Marshall Dotson's Blog, page 4

Movie Structure Breakdown: Murder on the Orient Express

Format: Movie

Released: 2017

Written By: Michael Green

Directed By: Kenneth Branagh

Run Time: 106 Minutes

Character: Hercule Poirot

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 structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

Video Analysis: The Last Jedi and the Character Arc of Luke Skywalker

Since the book I’m currently working on is all about character arc, I felt inclined to weigh in on the current discord over Luke Skywalker’s character arc in The Last Jedi. Whether you loved the movie or hated it, in this video I explain how it’s the conclusion of Luke’s arc from the Original Trilogy based on what we learned in the Prequels. Enjoy!

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

Video: The Last Jedi and the Character Arc of Luke Skywalker

Since the book I’m currently working on is all about character arc, I felt inclined to weigh in on the current discord over Luke Skywalker’s character arc in The Last Jedi. Whether you loved the movie or hated it, in this video I explain how it’s the conclusion of Luke’s arc from the Original Trilogy based on what we learned in the Prequels. Enjoy!

Story Structure Analysis: The Silence of the Lambs (Novel)

Format: Novel

Released: 1988

Written By: Thomas Harris

Run Time: 61 Chapters

Character: Clarice Starling

Thomas Harris’ exceptional 1988 novel is as suspenseful as it is cerebral. This is most often attributed to Harris’ masterful characterization of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Dr. Lecter is as suave, refined and intelligent as he is deadly. He is, essentially, the James Bond of psychopathic cannibals.

But it is the young Clarice Starling, an FBI cadet with a troubled past, who takes center stage in the story. As a testament to his storytelling skill, Harris uses the good doctor’s remarkable psychiatric insight to tease out the source of Clarice’s demons and eventually bring her to the full resolution of her emotional and psychological character arc, all while she races to catch a sadistic serial killer before he makes his next kill.

There is much talk of stoicism throughout the novel. A recurring motif in the story is the need for characters to compartmentalize their feelings to focus on the job at hand. Clarice’s superior, Jack Crawford’s ability to remain focused on the case while facing the imminent death of his wife, embodies this philosophy. This ties in directly to Clarice’s need to learn how to separate her previous experiences from her present situation, lest they cloud her judgment.

Plot structure breakdown of the 1988 novel The Silence of the Lambs continues below…

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The Silence of the Lambs: 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 .

Clarice Starling, an inexperienced female cadet (the imperfect situation) in the misogynistic world of law enforcement (oppressive opposition), is doing her best to graduate from the FBI Academy (the initial goal). But when her mentor, Jack Crawford, asks her to interview Hannibal Lector at an insane asylum (the disturbance), Dr. Lecter instead offers Clarice an opportunity for advancement by giving her information on a cold case (the dilemma) allowing her to work as an official FBI investigator (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Clarice is an attractive young woman living in a man’s world. She has no pull in the world she navigates and is often treated as such. She is hyper-cognizant of this fact.

Initial Goal: Clarice wants to graduate from the FBI academy and become a special agent. Crawford’s request for her to interview Dr. Lecter is supplementary to her Initial Goal of graduating.

Oppressive Opposition: Clarice has been completely avoided by Jack Crawford up to this point. She is viewed dismissively due to her sex and attractiveness. Because of this, she is subjected to sexual predation by Dr. Chilton, Barney the orderly, Miggs the schizophrenic and the world in general.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance:  The novel begins with Jack Crawford summoning Clarice away from her training with an urgent message. This is a literal interruption of her life as an FBI trainee. When she arrives at his office, he tells her he has an errand for her: interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter and get him to fill out a questionnaire. Note how Crawford’s request for her to meet Lecter doesn’t change her overall objectives and therefore doesn’t constitute a Turning Point. The possibility exists nothing will come of her interaction with Lecter, and her life will go back to the way it was.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: After 2 of 61 Chapters (3.2%) – When Clarice visits Lecter, he toys with her for a bit then effectively tells her to beat it. As she’s leaving, Lecter’s next-door neighbor, Miggs, doses Clarice with a fresh batch of baby batter. This offends Dr. Lecter, prompting him to offer Clarice an opportunity for advancement to change her imperfect situation; he gives her the Raspail lead to follow. Clarice must choose between returning to her studies at Quantico, and following the path Lecter has laid before her.

The New Role: If Clarice takes Lecter up on his offer, she will begin working as an official FBI investigator.

Act Run Time: 5 of 61 Chapters (8.2%)

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: After 5 of 61 Chapters (8.2%)

Clarice begins working as a federal investigator under Crawford’s direction (the unfamiliar situation) but faces time constraints and bureaucratic stonewalling (incidental opposition) as she investigates the Raspail lead given to her by Lecter (the transitional goal). But when Buffalo Bill kidnaps senator Martin’s daughter, Catherine (the reality check), Crawford tells Clarice that Bill, not Raspail, killed Klaus, that he believes Lecter knows who he is, and that he wants her to talk to him again (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Clarice begins working as a federal investigator under Crawford’s direction. Despite her aptitude, this is something for which she is still in training. The fact she is not fully qualified for the job is a source of contention throughout this act specifically and the novel in general.

Transitional Goal: With Crawford’s blessing, Clarice begins to investigate the Raspail lead given to her by Lecter.

Incidental Opposition: With her class schedule, Clarice only has a total of three hours and forty-five minutes of free time to trace Raspail’s car. Chilton denies her access to Lecter after Lecter’s neighbor, Miggs commits suicide (at Lecter’s suggestion). The executor of Raspail’s estate barely makes it to the storage lot in time due to having just returned from a week long business trip. When she finds a body in Raspail’s car, she must contend with a news crew trying to force their way onto the scene. This gets her taunted by her fellow trainees when it’s shown on the news.

Later, Crawford sends her to interview Lecter for the second time. Crawford then takes Clarice to West Virginia to print a floater (which, surprisingly, isn’t a euphemism for using the toilet). There, he uses a sexist ploy at Clarice’s expense to talk to the sheriff alone.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Just when it would seem as if the FBI has gotten a handle on things, Buffalo Bill kidnaps Senator Martin’s daughter, Catherine.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: After 16 of 61 Chapters (26.2%) – Crawford tells Starling that Bill, not Raspail, killed Klaus, and he believes Lecter knows who he is. Because Clarice is the only one Lecter talks to, he asks her to question him again. Clarice agrees, committing herself to fulfilling her New Role as an investigator to the best of her ability

Act Run Time: 13 of 61 Chapters (21.3%)

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: After 18 of 61 Chapters (29.5%)

Clarice pursues Buffalo Bill (the central conflict) and deals with interference to her investigation (intentional opposition), in attempt to convince Lecter to reveal Bill’s true identity (the false goal). But when Chilton reveals to Lecter that Clarice lied about the deal with the Senator, and has him extradited to Tennessee (the turn), Starling asks Crawford for permission to go after him (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Clarice faces off with everyone standing between her and Buffalo Bill.

False Goal: Clarice attempts to convince Lecter to reveal Bill’s true identity.

Intentional Opposition: As Jame Gumb prepares Catherine for slaughter, Crawford’s sends Clarice to interview Lecter a third time. Chilton attempts to make her wear a wire. Lecter’s more intrusive and cryptic than ever. He toys with her and gets her to reveal the juicy details of her father’s murder. Nom, nom, nom.

