Screenwriting, Story Structure, and Character Archetypes

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering screenplay fundamentals, Save the Cat story categories, three-act structure stages, and hero's journey character archetypes.

Protagonist

The character whose main purpose is to drive the story by pursuing a goal.

Antagonist

A force opposing the protagonist's goal.

Central Story Formula

Protagonist + Goal + Antagonist.

Conflict

The element created in a screenplay when a character pursues a goal against obstacles.

Character's Want

A character's conscious external goal.

Character's Entrance

The introductory moment that establishes the audience's first impression of a character.

Compelling Mental Picture

A vivid image that immediately communicates the story.

Killer Title

An effective title that is memorable and captures the story's appeal.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality.

Buddy Love

A Save the Cat category that centers on a relationship.

Dude with a Problem

A Save the Cat category in which an ordinary person suddenly faces extraordinary danger.

Golden Fleece

A Save the Cat category that involves a journey or quest to achieve a goal.

Out of the Bottle

A Save the Cat category that involves magic or wishes changing everyday life.

Monster in the House

A Save the Cat category where a dangerous creature threatens people trapped in a confined setting.

Whydunit

A Save the Cat category that focuses on why a crime was committed.

Rites of Passage

A Save the Cat category in which a character struggles through a major life transition.

Fool Triumphant

A Save the Cat category that features an underestimated character who succeeds.

Institutionalized

A Save the Cat category where a character struggles with belonging to a group or organization.

Superhero

A Save the Cat category that features an extraordinary hero dealing with the ordinary world.

Act 1 Steps

The five steps in order: Opening Image; Ordinary World; Call to Adventure; Refusal; Meeting with Mentor.

Act 2 Steps

The main steps in order: Crossing Threshold; Tests/Allies/Enemies; Approach to Inmost Cave; Ordeal; Reward.

Three Parts of the Ordeal

Bad Guys Close In; All Is Lost; Dark Night of the Soul.

Act 3 Steps

The four steps in order: The Road Back; Resurrection; Return with Elixir; Final Image.

Seven Character Archetypes

Shapeshifter; Mentor; Shadow; Trickster; Herald; Ally; Threshold Guardian.

Shapeshifter

A character archetype that creates uncertainty about identity or loyalty.

Mentor

A character archetype that guides and prepares the hero.

Shadow

A character archetype representing opposition or the hero's dark side.

Trickster

A character archetype that creates mischief, humor, or disruption.

Herald

A character archetype that announces change or calls the hero to action.

Ally

A character archetype that supports the hero during the journey.

Threshold Guardian

A character archetype that tests the hero before moving forward.

Dark Night of the Soul

The stage in which the hero reaches emotional despair before finding a way forward.

Resurrection

The stage in which the hero faces a final test and is transformed.

Return with Elixir

The stage in which the hero returns with something valuable.