English Second ST - T1

Prewriting

The stage where an idea or ideas are conceived; the story concept already identifies the character and the story's structure.

Brainstorming the Concept

A prewriting activity that considers what kind of drama will be portrayed, the treatment, whether the story is character-driven or plot-driven, and what narrative techniques will be employed.

Brainstorming rule: Each idea must be respected

Every idea must be respected.

Brainstorming rule: Defer judgement

It must be clear that no idea provided by a member is to be rejected outright.

Brainstorming rule: One conversation at a time

Only one conversation should happen at a time during brainstorming.

Outlining

A process in which the story outline briefly describes a full scene, ideally one that furthers the action.

Story outline

A brief description of a full scene that may begin with notes or observations on character, location, events, bits of dialogue, or images.

Dramatic Scriptwriting: Character

When a character is introduced, his/her name should be capitalized within the action.

Character name in dialogue

A character's name is capped and always listed above the character's lines of dialogue.

Minor characters

May be listed without names.

Dialogue

Lines of speech for each character.

Dialogue format

Used anytime a character is heard speaking, including off-screen and voice-overs.

Parenthetical

A direction for the character that indicates either attitude or action-oriented behavior.

Use of parentheticals

Parentheticals are used very rarely and only if necessary to convey what is going on with the dialogue.