Afterward, Clarice realizes Crawford is intentionally manipulating her. She returns to Lecter with Crawford’s made up offer of relocation. Lecter extracts more information from her in exchange. Clarice tells him about her life after her father’s death and that he was really a “night marshal” not an actual policeman. She also tells him about the slaughterhouse she was sent to as a child. Chilton intentionally opposes the FBI’s plan and contacts Senator Martin after hearing the whole thing on an illegal wiretap.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Chilton reveals to Lecter he eavesdropped on his conversation with Clarice, and there is no deal with the Senator. Crawford learns Chilton and the senator have had Lecter extradited to Tennessee in exchange for information on Buffalo Bill.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: After 29 of 61 Chapters (47.5%) – Having learned of Chilton’s manipulations, Clarice is fighting mad and asks Crawford for permission to go after him. Crawford gives her lessons on not letting her emotions get the best of her. Starling decides he is right and to focus her attention on stopping Buffalo Bill and saving Catherine Martin. She sees this decision through to the end of the narrative, even in the face of being recycled in the Academy.

Act Run Time: 13 of 61 Chapters (21.3%)

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: After 31 of 61 Chapters (50.8%)

Clarice follows Lecter to Tennessee to gain more information from him (the doomed plan), upsets Senator Martin and gets herself taken off the case (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to investigate the scene of Catherine Martin’s abduction (the Penultimate Goal). But when she learns of Lecter’s escape and Crawford tells her to go back to school (the lowpoint), Clarice finds a message from Lecter, realizes Bill lives in Belvedere, Ohio and asks Crawford to be sent there to investigate the first girl’s disappearance (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: After Chilton’s manipulations, Senator Martin agrees to have Lecter moved to Tennessee in exchange for information on Buffalo Bill’s identity. This leads to his escape. Fail.

Meanwhile, Clarice’s investigation in Tennessee gets her in trouble with the Senator and the local FBI office. As a result, she is sent back to school for a disciplinary hearing. Double fail.

Penultimate Goal: Clarice follows Lecter to Tennessee to investigate the scene of Catherine Martin’s abduction.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Due to the phony offer Clarice made to Lecter, Senator Martin is convinced she is a naive nobody jeopardizing her daughter’s life. Clarice goes to Catherine’s apartment and deals with the Tennessee HP officers already on the scene. When she finds private, racy photos that may provide a lead, she is interrupted by Sen. Martin who accuses her of stealing. This leads the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations officer on site to order Clarice back to Quantico. Against his orders, Clarice visits Lecter where he is being housed in Tennessee. She lies her way into the building and finishes telling Lecter about her childhood, including the slaughter of the titular lambs.

After Lecter escapes, Crawford tells Clarice her little visit to Lecter has earned her a recommendation for suspension and a reevaluation of her fitness for service.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Clarice learns of Lecter’s escape, and Crawford tells her to go back to school. Soon after, Crawford discovers the Billy Rubin lead provided by Lecter was a poop joke, and all the information he gave them was literally shit. Now back at Quantico, Clarice and her roommate discuss her failure with the case. Crawford’s wife dies. The audience learns what Bill has been doing, and that he plans to kill Catherine Martin the next day to harvest her hide.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: After 46 of 61 Chapters (75.4%) – Clarice deals with her suspension from the case by studying the file Lecter gave her. After finding a message from him, Clarice realizes Bill’s pattern isn’t random, and he lives in Belvedere, Ohio. She goes to Crawford and begs to be sent to Belvedere to investigate the first girl’s disappearance, knowing if she fails she’ll be recycled and demoted to an FBI coffee maker in some backwoods office. Crawford agrees, giving her all the money he has on his person in lieu of an official travel card. Clarice has decided to stop Buffalo Bill and save Catherine Martin despite the personal consequences her failure would entail.

Act Run Time: 17 of 61 Chapters (27.9%)

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: After 48 of 61 Chapters (78.7%)

Knowing she only has hours at best, Clarice attempts to use Bill’s first victim (the longshot) to find Buffalo Bill and save Catherine Martin (the ultimate goal). But when the FBI tracks Buffalo Bill to an address in Chicago, and Clarice is told to keep investigating in Ohio despite the fact she may be recycled (all is lost), the trail leads her to Gumb’s house just as he is preparing to kill Catherine Martin (the final push).

The Longshot: Knowing she only has a few hours, Clarice attempts to use Bill’s first victim, Frederica Bimmel, to find Buffalo Bill.

Ultimate Goal: Clarice attempts to save Catherine Martin from Jame Gumb.

Ultimate Opposition: On the morning of the fourth day, Jame Gumb is ready to harvest Catherine’s hide, but she’s smart enough to capture his precious dog, Precious, and use it as leverage.

Clarice tries to unravel the psychology of Frederica Bimmel to get to the bottom of who killed her. In doing so, she figures out Bill is making a girl suit. Meanwhile, the FBI gets a solid name, but an inaccurate address, on Jame Gumb.

Shortly thereafter, Clarice learns the FBI has tracked Bill to Calumet City and is launching a raid to apprehend him. Already in Belvedere, Clarice decides to interview Frederica’s obtuse best friend, Stacy. Her investigation leads her directly to Jame Gumb’s house where she promptly realizes he is Buffalo Bill. When she tries to arrest him, he leads her into the basement and a game of cat and mouse ensues ending with Clarice shooting him just before he shoots her.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Clarice is told to keep investigating in Ohio despite the fact the FBI has an address on Jame Gumb in Chicago and is moving to apprehend him. She worries over whether or not she will be recycled. Clarice interviews Frederica Bimmel’s bestie, Stacy Hubka, while she mentally counts down the time to the Hostage Rescue Team’s raid. Meanwhile, the audience receives word that Jame Gumb is not in Calumet City, and the FBI’s raid won’t save anyone.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: After 54 of 61 Chapters (88.5%) – Clarice rings the doorbell as Jame Gumb prepares to kill Catherine. She deduces he is Buffalo Bill when a moth lands on his shoulder, but he flees into the basement before she can apprehend him. Knowing Catherine is also down there, Clarice realizes she doesn’t have time to call for backup and follows him into the basement. Gumb kills the lights and dons night vision goggles, leaving Clarice at a disadvantage. But when he cocks the hammer of his gun, Clarice’s FBI training kicks in and she fires her pistol in the direction of the sound, striking and killing him

Act Run Time: 8 of 61 Chapters (13.1%)

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: After 56 of 61 Chapters (91.8%)

Having rescued Catherine Martin and killed Buffalo Bill, Clarice is a hero and all set to graduate from the Academy. She now sleeps deeply, sweetly in the silence of the lambs.

The New Situation: Catherine Martin is alive. Starling is a hero. Senator Martin owes her a colloquial “one”. Dr. Lecter says he isn’t coming after her. Everyone lives happily ever after… until the sequel. Except Chilton. Lecter eats him. Nom nom nom.

Act Run Time: 5 of 61 Chapters (8.2%)

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

Novel Structure Breakdown: The Silence of the Lambs

Format: Novel

Released: 1988

Written By: Thomas Harris

Run Time: 61 Chapters

Character: Clarice Starling

Thomas Harris’ exceptional 1988 novel is as suspenseful as it is cerebral. This is most often attributed to Harris’ masterful characterization of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Dr. Lecter is as suave, refined and intelligent as he is deadly. He is, essentially, the James Bond of psychopathic cannibals.

But it is the young Clarice Starling, an FBI cadet with a troubled past, who takes center stage in the story. As a testament to his storytelling skill, Harris uses the good doctor’s remarkable psychiatric insight to tease out the source of Clarice’s demons and eventually bring her to the full resolution of her emotional and psychological character arc, all while she races to catch a sadistic serial killer before he makes his next kill.

There is much talk of stoicism throughout the novel. A recurring motif in the story is the need for characters to compartmentalize their feelings to focus on the job at hand. Clarice’s superior, Jack Crawford’s ability to remain focused on the case while facing the imminent death of his wife, embodies this philosophy. This ties in directly to Clarice’s need to learn how to separate her previous experiences from her present situation, lest they cloud her judgment.

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 .

