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Film Structure Breakdown: The Lego Movie

Format: Movie

Released: 2014

Written and Directed By: Phil Lord and Chris Miller

Run Time: 93 minutes

Character: Emmet Brickowski

 

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.

Emmet Brickowski is a lonely, friendless, unimportant, construction guy (the imperfect situation) covertly being manipulated by an oppressive government (oppressive opposition) who just wants to fit in, have everybody like him and always be happy (the initial goal). But when he stumbles upon a mysterious object under a construction site in pursuit of a strange girl (the disturbance), he is mistaken for “the Special” by the authorities and must choose between being executed (the dilemma) and pretending to be the Special (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Despite Emmet’s enthusiasm, none of the people he interacts with seem to know who he is. His only friend is a plant.

It’s clearly for medicinal purposes.

Initial Goal: Emmet follows a set of instructions delineating his goal to fit in, have everybody like him and always be happy.

Oppressive Opposition: Emmet is unwittingly a participant in Lord Business’ oppressive scheme to enslave the universe. This is finally brought to his attention when he is sentenced by Bad Cop to be melted to death despite his innocence.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: Emmett loses his instructions, is smitten at the unexpected appearance of the stunning Wyldstyle and falls down a hole chasing after her. There he finds and touches the piece of resistance.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 10 of 93 minutes (10.7%) – Emmet wakes up restrained and is interrogated by Good Cop and Bad Cop. He is revealed to have the mythical “piece of resistance” stuck to his back. When Wyldstyle shows up and saves him, he must choose between staying in Bricksburg at the mercy of the police, or becoming the Special and going on the run.

The New Role: If Emmet agrees to go on the run with Wyldstyle, he will become the Special.

Act Run Time: 18 of 93 minutes (19.3%)

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: 18 of 93 minutes (19.3%)

Emmet tries to blend in in the Old West and learns about the prophecy (the unfamiliar situation) but is ridiculed by Wyldstyle and the locals (incidental opposition) as he attempts to rendezvous with Vitruvius (the transitional goal). But when Bad Cop tracks him down and the locals rat him out (the reality check), Emmet and the gang are forced to escape to another realm before Emmet can receive any training (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Emmet has no idea what the Old West is. It’s a dangerous place, and Wyldstyle has to teach him how to behave. Emmet doesn’t know anything about Master Builders or the prophecy or anything in general, and must be brought up to speed.

Transitional Goal: Emmet and Wyldstyle attempt to rendezvous with Vitruvius.

Incidental Opposition: The duo arrives in the Old West where it is made clear Emmet’s ineptitude is likely to get him killed. Not to mention Wyldstyle thinks he’s a total spazoid. They go to a saloon where Emmet stands out and is subsequently threatened by the bar’s patrons.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Emmet’s mind is shown to be prodigiously empty. 

“You need to cut back on that plant, man.”

Bad Cop shows up, and Sheriff Not-A-Robot tells him where Emmet is hiding.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 32 of 93 minutes (34.4%) – Bad Cop and his army of robots attack, and the gang is forced to escape, first in a stagecoach and then in the Batwing with Batman. Like it or not, Emmet is now committed to his New Role as the Special, which pits him against Lord Business in the Central Conflict.

Act Run Time: 19 of 93 minutes (20.4%)

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: 37 of 93 minutes (39.7%)

Emmet and the gang try to stop Lord Business’ sinister plan (the central conflict), but Emmet’s idiocy is realized by both the Master Builders and Octan (intentional opposition) when he tries to rally the Master Builders to attack Octan Tower (the false goal). But when Bad Cop tracks them to Cloud Cuckoo Land and captures all but a few of the Master Builders (the turn), the remaining Master Builders see the benefits of Emmet’s seemingly useless ideas and rally behind him to develop a new course of action (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Emmet and the Master Builders battle Lord Business’ and his plan to Kragle the whole universe on Taco Tuesday.

False Goal: Emmet and his crew visit Cloud Cuckoo Land and attempt to assemble the Master Builders to attack Octan Tower.

“This place reeks of  plant.”

Intentional Opposition: It is now clear the bad guys are after them. Batman stands vehemently between Emmet and Wyldstyle. The Master Builders turn on Emmet upon hearing his motivational speech. Bad Cop and the forces of evil crash the party, capture all the Master Builders and level Cloud Cuckoo land.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Bad Cop follows Emmet’s crew using a tracking device on Emmet’s leg. Cloud Cuckoo land is destroyed. The submarine hastily constructed by Emmet’s gang falls apart and seemingly kills everyone aboard. Bad Cop tells Lord Business the only remnant of the Special is a double-decker couch.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 52 of 93 minutes (55.9%) – Emmet’s couch stays together, and everyone uses it to survive. Metal Beard shows up in his pirate ship and rescues them, hailing Emmet’s ideas as surprisingly useful. Emmett gives a better speech and gets everyone to devise a cohesive plan.

Emmet decides he is indeed a unique individual who can make a valid contribution. He and the Master Builders devise a plan to bring the fight to Lord Business.

Act Run Time: 18 of 93 minutes (19.3%)

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: 55 of 93 minutes (59.1%)

Emmet and the gang implement a plan to sneak into Octan Tower (the doomed plan), but walk right into Lord Business’s clutches (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to put the piece of resistance on the Kragle (the penultimate goal). But when a mortally wounded Vitruvius admits to Emmet he made up the prophecy (the lowpoint), Emmet sacrifices himself to free the others and Wyldstyle concocts a plan to enlist the aid of the citizens of the universe (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Emmet and the gang’s plan to sneak into Octan tower fails, Vitruvius is killed, and everyone is captured.

Penultimate Goal: Emmet and the Master Builders attempt to sneak into Octan Tower and put the piece of resistance on the Kragle.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Emmet and the gang willingly go into Octan tower, walking into Lord Business’ trap.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Vitruvius is mortally wounded. Before dying, he confesses to Emmett he made up the prophecy of the Special. Lord Business sets the timer to kill all the Master Builders and Emmett. Emmet is sad because he isn’t special after all. Lord Business takes his tower ship to Bricksburg and begins releasing the Kragle.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 71 of 93 minutes (76.3%) – Ghost Vitruvius shows up and tells Emmett he can still be the Special if he just believes in himself.

“I’ve seen the face of God. He complimented my portrayal in “Bruce Almighty”.”

Emmett manages to rock the battery he is attached to free and rolls it into the abyss of infinite nothingness. Emmet’s decision to stop Lord Business at all costs gives Wyldstyle an idea to save the universe.

Act Run Time: 19 of 93 minutes (20.4%)

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: 74 of 93 minutes (79.5%)

Wyldstyle hijacks a TV program to convince the citizens of Bricksburg to fight back against President Business (the longshot) and faces an attack by his minions (ultimate opposition) while Emmet gets a new piece of resistance from a human child to put on the Kragle (the ultimate goal). But when the citizens and Master Builders are overrun by Lord Business’ micromanagers (all is lost), Emmett returns to Bricksburg with the vision of a Master Builder, fights his way through the city and faces off with Lord Business (the final push).

The Longshot: Wyldstyle’s uses the TV to get the citizens to fight back against Lord Business with their creativity. Meanwhile, Emmet tries to enlist the aid of a human child to get the piece of resistance back.

Ultimate Goal: Emmet’s motley crew wants to Defeat Lord Business and his minions, put the piece on the Kragle, and save the universe.

Ultimate Opposition: Lord Business releases his micromanagers and the Kragle upon the unsuspecting citizens of Bricksburg. Emmet is detained by The Man Upstairs who is revealed to be behind all this Kragle business. Emmet must face off with Lord Business directly and appeal to his sense of decency.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Wyldstyle and the citizens of Bricksburg are overrun by the micromanagers. Emmet is apprehended by the Man Upstairs who calls him an unimportant construction guy.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 84 of 93 minutes (90.3%) – With the help of the human child and a cat poster, Emmett returns to Bricksburg and sees the world with the vision of a Master Builder.

“KEANU!”

He builds a robot suit and fights his way through the city with the help of Princess Unikitty. He faces off with Lord Business but ends up getting his foot Kragled. The man upstairs and his son have a heart to heart, which is mirrored by Emmett and President Business. Emmet/the child convince Lord Business/The Man Upstairs to put the cap on the Kragle and end the conflict.

Act Run Time: 17 of 93 minutes (18.2%)

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: 91 of 93 minutes (97.8%)

Emmet is liked and respected. He even gets to hold hands with Wyldstyle. President Business is now on the side of good.

The New Situation: In an uncharacteristic act of humility, Batman tells Wyldstyle Emmet is the hero she deserves. Emmet and Wyldstyle finally hold hands. President Business distributes the antidote for the Kragle, and the people are set free. The human and his childling play with Legos together. But now that Finn’s sister is also allowed to play, a new threat arises… for the sequel.

Act Run Time: 2 of 93 minutes (2.2%)

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

Six Act Structure in: The Lego Movie

Format: Movie

Released: 2014

Written and Directed By: Phil Lord and Chris Miller

Run Time: 93 minutes

Character: Emmet Brickowski

 

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.

Emmet Brickowski is a lonely, friendless, unimportant, construction guy (the imperfect situation) covertly being manipulated by an oppressive government (oppressive opposition) who just wants to fit in, have everybody like him and always be happy (the initial goal). But when he stumbles upon a mysterious object under a construction site in pursuit of a strange girl (the disturbance), he is mistaken for “the Special” by the authorities and must choose between being executed (the dilemma) and pretending to be the Special (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Despite Emmet’s enthusiasm, none of the people he interacts with seem to know who he is. His only friend is a plant.

It’s clearly for medicinal purposes.

Initial Goal: Emmet follows a set of instructions delineating his goal to fit in, have everybody like him and always be happy.

Oppressive Opposition: Emmet is unwittingly a participant in Lord Business’ oppressive scheme to enslave the universe. This is finally brought to his attention when he is sentenced by Bad Cop to be melted to death despite his innocence.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: Emmett loses his instructions, is smitten at the unexpected appearance of the stunning Wyldstyle and falls down a hole chasing after her. There he finds and touches the piece of resistance.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 10 of 93 minutes (10.7%) – Emmet wakes up restrained and is interrogated by Good Cop and Bad Cop. He is revealed to have the mythical “piece of resistance” stuck to his back. When Wyldstyle shows up and saves him, he must choose between staying in Bricksburg at the mercy of the police, or becoming the Special and going on the run.

