The 9 Levels Of Story- Part 3: Sequence, Scene, and MRU

To wrap up my current blog series about the 9 Levels of Story, let's dive into the final three levels!

Delving into the art of crafting engaging screenplays requires mastery at various levels, each crucial for bringing a story to life. Level 7, the Sequence Level, focuses on the significant 'when,' demanding an understanding of narrative flow to drive characters towards their destinies. Sequences act as fundamental building blocks, akin to chapters in a book, each with its own rhythm contributing to the overarching tale. Level 8, the Scene Level, involves comprehending the smaller 'when' within each scene’s orchestrating actions and reactions meticulously to craft memorable moments. Finally, Level 9, the MRU Level, unveils character arcs through Motivation-Reaction Units, showcasing the intricacies of character development through subtle shifts and dramatic declarations. Mastering these levels ensures not just a watchable story but an immersive experience that resonates deeply with the audience, making each moment purposeful and each action a stepping stone toward a compelling narrative.

Level 7: Mastering The Sequence Level - Grasping The Big 'When'

In the realm of sequences, screenwriters must master the timing and order of events - the BIG WHEN. Sequences allow you to control the pacing and timing, but they must happen SOMEWHERE. Instead of only focusing on the TIMING, focus on the ENVIRONMENT. By putting your story in the right environment, you can pressure-cook your characters and situations and watch the fireworks.

You have heard of this technique as “putting your characters in a Crucible.” This level is about understanding the natural flow of the narrative and how each sequence propels your characters toward their ultimate destination. It's crucial to ensure that each sequence has a clear beginning, middle, and end, contributing to the overall story arc.

A wonderful technique is to think of Sequences as Mini-Stories that have their own structure and, if you require more information, consult Chris Soth and his wonderful information on the Mini-Movie Method. Mastering the sequence level means grasping the pacing of your story and knowing when to accelerate the action or slow it down for moments of reflection. A well-structured sequence can amplify emotional impact and enhance the audience's engagement, making your story not just something they watch, but something they experience.

The kind of questions to ask yourself or research at this stage are:

• What is a BIG WHEN in Screenwriting?
• What is a Sequence in Screenwriting?
• How does Sequence relate to Environment in Screenwriting?
• What is a Crucible in Screenwriting?
• What is a Mini-Story in Screenwriting?
• What is a Mini-Movie in Screenwriting?
• What is considered Audience Engagement in Screenwriting?

Level 8: Breaking Down The Scene Level - Comprehending The Small 'When'

After sequencing comes the crafting of individual scenes - the SMALL WHEN. Up to this point, your work has been in the UNSEEN aspects of Storytelling. At the Scene Level, you REVEAL to your audience, so they can EXPERIENCE your story first-hand (emotional needs).

Each scene is a building block within the Sequence, the Sequence is a building block within the Act, and understanding the timing within these moments is critical. The Scene is where you reveal what’s behind the curtain and this is where the immediate action takes place, where dialogue and visuals come together, and where the audience experiences memorable moments.

You must must ask yourself:

• Does Emotion or Decision control this scene?
• Does Action or Activity visualize this scene?
• When is the right moment for a key piece of dialogue?

The scene level is about the meticulous orchestration of action and reaction, cause and effect. It requires a keen sense of rhythm and timing to ensure that each scene flows seamlessly into the next. By breaking down the scene level, you ensure that each moment counts, each line resonates, and each action pushes the story forward, keeping the audience invested in the characters' journey.

The kind of questions to ask yourself or research at this stage are:

• What is considered an Unseen aspect of Storytelling?
• What is considered an Experience in Screenwriting at the Scene Level?
• What is considered a Building Block in Screenwriting?
• What is considered Emotion in Screenwriting?
• What is considered a Decision in Screenwriting?
• What is considered Action in Screenwriting?
• What is considered Activity in Screenwriting?
• What does the phrase (Action and Reaction) mean in Screenwriting?
• What does the phrase (Cause and Effect) mean in Screenwriting?
• What is considered Resonance in Screenwriting?
• What is considered a Character Journey in Screenwriting?

Level 9: Conquering The MRU Level - Revealing The Character Arc

At the Scene Level, you REVEALED your story for the audience’s emotional needs (experience). Now, at the MRU Level, you PROVE your story for the audience’s psychological needs (intellectual needs, cravings, and curiosity).

The MRU (Motivation-Reaction Units) level is where the intricacies of character development and character arcs come to fruition. You should consider this level as an analytical tool to “triple-check” your work to ensure you have written the best story you’re capable of.

When you talk to Script Analysts, Readers, and Film Critics, this is where they should be “LIVING” and this is where BRAIN ACTIVITY is at an all-time high. It's about breaking down the narrative into its smallest components, the emotions and motivations driving your characters, and finalizing the resolution of the conflicts and dramatic situations. This level is essential in revealing the character arc, as every action and response is a stepping stone in their journey.

An MRU could be as subtle as a character's shift in gaze or as dramatic as a declaration of love. Effective MRUs create a rhythm that feels natural and believable, providing insights into characters’ inner worlds without overt exposition. By conquering the MRU level, you ensure that each moment is purposeful and that every small action contributes to the larger transformation of the character.

This is storytelling at its most granular, where the sum of small parts creates a deeply satisfying whole. In closing, this is the “Microscopic” Level of Storytelling.

The kind of questions to ask yourself or research at this stage are:

• What does MRU mean in Screenwriting?
• What is considered an Audience Emotional Need in Screenwriting?
• What is considered an Audience Psychological Need in Screenwriting?
• What is considered an Analysis Tool in Screenwriting?
• What is Script Analysis in Screenwriting?
• Who is considered a Script Analyst in Screenwriting?
• Who is considered a Script Reader in Screenwriting?
• What is a Film Critic in Screenwriting?
• What is considered a Character Arc in Screenwriting?
• What is considered an effective MRU in Screenwriting?
• Why is this level considered Microscopic?

I hope that you all enjoyed this series and that it provided you with a new perspective when thinking about story ideation, writing prep, and how to hone your craft. Now that you've absorbed the 9 Levels of Story, which stand out to you as the easiest or most difficult when tackling your own projects? Are there levels that you tend to enjoy most or dread? I'd love to hear all about your process!

If you missed parts 1 and 2 of this series, you can find them below:

The 9 Levels Of Story- Part 1: Cosmic, Culture, & Life

The 9 Levels Of Story- Part 2: Creative, Project, & Story

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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