Clarice Starling, an inexperienced female cadet (the imperfect situation) in the misogynistic world of law enforcement (oppressive opposition), is doing her best to graduate from the FBI Academy (the initial goal). But when her mentor, Jack Crawford, asks her to interview Hannibal Lector at an insane asylum (the disturbance), Dr. Lecter instead offers Clarice an opportunity for advancement by giving her information on a cold case (the dilemma) allowing her to work as an official FBI investigator (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Clarice is an attractive young woman living in a man’s world. She has no pull in the world she navigates and is often treated as such. She is hyper-cognizant of this fact.

Initial Goal: Clarice wants to graduate from the FBI academy and become a special agent. Crawford’s request for her to interview Dr. Lecter is supplementary to her Initial Goal of graduating.

Oppressive Opposition: Clarice has been completely avoided by Jack Crawford up to this point. She is viewed dismissively due to her sex and attractiveness. Because of this, she is subjected to sexual predation by Dr. Chilton, Barney the orderly, Miggs the schizophrenic and the world in general.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance:  The novel begins with Jack Crawford summoning Clarice away from her training with an urgent message. This is a literal interruption of her life as an FBI trainee. When she arrives at his office, he tells her he has an errand for her: interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter and get him to fill out a questionnaire. Note how Crawford’s request for her to meet Lecter doesn’t change her overall objectives and therefore doesn’t constitute a Turning Point. The possibility exists nothing will come of her interaction with Lecter, and her life will go back to the way it was.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: After 2 of 61 Chapters (3.2%) – When Clarice visits Lecter, he toys with her for a bit then effectively tells her to beat it. As she’s leaving, Lecter’s next-door neighbor, Miggs, doses Clarice with a fresh batch of baby batter. This offends Dr. Lecter, prompting him to offer Clarice an opportunity for advancement to change her imperfect situation; he gives her the Raspail lead to follow. Clarice must choose between returning to her studies at Quantico, and following the path Lecter has laid before her.

The New Role: If Clarice takes Lecter up on his offer, she will begin working as an official FBI investigator.

Act Run Time: 5 of 61 Chapters (8.2%)

 

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: After 5 of 61 Chapters (8.2%)

Clarice begins working as a federal investigator under Crawford’s direction (the unfamiliar situation) but faces time constraints and bureaucratic stonewalling (incidental opposition) as she investigates the Raspail lead given to her by Lecter (the transitional goal). But when Buffalo Bill kidnaps senator Martin’s daughter, Catherine (the reality check), Crawford tells Clarice that Bill, not Raspail, killed Klaus, that he believes Lecter knows who he is, and that he wants her to talk to him again (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Clarice begins working as a federal investigator under Crawford’s direction. Despite her aptitude, this is something for which she is still in training. The fact she is not fully qualified for the job is a source of contention throughout this act specifically and the novel in general.

Transitional Goal: With Crawford’s blessing, Clarice begins to investigate the Raspail lead given to her by Lecter.

Incidental Opposition: With her class schedule, Clarice only has a total of three hours and forty-five minutes of free time to trace Raspail’s car. Chilton denies her access to Lecter after Lecter’s neighbor, Miggs commits suicide (at Lecter’s suggestion). The executor of Raspail’s estate barely makes it to the storage lot in time due to having just returned from a week long business trip. When she finds a body in Raspail’s car, she must contend with a news crew trying to force their way onto the scene. This gets her taunted by her fellow trainees when it’s shown on the news.

Later, Crawford sends her to interview Lecter for the second time. Crawford then takes Clarice to West Virginia to print a floater (which, surprisingly, isn’t a euphemism for using the toilet). There, he uses a sexist ploy at Clarice’s expense to talk to the sheriff alone.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Just when it would seem as if the FBI has gotten a handle on things, Buffalo Bill kidnaps Senator Martin’s daughter, Catherine.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: After 16 of 61 Chapters (26.2%) – Crawford tells Starling that Bill, not Raspail, killed Klaus, and he believes Lecter knows who he is. Because Clarice is the only one Lecter talks to, he asks her to question him again. Clarice agrees, committing herself to fulfilling her New Role as an investigator to the best of her ability

Act Run Time: 13 of 61 Chapters (21.3%)

 

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: After 18 of 61 Chapters (29.5%)

Clarice pursues Buffalo Bill (the central conflict) and deals with interference to her investigation (intentional opposition), in attempt to convince Lecter to reveal Bill’s true identity (the false goal). But when Chilton reveals to Lecter that Clarice lied about the deal with the Senator, and has him extradited to Tennessee (the turn), Starling asks Crawford for permission to go after him (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Clarice faces off with everyone standing between her and Buffalo Bill.

False Goal: Clarice attempts to convince Lecter to reveal Bill’s true identity.

Intentional Opposition: As Jame Gumb prepares Catherine for slaughter, Crawford’s sends Clarice to interview Lecter a third time. Chilton attempts to make her wear a wire. Lecter’s more intrusive and cryptic than ever. He toys with her and gets her to reveal the juicy details of her father’s murder. Nom, nom, nom.

Afterward, Clarice realizes Crawford is intentionally manipulating her. She returns to Lecter with Crawford’s made up offer of relocation. Lecter extracts more information from her in exchange. Clarice tells him about her life after her father’s death and that he was really a “night marshal” not an actual policeman. She also tells him about the slaughterhouse she was sent to as a child. Chilton intentionally opposes the FBI’s plan and contacts Senator Martin after hearing the whole thing on an illegal wiretap.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Chilton reveals to Lecter he eavesdropped on his conversation with Clarice, and there is no deal with the Senator. Crawford learns Chilton and the senator have had Lecter extradited to Tennessee in exchange for information on Buffalo Bill.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: After 29 of 61 Chapters (47.5%) – Having learned of Chilton’s manipulations, Clarice is fighting mad and asks Crawford for permission to go after him. Crawford gives her lessons on not letting her emotions get the best of her. Starling decides he is right and to focus her attention on stopping Buffalo Bill and saving Catherine Martin. She sees this decision through to the end of the narrative, even in the face of being recycled in the Academy.

Act Run Time: 13 of 61 Chapters (21.3%)

 

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: After 31 of 61 Chapters (50.8%)

Clarice follows Lecter to Tennessee to gain more information from him (the doomed plan), upsets Senator Martin and gets herself taken off the case (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to investigate the scene of Catherine Martin’s abduction (the Penultimate Goal). But when she learns of Lecter’s escape and Crawford tells her to go back to school (the lowpoint), Clarice finds a message from Lecter, realizes Bill lives in Belvedere, Ohio and asks Crawford to be sent there to investigate the first girl’s disappearance (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: After Chilton’s manipulations, Senator Martin agrees to have Lecter moved to Tennessee in exchange for information on Buffalo Bill’s identity. This leads to his escape. Fail.

Meanwhile, Clarice’s investigation in Tennessee gets her in trouble with the Senator and the local FBI office. As a result, she is sent back to school for a disciplinary hearing. Double fail.

Penultimate Goal: Clarice follows Lecter to Tennessee to investigate the scene of Catherine Martin’s abduction.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Due to the phony offer Clarice made to Lecter, Senator Martin is convinced she is a naive nobody jeopardizing her daughter’s life. Clarice goes to Catherine’s apartment and deals with the Tennessee HP officers already on the scene. When she finds private, racy photos that may provide a lead, she is interrupted by Sen. Martin who accuses her of stealing. This leads the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations officer on site to order Clarice back to Quantico. Against his orders, Clarice visits Lecter where he is being housed in Tennessee. She lies her way into the building and finishes telling Lecter about her childhood, including the slaughter of the titular lambs.