The New Role: If Emmet agrees to go on the run with Wyldstyle, he will become the Special.

Act Run Time: 18 of 93 minutes (19.3%)

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: 18 of 93 minutes (19.3%)

Emmet tries to blend in in the Old West and learns about the prophecy (the unfamiliar situation) but is ridiculed by Wyldstyle and the locals (incidental opposition) as he attempts to rendezvous with Vitruvius (the transitional goal). But when Bad Cop tracks him down and the locals rat him out (the reality check), Emmet and the gang are forced to escape to another realm before Emmet can receive any training (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Emmet has no idea what the Old West is. It’s a dangerous place, and Wyldstyle has to teach him how to behave. Emmet doesn’t know anything about Master Builders or the prophecy or anything in general, and must be brought up to speed.

Transitional Goal: Emmet and Wyldstyle attempt to rendezvous with Vitruvius.

Incidental Opposition: The duo arrives in the Old West where it is made clear Emmet’s ineptitude is likely to get him killed. Not to mention Wyldstyle thinks he’s a total spazoid. They go to a saloon where Emmet stands out and is subsequently threatened by the bar’s patrons.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Emmet’s mind is shown to be prodigiously empty. 

“You need to cut back on that plant, man.”

Bad Cop shows up, and Sheriff Not-A-Robot tells him where Emmet is hiding.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 32 of 93 minutes (34.4%) – Bad Cop and his army of robots attack, and the gang is forced to escape, first in a stagecoach and then in the Batwing with Batman. Like it or not, Emmet is now committed to his New Role as the Special, which pits him against Lord Business in the Central Conflict.

Act Run Time: 19 of 93 minutes (20.4%)

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: 37 of 93 minutes (39.7%)

Emmet and the gang try to stop Lord Business’ sinister plan (the central conflict), but Emmet’s idiocy is realized by both the Master Builders and Octan (intentional opposition) when he tries to rally the Master Builders to attack Octan Tower (the false goal). But when Bad Cop tracks them to Cloud Cuckoo Land and captures all but a few of the Master Builders (the turn), the remaining Master Builders see the benefits of Emmet’s seemingly useless ideas and rally behind him to develop a new course of action (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Emmet and the Master Builders battle Lord Business’ and his plan to Kragle the whole universe on Taco Tuesday.

False Goal: Emmet and his crew visit Cloud Cuckoo Land and attempt to assemble the Master Builders to attack Octan Tower.

“This place reeks of  plant.”

Intentional Opposition: It is now clear the bad guys are after them. Batman stands vehemently between Emmet and Wyldstyle. The Master Builders turn on Emmet upon hearing his motivational speech. Bad Cop and the forces of evil crash the party, capture all the Master Builders and level Cloud Cuckoo land.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Bad Cop follows Emmet’s crew using a tracking device on Emmet’s leg. Cloud Cuckoo land is destroyed. The submarine hastily constructed by Emmet’s gang falls apart and seemingly kills everyone aboard. Bad Cop tells Lord Business the only remnant of the Special is a double-decker couch.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 52 of 93 minutes (55.9%) – Emmet’s couch stays together, and everyone uses it to survive. Metal Beard shows up in his pirate ship and rescues them, hailing Emmet’s ideas as surprisingly useful. Emmett gives a better speech and gets everyone to devise a cohesive plan.

Emmet decides he is indeed a unique individual who can make a valid contribution. He and the Master Builders devise a plan to bring the fight to Lord Business.

Act Run Time: 18 of 93 minutes (19.3%)

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: 55 of 93 minutes (59.1%)

Emmet and the gang implement a plan to sneak into Octan Tower (the doomed plan), but walk right into Lord Business’s clutches (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to put the piece of resistance on the Kragle (the penultimate goal). But when a mortally wounded Vitruvius admits to Emmet he made up the prophecy (the lowpoint), Emmet sacrifices himself to free the others and Wyldstyle concocts a plan to enlist the aid of the citizens of the universe (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Emmet and the gang’s plan to sneak into Octan tower fails, Vitruvius is killed, and everyone is captured.

Penultimate Goal: Emmet and the Master Builders attempt to sneak into Octan Tower and put the piece of resistance on the Kragle.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Emmet and the gang willingly go into Octan tower, walking into Lord Business’ trap.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Vitruvius is mortally wounded. Before dying, he confesses to Emmett he made up the prophecy of the Special. Lord Business sets the timer to kill all the Master Builders and Emmett. Emmet is sad because he isn’t special after all. Lord Business takes his tower ship to Bricksburg and begins releasing the Kragle.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 71 of 93 minutes (76.3%) – Ghost Vitruvius shows up and tells Emmett he can still be the Special if he just believes in himself.

“I’ve seen the face of God. He complimented my portrayal in “Bruce Almighty”.”

Emmett manages to rock the battery he is attached to free and rolls it into the abyss of infinite nothingness. Emmet’s decision to stop Lord Business at all costs gives Wyldstyle an idea to save the universe.

Act Run Time: 19 of 93 minutes (20.4%)

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: 74 of 93 minutes (79.5%)

Wyldstyle hijacks a TV program to convince the citizens of Bricksburg to fight back against President Business (the longshot) and faces an attack by his minions (ultimate opposition) while Emmet gets a new piece of resistance from a human child to put on the Kragle (the ultimate goal). But when the citizens and Master Builders are overrun by Lord Business’ micromanagers (all is lost), Emmett returns to Bricksburg with the vision of a Master Builder, fights his way through the city and faces off with Lord Business (the final push).

The Longshot: Wyldstyle’s uses the TV to get the citizens to fight back against Lord Business with their creativity. Meanwhile, Emmet tries to enlist the aid of a human child to get the piece of resistance back.

Ultimate Goal: Emmet’s motley crew wants to Defeat Lord Business and his minions, put the piece on the Kragle, and save the universe.

Ultimate Opposition: Lord Business releases his micromanagers and the Kragle upon the unsuspecting citizens of Bricksburg. Emmet is detained by The Man Upstairs who is revealed to be behind all this Kragle business. Emmet must face off with Lord Business directly and appeal to his sense of decency.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Wyldstyle and the citizens of Bricksburg are overrun by the micromanagers. Emmet is apprehended by the Man Upstairs who calls him an unimportant construction guy.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 84 of 93 minutes (90.3%) – With the help of the human child and a cat poster, Emmett returns to Bricksburg and sees the world with the vision of a Master Builder.

“KEANU!”

He builds a robot suit and fights his way through the city with the help of Princess Unikitty. He faces off with Lord Business but ends up getting his foot Kragled. The man upstairs and his son have a heart to heart, which is mirrored by Emmett and President Business. Emmet/the child convince Lord Business/The Man Upstairs to put the cap on the Kragle and end the conflict.

Act Run Time: 17 of 93 minutes (18.2%)

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: 91 of 93 minutes (97.8%)

Emmet is liked and respected. He even gets to hold hands with Wyldstyle. President Business is now on the side of good.

The New Situation: In an uncharacteristic act of humility, Batman tells Wyldstyle Emmet is the hero she deserves. Emmet and Wyldstyle finally hold hands. President Business distributes the antidote for the Kragle, and the people are set free. The human and his childling play with Legos together. But now that Finn’s sister is also allowed to play, a new threat arises… for the sequel.

Act Run Time: 2 of 93 minutes (2.2%)

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

Film Structure Breakdown: Star Trek

Format: Movie

Released: 2009

Written By: Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman

Directed By: JJ Abrams

Run Time: 118 minutes

Character: James T. Kirk, Spock T. Spock

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 .

Kirk: Fatherless Kirk lives with his mom and wicked stepfather in Iowa (the imperfect situation) and faces interference from the law and his stepdad (oppressive opposition) as he tries to live by his own rules (the initial goal). But when his reckless, flirtatious ways get him into a fight with a group of Starfleet security cadets (the disturbance), he’s encouraged by a high-ranking officer to join Starfleet (the dilemma) and becomes a Starfleet cadet (the new role).

Spock: Spock, a half-human boy being raised on Vulcan (the imperfect situation) is harassed by the Vulcan boys for being different (oppressive opposition) as he attempts to go to school and get good grades (the initial goal). But when his human mother is insulted by the high council at his acceptance into the Vulcan Academy (the disturbance), Spock must choose between the Vulcan life he knows (the dilemma) and enlisting in Starfleet (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Kirk is an orphan. His life has no purpose, and although he’s alright with it, others are not. He does not want to change his situation

Spock is an outcast who is struggling to find his purpose. He wants to change his situation.

Initial Goal: Kirk: Live life by his own rules. Screw the universe.

Spock: Find a place in universe. Prepare for an appearance on Jeopardy. 

“Can’t believe I never noticed that before.”

Act Run Time: 28 of 118 minutes (23.7%)

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: 28 of 118 minutes (23.7%)

Kirk: Kirk goes to Starfleet Academy (the unfamiliar situation) where they have an abundance of things called rules (incidental opposition) in hopes of graduating from simply being super awesome to being super awesome in space (the transitional goal). But when the fleet is mustered while he is on academic suspension, and he’s forced to stow aboard the Enterprise (reality check), he is recruited by Captain Pike (again) to lead an away team tasked with stopping Romulans from destroying Vulcan (the commitment).

Spock: After dealing with a cheating cadet who somehow outsmarted his unbeatable test (the unfamiliar situation), and facing off with the smart mouth kid who questions his authority (incidental opposition), Commander Spock and the Enterprise receive an emergency response signal from Vulcan and mount a rescue mission (the transitional goal). But when it is revealed that Romulans are attacking Vulcan because of Spock (the reality check), Captain Pike agrees to negotiate with the Romulans and promotes Spock to captain in his stead (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Kirk goes off to the Starfleet Academy. They have a lot of rules there, and he quickly gets himself into serious trouble.

Commander Spock excels at the Starfleet Academy, but we’re not reintroduced to him until his superior intellect is brought into question by a brash young cadet named Kirk who manages to beat the unwinnable test Spock personally programmed.

“Pew Pew! Die rules!”

Transitional Goal: Kirk wants to graduate the Academy and be awesome.

Spock wants to live long and prosper.

