A good story requires many things: a spark of imagination, persistence and time. But a good story also requires something else: a design process. This is the step-by-step process that takes an idea from a kernel of thought to a full-fledged screenplay or pitch.
Themes are central ideas or a set of ideas that run through the story and reflect universal human experiences or moral lessons. They guide writers in crafting meaningful and impactful narratives that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. By integrating themes into their scripts, writers can align character arcs with these ideas, strengthening the emotional impact of their stories.
Setting
A story’s setting provides a backdrop to your characters and creates the feeling of being immersed in another world. It is important to make sure the setting aligns for your audience, based on their background knowledge and experience with the time period or place you are describing. For example, if your protagonist drives a Volkswagen on a bumpy road, the reader should be able to easily imagine that it is America in an era when old Volkswagens were common.
Creating a compelling setting can be difficult, but with some thoughtful research and attention to detail you can create an engaging setting for your readers. This is especially important for establishing mood and helping the reader connect with your characters and their struggles.
Story stakes are the element in a scene that makes your protagonist face a significant challenge or risk their life or reputation. To find those stakes, choose a specific image, conversation or event and identify (or create) its hot spots.