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.
recurring cleaning service Mundelein ..Dave, I just got a contract for a book... Read More
Nothing is more daunting for any writer than having to... Read More
1. Turning your idea into a bookWith non-fiction books the... Read More
Chances are, you'll be busy over the next several weeks.... Read More
Open any book on 'how to write,' and somewhere you... Read More
It's a good idea to use TextPad because all opt-in... Read More
I'm a writing fool! 2 book proposals, 1 user's guide,... Read More
Writing is a personal and introspective process. To share with... Read More
'Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always... Read More
ACCEPT, EXCEPT Not commonly seen even from unpublished writers, who... Read More
Whether you keep a separate spiritual journal or just want... Read More
~~~Old age, to the unlearned, is winter; to the learned,... Read More
Have you given up on getting your book out of... Read More
Human beings seem to be born with a gene for... Read More
You send me an e-mail. You tell me you've written... Read More
Sure you can write, but can you write crisp, compelling... Read More
Sometime one must coax the words out.Each day is a... Read More
People want information, they want it quick, frequently in short... Read More
Freelance writer STANLEY BURKHARDT has a passion for animals. He... Read More
1) Can you summarize the story in about a sentence... Read More
One obvious question that can get overlooked in the process... Read More
When I first started tracking the information preferences of people... Read More
Many of us dream of writing a book. Why not.... Read More
BAITED, BATEDBaited usually refers to traps or snares. When the... Read More
What is a prologue? When should you use one? Should... Read More
tidy up service Buffalo Grove ..The Big IdeaOkay. So youve figured out that you would... Read More
Today I took the dog for a walk and realized... Read More
In order to be successful with a newsletter, specialize in... Read More
So you're one of 20 million Americans who want to... Read More
Writing is hard work, and like all hard work, one... Read More
Eight or nine times out of ten, picking up and... Read More
These are some of the snapshots I carry with me:... Read More
You can learn a lot about what it takes to... Read More
Nothing is more daunting for any writer than having to... Read More
ADAPTATION 101Brimming with confidence, you've just signed the check purchasing... Read More
Welcome to the zany ideas of a productive writer. My... Read More
Writing technical articles is a challenge. There you sit, surrounded... Read More
Paulo Coelho was born on August 24th 1947 in Rio... Read More
You have just completed a draft of an article. It... Read More
So, you want to freelance as an editor, writer, copy... Read More
Despite the widespread use of e-mail in commerce today, traditional... Read More
In his book, "Achieving Financial Independence as a Freelance Writer,"... Read More
Recently, I was hunting for a book that would simply... Read More
You can turn your $200 fee to write a press... Read More
The self-indulgent writer listens only to the mumblings of sycophants,... Read More
1. Set aside a time to write and keep it... Read More
It's important to have a space set aside in your... Read More
Q. My writing sounds stiff and stilted. Help!A. Memories of... Read More
And a dreadful thing from the cliff did spring, and... Read More
1. Before you write anything down define not what you... Read More
Writing |