Sequence A: The Setup/Stasis

a.k.a. Statis, Ordinary World, Status Quo World

Sequence A: The Setup establishes main characters, their relationships, the setting, and the world of the story. It introduces your protagonist’s ordinary life before anything disrupts it. Screenwriting guru Frank Daniels preferred to call this sequence The Stasis because it describes the status quo world of the hero before story events begin.

Plot Points

Sequence A is the first sequence in a traditional three-act structure, often encompassing the first 10-15% of the story. This sequence contains the following plot events:

  • An Opening Image: This is the very beginning of your story, where you establish the tone, setting, and often introduce the main character in their ordinary world. This image sets the stage for the story and is the "before" snapshot of your protagonist.

  • Hook: DESCRIBE THE HOOK HERE.

  • Inciting Incident: This is an event that disrupts the protagonist’s normal life. It’s the catalyst that propels them into the central conflict or journey of the story. This event must be compelling enough to engage both the character and the audience.

  • Initial Response: After the inciting incident, the protagonist will have an initial reaction or response. This might involve reluctance, confusion, or a preliminary attempt to address the new challenge or situation.

Establishment of What’s at Stake: In Sequence A, the stakes of the story become clear. What does the protagonist stand to gain or lose? This helps to invest the audience in the character’s journey.

Character Arc Transformations

Sequence A sets up internal transformations which begin to form the hero’s positive character arc:

  • Introduction of Internal Conflict: In Sequence A, we often see the first signs of the protagonist’s internal conflict or flaw. This is something personal that they will need to overcome or resolve in order to succeed in their journey.

  • Reaction to Inciting Incident: The protagonist’s initial response to the inciting incident often highlights their current limitations or flaws. Their reaction can show what they need to learn or how they need to change.

  • Hint at Potential Growth: Even in these early stages, there should be small indications or moments that suggest the protagonist’s capacity for change or growth. This might be a brief moment of self-awareness or an interaction that hints at their deeper potential.

  • Connection to the Story’s Theme: The character’s internal journey should be connected to the larger themes of the story. Their personal conflict often reflects broader ideas or questions raised by the narrative.

Remember, Sequence A is crucial for hooking your audience and setting the foundation for both the plot and the character’s journey. The protagonist doesn’t need to start their transformation yet, but the seeds should be planted.