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(the hero’s wea...
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psychological an...
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(changed p...
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becomes involved with a gang of outlaws
becomes involved with a gang of outlaws
becomes involved with a gang of outlaws
Figure Out the Hero’s Possible Moral Choice
Step 10: Gauge the Audience Appeal
your hero has one or more great weaknesses that are holding him back.
profound, it is ruining his life
overcoming his weaknesses and changing, or growing, in some way.
I can’t emphasize enough how important the need is to your success.
Your hero should not be aware of his need at the beginning of the story.
Give your hero a moral need as well as a psychological need.
A psychological need involves overcoming a serious flaw that is hurting nobody but the hero.
people. A character with a moral need is always hurting others in some way (his moral weakness) at the beginning of the story.
THE VERDICT
Psychological need- a serious flaw that hurts himself.
Moral need- hurts other people.
The psychological need is embedded in the character himself, while the moral need is imprinted on the other and is a reflection of the character’s weaknesses.
For example- the seven deadly sins are psychological needs and there are serious moral flaws, but when they are turned toward others they can begin to hurt not only oneself but others as well:
Acedia -not getting to work on time
Anger- striking out on others and saying nasty or hurtful things
Avarice-stealing what doesn’t belong to you.
Envy- never being satisfied until you are like everyone else.
Gluttony-hoarding food from others
Lust- raping others and abusing them.
Vainglory-wanting to be the talk of the town.
psychologic...
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moral need is to stop using other people for money and learn ...
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it increases the scope of the character;
This moves the audience in a more powerful way.
is the problem.
kick: the hero is already in trouble.
The problem is the crisis the hero finds himself ...
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Crisis defines a character very quickly.
SUNSET BOULEVARD
CREATING THE MORAL NEED
have a moral need, the character must be hurting at least one other person at the beginning of the story.
the moral need usually comes out of the psychological need.
Desire is what your hero wants in the story, his particular goal.
Need has to do with overcoming a weakness within the character.
Desire is a goal outside the character.
competing with the hero for the same goal.
The plan is the set of guidelines, or strategies, the hero will use to overcome the opponent and reach the goal.
This crucible of battle causes the hero to have a major revelation about who he really is.
psychological and moral.
“As little as possible.”
self-revelation
equilibrium, everything returns to normal, and all desire is gone.
has moved to a higher or lower level as a result of going through his crucible.
Story Events
Character
Character Web by Function in the Story
Hero
Opponent
Ally
Fake-Ally Opponent
Fake-Opponent Ally
Subplot Character
CHARACTER TECHNIQUE: MULTIPLE HEROES AND NARRATIVE DRIVE
