Copyright 2015
PLAN YOUR PLOT
Step 1: Getting Started/ Brainstorming
Now it's time to start planning YOUR own
original 15 minute or 12-15 page screenplay!
(It can be fictional story, a documentary, a commercial, a public service announcement...)
  • If your creative juices aren't flowing yet
and you need help with an idea for a story,
try thinking of a story you already know,looking into your past experiences
and/or
  • playing some of these free online games:
(Some sites have advertisements not affiliated with this website.  Get parent permission before viewing links.)
http://www.readathon.org/the-storymaker/

http://www.clpgh.org/storymaker/embed.cfm

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/story-starters/

http://www.plot-generator.org.uk/
Step 2: Who are your characters?

Describe your main characters.
(Protagonist, Antagonist and other important characters.)

  • Name, Age, where they live
  • Family, friends & how they relate/get along
  • Physical description
  • Job or role
  • Personality
  • How character changes over time
  • Fears & motivations
etc.
--> You can use any number of templates or guides to help you if you choose. (Some samples are below.)
Step 3: What is your setting?
Be able to describe:
  • Where your characters are located
  • What does this location look and feel like
  • Time period (past, present, future?)
  • Time of day
Step 4: What will be the Problems/Conflicts?
  • What problem or conflict does the main character need to overcome?
  • How will a series of situations build up to the climax? What will those situations be and in what order?
  • Is there a secondary problem for the main character? (Sometimes this is an intrinsic problem.)
  • Will there be a surprise twist(s)? When will it happen?
You may consider adding these details in chronological order
on an plot outline like this one:
DO THIS --> 
Share with someone what you decided and wrote out for Steps 2-4 above.