Incidental Opposition: Kirk runs into several problems just trying to be his usual, womanizing, authority circumventing self. He clashes with Uhura and Bones over his relentless retaking of the Kobayashi Maru exam and later with Spock, Tyler Perry, and the Starfleet Academy because he cheated on said exam.

“I often dress as a woman, but I need you to take me serious right now.”

Spock’s unpassable test is defeated by a cheating Kirk. He and Kirk have it out in front of the entire Starfleet Academy at Kirk’s academic hearing.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Kirk: Due to his academic suspension, Kirk is grounded when the fleet is mustered. He subsequently gets a Mudflee vaccination from Bones and has a humorous, near-fatal reaction.

“I’m gonna wreck it!”

Spock: Kirk unexpectedly barges on the bridge and announces Vulcan is under attack by ‘Womulans. Spock tries to call him a liar but is ultimately proven wrong.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 45 of 118 minutes (38.1%)

–  The Enterprise comes out of warp to find the fleet destroyed. They are confronted by a garbled transmission of Nero’s head, and must come up with a plan to stop the drill. Captain Pike request officers with advanced hand-to-hand combat training and also takes Kirk since he’s not supposed to be there in the first place. Spock is logically promoted to captain. Kirk is illogically promoted to first officer. Kirk commits himself to his New Role as a Starfleet officer by leading an away team to stop the drill. Spock commits to his New Role as captain by being all serious. Meanwhile, the Romulans commit to destroying Vulcan by preparing the red matter, setting the stage for the Central Conflict.

Act Run Time: 23 of 118 minutes (19.4%)

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: 51 of 118 minutes (43.2%)

Kirk: Hoping to stop Nero and whatever it is he’s trying to accomplish (the central conflict), Kirk and the away team face off with gun-toting Romulans (intentional opposition) when they HALO jump to the planet to destroy the drill (the false goal). But when Nero destroys the planet by creating a black hole at its center (the turn) and Spock wants to rendezvous with the fleet instead of going after him, Kirk opts to mutiny to lead the ship after Nero (the moment of truth).

Spock: When it is discovered Nero is trying to create a singularity at the center of all Federation planets (the central conflict), Spock beams to the surface of the collapsing Vulcan against Kirk’s protests (intentional opposition) to save the council and his family (the false goal). But when his mother is killed and Vulcan is destroyed (the turn), Kirk tries to mutiny, and Spock has him ejected from the ship (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: The crew of the Enterprise faces off with Nero and his plan to destroy Starfleet.

False Goal: Kirk and Spock attempt to stop Nero and whatever it is he’s doing to Vulcan.

Intentional Opposition: Nero and his crew now want the crew of the Enterprise to watch helplessly as Vulcan is destroyed. The Romulan redshirts try to stop Kirk, Sulu and a Starfleet redshirt from disabling the drill to no avail. Kirk and Sulu destroy the drill to no avail. Spock tries to rescue his mother to no avail. Can we please get some damn avail?!

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Nero launches the red matter into the hole he’s drilled. The ground underneath Spock’s mom gives way, and Chekov can’t beam her aboard the ship because he’s not Scotty. She is dead. Vulcan is destroyed in a black hole as the Enterprise flies away.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 64 of 118 minutes (54.2%) – Spock determines from the artificially created black hole that Nero must be from the future. Spock and Kirk argue about their next move. Kirk wants to go after Nero. Spock wants to rendezvous with Starfleet. Spock is the captain, so he makes the call. Kirk flips out and attacks Spock who has him ejected from for mutiny.

And I was like, “Phasers on eject.”

Both Spock and Kirk make decisions based on their true natures and fight against each other in defense of them.

Act Run Time: 21 of 118 minutes (17.7%)

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: 72 of 118 minutes (61%)

Kirk deals with the Hoth like atmosphere of Delta Vega (self-inflicted opposition), while trying to reach the Starfleet outpost (the penultimate goal). But when he is nearly eaten by one of the many space beasts of the planet (the lowpoint), he is rescued by Leonard Nimoy who clues him into Nero’s backstory and introduces him to Scotty (the newfound resolve)

Spock attempts to rendezvous with Starfleet (the doomed plan) but has his decision questioned by his senior officers (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to come up with a way to stop Nero (the penultimate goal). But when that damned Kirk manages to beam back aboard the ship, emotionally compromise him and convince him to resign command (the lowpoint), Spock has a father to son moment with his dad, who tells him humans are better than Vulcans in many ways and makes him apologize to Kirk (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: The Enterprise’s attempts to rendezvous with the fleet will be unsuccessful.

Penultimate Goal:  Kirk attempts to reach the Starfleet outpost on Delta Vega.

Spock attempts to rendezvous with the rest of Starfleet.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Due to his choice to overthrow Spock, Kirk must now try to avoid becoming lunch for the space beasts of Hoth. After conveniently meeting future Spock, Scotty, and Deep Roy, Kirk teleports back onto the Enterprise and is apprehended by Starfleet security officers.

Meanwhile, Spock’s decision to ignore Kirk’s advice is what causes the latter to hatch a complex mutiny scheme. Ultimately, Spock’s dad leads him to realize all this mess is his fault because he doesn’t appreciate his human side.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Kirk is marooned on Delta Vega.

Spock is emotionally compromised by Kirk and nearly kills him to death.

“Judo chop!”

This prompts Spock to relinquish his command of the Enterprise. Cue sad music.

It’s interesting to note that in this act, Spock and Kirk’s Turning Points diverge. Their clash at their joint Moment of Truth in the previous act immediately leads to Kirk’s individual Lowpoint of being marooned on Delta Vega in Act Four. But Kirk’s discovery of his Newfound Resolve and his beaming back aboard the ship causes the failure of Spock’s Doomed Plan, his Lowpoint of being emotionally compromised, and his subsequent Newfound Resolve of joining forces with Kirk. Their plot points had been aligned, if at odds up until this point, but it’s only after this divergence that their actions are harmoniously united under a shared goal at the conclusion of this act.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 92 of 118 minutes (77.9%) – Kirk finds out about Nero from Spock Prime and decides he must be stopped.

“Let me touch your face.”

He also learns he is the rightful captain of the Enterprise. Kirk joins up with Scotty, and together they beam aboard the ship.

After Spock loses command of the Enterprise to Kirk, his dad gives him life lessons on love and other such nonsense. Afterward, Spock returns to the bridge and volunteers to beam aboard Nero’s ship. He too has decided Nero must be stopped. Kirk will come with him, because of course.

Act Run Time: 24 of 118 minutes (20.3%)

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: 96 of 118 minutes (81.3%)

Spock and Kirk beam aboard Nero’s ship (the longshot) and shoot it out with an army of Romulans (ultimate opposition) to rescue Captain Pike, stop the black hole device and save the human planet Human (the ultimate goal). But when Nero activates the drill and Kirk attempts to apprehend him only to beaten senseless (all is lost), Spock destroys the drill, leads Nero toward the awaiting Enterprise, and crashes a ton of red matter into the Romulan ship (the final push).

The Longshot: Kirk and the gang devise a plan to beam aboard Nero’s ship, rescue Pike, stop the drill and save the world. Simple enough.

Ultimate Goal: Kirk and the crew want to stop Nero, rescue Pike and save Earth.

Ultimate Opposition: Kirk and Spock face off against Nero as he attempts to turn Earth into a black hole. The pair beams aboard a highly advanced enemy ship to rescue Pike but inadvertently land in the Romulan target practice room. Kirk and Spock shoot their way through the ship, meet the perpetually angry Nero and his equally angry goons.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Nero activates the drill conveniently close to the Starfleet Academy. Kirk attempts to apprehend Nero, gets knocked silly by one of Nero’s goons, and then by Nero himself. It would seem as though he’s about to be choked to death. Again.

Loves to fight. Not very good at it.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 105 of 118 minutes (88.9%) – Spock destroys the drill with Spock Prime’s ship. Nero’s ship chases Spock and fires everything. The Enterprise, taking a page from the Millennium Falcon in A New Hope, shows up and destroys the missiles at the last second. Spock crashes the red matter into Nero’s ship as Scotty beams him, Kirk and Pike back aboard the Enterprise. Nero’s ship is caught in the black hole and destroyed, while the Enterprise has to eject the warp core to escape the pull of the black hole.

Act Run Time: 17 of 118 minutes (14.4%)

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: 113 of 118 minutes (95.7%)

Earth is saved, and Kirk and Spock are heroes. Spock meets Spock Prime who tells him he has much to learn from Kirk. Kirk is officially promoted to captain of the Enterprise.

Spock volunteers to be Kirk’s first mate as the Enterprise sets off on its second maiden voyage.

The New Situation: Earth is safe. The Starfleet Academy is a happy place to be. Spock meets Spock Prime who convinces him to stay in Starfleet. Kirk is given command of the Enterprise from Pike, who tells him his father would be proud. Spock boards the Enterprise and volunteers to be First Officer. Kirk obliges. The Enterprise sets sail.

Act Run Time: :5 of 118 minutes (4.2%)

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

Six Act Structure in: Star Trek

Format: Movie

Released: 2009

Written By: Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman

Directed By: JJ Abrams

Run Time: 118 minutes

Character: James T. Kirk, Spock T. Spock

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 .

Kirk: Fatherless Kirk lives with his mom and wicked stepfather in Iowa (the imperfect situation) and faces interference from the law and his stepdad (oppressive opposition) as he tries to live by his own rules (the initial goal). But when his reckless, flirtatious ways get him into a fight with a group of Starfleet security cadets (the disturbance), he’s encouraged by a high-ranking officer to join Starfleet (the dilemma) and becomes a Starfleet cadet (the new role).

Spock: Spock, a half-human boy being raised on Vulcan (the imperfect situation) is harassed by the Vulcan boys for being different (oppressive opposition) as he attempts to go to school and get good grades (the initial goal). But when his human mother is insulted by the high council at his acceptance into the Vulcan Academy (the disturbance), Spock must choose between the Vulcan life he knows (the dilemma) and enlisting in Starfleet (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Kirk is an orphan. His life has no purpose, and although he’s alright with it, others are not. He does not want to change his situation

Spock is an outcast who is struggling to find his purpose. He wants to change his situation.

Initial Goal: Kirk: Live life by his own rules. Screw the universe.

Spock: Find a place in universe. Prepare for an appearance on Jeopardy. 

“Can’t believe I never noticed that before.”

