Developing story is the process of expanding an idea for a film or TV script into a complete narrative. Whether you’re writing on spec or pitching ideas to studio executives, mastering the art of developing story will help you take your craft to the next level.
Story development involves identifying, fleshing out, and expanding key elements of your script: characters, themes, and settings. It also includes crafting a compelling arc and establishing character motivations. By understanding how to develop your story, you’ll be able to craft meaningful narratives that will resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
Themes play a critical role in both story development and character arcs. By aligning central themes with the protagonist’s inner journey, you can create a more cohesive and impactful narrative. For example, a theme such as transformation or personal growth can be reflected in the arc of a character throughout the course of the story, showcasing their change or growth by the end.
Once you’ve identified a strong theme for your story, it’s time to begin mapping out your plot. Start with the hook or inciting incident, which is an event that exposes your protagonist’s flaws or weaknesses and sets them on a path to resolve them. Raise the stakes with each new obstacle and challenge that your protagonist faces, leading up to the midpoint where a significant turning point will shake up the narrative and set the stage for the climax.