Screen Adaptation, 2nd Edition

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Structure

The most important factor in the adaptation process after characterization is structure—the organization of plot into a specific sequence of scenes. Structure is the key ingredient of a well-written screenplay. The rambling and loose structure of the novel must be tightened into the three-act structure of the screenplay, increasing the protagonist’s problem until the climax is reached in the third act.

To achieve this increased pace, develop the characters, and tell the story, the writer must find key scenes; pick a suitable starting point; add scenes to fill in plot details; and, in general, condense and combine characters and scenes. Whenever possible, dialogue should be condensed and visual elements brought into play.

Depending ...