two presumably live happily ever after (the new situation).

The New Situation: Fishman swims around Elisa’s floating corpse. He kisses her and her childhood neck wounds turn into gills. They embrace as Giles says a pretty poem.

Act Run Time: 2 minutes (1.6%)

To learn more about Six Act story structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

Movie Structure Breakdown: The Shape of Water

Format: Movie

Released: 2017

Written By: Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor

Directed By: Guillermo del Toro

Run Time: 118 minutes

Character: Elisa Esposito, Fishman McGills

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Orphaned janitor Elisa Esposito (the imperfect situation) is a mute woman in the 60s (oppressive opposition) who lives an uneventful life as a janitor at a government research facility (initial goal). But when a new security leads arrives with a fishman from the Amazon (the disturbance) she and her friend Zelda are assigned as the cleanup crew for the fishman’s storage area (the dilemma) and she becomes friends with it (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Elisa Esposito is a mute, orphan who works as a janitor at a government research facility. She is shown to be single and a dreamer. She has a few friends but mainly just listens to their problems.

Initial Goal: Live an uneventful life. Work at the research facility. Repeat.

Oppressive Opposition: The film is set in the 60s, where civil rights and women’s rights were still contended. Strickland is an intentional caricature of the inherent superiority complex of the era.

“The world is my urinal and I refuse to wash my hands after I use it.”

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: 16 minutes (13.5%) – While cleaning the mens room, Elisa and Zelda meet Strickland, who is a loathsome chauvinistic douche. Shortly thereafter they’re assigned to clean up the fishman’s room when Strickland is attacked and injured by the creature. Elisa sees the fishman in his tank.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma:  23 minutes (19.4%) – Elisa goes to visit fishman. She gives him an egg. Later, Strickland calls Elisa and Zelda to his office. He assigns them to be the permanent clean up crew for the fishman room. Fishman ponders the eggshell and demonstrates understanding of sign language.

The New Role: Elisa becomes friends with a fishperson.

“It’s Aquatic American actually.”

Act Run Time: 30 minutes (25.4%)

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 30 minutes (25.4%)

Elisa begins hanging out with fishman (the unfamiliar situation), sneaking around security and Strickland (incidental opposition) as she gets to know it and makes friends with it (transitional goal). But when learns fishman is to be killed and dissected (the reality check) she resolves to break him out of the complex and goes to Giles for help (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Elisa begins hanging out with a weird, alien-like, swamp creature.

“Nom nom nom.”

Transitional Goal: Get to know fishman.

Incidental Opposition: Elisa isn’t supposed to be hanging out with fishman and must sneak around the security to visit him. Although Strickland doesn’t know of Elisa’s budding friendship with fishman, the empathetic Elisa witnesses Strickland torturing him.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: 35 minutes (29.6%) – We learn Dr. Hoffstetler is actually a Russian spy named Dimitri when he meets with his handler.

We are shown the laundry carts and loading dock Elisa will use to free the fishman and learn about the camera’s blind spot.

“Newport pleasure.”

Elisa visits fishman to find him chained up. Strickland comes in with the General and tortures fishman. Dr. Hoffstetler sees Elisa hiding but doesn’t say anything. Elisa learns fishman is to be vivisected.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: 45 minutes: Elisa is all about breaking fishman out. She attempts to convince Giles to help her. He refuses despite her emotional pleas to his humanity.

Act Run Time: 18 minutes (15.2%)

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 48 minutes (40.6%)

Elisa bumps heads with Strickland (the central conflict) who wants to vivisect fishman (intentional opposition) while she wants to set fishman free (false goal). But when Strickland professes sexual attraction to Elisa (the turn) she implements her escape plan with the aid of her friends the day before fishman is to be terminated (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Elisa and fishman vs. Strickland.

False Goal: Break fishman out of the complex.

Intentional Opposition: Giles is initially against the rescue of fishman but ultimately has a change of heart. Strickland begins implementing his plans to vivisect fishman. Dr. Hoffstetler/Dimitri receives orders to kill fishman to prevent the Americans from dissecting him. Elisa’s escape plan places her at odds with Strickland.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: 57 minutes (48.3%) – Strickland intentionally spills a beverage and sends for Elisa to come clean it up. When she arrives he tells her in a rather unpleasant manner that he has the hots for her. She is obviously dismayed.

Michael Shannon has that effect on people.

Her situation has gotten a lot more complicated.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: 58 minutes (49.1%) – Elisa implements her escape plan. Hoffstetler asks Strickland to delay the procedure, but he refuses. The doctor sees the camera on the loading dock move and goes to aid Elisa. Zelda too realizes what Elisa is up to. She initially tries to stop her but ultimately decides to help. Together with Giles, they narrowly pull off the escape.

Act Run Time: 22 minutes (18.6%)

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 67 minutes (56.7%)

Elisa tries to keep fishman alive and hidden (the doomed plan) under the heightened security of the facility and fishman’s declining health (self-inflicted opposition) as she waits for high tide to free him (penultimate goal). But when Elisa and fishman get it on and she doesn’t want to let him go (the lowpoint), Fishman becomes fatally ill and Strickland vows to find him (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Elisa plans to release fishman when the tide comes in, but begins questioning if she can when she start to fall in love with him.

In her defense, that’s one tasty looking fish.

Penultimate Goal: Keep fishman alive until the tide comes in.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Breaking fishman out was Elisa’s idea. When the facility goes on lockdown and Strickland becomes suspicious of the two cleaners it is all brought about by her actions. In addition to rebuffing his advances, Elisa infuriates Strickland by refusing to help his investigation.

And giving him the fingers.

Elisa realizes she is falling for the fishman and tries to resist the urge to jump his fishbones. She relents and goes to him, and the two get it on. Now the question becomes will her love of fishman hinder her ability to release him into the wild?

When Zelda sees Elisa grinning like an idiot at work she realizes she sexed up the fishman.

ASL for fish stick.

Fishman becomes fatally ill from not being able to fully submerge in salt water.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: 94 minutes (79.6%) – Strickland gets a visit from General Hoyt. Hoyt tells him that decency is meaningless and that in 36 hours his career and his life will be over. If he doesn’t find the fishman he’s done. Strickland vows to find him.

The day of high tide comes. When Elisa checks the back of the calendar for the previous day it says “Life is but the shipwreck of our plans.” She is sad because she must send her love away. She has a internal musical number professing her love for fishman.

He’s surprisingly nimble for having two left fins.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: 101 minutes (85.5%): At work Zelda finds Elisa crying. When they go to Elisa’s apartment we discover fishman is dying. Zelda calls Hoffstetler but he’s just left for his extraction. Strickland and his sidekick are on a stakeout and watch him leave.