After Lecter escapes, Crawford tells Clarice her little visit to Lecter has earned her a recommendation for suspension and a reevaluation of her fitness for service.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Clarice learns of Lecter’s escape, and Crawford tells her to go back to school. Soon after, Crawford discovers the Billy Rubin lead provided by Lecter was a poop joke, and all the information he gave them was literally shit. Now back at Quantico, Clarice and her roommate discuss her failure with the case. Crawford’s wife dies. The audience learns what Bill has been doing, and that he plans to kill Catherine Martin the next day to harvest her hide.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: After 46 of 61 Chapters (75.4%) – Clarice deals with her suspension from the case by studying the file Lecter gave her. After finding a message from him, Clarice realizes Bill’s pattern isn’t random, and he lives in Belvedere, Ohio. She goes to Crawford and begs to be sent to Belvedere to investigate the first girl’s disappearance, knowing if she fails she’ll be recycled and demoted to an FBI coffee maker in some backwoods office. Crawford agrees, giving her all the money he has on his person in lieu of an official travel card. Clarice has decided to stop Buffalo Bill and save Catherine Martin despite the personal consequences her failure would entail.

Act Run Time: 17 of 61 Chapters (27.9%)

 

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: After 48 of 61 Chapters (78.7%)

Knowing she only has hours at best, Clarice attempts to use Bill’s first victim (the longshot) to find Buffalo Bill and save Catherine Martin (the ultimate goal). But when the FBI tracks Buffalo Bill to an address in Chicago, and Clarice is told to keep investigating in Ohio despite the fact she may be recycled (all is lost), the trail leads her to Gumb’s house just as he is preparing to kill Catherine Martin (the final push).

The Longshot: Knowing she only has a few hours, Clarice attempts to use Bill’s first victim, Frederica Bimmel, to find Buffalo Bill.

Ultimate Goal: Clarice attempts to save Catherine Martin from Jame Gumb.

Ultimate Opposition: On the morning of the fourth day, Jame Gumb is ready to harvest Catherine’s hide, but she’s smart enough to capture his precious dog, Precious, and use it as leverage.

Clarice tries to unravel the psychology of Frederica Bimmel to get to the bottom of who killed her. In doing so, she figures out Bill is making a girl suit. Meanwhile, the FBI gets a solid name, but an inaccurate address, on Jame Gumb.

Shortly thereafter, Clarice learns the FBI has tracked Bill to Calumet City and is launching a raid to apprehend him. Already in Belvedere, Clarice decides to interview Frederica’s obtuse best friend, Stacy. Her investigation leads her directly to Jame Gumb’s house where she promptly realizes he is Buffalo Bill. When she tries to arrest him, he leads her into the basement and a game of cat and mouse ensues ending with Clarice shooting him just before he shoots her.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Clarice is told to keep investigating in Ohio despite the fact the FBI has an address on Jame Gumb in Chicago and is moving to apprehend him. She worries over whether or not she will be recycled. Clarice interviews Frederica Bimmel’s bestie, Stacy Hubka, while she mentally counts down the time to the Hostage Rescue Team’s raid. Meanwhile, the audience receives word that Jame Gumb is not in Calumet City, and the FBI’s raid won’t save anyone.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: After 54 of 61 Chapters (88.5%) – Clarice rings the doorbell as Jame Gumb prepares to kill Catherine. She deduces he is Buffalo Bill when a moth lands on his shoulder, but he flees into the basement before she can apprehend him. Knowing Catherine is also down there, Clarice realizes she doesn’t have time to call for backup and follows him into the basement. Gumb kills the lights and dons night vision goggles, leaving Clarice at a disadvantage. But when he cocks the hammer of his gun, Clarice’s FBI training kicks in and she fires her pistol in the direction of the sound, striking and killing him

Act Run Time: 8 of 61 Chapters (13.1%)

 

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: After 56 of 61 Chapters (91.8%)

Having rescued Catherine Martin and killed Buffalo Bill, Clarice is a hero and all set to graduate from the Academy. She now sleeps deeply, sweetly in the silence of the lambs.

The New Situation: Catherine Martin is alive. Starling is a hero. Senator Martin owes her a colloquial “one”. Dr. Lecter says he isn’t coming after her. Everyone lives happily ever after… until the sequel. Except Chilton. Lecter eats him. Nom nom nom.

Act Run Time: 5 of 61 Chapters (8.2%)

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

 

Story Structure Analysis: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Novel)

Format: Novel

Released: 1997

Written By: Joanne “Just Kidding” Rowling

Run Time: 17 Chapters

Character: Harry Potter (duh)

 

Plot structure breakdown of the 1997 novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone continues below…

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: 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 .

10-year-old orphan, Harry Potter, lives with his mean old aunt, uncle and cousin (the imperfect situation) who mistreat him at every turn (oppressive opposition) as he attempts to survive their torments (the initial goal). But when Harry begins receiving hundreds of magical letters which his uncle forbids him from opening (the disturbance), the giant, half-giant, Hagrid informs Harry he’s a wizard and offers him the choice to attend Hogwarts (the dilemma) and become a student of magic (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Harry’s life sucks. The Dursleys are bullies who mistreat him. His bedroom is a spiderweb riddled cupboard. He is frequently babysat by a smelly cat lady.

Initial Goal: Harry just wants to survive the torments of his family until he’s old enough to leave them.

Oppressive Opposition: Harry is harassed by his aunt, uncle and cousin. They make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs, treat him like a servant and never let him do anything enjoyable. He is frequently punished for things he didn’t do (well, at least that he didn’t do on purpose).

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: As his eleventh birthday approaches, Harry begins receiving a queer amount of letters. When his Uncle Vernon prevents Harry from reading them, the number of letters grows exponentially. This drives his uncle mad in his attempts to prevent Harry from seeing them.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: After 3 of 17 Chapters (17.6%) – Hagrid bursts through the door of the rickety shack at midnight on Harry’s eleventh birthday and reveals the truth of his parentage before inviting him to attend Hogwarts. Harry must choose between staying with the Dursleys and going off to wizarding school. A difficult decision to be sure.

The New Role: If Harry decides to attend Hogwarts, he will become a wizard in training.

Act Run Time: 4 of 17 Chapters (23.5%)

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: After 4 of 17 Chapters (23.4%)

Harry takes his first foray into the magical world by visiting Diagon Alley with Hagrid (the unfamiliar situation) and realizes his lack of magical knowledge (incidental opposition) while trying to purchase school supplies in preparation for attending Hogwarts (the transitional goal). But when he doesn’t know how to access the train and has confrontations with some of his fellow students on the ride to school (the reality check), he learns about the House system and subsequently becomes a Gryffindor (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Harry takes his first steps into the magical world when Hagrid takes him through the Leaky Cauldron into Diagon Alley. He then travels to and arrives at Hogwarts.

Transitional Goal: Harry prepares for and travels to Hogwarts to become a wizarding student. His goal in this act doesn’t extend beyond that, because he doesn’t know what to expect when he arrives at the school.

Incidental Opposition: In Diagon Alley, Harry meets Malfoy, though not by name, who expresses his belief that only the finer Wizarding families should be allowed to attend Hogwarts. Next, Harry has difficulty finding a wand. When he finally finds one, Mr. Ollivander says it is the brother to the wand that gave Harry his scar. Voldemort.

Later, Harry can’t access platform 9¾ to get on the train to school. When he finally boards the train, he encounters the bossy Hermione and dickish Malfoy who calls Ron poor and tries to steal Harry’s sweeties. When they arrive at the castle, the first years are sent to an anteroom where they learn they will be sorted into Houses. Harry mistakenly believes this will involve a physical test in front of the whole school and worries he will embarrass himself.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check:  Harry arrives at the train station and gets a crash course in the magical world when he discovers platform 9¾ doesn’t exist. Luckily he meets the Weasley family and their son, Ron whom he befriends. He learns of the robbery at Gringotts from Ron, as well as the fact you should never say Voldemort’s name. He’s like the boogeyman or Candyman. He also meets a few other students aboard the train, including Hermione and Malfoy. This proves life at Hogwarts won’t be all fun and games. When the train arrives at the school, Harry stomach lurches with nerves and Ron goes pale beneath his freckles. Hagrid leads the first years by boat to the castle and they marvel in awe.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: After 6 of 17 Chapters (35.2%) – Harry knows nothing of the House system at Hogwarts. Ron tells him he’s heard the sorting is administered via test and Harry becomes nervous. After a bit of fuss with the Sorting Hat, Harry becomes more than a mere student. He becomes a Gryffindor, committing himself to his New Role as a student of magic.

