The most interesting character in the world still needs a story structure to frame their emotions and organize their journey. We’ll look at the keys to creating a solid structure that gives you the foundation to let your imagination and creativity run wild.

This workshop will help you identify what’s missing from your story and figure out how to fix it. Whether you’re developing a new idea or tackling notes on an existing draft, we’ll explore how structure supports your characters, builds tension, and keeps an audience engaged.

We’ll start by separating three essential story threads: the external action, the emotional relationships, and your protagonist’s internal growth. Understanding how these threads work together can reveal why a story feels stalled, even when individual moments are compelling.

We’ll use film examples to explore seven key structural points and the purpose each serves in moving a story forward. Then we’ll apply those principles to individual scenes, looking at what a character wants, what stands in their way, and how the outcome triggers what happens next. You’ll learn how to spot a scene that lacks conflict, strengthen an obstacle, and build a sequence in which each event causes the next. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your story’s framework, concrete priorities for your next draft, and a set of storytelling tools to help you to make bold creative choices.