Mike, it’s interesting you should bring up (in your “side comment”) the notion of the MC moment of truth affecting the OS and MC throughlines.
For my story about a scientist with a brilliant discovery, which you and I have discussed before, I worked for a LONG time to get the right storyform. And what I ended up with was a moment of truth for my MC that resolves THREE througlines in the very same moment: the MC, OS, and SS throughlines. That’s why my story ends the moment my MC makes that final, leap of faith Decision.
It’s a change story, so the IC gets to look on with pride as the MC finally takes his advice… so it is really a nice way to wrap up the story. No denouement. Simply Cut to Black, roll credits.
If you look at the original “Table of Scenes” graphic I posted in that thread, you’ll see that the solutions for the MC, OS, and SS throughlines are all Control. This enabled me to line the action up so Jack’s (my MC) final decision solves the problem by virtue of Jack assuming complete control of his discovery in an irreversible way.
I do apologize again for always being so vague about my story… I just worry about putting my ideas on the internet, especially on an open forum where anyone could come along and “borrow” my idea. I really think I’ve got a blockbuster on my hands, so I’m just extremely careful.
I wouldn’t mind discussing my story in more detail in private correspondence, however, so long as there is the assurance that such discussions (and ideas) will remain private. I’ve actually been dying to discuss my story with someone, with respect to Dramatica, but none of my real-world friends use Dramatica and they’re totally unfamiliar with it.
Edit: Just to be clear, I don’t think any of the regulars here would steal someone else’s ideas. I just mean that since this forum is public, some unscrupulous non-member could come along and think, “Wow, what a fantastic idea,” and then run with it before the originator of the idea can get out of the gate.