Main Character Resolve: Change
Main Character Growth: Start
Main Character Approach: Be-er
Main Character Problem-Solving Style: Holistic
ABOUT YOUR PLOT
Story Driver: Decision
Story Limit: Optionlock
Story Outcome: Success
Story Judgment: Bad
Overall Story Name:
The Overall Story
Goal: Obtaining
Consequence: Changing One’s Nature
Requirements: Gathering Information
Forewarnings: Contemplation
As Luke becomes more Loki, he finds himself uncomfortably comfortable analyzing logical problems in which people die
Overall Story Signpost 1: Understanding
Overall Story Signpost 2: Obtaining
Overall Story Signpost 3: Gathering Information
Overall Story Signpost 4: Doing
Main Character Signpost 1: Memories
Main Character Signpost 2: Impulsive Responses
Main Character Signpost 3: Innermost Desires
Main Character Signpost 4: Contemplation
Influence Character Signpost 1: The Past
Influence Character Signpost 2: How Things are Changing
Influence Character Signpost 3: The Future
Influence Character Signpost 4: The Present
Relationship Name:
The Relationship Story
Relationship Signpost 1: Developing a Plan
Relationship Signpost 2: Playing a Role
Relationship Signpost 3: Changing One’s Nature
Relationship Signpost 4: Conceiving an Idea
ABOUT YOUR THEME
Overall Story Domain: Activity
Overall Story Concern: Obtaining
Overall Story Problem: Reconsider
Overall Story Issue: Approach
Approach is Neutral.
Overall Story Counterpoint: Attitude
Attitude is Neutral.
Main Character Issue: Closure
Closure is Neutral.
Main Character Counterpoint: Denial
Denial is Neutral.
Influence Character Issue: Openness
Openness is Neutral.
Influence Character Counterpoint: Preconception
Preconception is Neutral.
Relationship Issue: Rationalization
Rationalization is Neutral.
Relationship Counterpoint: Obligation
Obligation is Neutral.
KEY STORY POINTS
Overall Story Domain: Activity
Main Character Domain: Fixed Attitude
Influence Character Domain: Situation
Relationship Domain: Manipulation
Overall Story Concern: Obtaining
Main Character Concern: Innermost Desires
Influence Character Concern: The Future
Relationship Concern: Changing One’s Nature
Overall Story Problem: Reconsider
Overall Story Solution: Consider
Main Character Problem: Reconsider
Main Character Solution: Consider
Main Character Focus: Pursuit
Influence Character Problem: Temptation
Influence Character Solution: Conscience
Influence Character Resolve: Steadfast
Relationship Problem: Hinder
Relationship Solution: Help
Treatment with Structure Report for “The Long Winter”
Scene #1 - Prologue
The needs of a story determine the desirability of a prologue. The prologue can be used as a device to hook the audience’s attention; establish a certain aura (romantic, violent); provide backstory; foreshadow certain events.
HOW TO USE THIS STEP OUTLINE:
–This is a suggested structure, with all your story points and illustrations already woven. You may use it as is, or adapt it.
–The step titles and explanatory text present elements of conventional story structure with which you already may be familiar (see “Story Sources”).
–In the window below “This Scene Represents”, story points and illustrations show how Dramatica represents that conventional structure.
–Each step may represent a scene, or more than one scene.
–Add, Delete, or Move steps in the “Scene List” window.
–You may delete the title, explanatory text, and instructions in each step, once you understand them.
–However, it’s advisable to print the Story Treatment report with this text first, before deleting it. You may want to keep it (except for these instructions) in your reports to refer to when writing.
–With “Show Illustrations” checked, you can select some or all of the text in the “This Scene Represents” window, copy it, and paste it into the “What happens in this Step” window. This text forms your Story Treatment and prints in the “Story Treatment” report.
–Protagonist∞2Antagonist∞2Guardian∞2Emotion characters are woven throughout the story. Weave the other characters as and when needed.
–Archetypal characters have been created, ensuring that each character has a dramatic purpose in the story.
–For simplicity’s sake, the Main Character is also the Protagonist, making him∞2her a hero∞2ine character. Similarly, the Impact Character is Emotion. This need not be the case with all stories.
