Story Development

In this guide, we break down what a flat character is, offer examples from film and TV, and writing tips to help you write stronger stories.

All screenwriters find themselves stuck at some point in developing and writing a script. This could be due to writer’s block, a lack of story thread, problems with characters, or …

Genre is one of the most important concepts in storytelling. At its core, genre refers to the category or type of story being told. Whether that be: crime, romance, sci-fi, …

You may often be told not to make things too straightforward or easy for your story’s protagonist. They shouldn’t just be able to reach their goal unhindered, be their constant …

What is external conflict? Learn the definition, see key examples from film, and discover how to use it to create compelling tension in your screenplay.

Have you ever noticed how certain story elements seem to pop up again and again in movies? The quirky side-kick. The final face-off between hero and villain. The climactic race …

If you’re an aspiring screenwriter trying to break into the industry, you’ve likely heard the term “script coverage” before. But what exactly is script coverage and why does it matter? …

A short history of the stock character and how writers can still use them today to help develop their stories.

To quote Robert McKee, “When the protagonist steps out of the Inciting Incident, he enters a world governed by the Law of Conflict. To wit: Nothing moves forward in a …

What is the Iceberg Theory? Learn how Hemingway’s storytelling technique shapes powerful, subtext-driven narratives.