Act Run Time: 36 minutes (30.5%)

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 103 minutes (87.2%)

Elisa and her friends narrowly elude Strickland (the longshot) who is now willing to kill anyone who stands in his way (ultimate opposition) to prevent fishman from being released to the wild (ultimate goal). But when Strickland catches up to them and shoots and kills Elisa and fishman (all is lost) fishman rises from the dead heals himself and kills Strickland (the final push).

The Longshot: Elisa and company attempt to release fishman at the docks before he dies or Strickland catches up to them.

Ultimate Goal: Release fishman into the wild.

Ultimate Opposition: Strickland learns that Elisa and Zelda were the ones who sprung fishman. With his career on the line, he now comes after them in full force. Elisa must send fishman away despite their love for one another. 

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: 112 minutes (94.9%) – Giles says his goodbyes to fishman. Elisa struggles to say goodbye to fishman. He didn’t realize she wasn’t coming with him and signs “You and me together” .

ASL for bumping uglies.

Strickland arrives, punches Giles out and shoots both fishman and Elisa. She looks at fishman who appears to be dead.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: 114 minutes (96.6%) – As Strickland gloats, Giles arises and hits him with a bit of wood. Fishman stands and heals himself. Strickland proclaims that fishman is a god after all, before fishman slices his throat. Fishman takes Elisa and jumps into the canal as Zelda, who has arrived with the police, and Giles look on.

Act Run Time: 18 minutes (15.2%)

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 116 minutes (%)

Fishman heals Elisa and gives her gills. The two presumably live happily ever after (the new situation).

The New Situation: Fishman swims around Elisa’s floating corpse. He kisses her and her childhood neck wounds turn into gills. They embrace as Giles says a pretty poem.

Act Run Time: 2 minutes (1.6%)

 

 

To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

 

 

 

Story Structure Analysis: Arrival (Movie)

Format: Movie

Released: 2016

Screenplay By: Eric Heisserer

Directed By: Denis Villeneuve

Run Time: 110 minutes

Character: Dr. Louise Banks

 

Plot structure breakdown of the 2016 film Arrival continues below…

Revolutionize your writing with Actions and Goals!

Looking to streamline your script writing? Want to learn how to write a book? Searching for an easy to understand plot diagram? Pick up your copy of “Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret” today, and take your storytelling to a whole new level!

Arrival: Story Structure Analysis

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Emotionally isolated linguist Dr. Louise Baker (the imperfect situation) is seemingly withdrawn after the death of her daughter (oppressive opposition) as she teaches linguistics at a university (initial goal). But when 12 alien spacecrafts land around the world (the disturbance) Louise is approached by the military to help communicate with them (the dilemma) and agrees to go to the landing site to lead the translation team (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Dr. Louise Baker would appear to be a widowed linguists whose daughter died in her teens. In actuality she’s just emotionally isolated.

Initial Goal: Teach linguistics at university (misdirection: Come to terms with the death of her daughter)

“Grab here and shake.”

Oppressive Opposition: The cruel hand of fate takes her daughter from her. When the aliens arrive the Government appears to be keeping everyone in the dark. When Colonel Weber first approaches Louise he is dismissive of her when she is unable to translate the alien recording.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance:  4 minutes (3.6%) – Dr. Louise Banks goes to work teaching linguistics and discovers her classroom is nearly empty. When everyone begins receiving text messages she turns on the TV and learns several alien crafts have landed around the world. School is cancelled and Louise see fighter jets and car crashes on her way home.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: 10 minutes (9%) – After returning to work at an empty university, she is approached by Colonel Weber who asks her to translate the alien transmissions. She listens, but says she is unable to provide insight off the audio alone. She says she would need to see the aliens and interact with them. Weber tells her if she can’t translate it he’ll go to the next person on the list. She gives him some parting advice.

While sleeping to a muted news channel, Louise is awoken by Weber’s helicopter landing on her lawn. He tells her she got the job. She packs and boards the helicopter.

The New Role: Louise becomes a communicator with an alien species.

Act Run Time: 15 minutes (13.6%)

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 15 minutes (13.6%)

Louise travels to Montana to meet the aliens (the unfamiliar situation) and bumps head with other members of the task force and their conflicted methodologies (incidental opposition) as she tries to figure out how to communicate with the aliens (transitional goal). But when she finally sees the aliens face to face and can’t translate their spoken language (the reality check) she tries using written words and elicits a response from the aliens (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Louise travels to Montana as a member of a government team tasked with communicating with aliens.

Transitional Goal:  Figure out how to communicate with the aliens.

Incidental Opposition: Louise and Ian don’t initially see eye to eye. She meets CIA Agent Halpner who has his own ideas for how the operation should go. Weber wants results immediately but doesn’t want to Let Louise do it her way. She is unable to make sense of the aliens’ spoken language.

Like listening to dubstep.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: 23 Minutes (20.9%) – Louise exits the tent city in her suit, prepared to go into the alien craft for the first time. There’s artificial gravity in unnatural directions. Very disconcerting. There is no real communication with the aliens. They just look at one another. I’m sure we look as weird to them as they do to us.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 34 Minutes (30.9%) – Louise and Ian return in shock. Weber tells Louise she did better than the last guy and the next session is in 18 hours. Louise can’t gather anything from listening to the audio of the aliens. Captain Marks and others watch news coverage as elsewhere in the world, people begin rioting and looting as fanaticism takes hold. Halpern checks in with his Australian counterpart who says the Aussies also have nothing.

Preparing to suit up for the second expedition, Louise has the obvious genius idea to use a visual aid to communicate with the aliens with written words.

The greatest minds on Earth and nobody else thought to do this.

Although skeptical, Weber signs off on her idea. When she shows the aliens the written word for human, the aliens respond with their own writing.

Afterward, Weber criticizes her approach for potentially taking too long. She convinces him otherwise with a lie about kangaroos. He warns her that the aliens have the potential to wipe out humanity, but agrees to continue with her approach.

Act Run Time: 26 minutes (23.6%)

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 41 Minutes (37.2%)

Louise goes to work translating the heptapods’ language (the central conflict) while the Chinese threaten to attack the aliens (intentional opposition) before she can determine the nature of the aliens’ intelligence (false goal). But when she begins having strange visions as a result of communicating with the heptapods (the turn) the task force leaders all agree her methods are getting results and decide to continue using them (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Louise vs. translating the alien writing and General Shang’s itchy trigger finger.

False Goal: Determine if the aliens are capable of understanding conscious thought and questions.

“Give me seven.”

