Co je příběh

Plánování příběhu je jako výlet; znalost cíle není vše. Abysme dojeli na místo, budeme muset hodněkrát tankovat. To platí i pro příběh: i ten potřebuje sbírat energii, protože mu dochází.

"Napíšu poslední větu, pak větu předtím a přistihnu se, že píšu pozadu, dokud nemám jasnou představu o zvuku konce a jeho emocích. Musíte vědět, jak váš hlas na konci příběhu zní, protože pak víte, jak má znít na začátku."
— John Irving

Akt I - Ostrá polévka - Budování - 1/4 celku
Představíme někoho, ustanovíme jeho status quo a následně ho zboříme. Proč? Aby musel vystoupit ze své zóny komfortu a jít do dobrodružství.
Akt II. - Hlavní jídlo - Dobrodružství - 1/2 celku
Ukážeme někoho, kdo se snaží dostat co chce, ale nejde mu to. Nakonec si ale uvědomí, co je potřeba udělat.
Akt III. - Dezert - Řešení - 1/4 celku
Odhalíme, zda dokázal nebo dostal to, co chtěl a tím ustanovíme jeho poslední/nový Status quo.

Ale aby bylo jasno: "Žádná pravidla nejsou pevná a trvalá"
— Cicero

Act I. - The Prologue

The prologue is an introductory section or opening of a story. It is typically a separate introductory section that comes before the main body of the work and provides essential background information or context to help the reader understand the story.

The purpose of a prologue in a story can vary depending on the type of work and the author's intentions. Generally, a prologue can serve to:

Set the scene: A prologue can provide the reader with important information about the story's setting, such as the time period or location, which helps to orient them to the story's world.
Introduce characters: A prologue can introduce the story's main characters, providing information about their background or personality that will be relevant to the main plot.
Establish the theme: A prologue can establish the central theme or message of the story, giving the reader a sense of what the story is about and what they can expect to learn from it.
Create anticipation: A prologue can create a sense of anticipation or intrigue by introducing a mysterious or dramatic event that will be resolved later in the story.

Overall, a prologue can help prepare the reader for the story ahead and provide vital context to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the work.

Act I. - The Status Quo

The term "Status Quo" refers to the current state of affairs or the way things are in a story. In storytelling, the status quo is the initial state of the story's world or the main character's life before the main conflict arises.

The purpose of establishing the status quo in a story is to provide a baseline against which the changes and conflicts that occur throughout the story can be measured. By establishing the status quo, the reader can understand what is "normal" in the story's world, which provides context for the unfolding events and allows the reader to appreciate the significance of the changes.

For example, in a mystery novel, the status quo might be a detective's calm and uneventful life before a new case comes along. In a coming-of-age story, the status quo might be the ordinary life of a teenager before they encounter a significant challenge or opportunity for personal growth.

Establishing the status quo also allows the reader to identify with the main character and understand their motivations for wanting to change or maintain the current state of affairs. It can create a sense of familiarity and comfort for the reader before the story's conflicts arise, and the tension builds.

Overall, the status quo is an important element of storytelling that helps to establish the world of the story and provide a foundation for the events that unfold.

Act I. - The Exposition

The exposition is part of the story that provides background information and context to help the reader understand the setting, characters, and central conflict. The exposition usually occurs at the story's beginning and sets the stage for the rest of the narrative.

The purpose of exposition in a story is to give the reader the essential information they need to understand the story's world and its characters. This can include information about the time, location, social or political context, and the characters' backstories, motivations, and relationships.

Exposition can also establish the tone and mood of the story, creating a sense of anticipation or setting the stage for the story's conflicts and themes. It can introduce critical themes and ideas that will be explored throughout the story and provide context for the central conflict or tension that will drive the narrative forward.

Overall, exposition is an essential element of storytelling that helps to engage the reader and provide them with the information they need to appreciate and understand the story entirely. Without exposition, the reader may struggle to understand the story's world or fully engage with the characters and their journey.

Act I. - The Routine Killer

A routine killer is generally a term that describes an event that disrupts the usual course of events and causes things to change significantly. In the context of a story, a Killer can be a routine of events, such as the death of a character, a surprise twist, or an unexpected event that changes the course of the story and causes the characters to deal with a new situation. These events can be a catalyst for further events in the story and can lead to changes in the characters' behavior and their relationships.

A routine killer can be a critical point for a story because it disrupts the usual course of events, and creates tension and suspense that helps keep the reader on edge and involved in the plot interestingly. These events can also be important for character development and showing their changes throughout the story.

Act I. - The Obstacle of Act I.

In the first act of a three-act structure story, one of the critical elements is the introduction of obstacles or challenges that the main character must overcome to achieve their goals. These obstacles help to create conflict and tension and set the stage for the rest of the story.