Act Run Time: 28 of 118 minutes (23.7%)

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: 28 of 118 minutes (23.7%)

Kirk: Kirk goes to Starfleet Academy (the unfamiliar situation) where they have an abundance of things called rules (incidental opposition) in hopes of graduating from simply being super awesome to being super awesome in space (the transitional goal). But when the fleet is mustered while he is on academic suspension, and he’s forced to stow aboard the Enterprise (reality check), he is recruited by Captain Pike (again) to lead an away team tasked with stopping Romulans from destroying Vulcan (the commitment).

Spock: After dealing with a cheating cadet who somehow outsmarted his unbeatable test (the unfamiliar situation), and facing off with the smart mouth kid who questions his authority (incidental opposition), Commander Spock and the Enterprise receive an emergency response signal from Vulcan and mount a rescue mission (the transitional goal). But when it is revealed that Romulans are attacking Vulcan because of Spock (the reality check), Captain Pike agrees to negotiate with the Romulans and promotes Spock to captain in his stead (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Kirk goes off to the Starfleet Academy. They have a lot of rules there, and he quickly gets himself into serious trouble.

Commander Spock excels at the Starfleet Academy, but we’re not reintroduced to him until his superior intellect is brought into question by a brash young cadet named Kirk who manages to beat the unwinnable test Spock personally programmed.

“Pew Pew! Die rules!”

Transitional Goal: Kirk wants to graduate the Academy and be awesome.

Spock wants to live long and prosper.

Incidental Opposition: Kirk runs into several problems just trying to be his usual, womanizing, authority circumventing self. He clashes with Uhura and Bones over his relentless retaking of the Kobayashi Maru exam and later with Spock, Tyler Perry, and the Starfleet Academy because he cheated on said exam.

“I often dress as a woman, but I need you to take me serious right now.”

Spock’s unpassable test is defeated by a cheating Kirk. He and Kirk have it out in front of the entire Starfleet Academy at Kirk’s academic hearing.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Kirk: Due to his academic suspension, Kirk is grounded when the fleet is mustered. He subsequently gets a Mudflee vaccination from Bones and has a humorous, near-fatal reaction.

“I’m gonna wreck it!”

Spock: Kirk unexpectedly barges on the bridge and announces Vulcan is under attack by ‘Womulans. Spock tries to call him a liar but is ultimately proven wrong.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 45 of 118 minutes (38.1%)

–  The Enterprise comes out of warp to find the fleet destroyed. They are confronted by a garbled transmission of Nero’s head, and must come up with a plan to stop the drill. Captain Pike request officers with advanced hand-to-hand combat training and also takes Kirk since he’s not supposed to be there in the first place. Spock is logically promoted to captain. Kirk is illogically promoted to first officer. Kirk commits himself to his New Role as a Starfleet officer by leading an away team to stop the drill. Spock commits to his New Role as captain by being all serious. Meanwhile, the Romulans commit to destroying Vulcan by preparing the red matter, setting the stage for the Central Conflict.

Act Run Time: 23 of 118 minutes (19.4%)

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: 51 of 118 minutes (43.2%)

Kirk: Hoping to stop Nero and whatever it is he’s trying to accomplish (the central conflict), Kirk and the away team face off with gun-toting Romulans (intentional opposition) when they HALO jump to the planet to destroy the drill (the false goal). But when Nero destroys the planet by creating a black hole at its center (the turn) and Spock wants to rendezvous with the fleet instead of going after him, Kirk opts to mutiny to lead the ship after Nero (the moment of truth).

Spock: When it is discovered Nero is trying to create a singularity at the center of all Federation planets (the central conflict), Spock beams to the surface of the collapsing Vulcan against Kirk’s protests (intentional opposition) to save the council and his family (the false goal). But when his mother is killed and Vulcan is destroyed (the turn), Kirk tries to mutiny, and Spock has him ejected from the ship (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: The crew of the Enterprise faces off with Nero and his plan to destroy Starfleet.

False Goal: Kirk and Spock attempt to stop Nero and whatever it is he’s doing to Vulcan.

Intentional Opposition: Nero and his crew now want the crew of the Enterprise to watch helplessly as Vulcan is destroyed. The Romulan redshirts try to stop Kirk, Sulu and a Starfleet redshirt from disabling the drill to no avail. Kirk and Sulu destroy the drill to no avail. Spock tries to rescue his mother to no avail. Can we please get some damn avail?!

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Nero launches the red matter into the hole he’s drilled. The ground underneath Spock’s mom gives way, and Chekov can’t beam her aboard the ship because he’s not Scotty. She is dead. Vulcan is destroyed in a black hole as the Enterprise flies away.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 64 of 118 minutes (54.2%) – Spock determines from the artificially created black hole that Nero must be from the future. Spock and Kirk argue about their next move. Kirk wants to go after Nero. Spock wants to rendezvous with Starfleet. Spock is the captain, so he makes the call. Kirk flips out and attacks Spock who has him ejected from for mutiny.

And I was like, “Phasers on eject.”

Both Spock and Kirk make decisions based on their true natures and fight against each other in defense of them.

Act Run Time: 21 of 118 minutes (17.7%)

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: 72 of 118 minutes (61%)

Kirk deals with the Hoth like atmosphere of Delta Vega (self-inflicted opposition), while trying to reach the Starfleet outpost (the penultimate goal). But when he is nearly eaten by one of the many space beasts of the planet (the lowpoint), he is rescued by Leonard Nimoy who clues him into Nero’s backstory and introduces him to Scotty (the newfound resolve)

Spock attempts to rendezvous with Starfleet (the doomed plan) but has his decision questioned by his senior officers (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to come up with a way to stop Nero (the penultimate goal). But when that damned Kirk manages to beam back aboard the ship, emotionally compromise him and convince him to resign command (the lowpoint), Spock has a father to son moment with his dad, who tells him humans are better than Vulcans in many ways and makes him apologize to Kirk (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: The Enterprise’s attempts to rendezvous with the fleet will be unsuccessful.

Penultimate Goal:  Kirk attempts to reach the Starfleet outpost on Delta Vega.

Spock attempts to rendezvous with the rest of Starfleet.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Due to his choice to overthrow Spock, Kirk must now try to avoid becoming lunch for the space beasts of Hoth. After conveniently meeting future Spock, Scotty, and Deep Roy, Kirk teleports back onto the Enterprise and is apprehended by Starfleet security officers.

Meanwhile, Spock’s decision to ignore Kirk’s advice is what causes the latter to hatch a complex mutiny scheme. Ultimately, Spock’s dad leads him to realize all this mess is his fault because he doesn’t appreciate his human side.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Kirk is marooned on Delta Vega.

Spock is emotionally compromised by Kirk and nearly kills him to death.

“Judo chop!”

This prompts Spock to relinquish his command of the Enterprise. Cue sad music.

It’s interesting to note that in this act, Spock and Kirk’s Turning Points diverge. Their clash at their joint Moment of Truth in the previous act immediately leads to Kirk’s individual Lowpoint of being marooned on Delta Vega in Act Four. But Kirk’s discovery of his Newfound Resolve and his beaming back aboard the ship causes the failure of Spock’s Doomed Plan, his Lowpoint of being emotionally compromised, and his subsequent Newfound Resolve of joining forces with Kirk. Their plot points had been aligned, if at odds up until this point, but it’s only after this divergence that their actions are harmoniously united under a shared goal at the conclusion of this act.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 92 of 118 minutes (77.9%) – Kirk finds out about Nero from Spock Prime and decides he must be stopped.

“Let me touch your face.”

He also learns he is the rightful captain of the Enterprise. Kirk joins up with Scotty, and together they beam aboard the ship.

After Spock loses command of the Enterprise to Kirk, his dad gives him life lessons on love and other such nonsense. Afterward, Spock returns to the bridge and volunteers to beam aboard Nero’s ship. He too has decided Nero must be stopped. Kirk will come with him, because of course.

Act Run Time: 24 of 118 minutes (20.3%)

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: 96 of 118 minutes (81.3%)

Spock and Kirk beam aboard Nero’s ship (the longshot) and shoot it out with an army of Romulans (ultimate opposition) to rescue Captain Pike, stop the black hole device and save the human planet Human (the ultimate goal). But when Nero activates the drill and Kirk attempts to apprehend him only to beaten senseless (all is lost), Spock destroys the drill, leads Nero toward the awaiting Enterprise, and crashes a ton of red matter into the Romulan ship (the final push).

The Longshot: Kirk and the gang devise a plan to beam aboard Nero’s ship, rescue Pike, stop the drill and save the world. Simple enough.

Ultimate Goal: Kirk and the crew want to stop Nero, rescue Pike and save Earth.

Ultimate Opposition: Kirk and Spock face off against Nero as he attempts to turn Earth into a black hole. The pair beams aboard a highly advanced enemy ship to rescue Pike but inadvertently land in the Romulan target practice room. Kirk and Spock shoot their way through the ship, meet the perpetually angry Nero and his equally angry goons.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Nero activates the drill conveniently close to the Starfleet Academy. Kirk attempts to apprehend Nero, gets knocked silly by one of Nero’s goons, and then by Nero himself. It would seem as though he’s about to be choked to death. Again.

Loves to fight. Not very good at it.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 105 of 118 minutes (88.9%) – Spock destroys the drill with Spock Prime’s ship. Nero’s ship chases Spock and fires everything. The Enterprise, taking a page from the Millennium Falcon in A New Hope, shows up and destroys the missiles at the last second. Spock crashes the red matter into Nero’s ship as Scotty beams him, Kirk and Pike back aboard the Enterprise. Nero’s ship is caught in the black hole and destroyed, while the Enterprise has to eject the warp core to escape the pull of the black hole.

Act Run Time: 17 of 118 minutes (14.4%)

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: 113 of 118 minutes (95.7%)

Earth is saved, and Kirk and Spock are heroes. Spock meets Spock Prime who tells him he has much to learn from Kirk. Kirk is officially promoted to captain of the Enterprise.

Spock volunteers to be Kirk’s first mate as the Enterprise sets off on its second maiden voyage.

The New Situation: Earth is safe. The Starfleet Academy is a happy place to be. Spock meets Spock Prime who convinces him to stay in Starfleet. Kirk is given command of the Enterprise from Pike, who tells him his father would be proud. Spock boards the Enterprise and volunteers to be First Officer. Kirk obliges. The Enterprise sets sail.

