StoryOsophy - For Writers, Storytellers and Story Lovers

How has the Hero’s perspective changed about the World they left at the story’s beginning? Has the Hero transformed that world because of their journey? Join Adam and Devin for some Storyosophy! The post 73: New Status Quo (Movement 6) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

In this episode we conclude our breakdown of the Christmas classic “Home Alone.” Why is the climax of this movie so exciting and hysterical? How do John Hughes and Chris Columbus balance over-the-top hyperbole with emotional relatability. Join Devin and Adam for some StoryOsophy! The post Story Breakdown: Home Alone (Part 2) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

In this episode, we begin our belated breakdown of the Christmas classic “Home Alone.” What makes this movie such an enjoyable holiday experience? Why do we love John Hughes as an expert story architect? Devin and Adam wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! The post Story Breakdown: Home Alone (Part 1) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What is the Return like for the Hero? Smooth-going, bumpy, reflective? Do they Journey Home or stay in the new World? Join Devin and Adam for some Storyosophy! The post 72: Road Back (Movement 6) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What is the result of your Hero’s choices in the Climax? Do they achieve their desired outcome or fail in their intended objective? Join Adam and Devin for some Storyosophy! The post 71: Objective Attained (Movement 6) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What final “Do or Die” moment brings your Climax to a conclusion? Does your Hero have an ace up their sleeve? Or is it the Antagonist? The post 70: Climax 3 – Now or Never (Movement 6) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

A quick apology to storyosophers. We ran into a major technical issue with our platform so this episode is a bit late to your ears. We do our best to release our episodes every week, but sometimes technology gets in the way. What pivotal revelation does your Hero discover? How does this “A-ha” moment reflected within previous events in your story? The post 69: Climax 2 – Breakthrough – Crossing the Fifth Threshold (Movement 5) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

How does your Hero respond to a face to face with the Antagonist now? Who has the upper hand in this moment? The post 68: Climax 1 – Showdown (Movement 5) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

In this episode we explore the story event Enemies Gain Ground. How does your Antagonist corner or put more pressure on your Hero? How does your Hero respond to these higher stakes? The post 67: Enemies Gain Ground (Movement 5) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

In this episode we discuss the story event Things Go Wrong. What complications or disruptions happen to your Hero’s plan? How does your Hero approach these obstacles now after their discoveries from Act 2? The post 66: Things Go Wrong (Movement 5) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

How do your Hero, Allies, and Antagonist plan to achieve their goal once and for all? Do we know all of their plan or only part of it? Join Devin and Adam as they discuss the first story event of Act 3 and Movement 5… Putting the Plan Into Action. The post 65: Putting the Plan into Action (Movement 5) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

After some inner reflection, how does your Hero re-engage in their quest or journey? What is the threshold between Act 2 and Act 3 really about? The post 64: Re-choosal of the Quest – Fourth Threshold (Movement 4) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Now that your Hero has faced their inner light and dark, how do they now view their obstacles? How do they change their approach and thought process? The post 63: Reassessment (Movement 4) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What wall has you Hero built around their flaw? How do they come to terms with it and disassemble this to find their true self and courage? The post 62: Fall of the Heart Wall (Movement 4) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

In this episode we discuss the story event Hero’s Darkest Moment. How does your Hero face their Shadow or Source of Antagonism internally? What is this Dark Night of the Soul really about? The post 61: Hero’s Darkest Moment (Movement 4) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

In this episode we explore the story event Aftermath. Now that your Hero has survived the threat of the Crisis and escaped, where do they find safety to recover? How do they recover? What new lessons have they learned? The post 60: Aftermath (Movement 4) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

How does your hero get away from the threat and dangers of the Crisis? Are they assisted by allies or do they go it alone? The post 59: Escape (Movement 4) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

