Story development is the process of taking a seed of an idea and turning it into a fully fleshed out script. It’s a journey every writer has to go through in order to get from inspiration to execution, but it doesn’t have to be arduous or frustrating.
Whether you’re writing on spec or working on a project at a studio, developing your story requires the help of many people—from producers to actors, and everyone in between. That means meeting their script notes—which can often clash with your original vision—requires a thick skin, collaboration skills and a willingness to let go of some creative control.
Characters are the backbone of any story. It’s important to create dimensional, realistic characters readers can empathize with and relate to. To do that, you have to establish your protagonist’s ordinary world, present their initial conflict and then introduce the inciting incident—the event that shakes up their normal life and highlights an external or internal flaw they need to address.
You also need to define your antagonist and lay out their opposing worldview, which will intensify the conflict. And don’t forget the supporting characters—the allies, mentors and friends who guide your protagonist on their journey. It’s easy to fall into the trap of over-characterizing minor characters, which will leave them flat and unrelatable. To avoid this, focus on characterization with a few brush strokes: physical attributes, a few mannerisms and some dialogue. Read our article on developing your character for more helpful tips.