Intentional Opposition: Chinese General Shang begins amassing forces at the Shanghai landing site and Halpner warns that whatever Shang does, at least four other nations will follow. By communicating with the aliens Louise begins to become unstuck from time. Captain Marks becomes disgruntled with the military’s handling of the situation.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: 49 minutes (44.5%) – After her first true communication with the aliens, Louise begins having what appear to be flashbacks of her daughter. It appears as though she is suffering from depression from her daughter’s death, but they are actually emotional visions of her own future.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 50 minutes (45.4%) – She is scolded for removing her suit but the doctor checks her out as unharmed. The doctor discusses this with Weber and Halpern who says it’s the first time they’ve made significant progress. They decide it is all worth the risk and will allow Louise attempt her method for the time being.

We see Captain Marks has become disgruntled when his wife reveals over the phone how terrified she is.

As she’s studying heptapod, Louise has another vision of her daughter playing near a stream. She pushes it aside and gets to work translating heptapod symbols.

Act Run Time: 11 minutes (10%)

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 52 minutes (47.2%)

Louise begins teaching the aliens English (the doomed plan) at a slow pace that arouses public backlash (self-inflicted opposition) as she tries to learn their purpose on Earth (penultimate goal). But when several mutineers in the soldiers’ ranks bomb the alien craft (the lowpoint) Louise realizes her visions are premonitions that allow her to communicate with the heptapods (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Louise’s slow, methodical means of learning how to communicate with the aliens causes the proletariat to accuse the government of doing nothing, as well as a small rebellion among the soldier. Miscommunications cause the Chinese to interpret the aliens’ message as a threat and to prepare to attack them.

Penultimate Goal: Teach the aliens enough written English to discern their purpose on Earth.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: The slow pace of communicating with the aliens is set by Louise against the protests of others.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: 67 minutes (60.9%) – Back at the base, the team argues the meaning of the heptapods’ message of “Offer Weapon”. The secretary of defense calls Colonel Weber. Halpern tries to rationalize the alien text with human history.

Alarms begin to blare in the base. It’s revealed that China and Russia have gone off the grid. Orders come down for the Americans to do the same.

Louise and Ian head back to re-enter their session while the window is still open. Captain Marks and the other disgruntled soldiers break contact with base and plant a bomb in the heptapod ship. When Louise and Ian arrive, the soldiers try to stop them from entering the ship, but ultimately allow them through. When Weber sends security to investigate the radio silence, the mutineers reveal they have a stash of rifles. Louise uses the heptapod powers to write like they do. Just when they’re about to begin communicating in earnest, the bomb goes off, and Louise  and Ian are ejected by the heptapods.

Louise awakens in the medical tent with a concussion while everyone else tries to decipher the last message. Louise tells them they have to go back inside. Weber objects. The aliens take their craft to an unreachable altitude, cutting off the humans’ access to them.

Unfriended.

Halpern learns that China is going to take military action against the aliens shortly before the news announces China and several other countries are mobilizing their forces.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 80 minutes (72.7%) – Louise and Ian study the last message. Ian cracks the last message while Louise sleeps. It says the Montana heptapods are one of 12. When they take this info to Halpern, he tells them the Russians translated it to something different. Ian says non-zero sum game, which connects to a flashback conversation Louise had with her daughter. As a result, Louise has a vision of what she’s supposed to do. She leaves the meeting and goes back outside.

The aliens send a shuttle down to pick Louise up. When she boards it she is taken to Costello who reveals that Abbott is dying from the explosion. He tells her that she already has the weapon and to use it. He says the heptapods are there to help humanity because in 3,000 years they will need humanity’s help. He tells Louise the ability to see the future is the weapon. We realize that her visions of her daughter aren’t flashbacks but visions of a future daughter she will have.

Act Run Time: 40 minutes (36.3%)

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 92 minutes (83.6%)

Louise uses her new time travel powers (the longshot) against the protest and orders of the military and CIA (ultimate opposition) as she tries to stop the Chinese from attacking the aliens (ultimate goal). But when Colonel Weber tells her nothing can be done (all is lost) she has a vision of the future that prompts her to steal a CIA sat phone to call General Shang and change his mind (the final push).

The Longshot: Louise tries to use her newfound understanding of the heptapods’ time travel abilities to stop General Shang from attacking them.

“After that I build new new internet.”

Ultimate Goal: Stop China and its allies from attacking the alien crafts using the aliens’ language.

Ultimate Opposition: Louise goes against her own government and her allies in a race against the ticking clock of the Chinese led assault.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: 97 minutes (%) – As the base is being evacuated, Louise tries to explain to Weber that learning the heptapod language allows you to see time in the nonlinear fashion they do, and that that is the weapon they are offering. Weber tells her they did their best but it wasn’t enough before leaving her and Ian to board the helicopter.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: 99 minutes (90%) – Louise flashes to a fancy dress party in the future where she meets General Shang. He tells her he came to the party to meet her specifically. He reveals that it was she who changed his mind and stopped him from starting the war by calling him on his private number and telling him his wife’s dying words. When she tells him she doesn’t know his private number he shows it to her, saying she will need it.

In the present Louise now knows Shang’s number and runs to find a phone to call him. She steals Halpern’s sat phone, prompting him to order a base wide search for the person making the call. As the soldiers close in on Louise, she tells Shang his wife’s dying words. Halpern and his men are ready to open fire on her, but Ian buys her some time to complete the call.

Act Run Time: 11 minutes (10%)

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 103 minutes (93.6%)

Louis can now understand heptapod and has come to terms with her daughter life and death as well as her complex relationship with Ian (the new situation).

The New Situation: News stations cut to breaking news that China is standing down and they will share all intelligence with all their allies. Having succeeded in their cause the heptapod ships vanish as quickly as they appeared.

Louise tells her future daughter that her story began when the aliens departed. It is revealed that Ian is Hannah’s father. The two hold each other in the future and the present.

Mom and Dad Save the World.

Act Run Time: 7 minutes (6.3%)

To learn more about Six Act story structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

Movie Structure Breakdown: Arrival

Format: Movie

Released: 2016

Written By: Eric Heisserer

Directed By: Denis Villeneuve

Run Time: 110 minutes:

Character: Dr. Louise Banks

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Emotionally isolated linguist Dr. Louise Baker (the imperfect situation) is seemingly withdrawn after the death of her daughter (oppressive opposition) as she teaches linguistics at a university (initial goal). But when 12 alien spacecrafts land around the world (the disturbance) Louise is approached by the military to help communicate with them (the dilemma) and agrees to go to the landing site to lead the translation team (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Dr. Louise Baker would appear to be a widowed linguists whose daughter died in her teens. In actuality she’s just emotionally isolated.

