Act 1
This "snapshot" represents the main character's problem before the adventure begins.
What is the Opening Image?
Finally the protagonist decides to take up the challenge and leave their ordinary world of safety behind. Thus, the Journey begins.
What is "Break Into Two"?
What is the "B Story"?
Inspiration from the B Story or a new idea gives the hero the courage to try again!
What is "Break into Three"?
With the new inspiration the protagonist uses the "Truth" of the Theme to accomplish the goal, defeats the enemy and moves toward the end.
What is the "Finale"?
Usually spoken to the protagonist, this "Truth" is the central lesson that they must learn.
What is "Theme Stated"?
Now things are really moving! The hero goes through training for the challenge ahead. We see them struggle and succeed on there journey toward their goal. This is when we see what first drew our attention to this story.
What is "The Promise of the Promise" or "Fun and Games"?
This snapshot either mirrors or contrasts the opening image. It proves that the hero has changed and learned the "Truth" of the theme.
What is the "Final Image"?
In this introduction to the ordinary world of the protagonist, we learn what's missing from their life.
What is the "Set-up"?
The hero seems to have gained what they wanted OR they seem to have lost what they wanted to gain. The stakes are high!
What is the "Midpoint"?
In this beat, the ordinary world of the protagonist is changed by some event or action; ie., something that happens that puts the hero in motion.
What is the "Catalyst"?
Things go wrong for the protagonist as doubt, fear, jealousy foes both physical and figurative regroup to defeat the hero's goal.
What is "Bad Guys Close In"?
Because change can be scary, the hero may hesitate to take action. They might even refuse to.
What is the "Debate"?
The hero is at a low point. The initial goal looks even more impossible than before! Something or someone dies. The death can be literal or figurative, but that death makes way for something new to be born.
What is "All Is Lost"?
Our hero wallows in hopelessness. They think about all they lost and how they got here. This is the LOWEST point for the hero.
What is the "Dark Night of the Soul"?