SHOW NOTES:

Elements of a Thriller 

Open with a Bang or a Chill or a Compelling Question 

Establish the 4 Ws Early-------Who, What, When, and Where 

Inciting Incident---Sets the protagonist’s story in motion 

Establish the Story Question—What does the Protagonist want/need? 

Rising Tension 

Who/What opposes the Protagonist and Why? 

What does the antagonist want/need?  

Establish a Time or Situation Endpoint  

Scenes advance or obstruct the protagonist’s attaining goal 

Each power scene poses a question and ends with: 

Yes------------------------------Weak 

No-------------------------------Better 

Yes, but------------------------Strong 

No, and further more———————————-Strongest 

Convergence of Space and Time—“Life in a Trash Compactor” 

Epiphany---Protagonist grasps the solution 

Personal Jeopardy---Protagonist must fear for personal safety 

Mano a’ Mano---Protagonist must confront antagonist “face to face” 

Resolution---all major story questions are resolved