The 8 C’s of Plot

Plotlines vs Loglines

As we discussed last week, plotlines and loglines are different.

Loglines are selling tools designed to excite an audience. Plotlines are designed to help you, the writer, clearly understand the beginning, middle and end of your script.

A good plotline will distill the essential dramatic elements of your script down to their core and express them in a clear, concise and coherent way that articulates your story. It will take time to choose the best words and phrases. When it is done write, it shouldn’t be more than 3–4 sentences.

The 8 C’s

There are 8 essential elements that must be included in a good plotline:

1. The Character — this is your main character.
2. Catalyst — this is the inciting incident
3. Clear Want — this is defining motivation of the main character that drives your plot.
4. Conflict — this includes the Antagonist and other obstacles your main character will face.
5. Consciousness — this is the midpoint of your script in which your main character has an epiphany about his or her predicament that enables them to take directed action
6. Crisis — this is the lowest moment in your story.
7. Climax — this is the final…