Opening image (p. 1): Sets the tone for the
story and suggests the protagonist's primary problem.
Theme is stated (p. 5): A question or
statement, usually made to the protagonist, indicating the story's main
thematic idea.
Set-up (p. 1-10): An introduction to the
main characters and setting - the background.
Catalyst (p. 12): A major event that
changes the protagonist's world and sets the story in motion.
Debate (p. 12-25): A question is raised
about the choice now before the protagonist. Often this section lays
out the stakes for the journey ahead.
Break into Act II (p. 25-30): The hero
definitively leaves his old world or situation and enters a strange new
one.
B-story (p. 30): A secondary plotline that
often fleshes out side characters - frequently a mentor or a love
interest—who assist the hero on his journey.
Fun and games (p. 30-55): Snyder says this
section offers the promise of the premise.
It's an exploration
of the story's core concept that gives the story
its trailer-friendly moments.
It's usually lighter in tone, and
it typically builds to a big victory at the midpoint.
Midpoint (p. 55): The A and B stories
cross. The story builds to either a false victory or (less often) false
defeat. New information is revealed that raises the stakes.
Bad guys close in (p. 55-75): After the
victory at the midpoint, things grow steadily worse as the villains
regroup and push forward.
All is lost (p. 75): Mirroring the
midpoint, it's usually a false defeat. The hero's life is in
shambles. Often there's a major death or at least the sense of death -
a reference to dying or mortality somehow.
Dark night of the soul (p. 75-85): A moment
of contemplation in which the hero considers how far he's come and all
he's learned. It's the moment in which the hero asks, Why is all
this happening?
Break into Act III (p. 85) A Eureka!
moment that gives the hero the strength to keep going - and provides
the key to success in Act III.
Finale (p. 85-110) Relying on all he has
learned throughout the story, the hero solves his problems, defeats the
villains, and changes the world for the better.
Final image (p. 110). A mirror of the
opening image that underlines the lessons learned and illustrates how
the world has changed.