Set Pieces, Part 4: Complications, Roadblocks and Reversals

A series this week on set pieces: A scene or set of scenes with a big idea, feel and/or scope to them, oftentimes associated with major plot points, and always about entertainment.

Part 4: Complications, Roadblocks and Reversals.

For background on what I mean by these three ‘categories,’ go here.

The common link: There is an event that creates an obstacle for the Protagonist, inhibiting their ability to achieve their goal. Like this complication:

Or this roadblock:

Or this reversal:

The thing is we want our Protagonists to go to Hell and back. That makes for more drama. That makes for a more compelling story. And that makes their journey more meaningful.

Thus at a fundamental level, our task as writers is to take that straight line of a Protagonist’s progress toward their goal and muck it up.

How to do that? Complications, Roadblocks, and Reversals. A great way to look at set pieces.

For Part 1: Spin the plot, go here.

For Part 2: Emotional Meaning, go here.

For Part 3: Stakes, go here.

Tomorrow: More on set pieces.

What other set pieces can you think of that function as Complications, Roadblocks and Reversals?

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