Structure Breakdown: Manchester by the Sea

Kenneth Lonergan’s first writing/directing outing since 2011, Manchester by the Sea is a universal tale grief in which being your brother’s keeper includes all of the big and little baggage we leave behind for our loved ones to care for, to mend, and ultimately to preserve.

LOGLINE: A troubled janitor must return, permanently, to a town that holds painful memories for him in order to raise his nephew when his brother dies unexpectedly.

THE NORMAL WORLD (ACT I):

Who is the MAIN CHARACTER?

Lee Chandler, an unhappy maintenance man dealing with his own demons.

What is the main character’s INITIAL WANT?

In a state of existential grief, he wants to hide from the world and punish himself by denying himself any joy.

What is the INCITING INCIDENT that sets the story in motion?

His brother Joe dies, and Lee learns that he has been named as the legal guardian for his nephew Patrick.

After the Inciting Incident, what is the main character’s CONFLICTED WANT?

Lee returns home for his brother’s funeral and must find a place for Patrick, even though Lee doesn’t want to be there.