Initial Goal: Teach linguistics at university (misdirection: Come to terms with the death of her daughter)

“Grab here and shake.”

Oppressive Opposition: The cruel hand of fate takes her daughter from her. When the aliens arrive the Government appears to be keeping everyone in the dark. When Colonel Weber first approaches Louise he is dismissive of her when she is unable to translate the alien recording.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance:  4 minutes (3.6%) – Dr. Louise Banks goes to work teaching linguistics and discovers her classroom is nearly empty. When everyone begins receiving text messages she turns on the TV and learns several alien crafts have landed around the world. School is cancelled and Louise see fighter jets and car crashes on her way home.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: 10 minutes (9%) – After returning to work at an empty university, she is approached by Colonel Weber who asks her to translate the alien transmissions. She listens, but says she is unable to provide insight off the audio alone. She says she would need to see the aliens and interact with them. Weber tells her if she can’t translate it he’ll go to the next person on the list. She gives him some parting advice.

While sleeping to a muted news channel, Louise is awoken by Weber’s helicopter landing on her lawn. He tells her she got the job. She packs and boards the helicopter.

The New Role: Louise becomes a communicator with an alien species.

Act Run Time: 15 minutes (13.6%)

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 15 minutes (13.6%)

Louise travels to Montana to meeting the aliens (the unfamiliar situation) and bumps head with other members of the task force and their conflicted methodologies (incidental opposition) as she tries to figure out how to communicate with the aliens (transitional goal). But when she finally sees the aliens face to face and can’t translate their spoken language (the reality check) she tries using written words and elicits a response from the aliens (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Louise travels to Montana as a member of a government team tasked with communicating with aliens.

Transitional Goal:  Figure out how to communicate with the aliens.

Incidental Opposition: Louise and Ian don’t initially see eye to eye. She meets CIA Agent Halpner who has his own ideas for how the operation should go. Weber wants results immediately but doesn’t want to Let Louise do it her way. She is unable to make sense of the aliens’ spoken language.

Like listening to dubstep.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: 23 Minutes (20.9%) – Louise exits the tent city in her suit, prepared to go into the alien craft for the first time. There’s artificial gravity in unnatural directions. Very disconcerting. There is no real communication with the aliens. They just look at one another. I’m sure we look as weird to them as they do to us.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 34 Minutes (30.9%) – Louise and Ian return in shock. Weber tells Louise she did better than the last guy and the next session is in 18 hours. Louise can’t gather anything from listening to the audio of the aliens. Captain Marks and others watch news coverage as elsewhere in the world, people begin rioting and looting as fanaticism takes hold. Halpern checks in with his Australian counterpart who says the Aussies also have nothing.

Preparing to suit up for the second expedition, Louise has the obvious genius idea to use a visual aid to communicate with the aliens with written words.

The greatest minds on Earth and nobody else thought to do this.

Although skeptical, Weber signs off on her idea. When she shows the aliens the written word for human, the aliens respond with their own writing.

Afterward, Weber criticizes her approach for potentially taking too long. She convinces him otherwise with a lie about kangaroos. He warns her that the aliens have the potential to wipe out humanity, but agrees to continue with her approach.

Act Run Time: 26 minutes (23.6%)

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 41 Minutes (37.2%)

Louise goes to work translating the heptapods’ language (the central conflict) while the Chinese threaten to attack the aliens (intentional opposition) before she can determine the nature of the aliens’ intelligence (false goal). But when she begins having strange visions as a result of communicating with the heptapods (the turn) the task force leaders all agree her methods are getting results and decide to continue using them (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Louise vs. translating the alien writing and General Shang’s itchy trigger finger.

False Goal: Determine if the aliens are capable of understanding conscious thought and questions.

“Give me seven.”

Intentional Opposition: Chinese General Shang begins amassing forces at the Shanghai landing site and Halpner warns that whatever Shang does, at least four other nations will follow. By communicating with the aliens Louise begins to become unstuck from time. Captain Marks becomes disgruntled with the military’s handling of the situation.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: 49 minutes (44.5%) – After her first true communication with the aliens, Louise begins having what appear to be flashbacks of her daughter. It appears as though she is suffering from depression from her daughter’s death, but they are actually emotional visions of her own future.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 50 minutes (45.4%) – She is scolded for removing her suit but the doctor checks her out as unharmed. The doctor discusses this with Weber and Halpern who says it’s the first time they’ve made significant progress. They decide it is all worth the risk and will allow Louise attempt her method for the time being.

We see Captain Marks has become disgruntled when his wife reveals over the phone how terrified she is.

As she’s studying heptapod, Louise has another vision of her daughter playing near a stream. She pushes it aside and gets to work translating heptapod symbols.

Act Run Time: 11 minutes (10%)

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 52 minutes (47.2%)

Louise begins teaching the aliens English (the doomed plan) at a slow pace that arouses public backlash (self-inflicted opposition) as she tries to learn their purpose on Earth (penultimate goal). But when several mutineers in the soldiers’ ranks bomb the alien craft (the lowpoint) Louise realizes her visions are premonitions that allow her to communicate with the heptapods (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Louise’s slow, methodical means of learning how to communicate with the aliens causes the proletariat to accuse the government of doing nothing, as well as a small rebellion among the soldier. Miscommunications cause the Chinese to interpret the aliens’ message as a threat and to prepare to attack them.

Penultimate Goal: Teach the aliens enough written English to discern their purpose on Earth.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: The slow pace of communicating with the aliens is set by Louise against the protests of others.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: 67 minutes (60.9%) – Back at the base, the team argues the meaning of the heptapods’ message of “Offer Weapon”. The secretary of defense calls Colonel Weber. Halpern tries to rationalize the alien text with human history.

Alarms begin to blare in the base. It’s revealed that China and Russia have gone off the grid. Orders come down for the Americans to do the same.

Louise and Ian head back to re-enter their session while the window is still open. Captain Marks and the other disgruntled soldiers break contact with base and plant a bomb in the heptapod ship. When Louise and Ian arrive, the soldiers try to stop them from entering the ship, but ultimately allow them through. When Weber sends security to investigate the radio silence, the mutineers reveal they have a stash of rifles. Louise uses the heptapod powers to write like they do. Just when they’re about to begin communicating in earnest, the bomb goes off, and Louise  and Ian are ejected by the heptapods.

Louise awakens in the medical tent with a concussion while everyone else tries to decipher the last message. Louise tells them they have to go back inside. Weber objects. The aliens take their craft to an unreachable altitude, cutting off the humans’ access to them.