Referenced Story Points:
Plot Information: Forewarnings – Contemplation
Scene #2 - Chapter 1-Initial Situation
–A novel usually begins with some sort of temporal and∞2or spatial initial situation. The initial situation gives a description of a particular, sometimes emphasized prosperity. This prosperity serves as a contrasting background for the misfortune to follow.
From this situation stems the orders or advice to not interfere with this prosperity–to maintain the status quo.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Domain – Activity
Overall: Concern – Obtaining
Synopses: OS Backstory
Scene #3 - Chapter 1-Introduce Protagonist
–Introduce and establish protagonist’s point of view–the issues and concerns that shape the protagonist’s outlook.
Referenced Story Points:
MAIN CHARACTER (Protagonist): Description
MAIN CHARACTER (Protagonist): Role
MAIN CHARACTER (Protagonist): MAIN CHARACTER (Protagonist)'s Introduction
Main Character: Domain – Fixed Attitude
Main Character: Concern – Innermost Desires
Main Character: Problem – Reconsider
Main Character: Critical Flaw – Delay
Main Character: Signpost 1 – Memories
Scene #4 - Chapter 1-Absence
–One of the characters may absent her∞2himself from “home.” This may affect the initial situation, protagonist, or both. Examples:
- Parents leave for work, vacation, war
- Death
- Younger member of generation leaves
The leave-taking of a key character prepares for the misfortune, creating an opportune moment for it.
Referenced Story Points:
Plot Information: Forewarnings – Contemplation
Scene #5 - Chapter 1-Status Quo Violated
–Advice or order to maintain status quo is violated.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Issue – Approach
Overall: Signpost 1 – Understanding
Scene #6 - Chapter 2-Introduce Antagonist
–Introduce antagonist. Her∞2his role is to disturb the peace; cause some misfortune, damage, or harm.
Referenced Story Points:
_Antagonist: Description
_Antagonist: Role
_Antagonist: Function
_Antagonist: _Antagonist’s Introduction
Overall: Problem – Reconsider
Scene #7 - Chapter 2-Antagonist Reconnaissance
–The antagonist makes an attempt at reconnaissance–checking out the situation. The antagonist receives information about her∞2his victim. The antagonist attempts to deceive victim in order to take possession of her∞2him or their belongings.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Benchmark – Gathering Information
Scene #8 - Chapter 2-Victim-Protagonist
–If the protagonist is a “victim” rather than “seeker”–s∞2he may submit to deception and thereby unwittingly help the antagonist.
- The protagonist agrees to the antagonist’s persuasions. S∞2he has violated an order or accepted a deceitful proposal.
- The protagonist unwittingly falls victim to some device (drugs, magic, hypnotism)-- OR other means, e.g., s∞2he suddenly falls asleep, wounds her∞2himself, etc. This facilitates the antagonist’s task.
Referenced Story Points:
Plot Information: Forewarnings – Contemplation
Scene #9 - Chapter 3-Protagonist and Story Problem
–The protagonist deals with some aspect of the story problem, for example, starts an investigation, enlists the help of others, etc. Establish more of the protagonist’s background that further shows her∞2his relationship to the story goal–what interest they may have or why they are best suited to pursue the goal.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Problem – Reconsider
Plot Information: Goal – Obtaining
Synopses: MC Backstory
Scene #10 - Chapter 3-Introduce Subplot
–Introduce character with whom the protagonist will have a relationship (romantic∞2buddy∞2parent∞2teacher∞2or the like). This character will have the most impact on the protagonist.
Referenced Story Points:
IMPACT CHARACTER (Emotion): Description
IMPACT CHARACTER (Emotion): Role
IMPACT CHARACTER (Emotion): Function
IMPACT CHARACTER (Emotion): IMPACT CHARACTER (Emotion)'s Introduction
Scene #11 - Chapter 4-Introduce Other Characters
–Establish secondary characters and their functions.
Referenced Story Points:
Synopses: Overall Characters
Scene #12 - Chapter 4-Subplot
–Explore relationship between protagonist and romantic lead∞2buddy∞2or the like.
