Developing story is the process of taking a concept or idea and turning it into a fully-fleshed out screenplay or pitch. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an experienced industry professional, having the ability to develop stories is crucial. This article explores the intricacies of this process, providing actionable techniques and examples that you can use.
The first step is to select a working title that best reflects the essence of your narrative. It can be as simple as a word or phrase, or as specific as an image or conversation. From here, identify hot spots of potential conflict or emotion. These are places where your characters will make choices that can lead to a climactic resolution.
Next, create a character profile for your main protagonist that includes their name, age, background, personality traits, and goals. Lastly, provide a detailed description of the setting (either geographic or historical) and any other factors that contribute to your story world.
To structure your plot, utilize storytelling frameworks like Joseph Campbell’s monomyth or Blake Snyder’s beats to guide your narrative. Finally, include progressive complications for your protagonist to overcome and a crisis that forces them to decide between what is most important. Then, reach the climax, resolve any subplots, and show the long-term impact of your protagonist’s choice. This will help to build emotional resonance and provide a satisfying conclusion to your story.