Unfriended.

Halpern learns that China is going to take military action against the aliens shortly before the news announces China and several other countries are mobilizing their forces.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 80 minutes (72.7%) – Louise and Ian study the last message. Ian cracks the last message while Louise sleeps. It says the Montana heptapods are one of 12. When they take this info to Halpern, he tells them the Russians translated it to something different. Ian says non-zero sum game, which connects to a flashback conversation Louise had with her daughter. As a result, Louise has a vision of what she’s supposed to do. She leaves the meeting and goes back outside.

The aliens send a shuttle down to pick Louise up. When she boards it she is taken to Costello who reveals that Abbott is dying from the explosion. He tells her that she already has the weapon and to use it. He says the heptapods are there to help humanity because in 3,000 years they will need humanity’s help. He tells Louise the ability to see the future is the weapon. We realize that her visions of her daughter aren’t flashbacks but visions of a future daughter she will have.

Act Run Time: 40 minutes (36.3%)

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 92 minutes (83.6%)

Louise uses her new time travel powers (the longshot) against the protest and orders of the military and CIA (ultimate opposition) as she tries to stop the Chinese from attacking the aliens (ultimate goal). But when Colonel Weber tells her nothing can be done (all is lost) she has a vision of the future that prompts her to steal a CIA sat phone to call General Shang and change his mind (the final push).

The Longshot: Louise tries to use her newfound understanding of the heptapods’ time travel abilities to stop General Shang from attacking them.

“After that I build new new internet.”

Ultimate Goal: Stop China and its allies from attacking the alien crafts using the aliens’ language.

Ultimate Opposition: Louise goes against her own government and her allies in a race against the ticking clock of the Chinese led assault.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: 97 minutes (%) – As the base is being evacuated, Louise tries to explain to Weber that learning the heptapod language allows you to see time in the nonlinear fashion they do, and that that is the weapon they are offering. Weber tells her they did their best but it wasn’t enough before leaving her and Ian to board the helicopter.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: 99 minutes (90%) – Louise flashes to a fancy dress party in the future where she meets General Shang. He tells her he came to the party to meet her specifically. He reveals that it was she who changed his mind and stopped him from starting the war by calling him on his private number and telling him his wife’s dying words. When she tells him she doesn’t know his private number he shows it to her, saying she will need it.

In the present Louise now knows Shang’s number and runs to find a phone to call him. She steals Halpern’s sat phone, prompting him to order a base wide search for the person making the call. As the soldiers close in on Louise, she tells Shang his wife’s dying words. Halpern and his men are ready to open fire on her, but Ian buys her some time to complete the call.

Act Run Time: 11 minutes (10%)

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 103 minutes (93.6%)

Louis can now understand heptapod and has come to terms with her daughter life and death as well as her complex relationship with Ian (the new situation).

The New Situation: News stations cut to breaking news that China is standing down and they will share all intelligence with all their allies. Having succeeded in their cause the heptapod ships vanish as quickly as they appeared.

Louise tells her future daughter that her story began when the aliens departed. It is revealed that Ian is Hannah’s father. The two hold each other in the future and the present.

Mom and Dad Save the World.

Act Run Time: 7 minutes (6.3%)

To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

Story Structure Analysis: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (Movie)

Format: Movie

Released: 2017

Screenplay By: Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Scott Rosenberg, and Jeff Pinkner

Directed By: Jake Kasdan

Run Time: 110 minutes

Character(s): Spencer Gilpin, Bethany, Fridge, Martha

 

Plot structure breakdown of the 2017 film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle continues below…

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I’ll admit I had zero interest in seeing this movie when it was released. Fortunately, it was selected as a work team event and I was kind of forced into it. To my very pleasant surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. While the storyline isn’t groundbreaking, it’s an extremely satisfying film, both on it’s own merit and as a sequel to the original. I had intended to touch on the reasons why in this post, but  Justin Kownacki did such an excellent job summing up why the movie succeeds at being emotionally satisfying on his blog that I decided to just link to that. Check it out, it’s a good read.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle: Story Structure Analysis

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Panphobic nerd Spencer Gilpin (the imperfect situation) is afraid of the world and of getting in trouble (oppressive opposition) as he tries to help his old childhood friend Fridge with his history paper (initial goal). But when they are caught and receive detention along with classmates Martha and Bethany (the disturbance) they discover an old video game console in the basement and are sucked into when they turn it on (the dilemma), becoming the avatars they selected in the game (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Spencer Gilpin is a panphobic nerd whose childhood best friend has grown past him socially.

Initial Goal: Spencer wants to do Fridge’s homework. Fridge wants to avoid being kicked off the team. Bethany wants to reconcile with her ex-boyfriend, Noah. Martha wants to graduate and go to Princeton.

Oppressive Opposition: The world is a scary place to Spencer. All four students are given detention by their teachers.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: 7 minutes (6.3%): We watch Bethany, Martha, Spencer and Fridge all get detention for various reasons.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 12 minutes (10.9%): The principal brings the students to the basement to serve their detention. Fridge finds an old school Nintendo or something and Spencer plugs it up to a TV. Bethany reluctantly agrees to play. Martha is more adamant in her refusal, but ultimately relents to spite Bethany. When they turn on the game, it vibrates and shorts out before sucking them all into it.

“Well this sucks.”

The New Role: The students become the avatars they selected in Jumanji.

Act Run Time: 17 of 110 minutes (15.4%)

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 17 minutes (15.4%)

The students find themselves in the jungle wearing other people’s bodies (the unfamiliar situation) and are attacked by the wildlife (incidental opposition) as they try to figure out what’s going on (transitional goal). But when they’re rescued by Jumanji field guide Nigel and learn the backstory of the game (the reality check), they realize they must complete the game to return home (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: The students find themselves inside Jumanji, wearing the bodies of the avatars they selected. They soon learn how dangerous the game is when Bethany is eaten by a hippo and several more hippos attack.

“Playin’ Hungry Hungry Hippos.”

Transitional Goal: Figure out what is going on.

Incidental Opposition: The quartet is attacked by a pod of hippos.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: 23 minutes (20.9%): Nigel, the NPC and Jumanji field guide, shows up and explains the backstory about Van Pelt stealing the Jaguar’s Eye jewel.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: 28 minutes (25.4%): The cutscene ends and Nigel drops them off after telling them to find the missing piece. Spencer tells the group he thinks they have to save Jumanji to leave the game.