Act Run Time: :5 of 118 minutes (4.2%)

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

Film Structure Breakdown: Iron Man

Format: Movie

Released: 2008

Written By: Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum & Matt Holloway

Directed By: Jon Favreau

Run Time: 117 minutes

Character: Tony Stark

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 .

Billionaire, weapons-manufacturer, Tony Stark, is saddled with ceremonies and responsibilities (the imperfect situation) and is reprimanded by his closest friends and advisors (oppressive opposition) because he would rather chase skirts and be awesome (the initial goal). But when he flies to Afghanistan to present his new missile to the military and is kidnapped by the terrorist organization the Ten Rings (the disturbance), Tony is forced to either build them a missile or formulate a complex escape plan (the dilemma) by building a weaponized suit of armor (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Tony’s lack of responsibility puts him at odds with those around him.

Initial Goal: Make weapons. Be awesome.

Oppressive Opposition: Rhodes scolds Tony for skipping his ceremony. A reporter scolds Tony for war profiteering. Pepper scolds Tony for nearly missing his weapons presentation. Rhodes scolds Tony again for being late.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: Tony goes to Afghanistan to give a weapons presentation. His convoy is ambushed, and Tony is captured by terrorists.

“Send money, but we kill anyway. Is for fun.”

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 16 of 117 minutes (13.6%) – Tony awakens in a cave with a battery strapped to his chest to keep the shrapnel he was blasted with from entering his heart. The terrorist torture him into building a Jericho missile. Tony must choose between building their missile and plotting his escape.

The New Role: If Tony decides to fight back against the terrorists, he will become an anti-terrorist war machine.

Act Run Time: 23 of 117 minutes (19.6%)

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: 23 of 117 minutes (19.6%)

Imprisoned in a cave, Tony builds a weaponized suit of armor to fight terrorists (the unfamiliar situation) who are suspicious of his intentions and threaten to kill him (incidental opposition) in order to escape (transitional goal). But when the terrorists become suspicious of his actions and his fellow prisoner, Yinsen, is killed in their escape attempt (the reality check), Tony returns to the States and announces he will no longer make weapons (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Tony goes from a rich, pampered billionaire to a dirty, prisoner in a cave.

Transitional Goal: Tony attempts to escape the cave and his terrorist captors.

Incidental Opposition: When the terrorists figure out Tony Stark is in the convoy they were paid to destroy, they choose not to kill him. Instead, they demand he build a weapon of mass destruction. He’s locked in a cave and forced to do whatever they say. Tony begins implementing a mysterious plan while the terrorists watch on surveillance cameras, threatening him at every turn.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: The head terrorist sees Tony testing the leg hydraulics for his suit and pays him a visit in his cell. He threatens to burn Yinsen’s tongue with a hot coal and tells Tony he has one day to finish the missile. Tony realizes they must act now.

Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret” today!

Six Act Structure in: Iron Man

Format: Movie

Released: 2008

Written By: Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum & Matt Holloway

Directed By: Jon Favreau

Run Time: 117 minutes

Character: Tony Stark

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 .

Billionaire, weapons-manufacturer, Tony Stark, is saddled with ceremonies and responsibilities (the imperfect situation) and is reprimanded by his closest friends and advisors (oppressive opposition) because he would rather chase skirts and be awesome (the initial goal). But when he flies to Afghanistan to present his new missile to the military and is kidnapped by the terrorist organization the Ten Rings (the disturbance), Tony is forced to either build them a missile or formulate a complex escape plan (the dilemma) by building a weaponized suit of armor (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Tony’s lack of responsibility puts him at odds with those around him.

Initial Goal: Make weapons. Be awesome.

Oppressive Opposition: Rhodes scolds Tony for skipping his ceremony. A reporter scolds Tony for war profiteering. Pepper scolds Tony for nearly missing his weapons presentation. Rhodes scolds Tony again for being late.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: Tony goes to Afghanistan to give a weapons presentation. His convoy is ambushed, and Tony is captured by terrorists.

“Send money, but we kill anyway. Is for fun.”

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 16 of 117 minutes (13.6%) – Tony awakens in a cave with a battery strapped to his chest to keep the shrapnel he was blasted with from entering his heart. The terrorist torture him into building a Jericho missile. Tony must choose between building their missile and plotting his escape.

The New Role: If Tony decides to fight back against the terrorists, he will become an anti-terrorist war machine.

Act Run Time: 23 of 117 minutes (19.6%)

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: 23 of 117 minutes (19.6%)

Imprisoned in a cave, Tony builds a weaponized suit of armor to fight terrorists (the unfamiliar situation) who are suspicious of his intentions and threaten to kill him (incidental opposition) in order to escape (transitional goal). But when the terrorists become suspicious of his actions and his fellow prisoner, Yinsen, is killed in their escape attempt (the reality check), Tony returns to the States and announces he will no longer make weapons (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Tony goes from a rich, pampered billionaire to a dirty, prisoner in a cave.

Transitional Goal: Tony attempts to escape the cave and his terrorist captors.

Incidental Opposition: When the terrorists figure out Tony Stark is in the convoy they were paid to destroy, they choose not to kill him. Instead, they demand he build a weapon of mass destruction. He’s locked in a cave and forced to do whatever they say. Tony begins implementing a mysterious plan while the terrorists watch on surveillance cameras, threatening him at every turn.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: The head terrorist sees Tony testing the leg hydraulics for his suit and pays him a visit in his cell. He threatens to burn Yinsen’s tongue with a hot coal and tells Tony he has one day to finish the missile. Tony realizes they must act now.

Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret” today!

Film Structure Breakdown: Star Wars – The Empire Strikes Back

Format: Movie

Released: 1980

Written By: George Lucas, Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan

Directed By: Irvin Kershner

Run Time: 122 minutes

Character: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia

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 .

Luke, Han, and Leia have set up shop on the inhospitable planet, Hoth (the imperfect situation), to elude the relentless pursuit of the Empire (oppressive opposition) while the Rebels figure out their plan of attack (the initial goal). But when Imperial scouting probes land on the planet, Luke receives a message from Obi-Wan, and the Empire attacks the planet (the disturbance), Luke must choose between rendezvousing with the Rebels or going to Dagobah (the dilemma) to become a card-carrying Jedi (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Because they are being relentlessly pursued by the Empire, the Rebels are forced to take up residence on a frozen wasteland planet.

Initial Goal: Luke and the gang hide out from the Empire and bide their time until the right moment.

Oppressive Opposition: Despite the events of A New Hope, the Empire still rules the galaxy with an iron fist. They have the Rebels confined to an icy wasteland.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: Imperial scouting probes land on the planet, shattering the relative peace. When Luke goes to investigate, he is captured by a Wampa and receives a Force-O’gram from Obi-Wan.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 18 of 122 minutes (14.7%) – The Empire arrives at Hoth and launches an all-out assault on the Rebel base.

Yet another Imperial design flaw.

The Rebel forces are scattered in the wind. Luke must decide between staying with the Rebels or going off by himself to follow Ben’s instructions and visiting Dagobah. Han and Leia must choose between going their separate ways and leaving together.

The New Role: Luke: If Luke goes to Dagobah, he will once again become a Jedi pupil.

Han/Leia: If the pair leaves together they will become fugitives on the run from the Empire.

Act Run Time: 37 of 122 minutes (30.3%)

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: 37 of 122 minutes (30.3%)

Luke travels to Dagobah (the unfamiliar situation), a slimy, mud hole populated with dangerous wildlife (incidental opposition), where he hopes to find the Jedi Master, Yoda, and become his pupil (the transitional goal). But when he crashes his X-wing in the swamp, effectively marooning himself (the reality check), he meets an annoying, green puppet who turns out to be Master Yoda (the commitment).

Han and Leia are chased by Star Destroyers (the unfamiliar situation) as they try to escape the Empire (the transitional goal). But when they discover the ship can’t go to lightspeed, and they must navigate an asteroid field (the reality check), they hide inside an asteroid that turns out to be a giant space worm and must recommit to fleeing (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Luke: Luke arrives at Dagobah. The place gives him the creeps. R2 is nearly eaten.

Han/Leia: Han and Leia are pursued by a formation of Star Destroyers and realize the hyperdrive motivator has been damaged.

Transitional Goal: Luke: After receiving a message from Obi-Wan in Act One, Luke goes to Dagobah to find Yoda and become his student.

Han/Leia: Han and Leia attempt to avoid Imperial capture.

Incidental Opposition: Luke: Luke deals with life on the swampy Dagobah. R2 is eaten by a swamp monster, but ultimately spit out. Luke has to contend with some weird, little, green guy who wrecks his campsite and steals his flashlight.

Han/Leia: Han and Leia take the wrong exit vector and are pursued by a star destroyer. When they realize the hyperdrive has been damaged, they can’t escape their predicament.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Luke: Beginning to believe it was a mistake to come to Dagobah, Luke meets an annoying local who says he knows where to find Yoda.

Han/Leia: In their attempt to escape, the pair realize the hyperdrive is broken. No lightspeed. When the Falcon comes across an asteroid field, Han attempts to navigate through it in search of a hiding place.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 54 of 122 minutes (44.2%) –  Luke: Luke realizes the little puppet he’s been so impatient with is actually the great Jedi master, Yoda, he’s come in search of.

“Punked you just got.”

After initially denying Luke, Yoda agrees to take him on as a pupil at Obi-Wan’s request. Luke commits to fulfilling his New Role as Yoda’s padawan and learning the ways of the Jedi.

Han/Leia: Han and Leia realize the cave they are in is actually the belly of a giant space worm or something. Once again, they go on the run from Darth Vader’s Star Destroyers. They would seem to be stuck in their New Role as fugitives for the duration of the film.

Act Run Time: 24 of 122 minutes (19.6%)

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 .

Luke must contend with and avoid falling victim to the dark side of the Force (the central conflict), and pass Yoda’s intense training regimen (intentional opposition) if he is to learn how to become a Jedi (the false goal). But when he sees a vision from the future of Han and Leia being tortured in Cloud City (the turn), Luke goes to rescue them despite Yoda and Obi-Wan’s pleas to the contrary (the moment of truth)

Han and Leia are pursued by Darth Vader and the Empire (the central conflict), who have now hired a plenitude of bounty hunters to capture them (intentional opposition), as they travel to Cloud City to elicit help from Han’s pirate buddy, Lando (the false goal). But when C3PO is shot and Leia senses there’s something sinister afoot (the turn), Lando reveals his treachery by bringing Han and Leia to Sunday brunch with Lord Vader (the moment of truth).

