Ian Dawson's Blog - Posts Tagged "act-one"
Writing Exercise of the Week: Watch Home Alone
In my last post, we discussed the plot elements of crafting a compelling story. These included utilizing the traditional three-act structure and its components to ensure the plot and main character are active and moving toward their intended goal.
The Assignment
I want you to watch Home Alone and see if you can identify the following plot elements as they happen involving Kevin:
ACT ONE
Inciting Incident: “a single event that either happens directly to the protagonist or is caused by the protagonist” (McKee 190).
Plot Point/Stunning Surprise 1: “the arrival of some event or dramatic reversal that creates a moment of shock for the Hero and drops the curtain on the first act – while immediately raising is again on the second act” (Edson 118).
ACT TWO
Mid-Point Sequence: “The Hero reaches a Point of No Return beyond which turning back is no longer an option…Conflict with the Adversary becomes deeply personal…A ‘ticking clock’ time limit is set in motion…An unmasking takes place, literally or figuratively, and an inner truth gets revealed” (Edson 219-220).
Plot Point/Stunning Surprise 2: “comes out of the blue and changes everything. It signals the end of Act Two and the beginning of Act Three…frequently the primary additional punch of Stunning Surprise #2 is that it completely destroys the Hero’s plan for victory and announces that sweeping improvisation will now be required for the Hero to have any chance of besting the Adversary” (Edson 129).
ACT THREE
Climax/Obligatory Scene: “third-act final showdown between Hero and Adversary that resolves the main plot question once and for all” (Edson 137).
Denouement: “wraps up the plot loose ends and relationships” (Edson 137).
Grab a piece of paper, and as you watch, list what you feel best fits each plot element. Remember: only Kevin’s actions and the plot elements related to him matter in this exercise since he is the main character.
Next Time…
In my next series of posts, we’ll explore these elements as they relate to Home Alone and see if what you picked is the same as what I chose.
Happy Viewing, and I’ll see you next time!
Sources:
Edson, Eric. The Story Solution. Michael Wiese Productions, 2011.
McKee, Robert. Story. Harper Collins, 1997.
The Assignment
I want you to watch Home Alone and see if you can identify the following plot elements as they happen involving Kevin:
ACT ONE
Inciting Incident: “a single event that either happens directly to the protagonist or is caused by the protagonist” (McKee 190).
Plot Point/Stunning Surprise 1: “the arrival of some event or dramatic reversal that creates a moment of shock for the Hero and drops the curtain on the first act – while immediately raising is again on the second act” (Edson 118).
ACT TWO
Mid-Point Sequence: “The Hero reaches a Point of No Return beyond which turning back is no longer an option…Conflict with the Adversary becomes deeply personal…A ‘ticking clock’ time limit is set in motion…An unmasking takes place, literally or figuratively, and an inner truth gets revealed” (Edson 219-220).
Plot Point/Stunning Surprise 2: “comes out of the blue and changes everything. It signals the end of Act Two and the beginning of Act Three…frequently the primary additional punch of Stunning Surprise #2 is that it completely destroys the Hero’s plan for victory and announces that sweeping improvisation will now be required for the Hero to have any chance of besting the Adversary” (Edson 129).
ACT THREE
Climax/Obligatory Scene: “third-act final showdown between Hero and Adversary that resolves the main plot question once and for all” (Edson 137).
Denouement: “wraps up the plot loose ends and relationships” (Edson 137).
Grab a piece of paper, and as you watch, list what you feel best fits each plot element. Remember: only Kevin’s actions and the plot elements related to him matter in this exercise since he is the main character.
Next Time…
In my next series of posts, we’ll explore these elements as they relate to Home Alone and see if what you picked is the same as what I chose.
Happy Viewing, and I’ll see you next time!
Sources:
Edson, Eric. The Story Solution. Michael Wiese Productions, 2011.
McKee, Robert. Story. Harper Collins, 1997.
