So we wrote a comprehensive articel on 8-sequence and it turned out to be not popular among readers, so now we made a more simpler, more understandable article that we hope you will love it.
Table of Contents
Introduction, Before Synopsis, There's a Premise
The initial idea of a story is often documented in the form of a title, premise, logline, and theme. This idea can then be developed into a synopsis. This concept is also referred to as the film story idea, marking the first step in scriptwriting. Subsequently, the synopsis can be developed using the 3-Act Structure method, although one may choose an alternative approach. Story development is essentially building on the foundation of events, known as the plot. A skilled writer can arrange each plot to narrate a journey while maintaining the audience's attention consistently. Like a song, the audience gets immersed in the flow of events, presented naturally to witness and experience a sequence of plots that are enjoyable and comfortable. Film is a creative product marketed as entertainment, making it crucial to tell a story as captivating as possible, preventing boredom yet providing enjoyment and inspiration.
A premise formulation may consist of characters, goals, and obstacles. These elements combine the KKK formula and that written by Syd Field in this blog. Regardless of the premise formula, it should fulfill its function of illustrating each element's connection with a "bridge," pushing a character forward to complete their journey—this is the stake or what's at risk.
Once the main idea is written down, the next step is to draft the synopsis. Among various methods for writing a synopsis, one unique approach divides the story into eight parts. This is a method known as the 8-Sequence Structure.
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| a description of 3 act divided into 8 part sequence |
How to Divide a Story into 8 Parts (Sequences)
Another function of a premise is to depict a character's journey, presented in a way that keeps the audience engaged and adheres to a time format, typically a 2-hour duration. Developing a film story idea into a synopsis can be a challenging task without guidance on meeting the premise functions, which include illustrating stakes, the journey, market demands, and duration. Therefore, a method of writing stories using mytheme is developed, utilizing fragments of events according to dramatic structure. One such method is the 8 Sequence Structure, developed by Syd Field (and also by Blake Snyder). Here, the story is written using fragments of events divided into 8 sequences, each explained in detail. Various sources may name these plot sequences differently, including the names and explanations provided below, yet all share the same principles. Let's discuss each one step by step...Sequence 01: Character Introduction (Subplot; Inciting Incident)
The initial fragment of events in a film introduces the main character in their everyday life. Besides the main character, other characters and the world they inhabit can also be introduced. This fragment typically reveals habits and later explains the emergence of the character's desire. This event, the emergence of desire, marks the beginning of the story, and by the end, we'll discover whether the character achieves their desire or not, with the possibility of additional revelations (to be continued). Only through cause, an incident occurs in this sequence that propels the character into the next part (inciting incident), aligning with their desire. A "bridge" in the form of stakes is formed during this stage.
Sequence 02: Dilemma (Subplot; Decision)
The character is undoubtedly pressured (dilemma) to appear as if they have chosen (decision), even though we know they will choose to take a risk and embark on a journey that initiates the story. This dilemma and decision are certainly from a negative side of the character, meaning the character knows that what they choose needs to be changed (this is called "need"). The decision regarding the choice made is usually based on an "old behavior" (stance and understanding), which will later result in a change that becomes the "new behavior" at the end of the story.
Sequence 03: Journey Begins (Subplot; Adaptation and Challenge)
At this stage, where the character follows through with the decision based on their old behavior, they undoubtedly face difficulties. Even though they feel the need to change, what they do slowly (adaptation) can adapt to the challenging situation. This fragment shows that the main character truly experiences suffering and even regret for their choice, but they cannot escape their fate. The fitting symbol to describe this event is a "burning house" as the character steps out of their comfort zone, adapts, and endures to face the challenge.
Sequence 04: Fun and Games (Subplot; False Victory)
The perceived bad choice, determination, and stakes force our character to do their best under pressure. The story unfolds with emotionally draining ups and downs. However, since the choice made is influenced by their old behavior, any achievement will still feel empty. This fragment shows that challenges are met, adaptation is achieved, and it's like having a "new home." It might appears beautiful for a moment, but the audience begins to feel that it is a hollow victory (false victory). The character may not be aware of this, and they might even seem content. The writer can subtly indicate that a "big storm" is about to come, increasing the tension for the audience.
Sequence 05: Bigger Problems (Subplot; Twists and Turns)
The fate of a character changes, and in the previous ending sequence, a problem considered trivial is revealed. The old behavior is summoned to solve a new problem, and this is where a major conflict unfolds. Not only do they fail once, but new problems arise incessantly due to their wrong choices (although considered right because their stance deems it the only understandable option). Even here, the writer can unveil that everything experienced before was merely "luck" or "coincidence." Now, the character truly faces extraordinary difficulties and even experiences a realization to resolve it with "new behavior," but they still hesitate, fearing and "believing" in their old habits, leading to FAILURE!
In a shattered state, the character feels they can no longer return to their "home" as before, understanding that they were misled.
Sequence 06: Climax (Subplot; Revelation)
In this sequence, the character loses everything as their gamble fails. Despite being in a state of failure and collapse, they still believe they can return. There's a revelation that they must sacrifice all their hopes to transform despair. However, they know they are still alive and are even willing to engage in a final battle, risking their life if necessary. This is where the writer will determine whether the goal is achieved by balancing the two elements: desire and need. Four possible story endings are shaped based on these two elements.
Sequence 07: Climax (Subplot; Revival)
A final effort occurs, and then, armed with whatever the character has, they set out to determine their destiny. This is where it is decided whether both desire and need are fulfilled, one of them is achieved, or both fail to materialize.
Sequence 08: Resolution
Returning to the story's theme, the author reaffirms the core message, providing the audience with insight into the character's choices. In this chapter, the character finds a place to establish a "new home," initiating a journey that cycles back to the beginning, as the wheel of life continues its perpetual turn.
That is the explanation of the 8 sequence structures, which can be used in writing a synopsis which will be used as a basis for the next stage, namely treatment and then finally writing a script or film scenario, hopefully it is useful.
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