8-Sequence Structure
The major scenes & sequences of a traditional arc
First Impression |
How does the protagonist demonstrate their before? Introduce them in this scene! |
Sequence 1 |
In the next few scenes, demonstrate the status quo of the protag's Before. |
Inciting Incident |
What prompts the protag to start changing? Give the audience a taste of the protag's After in this scene. |
Sequence 2 |
How does the inciting incident disrupt the protag's status quo? Demonstrate it, in a couple of scenes. |
Act 1 Closer |
When, exactly, does the protag realize that their old status quo is gone & their change is beginning? |
Sequence 3 | How does the protag react to the loss of their status quo? How do they struggle w/ the new one? |
Sequence 4 | How does the protag try to change, at first? What's the trial & error? And how do they get humbled enough to realize how they need to change? |
Midpoint | Aha! At last, the protag understands how they need to change. What finally makes it click? |
Sequence 5 | Now that the protag knows how they need to change, how do they follow through? What's the trial & error? |
Sequence 6 | Think about the protag's motivation. What is the most emotionally significant vestige of their Before? What will be their last -- most difficult -- change? |
Act 2 Closer | How does the most emotionally significant vestige of the Before use its strength to sabotage the protag (despite how much progress they've made)? |
Sequence 7 | How does the protag overcome the most emotionally significant vestige of the Before? |
Climax | How does the protag permanently change to After? Demonstrate it, in this spectacular scene! |
Sequence 8 | Demonstrate the status quo of the protag's After. |
Last Impression | Demonstrate the protag's After! |