How do you navigate the Crisis of your story, the tipping point of your plot, your hero’s midterm exam? Will they choose fight, flight, or freeze? The post 58: Crisis – Crossing the Third Threshold (Movement 3) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What obstacles and complications does your hero encounter as they near the tipping point of the story? How do these challenges build to the Crisis? The post 57: Approaching the Inmost Cave (Movement 3) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

How does your story’s quest or adventure open up here? How can you use it to provide a breathe of fresh before your crisis? The post 56: New Direction (Movement 3) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Now that things have calmed done a little bit, what new lesson or information starts our hero on their next build toward the crisis? The post 55: New Discovery (Movement 3) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

How does your Hero react to crossing into the Danger Zone? Did they survive unharmed? What new realizations do they have? Join Devin and Adam as they explore the first story event in Movement 3, the Close Call. The post 54: Close Call (Movement 3) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

How does this threshold manifest itself? What challenges do you face? What is holding you back from change? Join Devin and Adam as they explore the Second Threshold of your story – Crossing into the Danger Zone. The post 53: Crossing Into the Danger Zone – Second Threshold (Movement 2) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

How does your hero react as they near the second threshold of change? How do they negotiate their first encounters with the force of antagonism? The post 52: Approaching the Danger Zone (Movement 2) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What are the rules of your story’s mythology? What tools is your hero introduced to in order to deal with the unknown world of Act 2? Though the Watering Hole event may raises the stakes by touching on the dangers of the Unknown World, the Rules & Tools event is our opportunity to equip our hero with some specific knowledge and tools they will need along the way. The post 51: Rules and Tools (Movement 2) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

We celebrate our 50th episode by discussing one of our favorite story events…The Watering Hole! The Watering Hole event provides the opportunity to introduce the creatures who inhabit this Unknown World, whether they are humans, monsters or a variety of species like in the cantina scene of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.” How can this communal setting take shape? As a cafeteria, mess hall, coffee shop, restaurant, bar, a family dinner? How can this been an example of the community at large? The post 50: Watering Hole (Movement 2) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

The First Day of School is the first story event in Act 2 and Movement 2. How does your hero respond to the contrast of Act 2’s Unknown World they have just entered? Are they shy, afraid, boastful, foolish? What does this tell us about them? The post 49: First Day of School (Movement 2) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Now that your Hero has agreed to go on the journey, what is the Threshold from Act One to Act Two of your story? What contrasting elements help your audience to understand the difference between the known world and the unknown world? The post 48: Crossing the First Threshold (Movement 1) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

After debating, what causes your hero to choose to go on their quest or journey? Is there a mentor or moment of raised stakes that is the catalyst for that choice? Our hero’s first true action, they make the decision in Choosing to Answer the Call to Quest. • This marks the beginning of change for your hero, though subtle, we still have a long road ahead of us. • Our hero’s arc has begun. • Often marks the end of Act 1 and the beginning of Act 2. Suggested Story Elements to Include in Choosal of Call. Key Event (Catalyst): The Key Event is the event that officially changes the perspective of our hero. Ever since the herald has presented our hero with information, and a The Call to Quest has been challenged, our hero has been “on the fence” trying to sort through the disruptions that have abruptly impacted their ordinary life in their ordinary world. The Key Event pushes our hero over the fence, essentially making up our hero’s mind for them. The post 47: Choosal of Call (Movement 1) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Now that your hero has received the call, how do they answer it? Are they a willing Hero or do they have doubts and inner conflicts? Refusing the Call to Quest provides the opportunity to strengthen our Hero’s character as they are within their ordinary world, and shed light on their internal obstacle(s), definitely highlighting their own uncertainty and lack of confidence in themselves to be able to embark on the journey presented to them in The call to Quest. • Our Hero hesitates in their decision to heed the call to quest. • Perhaps something happens that makes our Hero second guess embarking on the journey. • Our Hero doubts themselves and their ability to physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually embark on the journey. • Great setup opportunity to show our Hero’s arc in the end and how much they have learned and changed. Debate (Internal and/or External): The debate is our Hero working through everything the herald character has presented them with. The debate is often more internal than external, and it’s our hero trying to weigh all of their options. Our Hero visits or is visited by something or someone that provides a new perspective that reinforces the importance of the journey. •Our Hero realizes only they are supposed to go on the journey. • Though doubt, fear and uncertainty still plagues our Hero. • Can also include the Meeting with Mentor(s) scene(s). The post 46: Refusal of Call (Movement 1) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What quest, challenge, or invitation is presented to your Hero? What choices? How does it highlight the overall dramatic question of your story? Our hero must be presented with a challenge, and one that will create a necessity for our hero to have to decide, on their own, if they want to embark on such an adventure. The Call to Quest is often presented to our hero by a Herald character, though it doesn’t necessarily need to be a human or creature character, it could also be an incident, or potentially occur within the Inciting Incident.The Call to Quest forces our hero into a major decision: To refuse the call to quest and continue on in the comfort of their known world; or, heed the call to quest, thrusting themselves into the Unknown World, which they know little or nothing about…especially the dangers that lurk in the shadows of the Unknown World. Join Adam and Devin on their quest to breakdown the Call to Quest story event! The post 45: Call to Quest (Movement 1) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What is the Inciting (or Exciting) Incident of your story? How does it set the entire story in motion or tip the first domino in your story’s chain of events? Our Inciting Incident is the moment the story “officially” begins and is set in motion. The Inciting Incident is the moment that changes everything for our hero, and perhaps the other main character(s), and puts them on our stories path. The first domino is tipped and the story is set into motion. The post 44: Inciting Incident (Movement 1) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Where do your characters come from? Where and how do they live? Where do they work or go to school? What is the status quo of your story world? The Known World Routine event of your story is a great opportunity to show the audience your protagonist’s inner obstacles and issues they must overcome should they accept the Call to Quest. Join Adam and Devin as they explore the second event in Act 1… Known World Routine. The post 43: Known World Routine (Movement 1) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Why is the Hook your most important event of your story? What do you put in or leave out of your Hook? Devin and Adam explore the Hook in its many varieties – Prologue, Cold Open, Teaser, and more. #storyosophy #storyosophers The post 42: The Hook (Movement 1) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What are the events, movements, and acts of your Story Blūprint. What do you need to consider when creating your Blūprint? What are the important events of each movement? Join Adam and Devin for a basic summary of structure. The post 41: Story Blūprint Overview appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Season’s greetings, storyosophers! Where do you think you’re going? Nobody’s leaving. Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no! We’re all in this together. We’re gonna press on to Part 2 of our National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation story breakdown, and we’re gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny f*cking Kaye. In part 2 of this special holiday Breakdown episode, Adam and Devin conclude their discussion of the comedy classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” by examining Acts 2 and 3. The post Story Breakdown: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Part 2) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Merry Christmas storyosophers! We’re kicking off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and listen to a couple story-lovin’ dudes talk about one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time… In this special holiday Story Breakdown episode, Devin and Adam discuss the comedy classic, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” What is the basis and history of the screenplay and film? What about its first act makes for such a strong foundation? The post Story Breakdown: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Part 1) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Adam and Devin continue to talk about Act 3, by exploring Movement 6. What events take your hero from the climax to the resolution of the story? How do you tie up your loose ends? The post 40: Movement 6 (Act 3) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Devin and Adam conclude their conversation with special guest Youssef Kerkour (“Nightflyers.”) He discusses his work on the “Jack Ryan” series, Woody Harrelson’s “Lost in London,” and the new ScyFy series “Nightflyers.” Born and raised in Rabat, Morocco, Youssef speaks four languages fluently, including English, French, Italian, and Moroccan Arabic. In 1996 he attended Bard College in upstate New York where he majored in Drama/Dance under Joanne Akalitis. Upon graduating in 2000 he moved to New York City where he joined the theater company Division 13 headed by Joanna Settle. His past jobs have included stints at the Arden Theater in Philadelphia, Richard Foreman’s Maria Del Bosco, as well as a vast body of work within the downtown New York theater scene. He also worked extensively on independent film projects with various directors in and around New York city. After 9/11, Youssef chose to move to London, England where he currently lives and works as a full time actor. He returns to New York City during the summer, and always for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The post Campfire Chat 2: Youssef Kerkour (Part 2) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Special guest Youssef Kerkour (Nightflyers) talks about his early film and stage work in New York and in London with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Born and raised in Rabat, Morocco, Youssef speaks four languages fluently, including English, French, Italian, and Moroccan Arabic. In 1996 he attended Bard College in upstate New York where he majored in Drama/Dance under Joanne Akalitis. Upon graduating in 2000 he moved to New York City where he joined the theater company Division 13 headed by Joanna Settle. His past jobs have included stints at the Arden Theater in Philadelphia, Richard Foreman’s Maria Del Bosco, as well as a vast body of work within the downtown New York theater scene. He also worked extensively on independent film projects with various directors in and around New York city. After 9/11, Youssef chose to move to London, England where he currently lives and works as a full time actor. He returns to New York City during the summer, and always for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The post Campfire Chat 2: Youssef Kerkour (Part 1) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Devin and Adam begin to break down a story’s Act 3, by exploring Movement 5. Coming from Movement 4’s recovery, what events do you use to build to your story’s climax? The post 39: Movement 5 (Act 3) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Devin and Adam are joined by special guest Josh Stifter, an animator, writer, and filmmaker. He is here to talk about his film “The Good Exorcist” and his experience on Robert Rodriguez’s reality docu-series “Rebel Without a Crew” premiering November 18th. The post Campfire Chat: Josh Stifter appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What are the events that take your hero from the midpoint crisis to their self realization and recovery? Join Adam and Devin as they finish breaking down Act 2, by examining Movement 4. The post 38: Movement 4 (Act 2) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What are the events that take your Hero from the Danger Zone to the Midpoint, the Crisis, the Tipping Point? Fight, Flight, or Freeze? Join Devin and Adam as they continue to breakdown Act 2, by exploring Movement 3. The post 37: Movement 3 (Act 2) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What are the events that transition your Hero from the end of Movement 1 (Out of Comfort Zone) to the end threshold of Movement 2 (Into Danger Zone)? Why do we like to think of Movement 2 as the first day of school? UPDATE: It was brought to our attention that a section of this episode was faulty, so we fixed it and uploaded a clean episode. Thanks for pointing this out! The post 36: Movement 2 (Act 2) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What are the events that make up Movement One (or Act One)? How do these events translate into future acts and movements? Why is it important to keep Movement One as tight and clean as possible? Devin and Adam lay the groundwork for the events of Movement One. The post 35: Movement 1 (Act 1) appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What is the importance of decision points and thresholds? How can you use movements to break down that daunting Act 2? What are the differences between 3, 4, and 5 act structures? Adam and Devin explore what acts and movements are made of. The post 34: Acts and Movements appeared first on StoryOsophy.

What are the elements that make up a good scene? How do you link scenes together to create a longer sequence? Devin and Adam discuss the building blocks of great scene building. The post 33: Scenes and Sequences appeared first on StoryOsophy.

In this episode, we continue our introduction to story structure. What are the different ways you can approach story structure? What does it mean to be a story architect? Devin and Adam discuss how to design and build your story’s structure. The post 32: Story Architects appeared first on StoryOsophy.

Season Two begins! Adam and Devin embark on their exploration of story structure and its design. Master your storytelling structure! Why do storytellers struggle with story structure so much? How can you look at story structure as a freeing process rather than a limitation? The post 31: Introduction to Story Structure appeared first on StoryOsophy.