Some more thoughts on questions to ask when writing a story. Can even be used as a generic structure arc. My suggestions here have been used in reference to crating internal struggle in a character (want vs. need), but you could substitute anything there if you wanted.
Structure/Arc
1. Problem/Need - What problem or need is it that the main character is trying to fulfill? A character trait.
Eg:
Indiana Jones must learn that the Ark of the Covenant is not just an archeological treasure.
2. Desire - What is it that the main character wants. Can be specific or can be more abstract.
Eg:
Abstract - Kristin wants to have a good time.
Specific - Indiana Jones wants to keep the Nazis from getting the Ark of the Covenant.
3. Opponent - Who is getting in the way of the protagonist achieving their desire?
Eg:
Nazis want to keep Indiana Jones from getting the Ark.
4. Plan - The action of the movie. The actions the characters take to achieve their goal/evolve. The Beat Sheet.
5. Battle - The protagonist is forced to perform what used to be a desire, which is now an impossible burden.
Eg:
Indiana Jones is caught by the Nazis and must use his knowledge to avoid getting killed by the Ark.
6. New Equilibrium - The protagonist has finally solved the main problem or fulfilled the actual need, the world is at rest again.
Eg:
Indiana Jones closes his eyes when the Ark is opened because he understands its power.
7. Revelation - The protagonist’s equilibrium has been revealed to the audience.
Eg:
Indiana Jones recognizes that the Ark is from the power of God, not just a treasure made by Man.
Loglines -
This is the story of a character/protagonist who wants to achieve their goal, but the opponent is doing something to stop the protagonist.
Structure/Arc
1. Problem/Need - What problem or need is it that the main character is trying to fulfill? A character trait.
Eg:
Indiana Jones must learn that the Ark of the Covenant is not just an archeological treasure.
2. Desire - What is it that the main character wants. Can be specific or can be more abstract.
Eg:
Abstract - Kristin wants to have a good time.
Specific - Indiana Jones wants to keep the Nazis from getting the Ark of the Covenant.
3. Opponent - Who is getting in the way of the protagonist achieving their desire?
Eg:
Nazis want to keep Indiana Jones from getting the Ark.
4. Plan - The action of the movie. The actions the characters take to achieve their goal/evolve. The Beat Sheet.
5. Battle - The protagonist is forced to perform what used to be a desire, which is now an impossible burden.
Eg:
Indiana Jones is caught by the Nazis and must use his knowledge to avoid getting killed by the Ark.
6. New Equilibrium - The protagonist has finally solved the main problem or fulfilled the actual need, the world is at rest again.
Eg:
Indiana Jones closes his eyes when the Ark is opened because he understands its power.
7. Revelation - The protagonist’s equilibrium has been revealed to the audience.
Eg:
Indiana Jones recognizes that the Ark is from the power of God, not just a treasure made by Man.
Loglines -
This is the story of a character/protagonist who wants to achieve their goal, but the opponent is doing something to stop the protagonist.
