TECH: Truby’s 22 Steps, 16-18

[mbarker]

Original posting 2022/3/8

One more time! More revelations, and a really big problem. https://luisanaduarte.com/2018/03/02/trubys-22-steps/ 

16. Audience revelation
At this moment, the audience is privy to crucial information before the protagonist.
This is when the audience sees something that the hero doesn’t and learns a vital piece of information. This gives the audience a clearer picture of the stakes and the power of the opponent. In addition, it also heightens the tension of the story.

My comment: Maybe a hidden twist? Something that the audience can see, but our poor battered hero can't? Oh, no, will they realize that in time?

17. Third revelation and decision
The protagonist is given all the facts that are crucial to the story (like the true identity of the opposition or whatever the audience learned before the protagonist), and the actions they’ll have to perform in order to achieve their desire. This information usually emboldens the protagonist and gives them an extra motivation to reach their goal.

My comment: Gotcha! Now the protagonist knows what they have to do, and what it's going to take. So... grit your teeth, and let's do it!

18. Gate, gauntlet, visit to death
The highest moment of tension before the final showdown between the hero and the opponent.
Visit to Death: Can be psychological, and might appear at an earlier moment in the story (perhaps in the apparent defeat).

My comment: The blackest moment of all! 

So, in these three, the stage is being set, and we're really watching the protagonist wrestle with what they have to do. Will they do it?

Go ahead, see if you have these steps in your work in progress. Do you need them?

Write!