Act Run Time: 3 of 17 Chapters (17.6%)

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: After 7 of 17 Chapters (41%)

Harry bumps heads with Snape and Malfoy (the central conflict) who are both out to thwart his attempts (intentional opposition) to pass classes and learn magic (the false goal). But when Malfoy baits Harry into an after-hours duel, leading him to a chamber containing a Cerberus (the turn), Harry tricks Hagrid into revealing the owner of the package the dog is guarding (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Harry contends with Snape/Quirrell/Voldemort, and Draco Malfoy.

False Goal: Harry wants to learn magic and pass classes.

Intentional Opposition: Snape obviously has something against young Mr. Potter. Malfoy tries to get Harry detention. Harry has his first Quidditch match and is cursed by Snape/Quirrell.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: After a disagreement with Malfoy, Harry agrees to meet him after hours for a duel. When he arrives, the invitation is revealed to be an attempt to set Harry up for expulsion. Harry and his fellow moppets run and hide in the forbidden part of the castle to avoid the school’s caretaker, Filch. There they encounter a three-headed dog blocking a trap door, and Harry concludes it is guarding the package Hagrid retrieved from Gringotts Bank. Apparently, there are serious plots afoot at Hogwarts.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time:  After 9 of 17 Chapters (52.9%) – A troll attack disrupts the Halloween feast. Harry and Ron realize their poor treatment of Hermione lead her to flee into the troll’s path. Harry resolves to adhere to his true nature by fighting the troll, leading the trio to become inseparable friends.

Act Run Time: 3 of 17 Chapters (17.6%)

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: After 10 of 17 Chapters (58.8%)

Harry tries to help Hagrid smuggle a baby dragon out of Hogwarts (the doomed plan), and risks being caught by repeatedly going out after hours (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to figure out what Snape is trying to steal from the guarded room (the penultimate goal). But when he’s caught out after hours, loses Gryffindor the top spot for the House Cup and is shunned by his own house (the lowpoint), Harry discovers Voldemort is trying to come back to life and vows to stop him at all costs (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Their pursuit of Snape leads the gang to discover Hagrid is in possession of an illegal dragon egg. Harry helps Hagrid deliver the baby Dragon to Ron’s brother, Charlie, to keep Hagrid from getting in trouble. While he does manage to keep Hagrid’s secret safe, Harry brings a great deal of trouble upon himself in the process.

Penultimate Goal: Harry and the little rascals try to figure out what Snape is so obviously trying to steal from the locked room.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Harry runs the risk of being caught when he continues to sneak out every night. He is ultimately busted by Dumbledore while visiting the Mirror of Erised. Later, Harry learns Draco knows of Hagrid’s dragon and volunteers to deliver it to Charlie’s friends. He is subsequently caught out at night, loses 150 House points and is shunned by his fellow Gryffindors. Way to go, Harry.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: After catching Harry and Hermione returning from delivering Hagrid’s dragon to Ron’s brother Charlie, Filch escorts them to Professor McGonagall. This earns them all detention and loses them enough house points to put Gryffindor in last place. Because of this, Harry is shunned by the rest of Gryffindor and resolves to avoid any actions that may cost them more house points.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: After 14 of 17 Chapters (82.3%) – When Harry goes on his detention with Hagrid in the Forbidden Forest, he is separated from the group and stumbles upon a hooded figure drinking blood from a dead unicorn. He learns from Firenze, the centaur, that unicorn blood can keep someone alive who may be waiting for something stronger to truly bring him back to life. Harry realizes the figure he saw was Voldemort. Dun dun duhn.

Act Run Time: 5 of 17 Chapters (29.4%)

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: After 15 of 17 Chapters (88.2%)

Harry and the gang go into the trap door with no adult supervision (the longshot) and face a series of deadly tests (ultimate opposition) while trying to stop Snape from stealing the stone for Voldemort (the ultimate goal). But when Ron is gravely injured and Hermione is forced to get help (all is lost), Harry enters the final chamber alone and faces off with Quirrell and Voldemort (the final push).

The Longshot: Unable to bring any adults to their aide, Harry, Ron and Hermione go into the trap door by themselves to stop Snape from stealing the Stone.

Ultimate Goal: Harry wants to go into the trapdoor and stop Snape from stealing the Stone.

Ultimate Opposition: Harry and the gang have to pass a progressive series of tests set up by the professors and are nearly killed in the process. Harry makes it to the end and faces off with Quirrell and Voldemort. Or at least Voldemort’s noseless face on the back of Quirrell’s head.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: The three urchins must pass several tests to make it into the giant wizard chess room. Ron, being our resident idiot savant, realizes he must sacrifice himself for Harry and Hermione to take the game. Next, Harry discovers there isn’t enough magic potion for both he and Hermione to reach the room with the stone and sends her back to tend to Ron. He has lost all his backup.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: After 16 of 17 Chapters (94.1%) – Harry bursts into the final room to find not Snape, but the timid and sniveling Professor Quirrell. Quirrell gives his evil monologue to Harry’s detriment, giving Harry sufficient time to figure out how to get the stone from the mirror. Harry meets Voldemort and “faces” off with him for the first of many times to come. Realizing that touching Harry causes Quirrell excruciating pain, Harry grabs him as he prepares to perform a deadly curse. Harry, too, is in pain and passes out.

Act Run Time: 1.5 of 17 Chapters (8.8%)

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: After 16.5 of 17 Chapters (97%)

The New Situation: Harry awakens in the hospital wing to Dumbledore’s smiling countenance. The Headmaster recounts everything that transpired after Harry passed out like a little bitch, as well as the real reason the Stone was moved to Hogwarts; Voldemort is trying to impersonate Jesus by coming back to life. As a result, Harry’s life has just gotten a lot more complicated.

Act Run Time: 0.5 of 17 Chapters (2.9%)

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

 

Novel Structure Breakdown: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Format: Novel

Released: 1997

Written By: Joanne “Just Kidding” Rowling

Run Time: 17 Chapters

Character: Harry Potter (duh)

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 .

10-year-old orphan, Harry Potter, lives with his mean old aunt, uncle and cousin (the imperfect situation) who mistreat him at every turn (oppressive opposition) as he attempts to survive their torments (the initial goal). But when Harry begins receiving hundreds of magical letters which his uncle forbids him from opening (the disturbance), the giant, half-giant, Hagrid informs Harry he’s a wizard and offers him the choice to attend Hogwarts (the dilemma) and become a student of magic (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Harry’s life sucks. The Dursleys are bullies who mistreat him. His bedroom is a spiderweb riddled cupboard. He is frequently babysat by a smelly cat lady.

Initial Goal: Harry just wants to survive the torments of his family until he’s old enough to leave them.

Oppressive Opposition: Harry is harassed by his aunt, uncle and cousin. They make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs, treat him like a servant and never let him do anything enjoyable. He is frequently punished for things he didn’t do (well, at least that he didn’t do on purpose).

