Story Structure Templates are the fastest way to write screenplays. One of the most well known and often used templates, which goes beyond three and four act structure, is the Hero's Journey. Arguably, all stories are a variation of this template and the Lone Wolf is one of the most successful of those variations.
The Lone Wolf template is best explained with a combination of Arthurian Legend archetypes as well as Hero's Journey archetypes. A hero journeys to another land to discover the cause behind the death of blood relatives. A battle with Demon Kings, Enemy Knights, betrayal of an Oracle, Mentors, Shape Shifters and a growing set of revelations result in a Final Conflict and eventual catharsis. This hero can also be considered an anti-hero and this template allows for his final death with the inclusion of a Dark Knight.
The Lone Wolf story structure template consists of 56 sequences, which translates to approximately 2 pages per sequence to complete a full length screenplay. The first eleven sequences include:
1) The (developed) Hero interacts with a Demon King (1) and his Queen. There is a deep, forbidden relationship (maybe sexual) between the Hero and Queen, however, the Demon King is unaware of it and would disapprove if he knew. The Queen is uncomfortable with this situation but the Hero must keep it secret or similar, due to his dependent relationship with the Demon King, the Demon King's strength or that the Hero is in fact a Knight in the service of the Demon King.
2) The Hero feels the need to embark on an adventure, to discover the cause of a recent tragic event, where a family member died ? he suspects that the relative was murdered. The Demon King warns the Hero not to embark on the adventure; references to the dangerous nature of the adventure and the land therein; references to the dangerous nature of antagonists he will encounter there; references to the dangerous nature of the hero himself; references to the hero's status. Reasons may be given as to why the Hero must embark on the adventure. The Demon King may forbid the Hero to travel to the adventure; he may not desire relations with that Kingdom jeopardised.
3) Hero journeys to the land of the adventure. En route, we learn more of his character through his behaviour.
4) Hero arrives at the land of the adventure and makes his way to a social arena, usually an inn, which is full of strange and unfamiliar creatures. The (high) status of the Hero in this place is established. The Hero has arranged a meeting with a Mentor, who was familiar with the deceased and the events surrounding the death. However, the Mentor does not appear. The Hero (may communicate with the Mentor) is suspicious and learns somehow that the Mentor is not interested in this interaction.
5) The Hero enters the home or territory of the deceased relative, with special knowledge gained through some past experience. It is a dark and unwelcoming place. The Hero feels he is being watched. He finds a Magical Aid there. There are reminders of the blood relative's death, perhaps even the body of the relative waiting to undergo a death ceremony. The Hero demonstrates empathy and a closeness with the deceased.
6) The Hero finds a Safe Haven, where he meets an Ally (1). The Hero explains the rules and may have to buy the Ally's allegiance.
7) We learn more of the Hero's character through his behaviour.
8) The Hero investigates the death, by asking specialists, to see if it was caused by some foul play. There is no indication of foul play.
9) The Hero meets the close relatives of the deceased ? who are also related to him. The Hero queries them of the circumstances of the death. Indications as to how he died are given.
10) The Hero and the burial ceremony are being watched.
11) The Hero empathises with the relatives of the deceased and offers to provide support. He mentions his plans to marry the Queen, who is of course the property of Demon King (1) ?this also implies a coming conflict between Hero and Demon King (1).
The Hero's Journey and Lone Wolf story structure templates can be found at http://www.managing-creativity.com.
You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.
Kal Bishop, MBA
**********************************
You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.
Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com.
disinfecting cleaning services Arlington Heights ..No one is born a novel writer. But do you... Read More
Or do you?Writers write. You shouldn't wait around for inspiration... Read More
Each author has special editing needs. To save yourself time... Read More
Many of the most effective low-cost marketing strategies require writing.... Read More
Proofreading worksheets are a great tool to help individuals open... Read More
My husband is no poet, so when I offer my... Read More
Summer's here and the time is write for dancing in... Read More
Freelance writer STANLEY BURKHARDT has a passion for animals. He... Read More
Remember the days when we wrote with pen and paper?... Read More
If you are a serious writer who wants to publish... Read More
Recently, I was hunting for a book that would simply... Read More
LATER, LATTERLater means afterwards; latter is the second of two... Read More
Prolific authors write; they don't just dream about it. A... Read More
Great writing transports one vicariously to realms that the reader... Read More
What a lack of research could do to you.When creating... Read More
On my first newspaper assignment as a critic, I was... Read More
You have a great idea for a poem, a story,... Read More
Style manuals are all well and good, and in fact,... Read More
If your writing muscle isn't in shape, writing a novel... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?What a plot is and what a... Read More
As a freelance writer, it is important to present yourself... Read More
My dad was wrong. I just discovered that I am... Read More
Listen, consider this scenario.You have a deadline to honour. Time... Read More
Writer's forums are bustling with debate over whether or not... Read More
Taming the Book Proposal: The BasicsOh, that most maddening of... Read More
bathroom cleaning service Mundelein ..Before you even begin writing your novel, you need to... Read More
Interesting characters that readers care about are the most important... Read More
(This excerpt is taken from my new writing workshop Writing... Read More
It never ceases to amaze me when a prospective writer... Read More
To capitalize on ways to make extra income you can... Read More
Lately I've been noticing an odd trend amongst the freelance... Read More
You are far more likely to successfully write and publish... Read More
There are various forms of structure, including frameworks, work processes... Read More
Chances are, you'll be busy over the next several weeks.... Read More
Beyond three and four act story structure, lies the Hero's... Read More
Have you ever wondered why certain writers are able to... Read More
We've all been told that we need to use all... Read More
Remember back in the dark days of your school years... Read More
It turns out that "tips and templates on how to... Read More
The Big IdeaOkay. So youve figured out that you would... Read More
Having trouble finding a solution to a nagging problem? Try... Read More
The purpose of this article is to consider Print-On-Demand publishing... Read More
Fiction manuscripts receive feedback that addresses and scores:? The theme... Read More
For those looking at the jobs listings for writers, they... Read More
Each author has special editing needs. To save yourself time... Read More
~TYPES~You Want Us to Write What? Understanding the Task AssignedWhich... Read More
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a... Read More
An island in the Mediterranean. A beach in Africa. The... Read More
Beyond three and four act story structure, lies the Hero's... Read More
IntroductionSometimes it may be beyond a companies or individuals budget... Read More
Writing |