Story Maps: TV Drama: The Structure of the One-Hour Television Pilot

do it with fewer words,

it begins by showing us the result of the dramatic turn that came at the end of Act One.

Fatal Flaw: This is their worst trait, their Achilles Heel, the blind side that threatens to ruin them.

Express Theme: Show us why you’re writing this story, what it is about, in action.

the sooner you establish a line of action that moves forward (a character pursuing a goal against obstacles) the better.

Story Map Worksheet (email me and I’ll send it; see the second to last chapter for my email address)

The goal, as always, is conflict and contrast.

Establish a Framing Device: Establish how this story will be told, the glue that holds it together.

Misbehavior: It’s fun to give your protagonist a trait that consistently creates problems for them.