Referenced Story Points:
Relationship: Domain – Manipulation
Relationship: Concern – Changing One’s Nature
Relationship: Problem – Hinder
Relationship: Signpost 1 – Developing a Plan
Scene #13 - Chapter 4-Complication
–The antagonist makes a decision or effects an action that causes harm or injury to a character. For example:
- The antagonist abducts a character
- The antagonist abducts powerful devices or material objects (e.g., bank manager seizes deed to protagonist’s property)
- The antagonist causes bodily injury or death
- The antagonist effects substitution
- The antagonist orders a murder to be committed
- The antagonist imprisons or detains a character
- The antagonist threatens forced matrimony
- The antagonist declares war
Referenced Story Points:
Character and Plot Dynamics: Driver – Decision
Overall: Catalyst – Morality
Scene #14 - Chapter 5-Protagonist Given Quest
–One character either lacks something or desires to have something, e.g.,
- Lack of a bride or groom
- Means of existence
Misfortune or lack is made known; the protagonist is approached with a request or command; s∞2he is allowed to go or s∞2he is dispatched.
Referenced Story Points:
MAIN CHARACTER (Protagonist): Function
Plot Information: Goal – Obtaining
Scene #15 - Chapter 5-Protagonist Accepts Quest
–The protagonist agrees to the quest or decides upon some sort of counteraction.
Referenced Story Points:
Plot Information: Prerequisites – Conceiving an Idea
Main Character: Signpost 2 – Impulsive Responses
Scene #16 - Chapter 5-Protagonist Sets Out on Quest
–The departure is different for a “seeker-protagonist” than a “victim-protagonist.” The departure of a seeker-protagonist is exemplified by the pursuit of the goal. If the victim-protagonist is driven out, the narrative is developed along the route of the victim protagonist.
Referenced Story Points:
MAIN CHARACTER (Protagonist): Activities
Character and Plot Dynamics: Approach – Be-er
Scene #17 - Chapter 5-Protagonist Meets Guardian
–The protagonist pursues her∞2his goal. Introduce guardian. It is from the guardian that the protagonist obtains some powerful device that permits eventual resolution of the misfortune. But before receipt of the powerful device takes place, the protagonist is subjected to a number of diverse actions which, however, all lead to the result that a powerful device comes into her∞2his hands.
Referenced Story Points:
_Guardian: Description
_Guardian: Role
_Guardian: Function
_Guardian: _Guardian’s Introduction
Plot Information: Preconditions – The Present
Scene #18 - Chapter 6-Romantic Lead
–Romantic∞2buddy∞2or the like point of view. The backstory, issues and concerns that shape the romantic lead∞2buddy∞2or the like’s personal outlook.
Referenced Story Points:
Influence Character: Concern – The Future
Relationship: Issue – Rationalization
Influence Character: Signpost 1 – The Past
Synopses: IC Backstory
Scene #19 - Chapter 6-Red Herring
–Red herring (something used to divert attention from real issue) may be introduced, e.g., false clue, suspicious character who is really innocent, etc.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Symptom – Logic
Overall: Inhibitor – Commitment
Scene #20 - Chapter 6-Antagonist
–Antagonist may get wind of protagonist’s quest or romantic lead’s plan.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Benchmark – Gathering Information
Scene #21 - Chapter 7-Protagonist Endures Tests
–The protagonist is tested, interrogated, attacked, etc., which prepares the way for her∞2his receiving either a powerful device or helper. The protagonist reacts to the actions of the guardian.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Symptom – Logic
Main Character: Benchmark – Contemplation
Plot Information: Requirements – Gathering Information
Scene #22 - Chapter 7-Protagonist and Powerful Device
–The protagonist acquires the use of a powerful device, e.g., special weapon; special power.
Referenced Story Points:
Plot Information: Dividends – Innermost Desires
Scene #23 - Chapter 7-Protagonist Travel
–The protagonist is transferred, delivered, or led to the whereabouts of an object of search.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Catalyst – Morality
Scene #24 - Chapter 7-Protagonist and Antagonist Struggle
–The protagonist and antagonist join in direct confrontation. This is an action sequence–the first big peak of the novel.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Signpost 2 – Obtaining
Scene #25 - Chapter 8-Climactic Scene Continues
–The climactic scene continues with protagonist’s point of view. The antagonist pulls a potentially catastrophic trick (or appears to) that could destroy the protagonist and end story. The protagonist makes a narrow escape, but does not yet achieve the goal.
