Screenplay Structure format

You've asked for it, here it is.  I found this in my files so I'm not sure where I got it from, could be a workshop I attended years ago, but I do use it when brainstorming a new idea.  It really helps to get the idea out of your head and onto the page.

Screenplay Story Structure


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 that you may already be familiar with.

Each step may represent a scene, or more than one scene.

Add, Delete, or Move steps as necessary for your particular story.

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 the text (except for these instructions) in your reports to refer to when writing.

For simplicity's sake, the Main Character is also the Protagonist, making him/her a hero character. This need not be the case with all stories. Similarly, the Impact Character is also the Guardian.

Step #1 - Set-Up the Normal World

--Open with a visual image and event that sets the place, tone, circumstances, and theme of the film.

Step #2 - Introduce Main Character

--Present the Protagonist/Main Character in an occupation or activity that best defines him/her.

Step #3 - Main Character Goal

--Show the Main Character's personal goal and any obstacles to it.

--Dramatize any relevant backstory.


Step #4 - Inciting Incident

--An event or decision that sets the plot in motion, and tells the audience what the story will be about.

Step #5 - Introduce Love Interest/Partner/Relative

--Present the character whose ideas/methods conflict with those of the Main Character, but who has an influence on him/her throughout the story.

Step #6 - Central Question Raised

--Resolving the problem or situation presented here (based on the Inciting Incident) would bring the story to an end. An Antagonist character, directly opposed to the goal, is introduced.

Step #7 - Subplot Set-Up

--Main Character and partner disagree over their basic nature/way of doing things.

Step #8 - Subplot Set-Up

--Main Character and partner disagreement escalates into conflict.

Step #9 - Plot Point 1

--Event that turns the Normal World upside-down, propels the story in a new direction, raises the stakes, and defines the specific plot goal.

Step #10 - Reflection/Doubt

--Something happens to cause the Protagonist/Main Character to doubt his/her ability to achieve the story goal.

Step #11 - Rising Action

--Protagonist/Main Character feels compelled to make decisions/take action toward the story goal.

Step #12 - Raising The Stakes

--The Antagonist causes an event or decision which makes the goal harder to reach, and more dangerous for the Protagonist/Main Character.

Step #13 - Rising Action

--Protagonist/Main Character pursues the goal with increased vigor.

Step #14 - Rising Action

--Protagonist/Main Character escapes Antagonist's clutches.

Step #15 - Subplot Point 1

--Partner character goes out on a limb for Main Character, bringing them closer together and changing their relationship.

Step #16 - Rising Action

--Antagonist steps up opposition to the goal.

Step #17 - Subplot Reflection/Doubt
--Main Character holds back from the relationship with the Partner character.

Step #18 - Rising Action
--Antagonist goes after Protagonist/Main Character.

Step #19 - Subplot Development
--Partner character's actions cause a setback in the relationship with the Main Character.

Step #20 - Subplot Development
--Main Character mends rift with Partner character.

Step #21 - Rising Action
--Protagonist/Main Character seeks to bypass Antagonist.

Step #22 - Subplot Development
--Partner character makes effort to help Main Character.

Step #23 - Subplot Development
--Main Character's interest captured by another competing character, to dismay of Partner character.

Step #24 - Subplot Development
--Main Character and Partner character work together as a true team.

Step #25 - Subplot Raising The Stakes
--Main Character and Partner character relationship tested/questioned by other character trying to drive a wedge between them.

Step #26 - Rising Action
--Antagonist presses the issue.

Step #27 - Subplot Development
--Partner character proves worthiness to Main Character.

Step #28 - Raising The Stakes
--The Antagonist causes an event or decision which makes the goal seem impossible to reach, and makes disaster likely for the Protagonist/Main Character if he/she tries.

Step #29 - Subplot Development
--Main Character and Partner character relationship is comfortable, running smoothly now.

Step #30 - Subplot Point 2
--The ultimate test of the relationship. How far will Main Character and Partner character go to commit to each other...?

Step #31 - Subplot Reflection/Doubt
--Both Main Character and Partner character worry that their relationship will not work out.

Step #32 - Lowest of the Low
--Protagonist/Main Character is running out of time or options now. Achievement of plot goal seems impossible.

Step #33 - Plot Point 2
--Event that again propels the story in a new direction, speeds up the action, and asks the Central Question again. Protagonist/Main Character finds new sense of purpose.

Step #34 - Reflection/Doubt
--Main Character gathers strength and resources for the final push for the goal.

Step #35 - Rising Action
--The Antagonist marshals all his/her forces against the Protagonist/Main Character.

Step #36 - Rising Action
--It's "kill or be killed" now for the Protagonist/Main Character, who is tested to his/her limits by the Antagonist.

Step #37 - Plot Climax/Subplot Climax
--In a final struggle, the Protagonist/Main Character defeats the Antagonist to achieve the plot goal (or not), goes out on a limb for the Partner character, and answers the Central Question set up earlier.

Step #38 - Plot Resolution/Subplot Resolution
--Loose ends are tied up. Characters start to get on with their lives, now that order has been restored.