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Elements of Script Analysis

The document outlines the process of script analysis, emphasizing the importance of multiple readings to fully understand the story, characters, and themes. It provides a comprehensive list of questions to guide the analysis of both the overall script and individual scenes, focusing on elements such as plot, conflict, and character dynamics. Additionally, it highlights key structural elements that should be considered during the analysis, including foreshadowing and scene transitions.

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24 views2 pages

Elements of Script Analysis

The document outlines the process of script analysis, emphasizing the importance of multiple readings to fully understand the story, characters, and themes. It provides a comprehensive list of questions to guide the analysis of both the overall script and individual scenes, focusing on elements such as plot, conflict, and character dynamics. Additionally, it highlights key structural elements that should be considered during the analysis, including foreshadowing and scene transitions.

Uploaded by

lavalos191
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Elements of Script Analysis

By

Jack R. Stanley, Ph.D.

When you first read the script, read it from start to finish without stopping and without
interruption. Your first read is about grasping what the story is about, when and where it takes
place, and who the characters are. This is when you form your first impressions and may be the
only time you really enjoy the script as a story. From now on it's all work!!

Read the script and read it again (and again, and again...). Your script analysis is a never-ending
process. Each time you read the script, you find out something different about the story or the
characters.

The script will constantly evolve as you and your cast come to terms with the words on the page.
As long as you know what the story is about and where the story is going, you can adjust to all
the changes.

Begin making notes and discovering the answers to the following questions:

1) What is the story about (PLOT)? (


2) What is the message (THEME)?
3) Does the story make sense? (LOGIC?
4) What are the characters doing/saying/thinking (EXPOSITION)?
5) What is the conflict (COMPLICATION)?
6) What will happen next (TENSION)?
7) What is the problem is to be solved (MAJOR DRAMATIC QUESTION)?
8) What is the event which hooks the audience (IGNITING EVENT)?
9) What happens to the main character (CAUSE OF THE ACTION)?
10) What is the answer to the main question (RESULTING ACTION)?
11) What is the story ending (CLIMAX)?
12) Who is the character trying to do or get something (PROTAGONIST)?
13) Who is the character who stands in the way (ANTAGONIST)?
14) Who is the MOST INTERESTING CHARACTER?
15) Where does the story take place (TIME PERIOD AND LOCATION)?

Individual Scene Analysis

When you have an understanding of the story you then need to analyze each individual scene to
understand how it contributes to the whole.

1) What is the dramatic purpose of this scene (INTENT)?


2) What are the points that move the story forward (PLOT POINTS)?
3) What is the turning point of each scene (CLIMAX)?
4) How is the theme addressed (CONTRIBUTING ELEMENTS)?
5) What is the question left unanswered at the end of the scene (CLIFF HANGER)?
4) What are the important words spoke in the scene (DIALOGUE)?
5) Which character pushes the story forward (CONTROLING CHARACTER)?
6) What are the individual segments of the scene (BEATS/UNITS)

Other Structural Elements

Make sure you understand these elements as you work your way through the script:

1) foreshadowing
2) recurring motifs
3) scene transitions
4) counterpoint
5) repetition
6) contrast
7) clarity of information
8) action and stunts
9) comedy scenes
10) special effects
11) music or audio effects
12) locations

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