Vernacular: beats

A BEAT is an exchange of behavior in action/reaction. Beat by beat, these changing behaviors shape the turning of a scene.

[Robert McKee--STORY]

Vernacular: scenes

A SCENE is an action through conflict in more or less continuous time and space that turns the value-charged condition of a characters life on at least one value with a degree of perceptible significance. Ideally, ever scene is a Story Event.

[Robert McKee--STORY]

Vernacular: sequences

A SEQUENCE is a series of scenes--generally 2 to 5--that culminate with greater impact than any previous scene.

[Robert McKee--STORY]

Vernacular: acts

An ACT is a series of sequences that peaks in a climactic scene which causes a major reversal of values, more powerful in its impact than any previous sequence or scene.

[Robert McKee--STORY]

Heads up: Black Moment

This week's Craft topic is Black Moment. Look for "Black Moment" posts on Wednesday.

Vernacular: story climaxes

A STORY CLIMAX occurs when a story (a series of acts) builds to a last-lact climax which brings about absolute and irreversible change.

[Robert McKee--STORY]