Act Run Time: 13 of 110 minutes (11.8%)

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 30 of 110 Minutes (27.2%)

The group faces off with Van Pelt’s legions (the central conflict) who are willing to kill them for the jewel (intentional opposition) as they try to find the missing piece of the map (false goal). But when they realize they’ll die when they run out of lives (the turn), they are saved from Van Pelt by another player stuck in the game and realize he is the missing piece they’re looking for (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: The kids begin trying to play the game, and must contend with it’s various villains and monsters lead by Dr. Bravestone’s nemesis Russel Van Pelt.

The look of love.

 

False Goal: Find the Missing Piece of the map.

Intentional Opposition: They are attacked by Van Pelt’s motorcycle goons. Martha is shot and dies. Later in the bazaar they are confronted by Van Pelt himself and narrowly escape with the aid of a mysterious stranger.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: 38 minutes (34.5%): Though they survive the waterfall jump, Martha is shot and dies. When she respawns, Spencer realizes they each have three lives and if they use them up it’s possible they will die for real.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: 42 minutes (38.1%): Bethany and Martha have a heart to heart conversation and realize they’re not so different after all. Fridge and Spencer get in an argument over the reason their grade school friendship ended. Fridge punks Spencer, but when Spencer calls Fridge a dumbass, Fridge pushes him off a cliff, killing him. When Spencer is respawned he slaps Fridge, finally standing up for himself. Fridge attempts to retaliate but nearly falls off the cliff himself only to be saved by Spencer. Spencer tells the group they have to work together to get out of the game and they can’t waste lives.

Giving new meaning to explosive diahrea.

In the Bazaar they finally begin working together, trusting each other enough to defeat the black mamba and retrieve the next clue. But when they are ambushed by Van Pelt, they’re rescued by Seaplane who reveals himself to be Alex, another player stuck in the game. Bethany realizes Alex is the missing piece.

Act Run Time: 33 of 110 minutes (30%)

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 63 of 110 Minutes (57.2%)

The group attempts to steal a helicopter (the doomed plan), drawing the attention of Van Pelt’s mercenaries and man-eating rhinos (self-inflicted opposition) as they try to cross the canyon (penultimate goal). But when Alex loses his last life and Bethany must sacrifice one of her own lives to revive him (the lowpoint), Spencer and Martha confess their true feelings for one another and Fridge announces he’s found the Jaguar Shrine (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Stealing a helicopter and crossing the canyon costs Fridge a life (when he drops the jewel in the canyon) and Alex’s final life (when he’s stung by a mosquito).

Penultimate Goal: Steal a vehicle from the transportation shed to cross the canyon.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Martha attempts to distract the guards and ends up having to fight them. More of Van Pelt’s goons arrive when the group enters the transportation shed. Fridge drops the jewel from the helicopter and they must again face the man-eating rhinos to retrieve it.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: 81 minutes (73.6%): While they celebrate crossing the canyon, Alex is stung by a mosquito and dies, losing his last life. Bethany performs CPR on him, and Martha realizes she is giving him one of her lives. Bethany sacrifices one of her lives for Alex and he is revived.

Boing!

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: 84 Minutes (76.3%): Spencer and Martha discover they’re both into each other. Fridge finds the Jaguar shrine.

Act Run Time: 17 of 110 minutes (15.4%)

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 88 of 110 minutes (80%)

The group tries to outsmart the final level of the game (the longshot) and faces Van Pelt and his pack of jaguars (ultimate opposition) as they try to return the jewel to the Jaguar Shrine (ultimate goal). But when Spencer gets down to his last life and confides his fear to Fridge (all is lost) they come up with a plan to split up and outflank the defenders to return the jewel and beat the game (the final push).

The Longshot: Based on Fridge’s plan to split up, the group faces off with Van Pelt and his jungle creatures in attempt to return the jewel to the Jaguar.

Ultimate Goal: Return the jewel to the Jaguar shrine.

Ultimate Opposition: With very few lives left, the group faces off with a pack of bloodthirsty jaguars and venomous snakes guarding the statue. They come face to face with Van Pelt who has captured Bethany.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: 91 minutes (82.7%): While trying to climb through the trees to the statue, Spencer is eaten by a jaguar. When he respawns he asks to speak to Fridge alone and tells him he can’t do it.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: 93 minutes  (84.5%): Fridge comes up with a plan to reach the statue and the group splits up. They finally work together, each using their respective strengths and weaknesses, as well as the lessons they have learned in Jumanji to outsmart Van Pelt and return the jewel to the shrine. They save the game by calling out it’s name.

Act Run Time: 14 of 110 minutes (12.7%)

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 102 of 110 minutes (92.7%)

The group returns to real world as better people then they were before (the new situation).

“Now we’re the Mod Squad.”

The New Situation: The four students are now good friends. Fridge and Spencer are friends again, Bethany is no longer self-absorbed and wants to go backpacking over the summer. Martha and Spencer become a couple. Alex is revealed to be alive, having been spit out at the moment he entered the game. His house is no longer derelict and his dad isn’t the town crazy person anymore.

Act Run Time: 8 of 110 minutes (7.2%)

To learn more about Six Act story structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

Movie Structure Breakdown: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Format: Movie

Released: 2017

Written By: Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Scott Rosenberg, and Jeff Pinkner

Directed By: Jake Kasdan

Run Time: 110 minutes

Character(s): Spencer Gilpin, Bethany, Fridge, Martha

I’ll admit I had zero interest in seeing this movie when it was released. Fortunately, it was selected as a work team event and I was kind of forced into it. To my very pleasant surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. While the storyline isn’t groundbreaking, it’s an extremely satisfying film, both on it’s own merit and as a sequel to the original. I had intended to touch on the reasons why in this post, but  Justin Kownacki did such an excellent job summing up why the movie succeeds at being emotionally satisfying on his blog that I decided to just link to that. Check it out, it’s a good read.

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Panphobic nerd Spencer Gilpin (the imperfect situation) is afraid of the world and of getting in trouble (oppressive opposition) as he tries to help his old childhood friend Fridge with his history paper (initial goal). But when they are caught and receive detention along with classmates Martha and Bethany (the disturbance) they discover an old video game console in the basement and are sucked into when they turn it on (the dilemma), becoming the avatars they selected in the game (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Spencer Gilpin is a panphobic nerd whose childhood best friend has grown past him socially.

Initial Goal: Spencer wants to do Fridge’s homework. Fridge wants to avoid being kicked off the team. Bethany wants to reconcile with her ex-boyfriend, Noah. Martha wants to graduate and go to Princeton.

