Lesson Plan:  Conflict

THP 260/ENG 210 – Introduction to Screenwriting

75 minutes – 10:40-11:55

Objectives:

Students will be able to define conflict, recognize and analyze it in established works, and apply the concept to a short scene of their own devising.

What is conflict? – 15 min.

            --Discussion--

Can they come up with their own definition of conflict?

Other ways to think about conflict:

Conflict is anything (person, object, force, etc.) that prevents a character from getting what he/she wants.

Character + obstacle = conflict.

Any two forces in opposition to each other = conflict.

Pass out quotes on conflict: – 20 min.

--Discussion--

Ask students what they think of each quote.  What does each one mean?  Is it something they can apply to films they’ve seen?  Do they agree with the statements?  Why/why not?  Do the statements raise any questions?  Any other thoughts about these quotes?

What conflict is not: – 5 min.

            --Presentation/Discussion—

It is not violence, not yelling, not banter.

In class: – 15 min.

            --In-class activity--

Think of characters: real, fictional, celebrity, etc. from TV, book, film, play, etc

Write characters’ needs, obstacles, and several potential solutions to that conflict.

Wrap up: – 5 min.

            --Discussion--

Any questions, clarification, final thoughts?

Assignment for next class: – 5 min.

Write a short scene (1-3 pages) showing character one trying to get that thing.

They don’t need any buildup or resolution, just conflict, the essence of the scene.

Pass out and discuss handout on format: – 10 min.

Discuss proper manuscript format.