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: As his eleventh birthday approaches, Harry begins receiving a queer amount of letters. When his Uncle Vernon prevents Harry from reading them, the number of letters grows exponentially. This drives his uncle mad in his attempts to prevent Harry from seeing them.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: After 3 of 17 Chapters (17.6%) – Hagrid bursts through the door of the rickety shack at midnight on Harry’s eleventh birthday and reveals the truth of his parentage before inviting him to attend Hogwarts. Harry must choose between staying with the Dursleys and going off to wizarding school. A difficult decision to be sure.

The New Role: If Harry decides to attend Hogwarts, he will become a wizard in training.

Act Run Time: 4 of 17 Chapters (23.5%)

 

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: After 4 of 17 Chapters (23.4%)

Harry takes his first foray into the magical world by visiting Diagon Alley with Hagrid (the unfamiliar situation) and realizes his lack of magical knowledge (incidental opposition) while trying to purchase school supplies in preparation for attending Hogwarts (the transitional goal). But when he doesn’t know how to access the train and has confrontations with some of his fellow students on the ride to school (the reality check), he learns about the House system and subsequently becomes a Gryffindor (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Harry takes his first steps into the magical world when Hagrid takes him through the Leaky Cauldron into Diagon Alley. He then travels to and arrives at Hogwarts.

Transitional Goal: Harry prepares for and travels to Hogwarts to become a wizarding student. His goal in this act doesn’t extend beyond that, because he doesn’t know what to expect when he arrives at the school.

Incidental Opposition: In Diagon Alley, Harry meets Malfoy, though not by name, who expresses his belief that only the finer Wizarding families should be allowed to attend Hogwarts. Next, Harry has difficulty finding a wand. When he finally finds one, Mr. Ollivander says it is the brother to the wand that gave Harry his scar. Voldemort.

Later, Harry can’t access platform 9¾ to get on the train to school. When he finally boards the train, he encounters the bossy Hermione and dickish Malfoy who calls Ron poor and tries to steal Harry’s sweeties. When they arrive at the castle, the first years are sent to an anteroom where they learn they will be sorted into Houses. Harry mistakenly believes this will involve a physical test in front of the whole school and worries he will embarrass himself.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check:  Harry arrives at the train station and gets a crash course in the magical world when he discovers platform 9¾ doesn’t exist. Luckily he meets the Weasley family and their son, Ron whom he befriends. He learns of the robbery at Gringotts from Ron, as well as the fact you should never say Voldemort’s name. He’s like the boogeyman or Candyman. He also meets a few other students aboard the train, including Hermione and Malfoy. This proves life at Hogwarts won’t be all fun and games. When the train arrives at the school, Harry stomach lurches with nerves and Ron goes pale beneath his freckles. Hagrid leads the first years by boat to the castle and they marvel in awe.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: After 6 of 17 Chapters (35.2%) – Harry knows nothing of the House system at Hogwarts. Ron tells him he’s heard the sorting is administered via test and Harry becomes nervous. After a bit of fuss with the Sorting Hat, Harry becomes more than a mere student. He becomes a Gryffindor, committing himself to his New Role as a student of magic.

Act Run Time: 3 of 17 Chapters (17.6%)

 

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: After 7 of 17 Chapters (41%)

Harry bumps heads with Snape and Malfoy (the central conflict) who are both out to thwart his attempts (intentional opposition) to pass classes and learn magic (the false goal). But when Malfoy baits Harry into an after-hours duel, leading him to a chamber containing a Cerberus (the turn), Harry tricks Hagrid into revealing the owner of the package the dog is guarding (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Harry contends with Snape/Quirrell/Voldemort, and Draco Malfoy.

False Goal: Harry wants to learn magic and pass classes.

Intentional Opposition: Snape obviously has something against young Mr. Potter. Malfoy tries to get Harry detention. Harry has his first Quidditch match and is cursed by Snape/Quirrell.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: After a disagreement with Malfoy, Harry agrees to meet him after hours for a duel. When he arrives, the invitation is revealed to be an attempt to set Harry up for expulsion. Harry and his fellow moppets run and hide in the forbidden part of the castle to avoid the school’s caretaker, Filch. There they encounter a three-headed dog blocking a trap door, and Harry concludes it is guarding the package Hagrid retrieved from Gringotts Bank. Apparently, there are serious plots afoot at Hogwarts.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time:  minutes (%) – A troll attack disrupts the Halloween feast. Harry and Ron realize their poor treatment of Hermione lead her to flee into the troll’s path. Harry resolves to adhere to his true nature by fighting the troll, leading the trio to become inseparable friends.

Act Run Time: 3 of 17 Chapters (17.6%)

 

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:  Minutes (%)

Harry tries to help Hagrid smuggle a baby dragon out of Hogwarts (the doomed plan), and risks being caught by repeatedly going out after hours (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to figure out what Snape is trying to steal from the guarded room (the penultimate goal). But when he’s caught out after hours, loses Gryffindor the top spot for the House Cup and is shunned by his own house (the lowpoint), Harry discovers Voldemort is trying to come back to life and vows to stop him at all costs (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Their pursuit of Snape leads the gang to discover Hagrid is in possession of an illegal dragon egg. Harry helps Hagrid deliver the baby Dragon to Ron’s brother, Charlie, to keep Hagrid from getting in trouble. While he does manage to keep Hagrid’s secret safe, Harry brings a great deal of trouble upon himself in the process.

Penultimate Goal: Harry and the little rascals try to figure out what Snape is so obviously trying to steal from the locked room.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Harry runs the risk of being caught when he continues to sneak out every night. He is ultimately busted by Dumbledore while visiting the Mirror of Erised. Later, Harry learns Draco knows of Hagrid’s dragon and volunteers to deliver it to Charlie’s friends. He is subsequently caught out at night, loses 150 House points and is shunned by his fellow Gryffindors. Way to go, Harry.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: After catching Harry and Hermione returning from delivering Hagrid’s dragon to Ron’s brother Charlie, Filch escorts them to Professor McGonagall. This earns them all detention and loses them enough house points to put Gryffindor in last place. Because of this, Harry is shunned by the rest of Gryffindor and resolves to avoid any actions that may cost them more house points.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: After 14 of 17 Chapters (82.3%) – When Harry goes on his detention with Hagrid in the Forbidden Forest, he is separated from the group and stumbles upon a hooded figure drinking blood from a dead unicorn. He learns from Firenze, the centaur, that unicorn blood can keep someone alive who may be waiting for something stronger to truly bring him back to life. Harry realizes the figure he saw was Voldemort. Dun dun duhn.

Act Run Time: 5 of 17 Chapters (29.4%)

 

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: After 15 of 17 Chapters (88.2%)

Harry and the gang go into the trap door with no adult supervision (the longshot) and face a series of deadly tests (ultimate opposition) while trying to stop Snape from stealing the stone for Voldemort (the ultimate goal). But when Ron is gravely injured and Hermione is forced to get help (all is lost), Harry enters the final chamber alone and faces off with Quirrell and Voldemort (the final push).

The Longshot: Unable to bring any adults to their aide, Harry, Ron and Hermione go into the trap door by themselves to stop Snape from stealing the Stone.

Ultimate Goal: Harry wants to go into the trapdoor and stop Snape from stealing the Stone.

Ultimate Opposition: Harry and the gang have to pass a progressive series of tests set up by the professors and are nearly killed in the process. Harry makes it to the end and faces off with Quirrell and Voldemort. Or at least Voldemort’s noseless face on the back of Quirrell’s head.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: The three urchins must pass several tests to make it into the giant wizard chess room. Ron, being our resident idiot savant, realizes he must sacrifice himself for Harry and Hermione to take the game. Next, Harry discovers there isn’t enough magic potion for both he and Hermione to reach the room with the stone and sends her back to tend to Ron. He has lost all his backup.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: After 16 of 17 Chapters (94.1%) – Harry bursts into the final room to find not Snape, but the timid and sniveling Professor Quirrell. Quirrell gives his evil monologue to Harry’s detriment, giving Harry sufficient time to figure out how to get the stone from the mirror. Harry meets Voldemort and “faces” off with him for the first of many times to come. Realizing that touching Harry causes Quirrell excruciating pain, Harry grabs him as he prepares to perform a deadly curse. Harry, too, is in pain and passes out.