Act Start Time: 61 of 122 minutes (50%)

The Central Conflict: Luke goes up against Vader and the Dark side of the force.

Han and Leia contend with the Empire’s pursuit.

False Goal: Luke attempts to learn the ways of the Force from Yoda

Han and Leia head to Cloud City to elicit Lando’s help in repairing the hyperdrive.

Intentional Opposition: Luke: Yoda’s training is intentionally designed to test Luke. He faces pseudo-Vader in the cave. Meanwhile, the real Vader captures his friends and tortures them to lure Luke to him.

Han/Leia: Vader hires bounty hunters to track down the Falcon. His personal star destroyer is now hot on the heels of the Falcon. Boba Fett doesn’t fall for Han’s ruse and follows them to Cloud City. Because he has a working hyperdrive, Vader arrives first and turns Lando against them.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Luke: Luke sees a vision of Leia and Han being tortured by the Empire in Cloud City. Yoda tells him it is a vision of the future.

Han/Leia: 3PO is shot by an unseen assailant, and Han and Leia get a sense something sinister is going on when Chewbacca finds the droid’s dismantled body.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 82 of 122 minutes (67.2%) – Luke: After listening to Yoda and Obi-Wan’s pleas for him not to go to Cloud City, Luke goes anyway. He decides that he is not the kind of person who would let his friends die and opts to fight Darth Vader instead.

Han/Leia: Lando reveals his treachery to Han and Leia when he brings them to Sunday brunch with Lord Vader.

“I’d advise you not to insult his cooking.”

Act Run Time: 28 of 122 minutes (22.9%)

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: 89 of 122 minutes (72.9%)

Luke travels to Cloud City (the doomed plan), walking right into Vader’s trap (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to rescue his friends (the penultimate goal). But when Han is frozen in carbonite by Vader, and Leia is taken prisoner (the lowpoint), Luke arrives and has a shoot-out with Boba Fett and the Imperial Guard (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Luke travels to and arrives at Cloud City in hopes of rescuing his friends.

Penultimate Goal: Luke tries to save Han and Leia from Vader.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Luke: Having been told he is walking into a trap by Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Leia, Luke walks into the trap anyway.

Han/Leia: Han deals with the repercussions of not listening to Leia about Lando. He is tortured and encased in carbonite.

“The Torture-O-Matic 5000. Never leave home without it.”

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Han is frozen in carbonite. Chewbacca warbles dramatically. Sad music plays.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 98 of 122 minutes (80.3%)

– Luke arrives at Cloud City and shoots it out with Boba Fett. Heroic music plays. He has made his decision to face Lord Vader despite the protests of his Jedi Masters.

Act Run Time: 11 of 122 minutes (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: 100 of 122 minutes (81.9%)

Luke attempts to prove he is a Jedi (the longshot) by facing off with the most ruthless villain in the galaxy (ultimate opposition), in hopes of defeating him once and for all (the ultimate goal). But when Vader overpowers him, chops off his hand and reveals himself to be Luke’s father (all is lost),  Luke jumps into a chasm, is spat out beneath the city and calls for Leia to rescue him (the final push).

The Longshot: Luke will face off with Vader. Meanwhile, Leia and Lando will attempt to save Han and escape the city.

Ultimate Goal: Luke attempts to defeat the baddest dude in the galaxy to save his friends.

Ultimate Opposition: Luke must fight Vader mano-a-mano, until he loses a mano.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Vader lures Luke into the corridor-of-a-thousand-things-hanging-from-the-wall and uses the Force to throw them at him, knocking him out a window. Luke hangs on by a thread. Meanwhile, Lando and Leia fail to save Han and are pursued by stormtroopers, as they make their way to the Falcon.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: 109 of 122 minutes (89.3%) – Vader chops off Luke’s hand before revealing himself to be his father. Talk about a bad dad.

“Luke, you are my sperm.”

With no other options left, Luke throws himself into a seemingly bottomless chasm and is ejected from the bottom of the city. He Force-dials Leia, who demands Lando turn the Falcon around to pick him up. Leia and Lando retrieve him and try to escape, but the Falcon still has no light speed. R2 fixes it. R2 fixes everything.

Act Run Time: 20 of 122 minutes (16.3%)

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: 120 of 122 minutes (98.3%)

Having failed to defeat Vader, Luke now has a robot hand and will try to save Han from Jabba the Hut with the help of Chewie and Lando.

The New Situation: Han is a prisoner of the vile gangster Jabba the Hutt. Lando and Chewie set off on a mission to go after him because nobody will miss those two if they don’t come back. Luke has a robot hand, just like his dad.

Act Run Time: 2 of 122 minutes (1.6%)

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

Six Act Structure in: Star Wars – The Empire Strikes Back

Format: Movie

Released: 1980

Written By: George Lucas, Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan

Directed By: Irvin Kershner

Run Time: 122 minutes

Character: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia

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 .

Luke, Han, and Leia have set up shop on the inhospitable planet, Hoth (the imperfect situation), to elude the relentless pursuit of the Empire (oppressive opposition) while the Rebels figure out their plan of attack (the initial goal). But when Imperial scouting probes land on the planet, Luke receives a message from Obi-Wan, and the Empire attacks the planet (the disturbance), Luke must choose between rendezvousing with the Rebels or going to Dagobah (the dilemma) to become a card-carrying Jedi (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Because they are being relentlessly pursued by the Empire, the Rebels are forced to take up residence on a frozen wasteland planet.

Initial Goal: Luke and the gang hide out from the Empire and bide their time until the right moment.

Oppressive Opposition: Despite the events of A New Hope, the Empire still rules the galaxy with an iron fist. They have the Rebels confined to an icy wasteland.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: Imperial scouting probes land on the planet, shattering the relative peace. When Luke goes to investigate, he is captured by a Wampa and receives a Force-O’gram from Obi-Wan.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 18 of 122 minutes (14.7%) – The Empire arrives at Hoth and launches an all-out assault on the Rebel base.

Yet another Imperial design flaw.

The Rebel forces are scattered in the wind. Luke must decide between staying with the Rebels or going off by himself to follow Ben’s instructions and visiting Dagobah. Han and Leia must choose between going their separate ways and leaving together.

The New Role: Luke: If Luke goes to Dagobah, he will once again become a Jedi pupil.

Han/Leia: If the pair leaves together they will become fugitives on the run from the Empire.

Act Run Time: 37 of 122 minutes (30.3%)

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: 37 of 122 minutes (30.3%)

Luke travels to Dagobah (the unfamiliar situation), a slimy, mud hole populated with dangerous wildlife (incidental opposition), where he hopes to find the Jedi Master, Yoda, and become his pupil (the transitional goal). But when he crashes his X-wing in the swamp, effectively marooning himself (the reality check), he meets an annoying, green puppet who turns out to be Master Yoda (the commitment).

Han and Leia are chased by Star Destroyers (the unfamiliar situation) as they try to escape the Empire (the transitional goal). But when they discover the ship can’t go to lightspeed, and they must navigate an asteroid field (the reality check), they hide inside an asteroid that turns out to be a giant space worm and must recommit to fleeing (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Luke: Luke arrives at Dagobah. The place gives him the creeps. R2 is nearly eaten.

Han/Leia: Han and Leia are pursued by a formation of Star Destroyers and realize the hyperdrive motivator has been damaged.

Transitional Goal: Luke: After receiving a message from Obi-Wan in Act One, Luke goes to Dagobah to find Yoda and become his student.

Han/Leia: Han and Leia attempt to avoid Imperial capture.

Incidental Opposition: Luke: Luke deals with life on the swampy Dagobah. R2 is eaten by a swamp monster, but ultimately spit out. Luke has to contend with some weird, little, green guy who wrecks his campsite and steals his flashlight.

Han/Leia: Han and Leia take the wrong exit vector and are pursued by a star destroyer. When they realize the hyperdrive has been damaged, they can’t escape their predicament.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Luke: Beginning to believe it was a mistake to come to Dagobah, Luke meets an annoying local who says he knows where to find Yoda.

Han/Leia: In their attempt to escape, the pair realize the hyperdrive is broken. No lightspeed. When the Falcon comes across an asteroid field, Han attempts to navigate through it in search of a hiding place.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 54 of 122 minutes (44.2%) –  Luke: Luke realizes the little puppet he’s been so impatient with is actually the great Jedi master, Yoda, he’s come in search of.

“Punked you just got.”

After initially denying Luke, Yoda agrees to take him on as a pupil at Obi-Wan’s request. Luke commits to fulfilling his New Role as Yoda’s padawan and learning the ways of the Jedi.

Han/Leia: Han and Leia realize the cave they are in is actually the belly of a giant space worm or something. Once again, they go on the run from Darth Vader’s Star Destroyers. They would seem to be stuck in their New Role as fugitives for the duration of the film.

Act Run Time: 24 of 122 minutes (19.6%)

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 .

Luke must contend with and avoid falling victim to the dark side of the Force (the central conflict), and pass Yoda’s intense training regimen (intentional opposition) if he is to learn how to become a Jedi (the false goal). But when he sees a vision from the future of Han and Leia being tortured in Cloud City (the turn), Luke goes to rescue them despite Yoda and Obi-Wan’s pleas to the contrary (the moment of truth)

Han and Leia are pursued by Darth Vader and the Empire (the central conflict), who have now hired a plenitude of bounty hunters to capture them (intentional opposition), as they travel to Cloud City to elicit help from Han’s pirate buddy, Lando (the false goal). But when C3PO is shot and Leia senses there’s something sinister afoot (the turn), Lando reveals his treachery by bringing Han and Leia to Sunday brunch with Lord Vader (the moment of truth).

Act Start Time: 61 of 122 minutes (50%)

The Central Conflict: Luke goes up against Vader and the Dark side of the force.

Han and Leia contend with the Empire’s pursuit.

False Goal: Luke attempts to learn the ways of the Force from Yoda

Han and Leia head to Cloud City to elicit Lando’s help in repairing the hyperdrive.

Intentional Opposition: Luke: Yoda’s training is intentionally designed to test Luke. He faces pseudo-Vader in the cave. Meanwhile, the real Vader captures his friends and tortures them to lure Luke to him.

