This book seeks to reshape the way that writers think about constructing
their story, looking at the subject from the inside out. Often
practitioners and theorists examine work through the separate lenses of
character and/or structure and then bring them together. Within this
book, authors Hughes and Wilkes argue that character is structure and
one without the other makes for a dissatisfying narrative.
Through detailed case studies on films that span all genres, from
mainstream franchises like The Hunger Games (2012-2015) and Shrek
(2001-2010) to art house films such as Toto Le Heros (1991) and
Eraserhead (1977), the authors reveal the dramatic imperative behind
the central choices or dilemmas faced by every protagonist in every
classic feature length narrative. They argue there is only one of five
choices that any writer must make in inventing that key transition from
the protagonist's ordinary world into the adventure that will form the
heart of their story.
Using the universal language of folk and fairy stories, this book gives
writers and students a clear framework through which they can reference
and improve their own storytelling. In doing so, it enables both the
novice and experienced screenwriter to tell their story in the most
authentic and impactful way, while keeping their protagonist at the
heart of the narrative.