Act Run Time: 1.5 of 17 Chapters (8.8%)

 

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: After 16.5 of 17 Chapters (97%)

The New Situation: Harry awakens in the hospital wing to Dumbledore’s smiling countenance. The Headmaster recounts everything that transpired after Harry passed out like a little bitch, as well as the real reason the Stone was moved to Hogwarts; Voldemort is trying to impersonate Jesus by coming back to life. As a result, Harry’s life has just gotten a lot more complicated.

Act Run Time: 0.5 of 17 Chapters (2.9%)

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

 

Story Structure Analysis: Ready Player One (Novel)

Format: Novel

Released: 2011

Written By: Ernest Cline

Run Time: 39 Chapters

Character: Wade “Parzival” Watts

 

 

Plot structure breakdown of the 2011 novel Ready Player One continues below…

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Ready Player One: 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 .

Wade Watts is a poor orphan (the imperfect situation) who lives with his mean aunt (oppressive opposition) while trying to find the first key in the OASIS (initial goal). But when Wade figures out where the key is located (the disturbance) he overcomes the tests to get the key (the dilemma) and becomes the first user to clear the first gate (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Wade Watts is a poor orphan. He lives with his mean aunt and 2 other families in a double wide trailer in The Stack, a housing project made of stacked up trailers.

Initial Goal: Find the Copper Key in the Tomb of Horrors.

Oppressive Opposition: Wade’s Aunt Alice hates him and steals anything he has of value to pawn. Civilization is in collapse. He’s virtually bullied at virtual school for being actual poor.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance:  Chapter 7 – Pondering the line “much to learn” in his Latin class leads him to an epiphany. He realizes the Tomb of Horrors is hidden on his school planet Ludus, which is latin for school. Wade pulls up the map of the planet next to the Tomb of Horrors module and finds a spot on Ludus that matches the game. He gets a ticket to a football game at a school nearby to cover the teleportation and goes to the tomb.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: Chapters 8 through 11 – Wade makes it through the Tomb of Horrors and defeats the demi-lich at Joust. Afterward he meets Art3mis, his cyber crush who tells him whoever finds the key first will become famous, before realizing he already obtained the key. He considers waiting to go to the gate until the next day, but decides against it. He finds the first gate and plays through WarGames, obtaining the next clue for the Jade Key.

The New Role: Wade goes from being a nobody to the most famous Gunter in the world.

Act Run Time: Chapters 1 through 11 (11 of 39 Chapters – 28.2%)

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: After 11 of 39 Chapters (28.2%)

Wade’s avatar is now famous (the unfamiliar situation) and is targeted by the Sixers (incidental opposition) as he tries to figure out the second riddle to find the next gate (transitional goal). But when the Sixers reveal they know his true identity and try to kill him (the reality check) Wade buys a fake identity and relocates to Columbus (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Parzival is now famous.

Transitional Goal: Figure out the second riddle and clear the second gate.

Incidental Opposition: I-r0k attempts to blackmail Wade and Aech into telling where the key is. When they refuse he reveals personal information about them, prompting two more Gunters Daito and Shoto to open the gate. Sorrento tries to have Wade killed.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check:  Wade meets Sorrento via chatlink. Sorrento first offers him a lucrative position at IOI, then 5 million dollars just for instructions on clearing the first gate. When Wade refuses both, Sorrento reveals he knows Wade’s true identity and where he lives, and has wired his stack with explosives. Wade calls his bluff and logs out, but minutes later the stacks explode killing untold numbers.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: Chapter 16 (%) – Hours after the Sixers arrive at Ludus, the remaining spots on the scoreboard fill up with their numbers. Ludus is evacuated while the Gunters and Sixers duke it out, both sides farming copies of the Key. Wade buys a one way ticket to Columbus and leaves his hideout for good. En route he creates a new identity and rents an apartment. When he arrives, he vows to not go outside again until he completes his quest, abandoning the real world until he finds the egg.

Act Run Time: Chapters 12 through 16 (5 of 39 Chapters – 12.8%)

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: After 16 of 39 Chapters (41%)

Wade and the Gunters face off with the Sixers (the central conflict) who try to have them killed (intentional opposition) before they can find and clear the second gate (false goal). But when the Sixers crash Morrow’s birthday party immediately after Art3mis breaks up with Wade (the turn) he goes into a depression while she ultimately finds the next key (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Wade and the Gunters vs. Sorrento and the Sixers

False Goal: Find and clear the second gate. Have a relationship with Art3mis.

Intentional Opposition: Sorrento tries to have Wade and Art3mis killed at Morrow’s birthday party. Art3mis beats Wade to the second key and gate.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: The Sixers crash Morrow’s birthday party immediately after Art3mis breaks up with Wade.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time:  Chapter 21 (%) – Art3mis finds the Copper Key and clears the second gate. Wade resolves to find it as well.

Act Run Time: Chapters 17 through 21 (5 of 39 Chapters – 12.8%)

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: After 21 of 39 Chapters (53.8%)

The Sixers take the lead in the contest (the doomed plan) due to Wade having been distracted (self-inflicted opposition) and not focused on beating the Sixers to the gate (penultimate goal). But when the Sixers find the final Crystal Key (the lowpoint) Wade figures out a way to take down their force field (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: The Gunters fail to reach the third gate before the Sixers

Penultimate Goal: Beat the Sixers to the third gate.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Wade’s distraction with Art3mis causes the Sixers to take the lead.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: The High Five are pushed out of the top ten by the Sixers. Two days later, Sorrento finds the Crystal key. Wade gets a call and visit from Shoto and learns Sorrento had Daito killed in real life.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: Chapter 26 (%) – Wade figures out the final clue and where the Crystal Key is located. When he learns the Sixers have erected an impenetrable force field around Anorak’s Castle, Wade comes up with an idea to bring the force field down.

Act Run Time: Chapters 22 through 28 (7 of 39 Chapters – 17.9%)

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: After 27 of 39 Chapters (69.2%)

Wade infiltrates IOI headquarters as an indent (the longshot) and risks being captured and killed (ultimate opposition) while trying out the Sixers forcefield and beat them to the egg (ultimate goal). But when the Sixers detonate the Cataclysm killing every avatar in the Sector and Wade is saved by the extra life quarter he won on Archaide (all is lost) He enters the Crystal Gate and plays through Halladay’s final challenges (the final push).

The Longshot: Wade infiltrates IOI headquarters as an indentured employee to hack their system

Ultimate Goal: Take out the Sixers’ forcefield and go through the third gate to win Halladay’s egg.

Ultimate Opposition: Wade has to go into IOI’s headquarters to access their intranet. The battle Chthonia becomes the greatest video game battle in history. Wade must make it through the third gate with Sorrento hot on his heels.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: The Sixers detonate the Cataclysm killing every avatar in the Sector. Wade is saved by the extra life quarter he won on Archaide.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: Chapter 37 (%) – Wade enters the third gate and plays through Tempest and Monty Python and the Holy Grail before being transported into a recreation of Halladay’s office. He figures out how to start the only working computer with the password Leucosia, then plays through Adventure on the Atari 2600 to reach the secret room. There he finds the egg and retrieves it. A gate opens and he steps through into a reconstructed Castle Anorak. In Anorak’s study he is greeted by Anorak who tells him he has won. Halladay makes him immortal and omnipotent, shows him the off button for the OASIS, and tells him the only place to find true happiness is in the real world before disappearing. Wade kills the remaining Sixers and resurrects his friends. Sorrento is arrested for murder.

