• 5 Plotpoint Structure
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      5 Plotpoint Structure
      21/01/2017

      Clearly a screenplay is built through scenes, sequences, acts, using tension and conflict, while eliciting hopes and fears, etc., but the most basic template for structuring a screenplay is to build it around the five major plot points of a film.

      "A movie, I think is really only four or five moments between two people; the rest of it exists to give those moments their impact and resonance. The script exists for that. Everything does."
      - Robert Towne -

       


      1. Inciting Incedent
      Often called the point of attack, the inciting incident is the first premonition of impending trouble, dilemma, or circumstance that will create the main tension of the story. It usually falls at the end of the first sequence. But it can sometimes appear in the first few minutes of a film.

      It's the first moment that shakes up the status quo. A new door is openend to you character. Which he doesn't have to enter right away, but eventually will have to, to abtain his main objective. An inciting incident is an event that sets the plot movie or play into motion. This normally occurs after the background and setting have been given.

       


      2. Lock-In
      The protagonist is locked into the predicament that is central to the story, which occurs at the end of Act One, This lock in, therefore, propels the protagonist into a new direction in order to accomplish his/her new objective throughout the second act.

      The opened door closes behind protaganist. (no way back)

       


      3. First Culmination (Midpoint)
      The first culmination generally occurs around the midpoint of the second act and is a pivotal moment in the story but not as critical as the Lock In or Main Culmination. Consider the first culmination as the second highest or second lowest point in Act Two, the second highest hurdle to be faced.

      Protaganist reaches first succes or failure. If it's succes it's an achievement on his way to his main objective. If it's a failure it moves protaganist further away from his main objective.

       


      4. Main Culmination (Climax)
      The final culmination occurs at the end of the second act and brings the main tension to a close while simultaneously helping to create a new tension for Act Three.

      This is the highest or lowest point of the protaganist so far. Sequence six builds to the climax: The largest obtacles.

       


      5. Third Act Twist
      The twist is an unexpected turn of events in the third act. Without a twist, the third act can seem too linear and predictable. It can also be the last test of the hero. A new plan has to be formulated to reach the main objective.

      Also watch: 5 Plot Point structure and
      3 Act Screenplay Structure - Screenwriting Tips & Myths


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