Oppressive Opposition: The world is a scary place to Spencer. All four students are given detention by their teachers.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: 7 minutes (6.3%): We watch Bethany, Martha, Spencer and Fridge all get detention for various reasons.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 12 minutes (10.9%): The principal brings the students to the basement to serve their detention. Fridge finds an old school Nintendo or something and Spencer plugs it up to a TV. Bethany reluctantly agrees to play. Martha is more adamant in her refusal, but ultimately relents to spite Bethany. When they turn on the game, it vibrates and shorts out before sucking them all into it.

“Well this sucks.”

The New Role: The students become the avatars they selected in Jumanji.

Act Run Time: 17 of 110 minutes (15.4%)

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 17 minutes (15.4%)

The students find themselves in the jungle wearing other people’s bodies (the unfamiliar situation) and are attacked by the wildlife (incidental opposition) as they try to figure out what’s going on (transitional goal). But when they’re rescued by Jumanji field guide Nigel and learn the backstory of the game (the reality check), they realize they must complete the game to return home (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: The students find themselves inside Jumanji, wearing the bodies of the avatars they selected. They soon learn how dangerous the game is when Bethany is eaten by a hippo and several more hippos attack.

“Playin’ Hungry Hungry Hippos.”

Transitional Goal: Figure out what is going on.

Incidental Opposition: The quartet is attacked by a pod of hippos.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: 23 minutes (20.9%): Nigel, the NPC and Jumanji field guide, shows up and explains the backstory about Van Pelt stealing the Jaguar’s Eye jewel.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: 28 minutes (25.4%): The cutscene ends and Nigel drops them off after telling them to find the missing piece. Spencer tells the group he thinks they have to save Jumanji to leave the game.

Act Run Time: 13 of 110 minutes (11.8%)

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 30 of 110 Minutes (27.2%)

The group faces off with Van Pelt’s legions (the central conflict) who are willing to kill them for the jewel (intentional opposition) as they try to find the missing piece of the map (false goal). But when they realize they’ll die when they run out of lives (the turn), they are saved from Van Pelt by another player stuck in the game and realize he is the missing piece they’re looking for (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: The kids begin trying to play the game, and must contend with it’s various villains and monsters lead by Dr. Bravestone’s nemesis Russel Van Pelt.

The look of love.

 

False Goal: Find the Missing Piece of the map.

Intentional Opposition: They are attacked by Van Pelt’s motorcycle goons. Martha is shot and dies. Later in the bazaar they are confronted by Van Pelt himself and narrowly escape with the aid of a mysterious stranger.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: 38 minutes (34.5%): Though they survive the waterfall jump, Martha is shot and dies. When she respawns, Spencer realizes they each have three lives and if they use them up it’s possible they will die for real.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: 42 minutes (38.1%): Bethany and Martha have a heart to heart conversation and realize they’re not so different after all. Fridge and Spencer get in an argument over the reason their grade school friendship ended. Fridge punks Spencer, but when Spencer calls Fridge a dumbass, Fridge pushes him off a cliff, killing him. When Spencer is respawned he slaps Fridge, finally standing up for himself. Fridge attempts to retaliate but nearly falls off the cliff himself only to be saved by Spencer. Spencer tells the group they have to work together to get out of the game and they can’t waste lives.

Giving new meaning to explosive diahrea.

In the Bazaar they finally begin working together, trusting each other enough to defeat the black mamba and retrieve the next clue. But when they are ambushed by Van Pelt, they’re rescued by Seaplane who reveals himself to be Alex, another player stuck in the game. Bethany realizes Alex is the missing piece.

Act Run Time: 33 of 110 minutes (30%)

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 63 of 110 Minutes (57.2%)

The group attempts to steal a helicopter (the doomed plan), drawing the attention of Van Pelt’s mercenaries and man-eating rhinos (self-inflicted opposition) as they try to cross the canyon (penultimate goal). But when Alex loses his last life and Bethany must sacrifice one of her own lives to revive him (the lowpoint), Spencer and Martha confess their true feelings for one another and Fridge announces he’s found the Jaguar Shrine (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Stealing a helicopter and crossing the canyon costs Fridge a life (when he drops the jewel in the canyon) and Alex’s final life (when he’s stung by a mosquito).

Penultimate Goal: Steal a vehicle from the transportation shed to cross the canyon.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Martha attempts to distract the guards and ends up having to fight them. More of Van Pelt’s goons arrive when the group enters the transportation shed. Fridge drops the jewel from the helicopter and they must again face the man-eating rhinos to retrieve it.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: 81 minutes (73.6%): While they celebrate crossing the canyon, Alex is stung by a mosquito and dies, losing his last life. Bethany performs CPR on him, and Martha realizes she is giving him one of her lives. Bethany sacrifices one of her lives for Alex and he is revived.

Boing!

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: 84 Minutes (76.3%): Spencer and Martha discover they’re both into each other. Fridge finds the Jaguar shrine.

Act Run Time: 17 of 110 minutes (15.4%)

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 88 of 110 minutes (80%)

The group tries to outsmart the final level of the game (the longshot) and faces Van Pelt and his pack of jaguars (ultimate opposition) as they try to return the jewel to the Jaguar Shrine (ultimate goal). But when Spencer gets down to his last life and confides his fear to Fridge (all is lost) they come up with a plan to split up and outflank the defenders to return the jewel and beat the game (the final push).

The Longshot: Based on Fridge’s plan to split up, the group faces off with Van Pelt and his jungle creatures in attempt to return the jewel to the Jaguar.

Ultimate Goal: Return the jewel to the Jaguar shrine.

Ultimate Opposition: With very few lives left, the group faces off with a pack of bloodthirsty jaguars and venomous snakes guarding the statue. They come face to face with Van Pelt who has captured Bethany.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: 91 minutes (82.7%): While trying to climb through the trees to the statue, Spencer is eaten by a jaguar. When he respawns he asks to speak to Fridge alone and tells him he can’t do it.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: 93 minutes  (84.5%): Fridge comes up with a plan to reach the statue and the group splits up. They finally work together, each using their respective strengths and weaknesses, as well as the lessons they have learned in Jumanji to outsmart Van Pelt and return the jewel to the shrine. They save the game by calling out it’s name.

Act Run Time: 14 of 110 minutes (12.7%)

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 102 of 110 minutes (92.7%)

The group returns to real world as better people then they were before (the new situation).

“Now we’re the Mod Squad.”

The New Situation: The four students are now good friends. Fridge and Spencer are friends again, Bethany is no longer self-absorbed and wants to go backpacking over the summer. Martha and Spencer become a couple. Alex is revealed to be alive, having been spit out at the moment he entered the game. His house is no longer derelict and his dad isn’t the town crazy person anymore.

