TECH: Truby’s 22 Steps, 9-11

[mbarker]

Original posting 2022/3/6

And, here we go again! This time, a plot piece, and plan and counter-plan? From https://luisanaduarte.com/2018/03/02/trubys-22-steps/

9. First revelation and decision: Changed desire and motive
A threshold in the story that becomes a point of no return for the protagonist. Usually prompted by new information. The revelation can change the protagonist’s desire. Each revelation adds levels of complexity to the plot.

My comment: another actual plot piece! So we got the spark and the goal, the thing that kicked off the action, and where the character thinks they are going. Now we get some kind of revelation and change in what the character wants. So something started the character moving, and now as they get started, bam! Something pitches them into a real journey beyond what they ever imagined they would be doing.

10. Plan
The protagonist’s blueprint to achieve their desired goal. If you want a good story, the protagonist shouldn’t succeed on their first try to execute the plan.

My comment: okay, so we’re digging into what the character plans to do, what they are going to try to do. Lay it all out...

11. Opponent’s plan and main counterattack
Whether because they are trying to achieve their own goal, or actively keeping the protagonist from achieving theirs, the opponent attacks the protagonist’s plan. These attacks can and should come at different points in the story and can be both overt or covert in nature.

My comment: On the other side, we have the plans that the antagonist is making. Ho, ho, ho...

The first threshold of no return? Sure, here we go, out into the big bold world... And both sides lay out their plans for what is going to happen. Of course, we all know what happens to plans, right? Especially when the bad guys have a little plan of their own.

Exercise? Sure, try out these steps on your own work.

Write!