Han/Leia: Vader hires bounty hunters to track down the Falcon. His personal star destroyer is now hot on the heels of the Falcon. Boba Fett doesn’t fall for Han’s ruse and follows them to Cloud City. Because he has a working hyperdrive, Vader arrives first and turns Lando against them.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Luke: Luke sees a vision of Leia and Han being tortured by the Empire in Cloud City. Yoda tells him it is a vision of the future.

Han/Leia: 3PO is shot by an unseen assailant, and Han and Leia get a sense something sinister is going on when Chewbacca finds the droid’s dismantled body.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 82 of 122 minutes (67.2%) – Luke: After listening to Yoda and Obi-Wan’s pleas for him not to go to Cloud City, Luke goes anyway. He decides that he is not the kind of person who would let his friends die and opts to fight Darth Vader instead.

Han/Leia: Lando reveals his treachery to Han and Leia when he brings them to Sunday brunch with Lord Vader.

“I’d advise you not to insult his cooking.”

Act Run Time: 28 of 122 minutes (22.9%)

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: 89 of 122 minutes (72.9%)

Luke travels to Cloud City (the doomed plan), walking right into Vader’s trap (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to rescue his friends (the penultimate goal). But when Han is frozen in carbonite by Vader, and Leia is taken prisoner (the lowpoint), Luke arrives and has a shoot-out with Boba Fett and the Imperial Guard (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Luke travels to and arrives at Cloud City in hopes of rescuing his friends.

Penultimate Goal: Luke tries to save Han and Leia from Vader.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Luke: Having been told he is walking into a trap by Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Leia, Luke walks into the trap anyway.

Han/Leia: Han deals with the repercussions of not listening to Leia about Lando. He is tortured and encased in carbonite.

“The Torture-O-Matic 5000. Never leave home without it.”

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Han is frozen in carbonite. Chewbacca warbles dramatically. Sad music plays.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 98 of 122 minutes (80.3%)

– Luke arrives at Cloud City and shoots it out with Boba Fett. Heroic music plays. He has made his decision to face Lord Vader despite the protests of his Jedi Masters.

Act Run Time: 11 of 122 minutes (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: 100 of 122 minutes (81.9%)

Luke attempts to prove he is a Jedi (the longshot) by facing off with the most ruthless villain in the galaxy (ultimate opposition), in hopes of defeating him once and for all (the ultimate goal). But when Vader overpowers him, chops off his hand and reveals himself to be Luke’s father (all is lost),  Luke jumps into a chasm, is spat out beneath the city and calls for Leia to rescue him (the final push).

The Longshot: Luke will face off with Vader. Meanwhile, Leia and Lando will attempt to save Han and escape the city.

Ultimate Goal: Luke attempts to defeat the baddest dude in the galaxy to save his friends.

Ultimate Opposition: Luke must fight Vader mano-a-mano, until he loses a mano.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Vader lures Luke into the corridor-of-a-thousand-things-hanging-from-the-wall and uses the Force to throw them at him, knocking him out a window. Luke hangs on by a thread. Meanwhile, Lando and Leia fail to save Han and are pursued by stormtroopers, as they make their way to the Falcon.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: 109 of 122 minutes (89.3%) – Vader chops off Luke’s hand before revealing himself to be his father. Talk about a bad dad.

“Luke, you are my sperm.”

With no other options left, Luke throws himself into a seemingly bottomless chasm and is ejected from the bottom of the city. He Force-dials Leia, who demands Lando turn the Falcon around to pick him up. Leia and Lando retrieve him and try to escape, but the Falcon still has no light speed. R2 fixes it. R2 fixes everything.

Act Run Time: 20 of 122 minutes (16.3%)

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: 120 of 122 minutes (98.3%)

Having failed to defeat Vader, Luke now has a robot hand and will try to save Han from Jabba the Hut with the help of Chewie and Lando.

The New Situation: Han is a prisoner of the vile gangster Jabba the Hutt. Lando and Chewie set off on a mission to go after him because nobody will miss those two if they don’t come back. Luke has a robot hand, just like his dad.

Act Run Time: 2 of 122 minutes (1.6%)

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

Film Structure Breakdown: Gravity

Format: Movie

Released: 2013

Written By: Alfonso and Jonás Cuarón

Directed By: Alfonso Cuarón

Run Time: 84 minutes

Character: Dr. Ryan Stone

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 .

Dr. Ryan Stone is a first-time astronaut who is struggling in space (the imperfect situation) dealing with a lack of gravity and the subsequent nausea (oppressive opposition) as she tries to fix a piece of equipment on the Hubble Telescope (the initial goal). But when the Russians shoot down a derelict spy satellite (the disturbance), Stone is detached from the shuttle and must decide whether she will succumb to her fate or take action (the dilemma) and become a space disaster survivor (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Dr. Ryan Stone is uncomfortable in space and struggles to fight through it. She’s also sad because her daughter died in a freak accident.

Initial Goal: When the film begins, Stone is in the process of fixing the thingamabob on the Hubble telescope.

Oppressive Opposition: The title card tells us, “Life in space is impossible.” Simply being in space is oppressive. It is the main antagonist to their mission up to this point.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: The Russians destroy a spy satellite, proving that even in a movie without a tangible antagonist, Hollywood can still find a way to blame the Russians.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 12 of 84 minutes (14.2%) – It is announced that debris from a destroyed satellite is en route to the shuttle. When the debris field reaches the shuttle, it puts a satisfying end to Shariff’s Macarena dancing, and sends an untethered Dr. Stone tumbling off into space. 

“Weeee!”

Now she must choose between being a victim of circumstance (as she has long felt she is), or becoming a survivor.

The New Role: If she decides to fight for survival, Stone will become a space catastrophe survivor. Or something.

Act Run Time: : 17 of 84 minutes (20.2%)

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: 17 of 84 minutes (20.2%)

Stone has to survive being untethered in space (the unfamiliar situation) and overcome her initial panic over her catastrophic situation (incidental opposition) to make it back to the ship (the transitional goal). But when she and Matt discover the crew has been killed and the shuttle is destroyed (the reality check), they resolve to travel to the ISS to secure a new ride home (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Dr. Stone is untethered and floating through space, which I don’t believe has ever happened to any human being in the history of human beings.

Transitional Goal: Stone and Matt attempt to get back to the safety of the ship.

Incidental Opposition: Stone is separated from the shuttle and the rest of the crew. Once Matt saves her, she is still freaked out by her situation. They soon discover the corpse of Shariff and learn their ride home has been obliterated.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Matt and Stone come across Shariff who is too preoccupied with being dead to be of assistance. The Explorer is in even worse shape than he is.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 22 of 84 minutes (26.1%) – Our two attractive leads discover they are the only survivors. Fitting. Seeing the shuttle is destroyed, Matt tells Stone they will travel through the expanse to the ISS and use its Soyuz’s to return to Earth. 

“I’m gonna level with you. We’re probably gonna to die.”

They have no choice but to commit to their New Role of space catastrophe survivors and face the Central Conflict created by space and the returning debris field.

Act Run Time: 7 of 84 minutes (8.3%)

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: 24 of 84 minutes (28.5%)

Stone must come to terms with her will to survive (the central conflict) in the face of the returning debris field and her depleted oxygen supply (intentional opposition) as she and Matt travel to the ISS to use its Soyuz to return to Earth (false goal). But when Matt’s jetpack runs out of juice, they nearly overshoot the ISS and he has to separate himself from Stone (the turn) for her to survive and board the ISS (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Stone faces off with space and her will to live. How far is she willing to go to survive? Also, Matt tells Stone to set her watch alarm for ninety minutes to mark the return of the debris field, establishing it as a recurrent form of antagonism.

False Goal: Matt and Stone attempt to reach the ISS and use the Soyuz to return to Earth.

Intentional Opposition: Matt explains that the debris field will return every 90 minutes. Despite the fact Stone is running low on oxygen, he insists she tell him her life story. When they overshoot the ISS, Matt deliberately untethers himself to save her. Stone makes it inside the ISS just as her oxygen supply runs out.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Seeing he will pull Stone away from the ISS, Matt untethers himself and tells her to go on without him. She is now on her own.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 32 of 84 minutes (38%) – Stone watches Matt float away before she tumbles back into the station. Still in radio range, Matt tells her she needs to learn to let go. Though she is on the verge of running out of oxygen, with Matt’s direction she fights her way into the station and takes off her suit in dramatic fashion.

I think this might be a metaphor for something.

Now all alone, Stone makes the decision to carry on, and must fight her way through the derelict space station, space, and the returning debris field.

Act Run Time: 16 of 84 minutes (19%)

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: 40 of 84 minutes (47.5%)

Stone attempts to fly the ISS’s damaged Soyuz (the doomed plan) and is nearly burned up in a fire and pulverized by the debris field (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to reach the Chinese space station (the penultimate goal). But when she discovers the Soyuz is out of fuel she resolves to die (the lowpoint) until the spirit of Matt pops in and tells her exactly what she needs to do survive (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Flying the Soyuz to the Chinese station is not going to work out as neatly as Stone intends.

Penultimate Goal: Stone attempts to use the escape pod to fly to the Chinese station.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Stone wastes time trying to contact Matt to no avail. A fire breaks out while she’s slacking off. When she tries to extinguish it, she almost knocks herself unconscious.  She makes it to the Soyuz and releases it from the station only to get the craft tangled in the parachute cable. She has to go on a spacewalk to release the cables and almost loses her torque wrench. The debris field returns while she is out and about.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: When she discovers the Soyuz is out of fuel, Stone turns off all the life-support systems and resolves to die.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 62 of 84 minutes (73.8%) – Matt miraculously shows up and convinces her to go on living, before telling her how she can use the emergency landing engines to reach the Chinese station.

“Don’t worry, Sandra. The audience is just as confused by this as you are.”

Stone decides that she will not succumb to space and opts instead to live and stuff.

Act Run Time: 26 of 84 minutes (30%)

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: 66 of 84 minutes (78.5%)

Stone has to use the Soyuz’s soft landing engines and a run-of-the-mill fire extinguisher to reach the Chinese station (the longshot), and must contend with her inability to dock the pod and the impending collapse of the station (the ultimate opposition) as she tries to use their Soyuz to return to Earth (the ultimate goal). But when the space station enters the atmosphere, and the Soyuz’s buttons are all in Chinese (all is lost), she manages to undock just in time and must wait helplessly as the pod plummets to Earth (the final push).

