TheStoryCycle

The3ThingsYouMustLearntoWriteKillerStoriesbyJohnBrown2009

Character+
IncitingIncident

Disaster
Yes,but
No,furthermore

Problem

ProblemIntensifiers
Specific
Immediate
Probable
Significant
Dilemma
Uncertainty

Note:Antagonisthasbrain&desire

Happiness threat
Happiness lack/opp
Mystery

Conflict
&
Surprise

Reaction,Decision
Motives
Options
GoalsandPlans

Resolution

Inciting

Incident

Action

Revelation
Commitment

PlansinShambles
Onelastshot

HeroReacting
Figuringoutproblem

Herotakesinitiative
Surprise&Conflict
Risingstakes

PointsofConflictObstacles
Self
o Desiresorvalues
o Flaws
o Handicaps
o Ignorance
Others
o Antagonists
o Goodguys
Setting
o Physical
o Culture

ExamplesofSurprises
Mistakeninitialdiagnosis.The
problemisntwhatwethought,peel
backlayers
Plansbegintocomeapart
Unforeseenfactorsorplayers

Wrongassumptions
Changeinnature,scope,orintensity
oftheproblem
Newmysteries
Antagonistadaptations
Moreat:http://JohnDBrown.com