How to Start a Screenplay: Outlining the Main Plot Points, Introducing Characters & More

Introduction

Writing a screenplay is an art form that requires knowledge, creativity, and dedication. It’s a daunting task for many aspiring screenwriters, especially for those who are just starting out. To make the process easier, it’s important to understand the key steps of how to start a screenplay. This article will provide an overview of the essential elements involved in crafting a compelling story from start to finish.

Outlining the Main Plot Points of Your Story

The first step in writing a screenplay is to establish the main plot points of your story. This involves brainstorming the major events in the story, deciding on the beginning, middle, and end, and creating a scene-by-scene structure. Brainstorming should involve jotting down any ideas you have for the story, including characters, settings, and key moments. Once you have a few ideas, you can start to flesh out the details and create a more detailed outline.

When deciding on the beginning, middle, and end of your story, consider the exposition (the introduction of characters, setting, and conflict) and rising action (the series of events leading up to the climax). Think about how these elements will shape the overall arc of your story. You should also decide on a climax or resolution that brings the story to a satisfying conclusion.

Introducing Your Characters and Their Motivations

Once you have the main plot points established, it’s time to introduce your characters. Start by defining the character types, such as protagonist, antagonist, and supporting characters. Think about each character’s goals and objectives, as well as their motivations and backstories. This will help to create depth and complexity in your characters, which will make them more interesting and relatable to readers.

For each character, consider their physical traits, personality traits, and relationships with other characters. This will help to bring your characters to life and give them more depth. Finally, think about how each character’s arc fits into the overall story arc. This will help to ensure that all of your characters feel connected and integral to the story.

Creating a Scene-by-Scene Structure

Once you have your characters and plot points outlined, you can begin to create a scene-by-scene structure. This involves breaking down the story into individual scenes and deciding how they will fit together. Consider the exposition and rising action of each scene, and think about how they will contribute to the story’s overall arc. Make sure that there is enough tension and conflict throughout to keep the reader engaged.

You should also consider incorporating a climax and resolution into your story. The climax is typically the most exciting and intense moment of the story, while the resolution is the final wrap-up and resolution of any unresolved issues. Both of these elements will help to bring your story to a satisfying conclusion.

Establishing the Tone and Style of Your Screenplay

The tone and style of your screenplay will depend largely on the genre of your story. Genres like comedy, romance, and horror require different approaches, so you should decide on a genre before you start writing. Once you have chosen a genre, you can decide whether to write in a single or multiple perspectives. Single perspectives typically focus on one character’s perspective, while multiple perspectives explore the story from various angles.

Choosing a Point of View for Your Story

The point of view is another important element to consider when writing a screenplay. Generally, there are two options for point of view: first person and third person. First person is written from the perspective of a single character, while third person is written from an outside perspective. Each option offers its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your story.

Drafting Your Dialogue with Care

Dialogue is an essential element of a screenplay, and it should be crafted with care. When writing dialogue, strive to make it sound natural and realistic. Avoid using too much exposition and try to show rather than tell. Also, make sure that the dialogue reflects each character’s personality and motivation.

Developing the Conflicts and Resolutions in Your Story

Conflict is key to a successful screenplay, so it’s important to identify the antagonist and create obstacles for the protagonist to overcome. This will create tension and keep the reader engaged. When resolving the conflict, make sure to tie up any loose ends and leave the audience with a sense of satisfaction.

Conclusion

Writing a screenplay can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a compelling story from start to finish. Start by outlining the main plot points, introducing characters and their motivations, and creating a scene-by-scene structure. Then, establish the tone and style of your screenplay and choose a point of view for your story. Finally, draft your dialogue with care and develop the conflicts and resolutions in your story. With a bit of hard work and dedication, you can create a successful screenplay.