Another Formula for your Script

I stumbled upon the following at http://www.scriptfly.com/articles/screenplay-structure.shtml

It introduces what is called narratemes. Real neat - enjoy.

The first seven narratemes introduce the initial story situation: who, where, when, how and why.

1. Something’s Missing: Someone, (or something) is missing or is in danger in the lead character’s, (hero’s) world.
2. The Warning: The hero is cautioned: “You are too young, inexperienced or weak." A challenge or warning.
3. Violation: The antagonist disturbs the peace, poses a threat. Can be a real or perceived danger.
4. Reconnaissance: The antagonist often wants to know where the children or a precious object are located.
5. Delivery: The antagonist obtains useful information which he may use against the protagonist.
6. Trickery: The antagonist tries to fool the hero in order to steal something of value or threaten someone important to the protagonist.
7. Complicity: The hero falls for it hook, line and sinker and unwittingly helps the antagonist.

Now, the story really begins! In folktales the hero would leave on his/her quest by the end of this next sequence of narratemes.

8. Villainy and Lack: The antagonist threatens or harms someone important to the hero, or something else which affects others is suddenly missing.
9. The Challenge: The hero discovers, or is informed of the “lack" and is requested, or feels obligated to help.
10. Counteraction: The protagonist, (as any hero would) chooses to accept the challenge or assignment despite the clear danger.
11. Departure: The hero leaves and is, (often accidentally) joined by another character known as the “helper" or “provider."

In the next sequence, the hero sets out on his/her quest. He/she may or not get assistance from the “helper," (which may secretly be working for the antagonist) but the hero’s goal is clear at this point.

12. The Test: The protagonist is soon challenged, either by the “helper," or someone else needing assistance, (but not necessarily the antagonist).
13. Reaction: Our hero responds positively and bravely to the test, but may or may not succeed at this time.
14. Acquisition: In a folktale the hero may obtain a magical object as a result of his actions. In contemporary dramas, he learns a skill or obtains important information. As a result, other characters may offer help.
15. Transport: Usually, the hero must travel to another location to reach his goal where he is unwelcomed or will be in danger.
16. Confrontation: The hero and antagonist fight. This may not be the climatic battle and the hero may lose this round.
17. Injury: The hero is injured, “marked," or set back in his quest, but not mortally wounded.
18. Victory: Our hero beats the bad guy, but his victory may only be temporary and actually strengthen the antagonist.
19. Resolution: The initial “lack" may or may not have been fixed, but someone is rescued or something is returned through the direct efforts of the hero.

In many stories this might be the story’s end as our hero returns and all is well. However, Propp provides an additional story possibility. Many of his suggestions are optional from now on.

20. The Hero Returns: The hero leaves the place he initially went to for his quest and heads back home.
21. Pursuit: The hero is chased by the antagonist who tries again to kill him or take back what the hero has obtained.
22. The Rescue: The hero narrowly escapes, often through the assistance of the “helper," or due to a new skill or moral realization.
23. Back Home: Our hero gets back home but he/she is unrecognized or must hide from danger.
24. The False Claim: Because the hero appears absent, others may spread false rumors or question his heroic character.
25. The Difficult Task: This is a direct challenge to the hero who must do something which seems impossible, (i.e., get the golden fleece, fight a dragon).
26. Task Performed: The protagonist proves again his mettle by accomplishing the impossible task.
27. Recognition: The protagonist is acknowledged by someone who is important to the hero. He has proved himself.
28. False Claim is Exposed: The false hero is usually revealed as a direct result of the hero having performed the impossible task.
29. Acknowledgement: The hero is seen in a new light and his heroism is recognized by everyone else.
30. The Hero Wins: The bad guy is vanquished by the hero in a climatic battle, usually in physical combat. The false hero is often punished as well.
31. The Hero Returns: In folktales the hero usually marries a beautiful princess and ascends the throne. In contemporary screenplays the hero gets the girl and his character has been changed forever.