Includes filmography.

Includes bibliographical references and index

Pt. 1. The writer and art of story.
Introduction.
Ch. 1. The story problem --
Pt. 2. The element of story.
Ch. 2. The structure sprectrum.
Ch. 3. Structure and setting.
Ch. 4. Structure and genre.
Ch. 5. Structure and character.
Ch. 6. Structure and meaning --
Pt. 3. The principles of story design.
Ch. 7. The substance of story.
Ch. 8. The inciting incident.
Ch. 9. Act design.
Ch. 10. Scene design.
Ch. 11. Scene analysis.
Ch. 12. Composition.
Ch. 13. Crisis, Climax, resolution --
Pt. 4. The writer at work.
Ch. 14. The principle of antagonism.
Ch. 15. Exposition.
Ch. 16. Problems and solutions.
Ch. 17. Character.
Ch. 18. The text.
Ch. 19. A writer’s method --
Fade out --
Suggesting reading.

Employing examples from more than one hundred films, reaches to identify the more elusive components that distinguish quality stories from the rest of the pack. Beginning with basic definitions the mysteries of standard three-act dramatic structures are unraveled. It also address atypical structures such as two-act or eight-act films, exposing the limitations of each genre, it spotlights the importance of theme, setting and atmosphere, and highlights the importance of character versus carachterization.