Referenced Story Points:
Plot Information: Forewarnings – Contemplation
Scene #26 - Chapter 8-Subplot: Protagonist Branded
–Relationship between protagonist and romantic lead∞2buddy∞2or the like is re-emphasized. A “mark” (literal or figurative) is made on the protagonist.
Referenced Story Points:
Relationship: Catalyst – Responsibility
Relationship: Signpost 2 – Playing a Role
Scene #27 - Chapter 9-Antagonist Reacts
–Antagonist’s viewpoint. Reaction to her∞2his failure to achieve ends. The antagonist makes new plans or reestablishes villainy in some way. May blame henchman.
Referenced Story Points:
_Sidekick: Function
Plot Information: Costs – The Future
Scene #28 - Chapter 9-Romantic Lead
–Move along romantic lead∞2buddy∞2or the like’s story line to next logical step–perhaps a disaster.
Referenced Story Points:
Influence Character: Signpost 2 – How Things are Changing
Scene #29 - Chapter 9-Antagonist
–Antagonist’s next villainous move.
Referenced Story Points:
_Antagonist: Activities
Scene #30 - Chapter 10-Protagonist Reevaluates Situation
–Protagonist reevaluates, heals, discovers new information, and reexamines motives for pursuing goal.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Inhibitor – Commitment
Main Character: Signpost 3 – Innermost Desires
Scene #31 - Chapter 10-Story Goal
–Story goal restated.
Referenced Story Points:
Plot Information: Goal – Obtaining
Scene #32 - Chapter 10-Subplot
–Relationship subplot intensifies. Positive or negative conflict between protagonist and romantic lead∞2buddy∞2or the like changes the relationship.
Referenced Story Points:
Relationship: Signpost 3 – Changing One’s Nature
Scene #33 - Chapter 11-Protagonist in Dire Straits
–Protagonist engages in action sequence. S∞2he is immediately thwarted by antagonist. Two to five scenes may involve chase, capture, or some type of cornering that puts protagonist in dire straits.
Referenced Story Points:
Plot Information: Forewarnings – Contemplation
Scene #34 - Chapter 12-Antagonist Upper Hand
–Continuation of chapter 11. Antagonist gains upper hand–reveals motivation. Some sort of story information may be revealed, for example, a clue or important piece of backstory.
Referenced Story Points:
_Antagonist: Background
Scene #35 - Chapter 12-Protagonist Faces Ruin
–Protagonist’s point of view. Horrific disaster at scene’s end. Protagonist’s last resort fails.
Referenced Story Points:
Main Character: Critical Flaw – Delay
Scene #36 - Chapter 13-Romantic Lead
–Romantic lead∞2buddy∞2or the like’s perspective on the events that are happening, or more personal information∞2backstory about the romantic lead∞2buddy∞2or the like.
Referenced Story Points:
Influence Character: Signpost 3 – The Future
Synopses: RS Backstory
Scene #37 - Chapter 14-Temporary Victory
–Big action scene. The protagonist temporarily defeats antagonist. The initial misfortune or lack is liquidated. Protagonist seizes object of a search by use of force or cleverness.
Referenced Story Points:
Plot Information: Dividends – Innermost Desires
Scene #38 - Chapter 14-Antagonist Escapes
–Antagonist gets away. Friends of protagonist may arrive too late to be of any help.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Response – Feeling
Scene #39 - Chapter 14-Protagonist Returns
–Protagonist is clear on future course of action.
Referenced Story Points:
Plot Information: Dividends – Innermost Desires
Scene #40 - Chapter 14-Subplot
–Difficulty in relationship combined with the story end in sight creates tension.
Referenced Story Points:
Character and Plot Dynamics: Limit – Optionlock
Overall: Benchmark – Gathering Information
Relationship: Inhibitor – Self Interest
Scene #41 - Chapter 15-Falling Action
–Novel is coming to a close. If there has been a red herring or substory–it is cleared up.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Signpost 3 – Gathering Information
Scene #42 - Chapter 15-Romantic Lead
–Romantic lead∞2buddy∞2or the like is in grave peril–either in a disaster set up in a scene where s∞2he tried to help, or by the antagonist.
