Can Conventional Protagonist vs. Antagonist Roles Be Reversed?
Robert McKee teaches that the hero-at-the-mercy-of-the-villain scene is an important convention in the thriller because it demonstrates the power, resourcefulness, or ingenuity of the hero. What happens if we give that moment to the villain instead? Featured...How Does Story Affect Life?
If you wish to understand the Primacy of Story – why story is essential to human motivation and decision-making – Robert McKee will get you started in this in-depth presentation for Thinking Digital. Quotes of the Week “The Business story is...Robert McKee’s STORY-in-BUSINESS Tips
1. LOOK FOR TROUBLE The starting point of all stories is a moment of disruption. A negative event throws the protagonist’s life out of balance, hooking the audience’s curiosity: How will this turn out? The protagonist’s quest to restore life’s...How Can I Develop My Character Quickly?
When asked how to accelerate the development of characters, Robert McKee explains how every turning point, even those without a character in them, can reveal something about a character. Quote of the Week “Stories are not made of words. Stories are not...What Is a Testing Plot?
In this two-part Q&A, Robert McKee discusses the inciting incident and struggle of this somewhat rare story. In Part 1 McKee explains the nature of a testing plot. If you’re considering using a testing plot, recall that these can often be mixed...How Do I Write the Opposite Sex?
Robert McKee debunks the myth that men cannot write female characters, and vice versa, and encourages writers to put themselves in the minds of their cast.
What’s the Difference Between Exposition and Set-Up?
Robert McKee explains how setting and exposition can be set-ups for future scenes. Featured Video “Assassinating Rommel” – THE DESERT FOX (1951) This week’s featured clip is an example of how to combine exposition, resolution, action,...Comic Characters: Flat or Round?
It seems that it could be hard to laugh at a character’s misfortune if you empathize too much. Robert McKee explains what distinguishes a comic character from a dramatic character. Quotes of the Week: “The analysis of character is the highest human...Could My Story Have Two Inciting Incidents?
When it comes to starting a story, is less more, or is more more? Robert McKee explains why any writing question that starts with “Could I?” has the same answer, then provides insight into inciting incidents. Quotes of the Week “When you start to write...How Do I Use Story in a Keynote Address?
Robert McKee explains why, how, when, and where Story is best used in public speaking. Quotes of the Week: “People don’t have 30 seconds to be interrupted, but they always have 30 minutes to hear a good story.” – Jon Thomas “Why...Truth and Myth in Story
Robert McKee explains the importance of not conflating myth and truth, and how writers must approach writing the truth regardless of genre.