“In nearly all good fiction, the basic — all but inescapable — plot form is this: A central character wants something, goes after it despite opposition (perhaps including his own doubts), and so arrives at a win, lose, or draw.”
– John Gardner

The above quote by American novelist John Gardner, is the simplest and most concise way to describe how to write a good script.   Any screenwriter knows all about the umpteen books out there that tell you how to construct a three act structure with plot points, turning points, climax, etc, etc, etc… But the way John Gardner describes writing is really all you need to know.  It’s basic.  Your main character has to want something otherwise there is no drama.  But it’s not enough just to want something; there has to be some sort of opposition which interferes with your protagonist from achieving his/her goal.  This is how you create empathy for your character while keeping the plot interesting.  The 3^rd act and conclusion draws the story to a close.  Does your central character reach their goals or not?

I am currently re-writing my screenplay The Tree of Life and I have taken out an entire section of the script and re-working chunks of the plot.  It’s funny how quickly I forget John Gardner’s simple formula.  The fact of the matter is, at its best, a good script should be a simple thing.  But to create that kind of work is never simple.  For a writer, it requires an incredible amount of patience, self-discipline and a great deal of alone time.    

Here’s The Tree of Life described in a nutshell as outlined by John Gardner:   James Morven (central character) has helped others all his life (his wants) but when he develops the early stages of Dementia (his opposition) the one person he can’t help is himself, particularly as he prepares to give what could be his last and most important sermon (win, lose or draw). 

I am currently more than half way done the re-write of The Tree of Life.  Am I happy where I’m at and am I achieving what John Gardner describes as “good fiction”?  Not yet.  But I press on in the re-write with little patience, some discipline and lots of time.  My goal is to simplify, simplify, simplify. 

Other updates:  My one act play Not With a Bang But a Whimper was re-written and submitted to the Alumnae Theatre Company – New Ideas Festival.  I will find out at the end of November whether I get accepted into the Festival.  Born For This, the Christmas production I wrote, is currently in rehearsals.  After months of being in front of a computer, it’s nice to work with actors and bring the dialogue to life.

The Town, directed by Ben Affleck is a very good movie I recently saw.  It uses the formula John Gardner describes.   A band of criminals carry out heists in Boston where one of the criminals (Doug – our central character) begins a relationship with a bank manager (Claire) from a bank heist that opens the film.  Doug feels his luck is running out and looks to give up the criminal life (his wants), and make a new life for himself and Claire.  But no one around him will let Doug quit (his opposition).  They find out he’s begun a relationship with Claire and threaten to kill her.   Doug is forced to perform one last big heist where a FBI agent, who’s been tailing Doug throughout the film, looks to take Doug and his band of criminals down.  Will Doug survive? (win, lose or draw)

The Town is a simple script, full of wonderful detail of plot, character and dialogue.  It is very well written, with lots of subtleties and is a great example of a basic plot filled with wonderful moments.