TECH: Truby’s 22 Steps, 4-8

[mbarker]

Original posting 2022/3/5

Okay, next batch from https://luisanaduarte.com/2018/03/02/trubys-22-steps/ 

Looks like one bit of plot/action, a goal, and a whole group of other characters…

4. Inciting event
The ‘spark’ moment that brings the character’s situation from bad to worse. This event also challenges the character into action.

My comment: aha! Here we go with an actual event, the kickoff start to things! Okay…

5. Desire
The goal that drives the character and the story. Usually, the desire grows/intensifies as the story progresses, raising the stakes for the character.

My comment: what does the character want? Okay, that’s what is specific to this story, to that spark we just noted.

6. Ally or allies
The best buds. Those characters that give aid/advice to the main character. The allies can also have a goal. Sometimes, the ally’s and main character’s goals are the same, promoting collaboration.

My comment: Who does the character have along for the trip? It’s good to have friends!

7. Opponent and/or mystery
Opponent: This ‘bad guy’ doesn’t want the main character to achieve their goal. This relationship is usually the most important one in the story as it provides conflict to the story.
Mystery: The opponent can be a mystery at its roots, therefore giving the protagonist the task of discovering their antagonist, and defeating them.

My comment: okay, the antagonist. If we have allies, there’s probably somebody causing trouble, too.

8. Fake-ally opponent
A ‘sneaky’ character whom the protagonist initially believes is their ally. There is usually heartbreak and deception for the protagonist when the truth is discovered.

My comment: ah, it isn’t bad enough that there’s a protagonist, we need someone who betrays the good guy, too? Okay…

So, in this set of steps, we add in something that kicks off the action, a goal for where we are going, and a set of other characters, both pro and con. 

Again, if you like, you could try applying these steps to your own work in progress. Or even start a new work, just playing with these steps, to see where you go!

Write!