45 Master Characters (64 page)
Gender-Bending:
The Long Kiss Goodnight
Charly saves her daughter, herself and all the people who would have been killed by the villains. She has the money from her safe at her side as she tells the President of the United States that she'll go back to her life as a schoolteacher. In the last scene we see her hair a mix between Samantha and Charly's style. She throws a knife into a tree and smiles as her boyfriend sits next to her.
Victory —
is he proud of his decision? Does he see himself as victorious, even if he's changed goals as a result? Does he have to face a boss who'll be angry with him like the heroes in
Three Kings
do?
Failure —
how badly will he fail? Does he hold himself responsible or does he blame others?
How do other characters react?
— Do they walk away from him if he's a failure? Do they criticize the victor who may have changed goals?
U
se the following worksheets to outline your story. Jot down how your character might act in each stage.
Act I
Stage 1 — The Illusion of a Perfect World
She has a false sense of security and is trapped in a negative world that stops her growth.
She avoids the reality of her situation by using a coping strategy.
Your character:
Stage 2 — The Betrayal or Realization
Everything important to her is taken away, and she can't ignore or make excuses for what happened.
She's pushed to a fork in the road where she must make a decision.
Your character:
Stage 3 — The Awakening — Preparing for the Journey
What will she do now? Her coping strategy is of no use to her any more.
She actively prepares for her journey and makes a life-changing decision to move forward.
She wants to reclaim her “power.”
Your character:
Stage 4 — The Descent — Passing the Gates of Judgment
She faces one of her fears or obstacles and may want to turn back but can't.
Her weapons won't work; they're useless here.
She faces some of the Seven Issues.
Your character: