Character Arcs in Comedy
Robert McKee teaches the danger of audience empathy for comedic protagonists, and how to avoid it.
Do You Have to Be Angry to Write Comedy?
Robert McKee explains why anger is the root of all great comedy, and why comedians must be wary of getting too comfortable.
The Revelation of Character Dilemma
Robert McKee teaches how to handle character dilemma in relation to exposition and what the audience should know.
The Set-Up in Comedy
Robert McKee teaches the difference between using set-ups in comedy and drama, with reference to Konstantin Stanislavski.
Where Do I Start as a Beginner?
Robert McKee explores a number of different approaches to starting the writing process, how to approach studying, and the importance of learning the principles of story.
Mixing and Merging Genres
Robert McKee teaches the difference between mixing and merging genres, and the importance of a writer’s judgement.
Choosing Your Genre
Robert McKee explains why it’s imperative writers work within a genre they love.
How Does Inner Conflict Relate to the Forces of Antagonism?
Robert McKee teaches how writers should deal with inner conflict when writing for the theater, novels or film.
When Should You Write the Subtext in a Treatment?
Robert McKee explains the difficulties of writing treatments, how much freedom writers actually have, and when you should think about subtext.
Understanding Your Genre
Robert McKee explains how to learn, and sometimes break, the conventions of your chosen genre.
Nothing Moves Forward Except Through Conflict
Robert McKee explains why conflict is the heart of story. Quotes of the Week “Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout with some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon...Can Banality Be Used to Postpone the Inciting Incident?
Robert McKee teaches the dangers of banality, and how moments with no meaning risk undermining your story.