The obstacles in the first act can take many different forms, depending on the genre and subject matter of the story. For example, in a romantic comedy, the obstacle might be a misunderstanding or miscommunication between the two main characters. In contrast, in a thriller, the obstacle might be a dangerous situation that the main character must escape.

The purpose of the obstacles in the first act is to create a sense of urgency and to establish the main character's motivation and goals. By facing challenges and obstacles, the main character is forced to take action and make choices that will drive the story forward.

Overcoming the obstacles in the first act can also help to establish the main character's strength and resilience and set up a sense of progression and growth throughout the rest of the story. As the main character faces more difficult challenges in the second and third acts, the audience will be invested in their journey and rooting for success.

Act I. - The Decision to Proceed

In the first act of a three-act structure story, the protagonist is usually introduced, and their goal or desire is established. However, something often holds the protagonist back from pursuing that goal, whether it be fear, doubt, or an external obstacle.

The protagonist's decision to proceed refers to the moment in the first act where the protagonist decides to take action and pursue their goal, despite the obstacles and challenges they may face. This decision is a turning point in the story, setting the stage for the rest of the narrative and creating a sense of forward momentum.

The decision to proceed can be difficult for the protagonist and may involve taking risks or facing their fears. However, it is also a moment of character growth and development, as the protagonist takes control of their fate and actively works towards achieving their goals.

Overall, the decision to proceed is an important element of the first act of a three-act structure story, as it sets the protagonist on their journey and creates the foundation for the rest of the narrative.

Act I. - The Leaving the Comfort Zone

In the context of the three-act structure, leaving the comfort zone refers to the protagonist's decision to leave their ordinary world and embark on a journey or quest that takes them into unfamiliar territory.

In the first act of a three-act structure story, the protagonist typically lives in their "ordinary world," where they have a routine and a sense of stability. However, something disrupts this routine and creates a desire or need for change. This is often called the "inciting incident," and it sets the stage for the rest of the story.

Leaving the comfort zone is the next step in the protagonist's journey as they venture into new and unknown territory. This can be a physical journey, such as traveling to a new place, or a metaphorical one, such as taking on a new job or starting a new relationship.

Leaving the comfort zone can be difficult and scary for the protagonist, as it involves stepping into the unknown and facing new challenges and obstacles. However, it is also a moment of growth and transformation as the protagonist discovers new things about themselves and their world.

Overall, leaving the comfort zone is an important element of the first act of a three-act structure story, as it sets the protagonist on their journey and creates the foundation for the rest of the narrative.

Act II. - The Beginning of the Adventure

The beginning of the adventure is the opening scene of the second act. It involves a significant change in the story's world and scenery as the protagonist leaves behind their ordinary life and enters a new and challenging world.

The protagonist has usually left their ordinary world behind and is now fully immersed in their quest or journey, facing obstacles and challenges that test their resolve and push them to their limits. This is often referred to as the "rising action" of the story, as tension and conflict continue to escalate.

The beginning of the adventure in the second act is when the protagonist begins to progress toward their goal, facing a series of challenges and obstacles that gradually increase in intensity. This is where the story's main action takes place, as the protagonist battles against their adversaries and struggles to overcome the obstacles in their path.

Overall, the beginning of the adventure in the second act is an important element of the three-act structure, as it marks a significant turning point in the story and sets up the rest of the narrative.

Act II. - The H-Hour

After the protagonist takes a few minutes to adapt to this new stage in their life, this is the scene where he realizes that his adventure isn't going to be all sunshine and lollipops. This scene is their first big trial. It will test him, frustrate him, and maybe disappoint him. For instance, if you're writing a movie about a soldier going off to war, Act 1 might show him signing up for duty back at home. Act 2 begins with the soldier arriving at the battlefront. And H-Hour scene shows that first big battle where the soldier finally experiences the seriousness of what he signed up for.

Although this moment isn't quite as big as the Act 1 plot twist or the halfway point just around the corner, it should still have an impact. The fun part is that you can do pretty much anything you want here. You can introduce a new character or kill off an old one. You can show your antagonist hatching a scheme. You can test your protagonist's commitment to their desires or beliefs. It all boils down to the same idea, whatever the situation was, it's intensified. The plot thickens at this point. So, throw in a challenging obstacle, raise the stakes, and give your protagonist the reversal of fortune, status shift, or all of the above.

Whatever you do, ensure you're also tightening the screws on your protagonist and audience. The scene can be grave, funny, sexy, strange, or horrifying. The only rule is that it has to feel important to your story because you're still inching toward that big event at the end. So, once you know how to thicken the plot here, write down what happens in this scene. Now you're ready to plot your next big twist, The Halfway Point.

Act II. - The Halfway Point

The halfway point of a story is an important structural milestone in the overall narrative, serving several purposes:

Turning Point: The halfway point is often a significant turning point in the story, where the protagonist faces a major obstacle or setback that fundamentally changes the direction of the narrative. This turning point marks a shift from the story's first half, where the protagonist establishes their goal and faces initial challenges, to the second half, where the stakes are raised, and tension and conflict continue to escalate.
Reversal: The halfway point can also involve a reversal of fortune for the protagonist, where they go from a position of strength to one of weakness, or vice versa. This reversal can create a sense of surprise and shock for the audience as they realize the story is taking an unexpected turn.
Character Development: The halfway point can also provide an opportunity for character development, as the protagonist is forced to confront their weaknesses, face their fears, and reevaluate their goals and motivations. This can help to deepen the audience's connection to the protagonist and create a more engaging and satisfying narrative.
Momentum: The halfway point can also create a sense of momentum and forward motion in the story, as the audience anticipates the outcome of the conflict and the resolution of the narrative. This can help to build suspense and tension and keep the audience engaged and invested in the story.

Overall, the halfway point is an important structural element in a story, serving as a turning point, a reversal, a moment of character development, and a source of momentum and tension. It helps to keep the audience engaged and invested in the narrative and sets the stage for the rest of the story to unfold.

Act II. - The Obstacle of Act II.

In the first act, the protagonist is typically introduced to their ordinary world and faces obstacles that prevent them from achieving their goals or desires. These obstacles are often internal, such as doubts, fears, or lack of motivation, and may also include external challenges, such as social or economic barriers.

The obstacles in the first act establish the protagonist's goals, motivations, and weaknesses and set the stage for their journey throughout the rest of the story. They are often relatively minor compared to the challenges the protagonist will face in the second and third acts and are designed to create tension and conflict that drives the story forward.

In the second act, the obstacles become more significant and challenging as the protagonist embarks on their journey toward their goal. These obstacles may include physical challenges, such as battles or conflicts with other characters, and emotional challenges, such as doubts, fears, and setbacks.

The obstacles in the second act are designed to raise the stakes and increase tension and conflict as the protagonist faces greater challenges and risks in pursuing their goal. These obstacles may also provide opportunities for character development, as the protagonist confronts their weaknesses, learns new skills, and develops new relationships with other characters.

Overall, the obstacles in the first act establish the protagonist's goals and motivations. The obstacles in the second act raise the stakes and increase tension and conflict, driving the narrative toward its climax and resolution.

Act II. - The Breaking Point

The breaking point refers to a critical moment in the second act where the protagonist faces a significant obstacle or setback that forces them to confront their deepest fears, doubts, or weaknesses.

The breaking point marks a significant turning point in the story, where the protagonist's journey takes on a new level of intensity and complexity. It often involves a moment of crisis or climax, where the stakes are raised, and the tension is heightened.

During the breaking point, the protagonist is forced to make a difficult decision or take decisive action to overcome the obstacle and continue their journey toward their goal. This decision or action may involve significant risk or sacrifice and require the protagonist to change their approach or strategy to succeed.

The breaking point is a crucial element of the second act of a three-act structure story, as it sets the stage for the protagonist's ultimate confrontation with the antagonist and resolution of the conflict in the third act. It is also an opportunity for character development, as the protagonist is forced to confront their flaws and weaknesses and make a choice that defines their character and drives the narrative forward.

Act II. - The Crisis

The purpose of the crisis in a three-act structure story is to create intense conflict and tension that tests the protagonist's resolve and pushes them to make a critical decision or take decisive action.

The crisis typically occurs towards the end of the second act and is a crucial turning point in the story. It is a moment of great danger or opportunity, where the protagonist faces a significant challenge or setback that threatens their goal or objective. The crisis serves several important purposes in a three-act structure story.

First, it raises the stakes and increases tension and conflict, driving the narrative toward its climax and resolution in the third act.
Second, it provides an opportunity for character development. The protagonist is forced to confront their flaws and weaknesses and make a choice that defines their character and drives the narrative forward.
Finally, the crisis often reveals important information or insights that help the protagonist better to understand the antagonist or the world of the story.

Overall, the crisis is a crucial element of the three-act structure. It sets the stage for the protagonist's ultimate confrontation with the antagonist and resolution of the conflict in the third act. The crisis drives the narrative forward and keeps the audience engaged and invested in the story by creating intense conflict and tension.

Act II. - The Aha! Moment

The purpose of the aha moment in a three-act structure story is to provide the protagonist with a moment of insight or realization that helps them overcome a critical obstacle or challenge.

The aha moment often occurs towards the end of the second or the beginning of the third act, after the protagonist has faced significant setbacks and challenges. It is a moment of clarity or understanding where the protagonist suddenly sees a new way forward or gains a new perspective on their situation.The "Aha! Moment" serves several important purposes in a three-act structure story.

