Can Clichés Ever Be Useful?
Robert McKee explains how skilled writers can draw upon a deep knowledge of storytelling tradition in order to create a unique tale.
Creating Intrigue Through Character Backstory
Robert McKee teaches how the revelation of secrets can be used to drive your story towards a powerful climax.
Does Your Antagonist Risk Upstaging Your Protagonist?
McKee teaches how the relative complexity of characters affects the audience, and the strategies a writer can use to ensure empathy is not pulled away from the protagonist.
Can Conflict Be Left Unresolved?
Robert answers an attendee’s question about whether it is acceptable to leave some of your protagonist’s struggles unresolved at climax.
How Do You Reveal a Character’s Hidden Nature?
Robert answers an attendee’s question about how to reach an understanding of the true nature of a character before revealing it to the audience.
Developing Your Characters
Robert McKee shares insight into how to develop your characters through the use of dimensions and contradictions within your cast.
Planning Your Characters
Robert teaches how character growth and the discovery of new dimensions is normal during the creative process.
Complication vs. Complexity in Story
Robert McKee teaches the different ways a writer can use conflict to either complicate the life of their protagonist, or create a truly complex story.
How Much Research Should You Do Before You Start Writing?
Robert McKee discusses how to balance your time between writing and research, and being wary of using research as procrastination.
What Is the Truth of Your Story?
Robert McKee teaches the definition of “truth” in story, and the importance of expressing your view of how and why life changes.
The Gap Between Expectation and Result
Robert McKee explains one of his central story principles: The Gap.
Philosophy vs. Story
Robert McKee teaches the place of story, and the nature of truth, within the wider pursuit of what it means to be to be a human being.