Referenced Story Points:
Influence Character: Critical Flaw – Hope
Scene #43 - Chapter 15-Antagonist Strategy
–The antagonist plans a new strategy to foil the protagonist.
Referenced Story Points:
_Antagonist: Activities
Scene #44 - Chapter 16-Protagonist Thwarted
–A series of scenes in which the protagonist is thwarted.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Inhibitor – Commitment
Scene #45 - Chapter 16-Protagonist Finds Antagonist
–The protagonist finds antagonist and fights her∞2him on her∞2his grounds. Tables are turned and some violence occurs. Secondary character such as henchman or protagonist’s sidekick may come to a bad end.
Referenced Story Points:
Main Character: Signpost 4 – Contemplation
Scene #46 - Chapter 16-Subplot
–Protagonist learns of romantic lead∞2buddy∞2or the like’s plight and rushes to her∞2his side.
Referenced Story Points:
Relationship: Signpost 4 – Conceiving an Idea
Scene #47 - Chapter 17-Rescue
–Romantic lead∞2buddy∞2or the like is freed–but at the cost of weakening the protagonist’s position.
Referenced Story Points:
Influence Character: Unique Ability – Choice
Plot Information: Costs – The Future
Scene #48 - Chapter 17-Romantic Lead
–Romantic lead∞2buddy∞2or the like is left disillusioned, thinking the relationship is over.
Referenced Story Points:
Relationship: Inhibitor – Self Interest
Influence Character: Signpost 4 – The Present
Scene #49 - Chapter 17-Showdown
–Protagonist and antagonist close in on one another–physically or intellectually.
Referenced Story Points:
Synopses: Plot Point
Scene #50 - Chapter 18-Unrecognized Arrival
–This scene is optional. The protagonist, unrecognized, arrives “home”–e.g., where story started. The protagonist looks may be transformed; the protagonist may be working undercover, etc.
Referenced Story Points:
Synopses: Plot Point
Scene #51 - Chapter 18-Ultimate Confrontation
–The ultimate confrontation takes place in an exciting, extended scene. Any backstory and substory questions are answered.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Signpost 4 – Doing
Scene #52 - Chapter 18-Trump Card or False Claims
–The antagonist plays her∞2his last trump card–or another character makes false claims.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Inhibitor – Commitment
Scene #53 - Chapter 19-Antagonist Proposes Difficult Task
–The antagonist proposes a difficult task or ordeal to the protagonist to offer her∞2him a way out of the dilemma. Either choice means disaster.
Referenced Story Points:
Scene #54 - Chapter 19-Protagonist Resolves Task
–In most cases the protagonist makes a choice for the greater good–but to their personal detriment. The biggest fight occurs here. All stops pulled out.
Referenced Story Points:
Plot Information: Consequence – Changing One’s Nature
Scene #55 - Chapter 19-Protagonist Recognition
–The protagonist is recognized for their integrity. They may also be recognized after a long separation.
Referenced Story Points:
Main Character: Issue – Closure
Scene #56 - Chapter 19-Antagonist or False Claims Exposed
–The antagonist is revealed or false claims about the protagonist are exposed.
Referenced Story Points:
Overall: Solution – Consider
Scene #57 - Chapter 19-Protagonist Given New Appearance
–The protagonist either undergoes essential change or is made more resolute to their initial self.
Referenced Story Points:
Character and Plot Dynamics: Resolve – Change
Main Character: Solution – Consider
Scene #58 - Chapter 19-Antagonist Punished
–The antagonist is punished in some way, e.g., shot, banished, commits suicide, or may be pardoned.
Referenced Story Points:
_Antagonist: Dismissal
Scene #59 - Chapter 20-Story Outcome
–Plot loose ends are tied up
Referenced Story Points:
Character and Plot Dynamics: Outcome – Success
Main Character: Unique Ability – Dream
Scene #60 - Chapter 20-Subplot Outcome
–Subplot relationship resolved.
Referenced Story Points:
Character and Plot Dynamics: Growth – Start
Character and Plot Dynamics: Judgment – Bad
Relationship: Solution – Help
