Footnotes
Definition of a Story
Posted by Jennine Lanouette on Tuesday, February 26th, 2013
Let me explain what I mean when I use the word “story.” The ultimate test, as I see it, of whether or not a given chronicle of events constitutes a story is if there is an A to B progression from its beginning to its end. In other words, to feel we have been told… read the full article.
In Defense of Character (excerpt)
Posted by Jennine Lanouette on Wednesday, January 16th, 2013
Misconception #3: Character Growth As Hollywood Melodrama “Character transformation is a vestige of the old American redemptive melodrama in which the character must experience a massive change or revelation. But this is Hollywood fantasy because in real life people don’t change.” Directors and screenwriters who want to challenge the conventional narrative form often share this misconception.… read the full article.
In Defense of Character (excerpt #1)
Posted by Jennine Lanouette on Wednesday, January 16th, 2013
Misconception #1: The Thoroughly Likable Main Character “In order for your main character to be sympathetic, he or she must be likable.” The function of the sympathetic character is to create audience investment in the story. Writers do this by introducing the character at a power disadvantage. As viewers, we can then relate because we have… read the full article.