Act Run Time: 8 of 110 minutes (7.2%)

To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

Story Structure Analysis: Murder on the Orient Express (Movie)

Format: Movie

Released: 2017

Screenplay By: Michael Green

Directed By: Kenneth Branagh

Run Time: 106 Minutes

Character: Hercule Poirot

 

Plot structure breakdown of the 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express continues below…

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Murder on the Orient Express: Story Structure Analysis

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

World famous, but obsessive compulsive detective Hercule Poirot (the imperfect situation) has his vacation repeatedly interrupted (oppressive opposition) after solving a theft in Jerusalem (initial goal). But when he runs into his friend Bouc while on vacation in Istanbul (the disturbance) he is approached by the British consulate who request his assistance with a case (the dilemma) prompting Poirot to take passage on the Orient Express (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Hercule Poirot is a renowned detective, but his remarkable skills of detection are a result of an obsessive compulsive disorder.

Initial Goal: Solve a theft at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and go on vacation.

Oppressive Opposition: Everything in the world is out of balance, making Poirot uncomfortable. He wants to go on vacation, but his skills are needed.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: 11 minutes (10.3%) – Poirot bumps into an old friend, Bouc, before being approached by someone from the British consulate, who asks for his assistance with a case, ruining his plan for a vacation.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: Combined with the Disturbance.

The New Role: Poirot becomes a detective aboard the Orient Express.

Rather convenient, all things considered.

Act Run Time: 13 Minutes (12.2%)

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 13 Minutes (12.2%)

Poirot is stuck on a train with several eccentric strangers (the unfamiliar situation) who repeatedly interupt his downtime (incidental opposition) as he attempts to read Dickens and relax en route to London (transitional goal). But when strange noises in the night precede the train being derailed by an avalanche (the reality check) Poirot discovers one of the passengers has been murdered in the night and decides to solve the case (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Poirot will be stuck on a train with an assortment of eccentric strangers for the next few days.

The usual suspects.

Transitional Goal: Read Dickens and return to London to solve the Kassner case.

Incidental Opposition: Poirot’s reading is repeatedly interrupted. An avalanche caused by a lightning storm derails the train, prolonging the trip.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Poirot is approached by the sleazy Ratchett who attempts to hire him as a bodyguard due to the threatening letters he has received. Poirot declines.That night there are several disturbing noises that prevent Poirot from sleeping. Shortly thereafter, lightning causes an avalanche that derails the engine.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 37 Minutes (34.9%) – Poirot and a waiter discover Rachett’s stabbed up corpse. Bouc begs Poirot to figure out who did it. Poirot wants to enjoy his vacation, but eventually relents.

Act Run Time: 28 minutes (26.4%)

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 41 Minutes (38.6%)

Poirot matches wits with the killer (the central conflict) but is repeatedly lied to by the passengers (intentional opposition) as he tries to determine which of them killed Ratchet (false goal). But when Poirot discovers Ratchett was actually infamous child killer Cassetti (the turn) he begins trying to connect the murder to the Armstrong case (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Poirot vs. the killer.

“…To death.”

False Goal: Figure out which passenger killed Ratchett.

Intentional Opposition: The killer tries to keep their identity a secret and plants several taunting clues.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Poirot uses science to extract the contents of a partially burned note. He discovers that Ratchet is actually Cassetti, who famously kidnapped and murdered Daisy Armstrong.

DUN DUN DUUUNNN!

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 51 minutes (48.1%) – Mrs. Hubbard calls for Poirot and tells him the killer was in her compartment before Ratchet was killed. Poirot tells her Ratchet was Cassetti. She gives him a button from conductor’s uniform allegedly dropped by the murderer.

Act Run Time: 12 minutes (11.3%)

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 53 Minutes (50%)

Poirot erroneously searches for a lone killer (the doomed plan) but his leads are discredited by other passengers (self-inflicted opposition) as he tries to figure which of them had motive to kill Cassetti (penultimate goal). But when Poirot finally admits he has no idea who the killer is (the lowpoint)  he falsely accuses Ms. Debenham, is shot by Dr. Arbuthnot and resolves to solve the mystery before the train is allowed to leave (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Figuring which individual is the killer is impossible as there is more than one killer.

“I am Spartacus!”

Penultimate Goal: Figure out which passenger killed Cassetti.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Several of Poirot’s leads are discredited by the other passengers. It’s revealed in short order that everyone has a secret or a connection to Cassetti/Ratchett. His erroneous belief that MacQueen is the killer gets Mrs. Hubbard stabbed in the back by the actual killer.  

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Poirot talks to his picture of Katherine and admits he has no idea who killed Ratchett and that he is afraid.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 82 minutes (77.3%) – The passengers exit the train while the engine is put back on the track. Poirot calls for Ms. Debenham to have a private conversation. He reveals he knows her connection to the Armstrongs and accuses her of murdering Cassetti. Dr. Arbuthnot shows up, shots Poirot in the arm and admits to the murder. Bouc saves Poirot, knocking the doctor out. Poirot tells everyone to gather in the tunnel and resolves to solve the case.

Act Run Time: 34 minutes (32%)

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 87 minutes (82%)

Poirot tries to quickly walk through everything he’s learned (the longshot) wrestling with his prodigious skills of detection (ultimate opposition) to uncover the multiple killers. (ultimate goal). But when Poirot reveals they are all guilty of the murder and says they will need to kill him to get away with it (all is lost) he realizes that justice in the case is impossible as they are all suffering from grief (the final push).

The Longshot: Poirot tries to work through everything he’s learned to quickly and finally solve the case before the train departs.

Ultimate Goal: Uncover the multiple killers.

Hercule Poirot: BAMF.

Ultimate Opposition: Poirot wrestles with his own prodigious brain as he tries to solve the murder using the established clues. It seems as though the murders will have to kill Poirot to get away with the murder.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Poirot reveals that they each took turns stabbing Cassetti. Mrs Hubbard/Linda Arden confesses to the plan being hers. Poirot sets his gun on the table and tells them all they can walk free if they kill him. Linda Arden grabs to gun and it appears he will be killed. She instead attempts to shoot herself with it but the gun is empty.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 99 minutes (93.3%) – As he prepares to debark the train to discuss the murder with the Yugoslavian police, Poirot tells the gathered passengers that justice is impossible in the case, as Cassetti deserved death. For the first time, Poirot will have to live with a lie and imbalance, while the killers go free.

“FML.”

Act Run Time: 17 minutes (16%)

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 104 minutes (98.1%)

The New Situation: The killers go free and Poirot lives with the lie. He’s immediately approached by a messenger who requests he come to Egypt to investigate another murder.

Act Run Time: 2 minutes (1.9%)

To learn more about Six Act story structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!