3-2-1: Exposition, The Gap, and Layers of Arc
If you came straight to this post: you might not notice it, but the rest of the site is getting a full facelift! I've been going through page by page and the blog will probably be the last one to migrate.
What started as "freshen up the website" has turned into something a lot bigger. I’m re-branding, examining, and clarifying every service I offer.
I’ve grown a lot since I started down this road and it’s time my web presence reflects that.
I'm excited. It feels good. It's also taking way longer than I expected… which feels pretty on-par with this industry.
It's tying into a whole new back-end, too.
If you tried NoonWriters (now Show Up & Write) in the early days, you might remember me talking about wanting to build a member dashboard one day. A place where writers could track their session history, access resources, and actually see their progress building up.
That dashboard is now LIVE!!!
You can see screenshots here, at the new Show Up & Write landing page!
If you’ve fallen off your writing, we’ll get you back into flow 👩🏻💻
Alright, on with the show -
3 TIPS FROM ME
I. Exposition Audit
Go through your script and find a scene where one character explains something to another that they both already know. Cut the explanation. Rework the scene so information emerges through conflict instead.
It’s okay if your audience doesn’t 100% know every piece of information. Aaron Sorkin didn’t fully understand every bit of technical jargon in STEVE JOBS (though he vetted it thoroughly). That’s fine. The emotional conflict is more interesting.
II. The Gap
McKee's "gap" is the space between what a character expects to happen and what actually happens. The character takes action expecting result A, and reality delivers result B. The surprise jolts the audience, provokes curiosity, and delivers insight.
If you want the audience to continue to pay attention, you must continue to surprise them. Use the gap.
III. Three Layers of Arc
The best characters have three layers:
What they seem (characterization)
What they are (true character)
What they become (arc)
In PROJECT HAIL MARY, Ryland Grace appears as an insanely handsome middle school science teacher, is revealed to be a brilliant (if bumbling) scientist, then grows from a coward to a courageous hero who chooses to brave unimaginable peril in order to save both Earth and his unexpected partner.
Can you name all three layers for your protagonist?
Side note: It’s been a while since I’ve wanted to go see a movie in theaters twice. Can’t wait to go back for this one.
2 QUOTES FROM OTHERS
I.
"Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water."
- Kurt Vonnegut
II.
"Fear determines what is or isn't possible. If you think something is too scary, it's too scary for you. If you don't think you have any power... you don't. If you aren't the captain of your fate... then fate is the captain of you."
- Ryan Holiday, Courage is Calling
1 QUESTION FOR YOU
Think about the story you've been telling yourself about why something isn't possible yet. Is that story still true, or has it simply become familiar?
You are someone who believes in possibility (you’re pursuing this vocation).
Turn that belief toward your own life and see what starts to shift
Like these tidbits? We offer fresh ones every day in Show Up & Write. Join us!!
Until next week,
Kate
P.S. You’re Lucky