Act Run Time: Chapters 28 through 38 (11 of 39 Chapters – 28.2%)

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: After 38 of 39 Chapters (97.4%)

The New Situation: Wade now owns the OASIS and is a billionaire. He and Art3mis reconcile and kiss, and Wade realizes he has no desire to log back into the OASIS.

Act Run Time: 1 of 39 Chapters (2.5%)

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

Novel Structure Breakdown: Ready Player One

Format: Novel

Released: 2011

Written By: Ernest Cline

Run Time: 39 Chapters

Character: Wade “Parzival” Watts

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 .

Wade Watts is a poor orphan (the imperfect situation) who lives with his mean aunt (oppressive opposition) while trying to find the first key in the OASIS (initial goal). But when Wade figures out where the key is located (the disturbance) he overcomes the tests to get the key (the dilemma) and becomes the first user to clear the first gate (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Wade Watts is a poor orphan. He lives with his mean aunt and 2 other families in a double wide trailer in The Stack, a housing project made of stacked up trailers.

Initial Goal: Find the Copper Key in the Tomb of Horrors.

Oppressive Opposition: Wade’s Aunt Alice hates him and steals anything he has of value to pawn. Civilization is in collapse. He’s virtually bullied at virtual school for being actual poor.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance:  Chapter 7 – Pondering the line “much to learn” in his Latin class leads him to an epiphany. He realizes the Tomb of Horrors is hidden on his school planet Ludus, which is latin for school. Wade pulls up the map of the planet next to the Tomb of Horrors module and finds a spot on Ludus that matches the game. He gets a ticket to a football game at a school nearby to cover the teleportation and goes to the tomb.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: Chapters 8 through 11 – Wade makes it through the Tomb of Horrors and defeats the demi-lich at Joust. Afterward he meets Art3mis, his cyber crush who tells him whoever finds the key first will become famous, before realizing he already obtained the key. He considers waiting to go to the gate until the next day, but decides against it. He finds the first gate and plays through WarGames, obtaining the next clue for the Jade Key.

The New Role: A famous contender in Halladay’s hunt.

Act Run Time: Chapters 1 through 11 (11 of 39 Chapters – 28.2%)

 

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: After 11 of 39 Chapters (28.2%)

Wade’s avatar is now famous (the unfamiliar situation) and is targeted by the Sixers (incidental opposition) as he tries to figure out the second riddle to find the next gate (transitional goal). But when the Sixers reveal they know his true identity and try to kill him (the reality check) Wade buys a fake identity and relocates to Columbus (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Parzival is now famous.

Transitional Goal: Figure out the second riddle and clear the second gate.

Incidental Opposition: I-r0k attempts to blackmail Wade and Aech into telling where the key is. When they refuse he reveals personal information about them, prompting two more Gunters Daito and Shoto to open the gate. Sorrento tries to have Wade killed.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check:  Wade meets Sorrento via chatlink. Sorrento first offers him a lucrative position at IOI, then 5 million dollars just for instructions on clearing the first gate. When Wade refuses both, Sorrento reveals he knows Wade’s true identity and where he lives, and has wired his stack with explosives. Wade calls his bluff and logs out, but minutes later the stacks explode killing untold numbers.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: Chapter 16 (%) – Hours after the Sixers arrive at Ludus, the remaining spots on the scoreboard fill up with their numbers. Ludus is evacuated while the Gunters and Sixers duke it out, both sides farming copies of the Key. Wade buys a one way ticket to Columbus and leaves his hideout for good. En route he creates a new identity and rents an apartment. When he arrives, he vows to not go outside again until he completes his quest, abandoning the real world until he finds the egg.

Act Run Time: Chapters 12 through 16 (5 of 39 Chapters – 12.8%)

 

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: After 16 of 39 Chapters (41%)

Wade and the Gunters face off with the Sixers (the central conflict) who try to have them killed (intentional opposition) before they can find and clear the second gate (false goal). But when the Sixers crash Morrow’s birthday party immediately after Art3mis breaks up with Wade (the turn) he goes into a depression while she ultimately finds the next key (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Wade and the Gunters vs. Sorrento and the Sixers

False Goal: Find and clear the second gate. Have a relationship with Art3mis.

Intentional Opposition: Sorrento tries to have Wade and Art3mis killed at Morrow’s birthday party. Art3mis beats Wade to the second key and gate.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: The Sixers crash Morrow’s birthday party immediately after Art3mis breaks up with Wade.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time:  Chapter 21 (%) – Art3mis finds the Copper Key and clears the second gate. Wade resolves to find it as well.

Act Run Time: Chapters 17 through 21 (5 of 39 Chapters – 12.8%)

 

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: After 21 of 39 Chapters (53.8%)

The Sixers take the lead in the contest (the doomed plan) due to Wade having been distracted (self-inflicted opposition) and not focused on beating the Sixers to the gate (penultimate goal). But when the Sixers find the final Crystal Key (the lowpoint) Wade figures out a way to take down their force field (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: The Gunters fail to reach the third gate before the Sixers

Penultimate Goal: Beat the Sixers to the third gate.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Wade’s distraction with Art3mis causes the Sixers to take the lead.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: The High Five are pushed out of the top ten by the Sixers. Two days later, Sorrento finds the Crystal key. Wade gets a call and visit from Shoto and learns Sorrento had Daito killed in real life.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: Chapter 26 (%) – Wade figures out the final clue and where the Crystal Key is located. When he learns the Sixers have erected an impenetrable force field around Anorak’s Castle, Wade comes up with an idea to bring the force field down.

Act Run Time: Chapters 22 through 28 (7 of 39 Chapters – 17.9%)

 

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: After 27 of 39 Chapters (69.2%)

Wade infiltrates IOI headquarters as an indent (the longshot) and risks being captured and killed (ultimate opposition) while trying out the Sixers forcefield and beat them to the egg (ultimate goal). But when the Sixers detonate the Cataclysm killing every avatar in the Sector and Wade is saved by the extra life quarter he won on Archaide (all is lost) He enters the Crystal Gate and plays through Halladay’s final challenges (the final push).

The Longshot: Wade infiltrates IOI headquarters as an indentured employee to hack their system

Ultimate Goal: Take out the Sixers’ forcefield and go through the third gate to win Halladay’s egg.

Ultimate Opposition: Wade has to go into IOI’s headquarters to access their intranet. The battle Chthonia becomes the greatest video game battle in history. Wade must make it through the third gate with Sorrento hot on his heels.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: The Sixers detonate the Cataclysm killing every avatar in the Sector. Wade is saved by the extra life quarter he won on Archaide.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: Chapter 37 (%) – Wade enters the third gate and plays through Tempest and Monty Python and the Holy Grail before being transported into a recreation of Halladay’s office. He figures out how to start the only working computer with the password Leucosia, then plays through Adventure on the Atari 2600 to reach the secret room. There he finds the egg and retrieves it. A gate opens and he steps through into a reconstructed Castle Anorak. In Anorak’s study he is greeted by Anorak who tells him he has won. Halladay makes him immortal and omnipotent, shows him the off button for the OASIS, and tells him the only place to find true happiness is in the real world before disappearing. Wade kills the remaining Sixers and resurrects his friends. Sorrento is arrested for murder.

Act Run Time: Chapters 28 through 38 (11 of 39 Chapters – 28.2%)

 

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: After 38 of 39 Chapters (97.4%)

The New Situation: Wade now owns the OASIS and is a billionaire. He and Art3mis reconcile and kiss, and Wade realizes he has no desire to log back into the OASIS.

Act Run Time: 1 of 39 Chapters (2.5%)

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

 

Story Structure Video Analysis: Back to the Future

New Six Act video breakdown for the timeless time travel romp, Back to the Future. Bon appetit!

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