The Longshot: Stone attempts to use the soft landing engines on the Soyuz to reach the Chinese station, and then use their escape pod to return to Earth. To get from the Soyuz to the Chinese station, she has to use the propulsive gas of a fire extinguisher. 

Good thing she watched Wall-E.

Ultimate Goal: Stone wants to get to the Chinese station and use their escape pod to return to Earth.

Ultimate Opposition: The Chinese station is on the verge of falling into Earth’s atmosphere. She can’t get the Soyuz all the way to the station, so she has to eject from the pod and use a fire extinguisher to propel herself. She nearly misses the station but catches the last possible handhold. Drama.

Once onboard the station, she realizes the buttons of their Soyuz are all in Chinese. Despite this, she manages to undock, and the craft falls to Earth in a fiery blaze which looks as if it may incinerate her at any moment. The parachute deploys and the pod crashes into a placid lake. An electrical fire fills the pod with smoke and Stone opens the hatch, flooding the pod and sinking it.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: The station is pulled back into the Earth’s atmosphere, and the escape pod’s buttons are all in Chinese. However, the movie gods are smiling down on Stone, and she manages to initiate the undocking protocol.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 75 of 84 minutes (89.2%) – Stone accepts her fate as the Soyuz undocks. Surrounded by the debris of the space station, the pod burns through the atmosphere and Stone can only wait helplessly to see if she will live or die. When the pod hits the water, she is stuck inside as it sinks. She strips off her space suit and swims to the surface. Decompression sickness be damned.

Act Run Time: 15 of 84 minutes (17.8%)

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: 81 of 84 minutes (96.4 %)

Stone returns to Earth, having fought for and earned her right to live. She emerges from the water a (presumably) changed person.

The New Situation: Stone gently swims to shore and watches the remains of the Chinese station fall to Earth before taking her first shaky steps on land. Cue epic music.

Act Run Time: 3 of 84 minutes (3.5%)

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

Six Act Structure in: Gravity

Format: Movie

Released: 2013

Written By: Alfonso and Jonás Cuarón

Directed By: Alfonso Cuarón

Run Time: 84 minutes

Character: Dr. Ryan Stone

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 .

Dr. Ryan Stone is a first-time astronaut who is struggling in space (the imperfect situation) dealing with a lack of gravity and the subsequent nausea (oppressive opposition) as she tries to fix a piece of equipment on the Hubble Telescope (the initial goal). But when the Russians shoot down a derelict spy satellite (the disturbance), Stone is detached from the shuttle and must decide whether she will succumb to her fate or take action (the dilemma) and become a space disaster survivor (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Dr. Ryan Stone is uncomfortable in space and struggles to fight through it. She’s also sad because her daughter died in a freak accident.

Initial Goal: When the film begins, Stone is in the process of fixing the thingamabob on the Hubble telescope.

Oppressive Opposition: The title card tells us, “Life in space is impossible.” Simply being in space is oppressive. It is the main antagonist to their mission up to this point.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: The Russians destroy a spy satellite, proving that even in a movie without a tangible antagonist, Hollywood can still find a way to blame the Russians.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 12 of 84 minutes (14.2%) – It is announced that debris from a destroyed satellite is en route to the shuttle. When the debris field reaches the shuttle, it puts a satisfying end to Shariff’s Macarena dancing, and sends an untethered Dr. Stone tumbling off into space. 

“Weeee!”

Now she must choose between being a victim of circumstance (as she has long felt she is), or becoming a survivor.

The New Role: If she decides to fight for survival, Stone will become a space catastrophe survivor. Or something.

Act Run Time: : 17 of 84 minutes (20.2%)

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: 17 of 84 minutes (20.2%)

Stone has to survive being untethered in space (the unfamiliar situation) and overcome her initial panic over her catastrophic situation (incidental opposition) to make it back to the ship (the transitional goal). But when she and Matt discover the crew has been killed and the shuttle is destroyed (the reality check), they resolve to travel to the ISS to secure a new ride home (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Dr. Stone is untethered and floating through space, which I don’t believe has ever happened to any human being in the history of human beings.

Transitional Goal: Stone and Matt attempt to get back to the safety of the ship.

Incidental Opposition: Stone is separated from the shuttle and the rest of the crew. Once Matt saves her, she is still freaked out by her situation. They soon discover the corpse of Shariff and learn their ride home has been obliterated.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Matt and Stone come across Shariff who is too preoccupied with being dead to be of assistance. The Explorer is in even worse shape than he is.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 22 of 84 minutes (26.1%) – Our two attractive leads discover they are the only survivors. Fitting. Seeing the shuttle is destroyed, Matt tells Stone they will travel through the expanse to the ISS and use its Soyuz’s to return to Earth. 

“I’m gonna level with you. We’re probably gonna to die.”

They have no choice but to commit to their New Role of space catastrophe survivors and face the Central Conflict created by space and the returning debris field.

Act Run Time: 7 of 84 minutes (8.3%)

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: 24 of 84 minutes (28.5%)

Stone must come to terms with her will to survive (the central conflict) in the face of the returning debris field and her depleted oxygen supply (intentional opposition) as she and Matt travel to the ISS to use its Soyuz to return to Earth (false goal). But when Matt’s jetpack runs out of juice, they nearly overshoot the ISS and he has to separate himself from Stone (the turn) for her to survive and board the ISS (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Stone faces off with space and her will to live. How far is she willing to go to survive? Also, Matt tells Stone to set her watch alarm for ninety minutes to mark the return of the debris field, establishing it as a recurrent form of antagonism.

False Goal: Matt and Stone attempt to reach the ISS and use the Soyuz to return to Earth.

Intentional Opposition: Matt explains that the debris field will return every 90 minutes. Despite the fact Stone is running low on oxygen, he insists she tell him her life story. When they overshoot the ISS, Matt deliberately untethers himself to save her. Stone makes it inside the ISS just as her oxygen supply runs out.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Seeing he will pull Stone away from the ISS, Matt untethers himself and tells her to go on without him. She is now on her own.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 32 of 84 minutes (38%) – Stone watches Matt float away before she tumbles back into the station. Still in radio range, Matt tells her she needs to learn to let go. Though she is on the verge of running out of oxygen, with Matt’s direction she fights her way into the station and takes off her suit in dramatic fashion.

I think this might be a metaphor for something.

Now all alone, Stone makes the decision to carry on, and must fight her way through the derelict space station, space, and the returning debris field.

Act Run Time: 16 of 84 minutes (19%)

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: 40 of 84 minutes (47.5%)

Stone attempts to fly the ISS’s damaged Soyuz (the doomed plan) and is nearly burned up in a fire and pulverized by the debris field (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to reach the Chinese space station (the penultimate goal). But when she discovers the Soyuz is out of fuel she resolves to die (the lowpoint) until the spirit of Matt pops in and tells her exactly what she needs to do survive (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Flying the Soyuz to the Chinese station is not going to work out as neatly as Stone intends.

Penultimate Goal: Stone attempts to use the escape pod to fly to the Chinese station.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Stone wastes time trying to contact Matt to no avail. A fire breaks out while she’s slacking off. When she tries to extinguish it, she almost knocks herself unconscious.  She makes it to the Soyuz and releases it from the station only to get the craft tangled in the parachute cable. She has to go on a spacewalk to release the cables and almost loses her torque wrench. The debris field returns while she is out and about.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: When she discovers the Soyuz is out of fuel, Stone turns off all the life-support systems and resolves to die.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 62 of 84 minutes (73.8%) – Matt miraculously shows up and convinces her to go on living, before telling her how she can use the emergency landing engines to reach the Chinese station.

“Don’t worry, Sandra. The audience is just as confused by this as you are.”

Stone decides that she will not succumb to space and opts instead to live and stuff.

Act Run Time: 26 of 84 minutes (30%)

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: 66 of 84 minutes (78.5%)

Stone has to use the Soyuz’s soft landing engines and a run-of-the-mill fire extinguisher to reach the Chinese station (the longshot), and must contend with her inability to dock the pod and the impending collapse of the station (the ultimate opposition) as she tries to use their Soyuz to return to Earth (the ultimate goal). But when the space station enters the atmosphere, and the Soyuz’s buttons are all in Chinese (all is lost), she manages to undock just in time and must wait helplessly as the pod plummets to Earth (the final push).

The Longshot: Stone attempts to use the soft landing engines on the Soyuz to reach the Chinese station, and then use their escape pod to return to Earth. To get from the Soyuz to the Chinese station, she has to use the propulsive gas of a fire extinguisher. 

Good thing she watched Wall-E.

Ultimate Goal: Stone wants to get to the Chinese station and use their escape pod to return to Earth.

Ultimate Opposition: The Chinese station is on the verge of falling into Earth’s atmosphere. She can’t get the Soyuz all the way to the station, so she has to eject from the pod and use a fire extinguisher to propel herself. She nearly misses the station but catches the last possible handhold. Drama.

Once onboard the station, she realizes the buttons of their Soyuz are all in Chinese. Despite this, she manages to undock, and the craft falls to Earth in a fiery blaze which looks as if it may incinerate her at any moment. The parachute deploys and the pod crashes into a placid lake. An electrical fire fills the pod with smoke and Stone opens the hatch, flooding the pod and sinking it.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: The station is pulled back into the Earth’s atmosphere, and the escape pod’s buttons are all in Chinese. However, the movie gods are smiling down on Stone, and she manages to initiate the undocking protocol.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 75 of 84 minutes (89.2%) – Stone accepts her fate as the Soyuz undocks. Surrounded by the debris of the space station, the pod burns through the atmosphere and Stone can only wait helplessly to see if she will live or die. When the pod hits the water, she is stuck inside as it sinks. She strips off her space suit and swims to the surface. Decompression sickness be damned.

Act Run Time: 15 of 84 minutes (17.8%)

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: 81 of 84 minutes (96.4 %)

Stone returns to Earth, having fought for and earned her right to live. She emerges from the water a (presumably) changed person.

The New Situation: Stone gently swims to shore and watches the remains of the Chinese station fall to Earth before taking her first shaky steps on land. Cue epic music.

Act Run Time: 3 of 84 minutes (3.5%)

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