First, it provides a moment of resolution and closure to the second act, helping to transition the story into the third.
Second, it helps to deepen the protagonist's character development as they gain new insights or understanding about themselves, their goals, or the world around them.
Finally, the aha moment often sets the stage for the protagonist's ultimate confrontation with the antagonist and resolution of the conflict in the third act.

Overall, the aha moment is a crucial element of the three-act structure. It provides insight and resolution that helps drive the narrative forward and keeps the audience engaged and invested in the story.

Act III. - The Path to Climax

The path to climax event in a story refers to the series of events or plot developments that lead up to the story's climax, which is the point of highest tension or conflict in the narrative.

In other words, the path to the climax event is the sequence of actions, choices, and consequences that propel the story forward and build towards a moment of intense drama, where the conflict or problem facing the protagonist reaches a boiling point. This can include rising action, where the tension and stakes increase, as well as moments of crisis and confrontation that test the protagonist's resolve and force them to make difficult decisions.

The path to climax event is an integral part of storytelling because it creates a sense of anticipation and suspense, engaging the audience and drawing them into the story's world. It also allows for character development and exploring themes and ideas relevant to the story's overarching message or purpose.

Overall, the path to the climax event is a critical component of a story's structure and can profoundly impact how the audience experiences the story.

Act III. - Climax

The climax in a story is the highest point of tension or conflict, often referred to as the "turning point" or "point of no return." It is the moment where the protagonist and antagonist confront each other directly, and the outcome of their conflict is determined.

The climax is usually the story's most intense and dramatic moment. It is typically located towards the end of the third act, after the aha moment and just before the resolution. During the climax, the stakes are at their highest, and the outcome of the conflict often determines the fate of the protagonist and other essential characters.

The climax is a critical element of the story structure, providing intense action, suspense, and resolution that brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. It is also an opportunity for the protagonist to demonstrate their growth and development throughout the story as they confront and overcome the challenges and obstacles set before them.

Overall, the climax is a crucial moment in the three-act structure of a story, as it provides a sense of resolution and closure to the narrative and leaves the audience with a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Act III. - The Story Event

After resolving the central conflict, the story event (or new status quo) represents the final state of the story's world and characters.

It reflects the new standard or equilibrium established due to the story's events.
It may involve changes to the characters or their relationships, changes to the world or setting of the story, or changes to how the characters see themselves or their place in the world.
The new status quo is essential for closing the story and signaling the audience that the characters' journey has ended.
It gives the audience a sense of catharsis or release as they see the characters achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.
The new status quo is a crucial element of the story structure, as it helps tie up any loose ends or unresolved plot points and provides a satisfying conclusion.

Act III. - The Aftermath

The aftermath is part of the story that follows the resolution of the central conflict. It is the moment when the audience sees the consequences of the events that have taken place and the impact that the story has had on the characters and their world.

The aftermath may involve various elements, depending on the story. For example, it may show how the characters are coping with the conflict's aftermath or how the story's events have changed the world. It may also provide closure for any subplots or secondary characters introduced earlier in the story.

The aftermath is essential for providing the story with a sense of finality and closure. It allows the audience to see how the characters and the world have been changed by the story's events and provides an opportunity for reflection on the themes and messages presented throughout the narrative.

Overall, the aftermath in the third act of a three-act structure is an integral part of the story structure, as it provides a final message or moral for the audience to take away. It also helps to tie up any loose ends or unresolved plot points from earlier in the story and provides a satisfying conclusion.

Act III. - The Epilogue

The epilogue provides closure or information beyond the main story. It is a concluding part that follows the main narrative and often serves to summarize, reflect, or speculate on what happened to the characters after the story ends or to offer final thoughts on the events or themes explored in work.

The epilogue can tie up loose ends, provide a glimpse into the future, or offer insight into the characters' emotional states or motivations. It can also deliver a message or moral of the story or offer commentary on the work's broader social or cultural context.

Overall, the epilogue serves as a way to bring the story to a close and offer readers or viewers a sense of resolution or completion.

Act III. - The Credits

After a story, the credits refer to the closing or end credits that display information about the film's cast, crew, and production.

These credits typically include the names of the actors, directors, writers, and other key personnel involved in making the story, as well as details about the production company, music, and other relevant information.

The purpose of the credits is to acknowledge and credit the people who contributed to the making of the film and provide information that may be of interest to the audience, such as music credits or special thanks.

Credits can also include a post-credit scene, a short scene, or a teaser that plays after the credits have finished. Post-credit scenes are often used in the story to tease a potential sequel or provide additional information or context.

Overall, the credits at the end of a story are an essential part of the cinematic experience, providing important information about the production and giving credit to the people who helped bring the story to life.