The Contour Guide, Step # 5
KICK THE DOG (page 28-35)
Show that the bad guys are not just bad, but really, Really, REALLY bad. Give the protagonist (and the reader) the idea that answering the Central Question is going to be harder than initially thought. If you don’t have a standard antagonist (as in a love story) show that the obstacles to the protagonist are overwhelmingly strong.
- The Deathstar destroys a whole planet. (STAR WARS)
- Butch and Sundance begin to be pursued by the “super posse.” (BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID)
- Dr. Neville tries a new serum on a mutant and fails spectacularly. (I AM LEGEND)
Want to read all 12 steps to the Contour Guide? CLICK HERE
Just wondering: When you say “Give the protagonist (and the reader) the idea that answering the Central Question is going to be harder than initially thought…” are you talking about only the professional problem or really the Private, Personal and the professional problem?
Remember, this step takes place over a range of pages, so it’s multiple plot points. The best use of this step is to tie together the three areas of conflict as much as possible.
Is this step mostly centred around showing the bad guys doing their bad things or is the Hero also very active in trying to reach his goals?