Timely introducing the MC

[mrbenning]

I think I've seen a thread involving the introduction of a main character at beginning of the second act. If anyone can post a link to it, I'd be appreciative. If not, here's my problem:

I'm currently drafting the outline to a feature. In order to avoid a first act where we introduce the MC through a lengthy, and possibly irritating, background study (think Shipping News) I thought it would be interesting to introduce him later, after the story has begun.

Here's an extremely ridiculous example of what I'm getting at:

A group of pygmies, never before interfered with by the outside world, are preparing for a 4th of July celebration.

It would start with a short, say two minute, introduction of the tribe leading up to a hunt. At the beginning of the hunt the men are startled. Instead of food, they bring back Rob Schneider, and he's still alive! Slapstick humor ensues.

This would break one of the cardinal rules of screenwriting. I was curious if anyone thought it would work.

Also, are there any rules about using teasers in film?

[whistlelock]

If your protag is being introduced 1/3 of the way through the story, then he's not the main character.

Off the top of your head, name 3 movies, short stories, or novels where the protag was introduced anything later than 3 minutes into the film?

Don't use an ensemble film like Star Wars: A New Hope.

If we're not following the protag almost immediatly then who's story is it? why should we be invested into a guy who's only just shown up while this other story has been going on?

If you want avoid a lengthy backstory, then type fade in five seconds after that action starts and let the audience catch up.

the audience isn't stupid.

[Emmy nominated writer]

over 3 minutes:

JFK
Halloween 4: Return of Michael Meyers
Speed
Superman
Crocodile Dundee II
The Unforgiven (I think)

I like the idea of the first act not having the main character present. But all the events are about him. Perhaps through other characters discussing him, or events that have happened because of him. I think it could be interesting and build up the audience's anticipation.

But then again I am an idiot, so I could be wrong.

[Winter in New York]

The 70s Superman script was the most convoluted 'set-up' of any lead character I've ever read.

What were they thinking????

Winter in New York

PS: 'nobody knows anything' - least of all me. Superman went on to make gazillions...

[bottomlesscup]

JFK
Halloween 4: Return of Michael Meyers
Speed
Superman
Crocodile Dundee II
The Unforgiven (I think)

Many of these are either sequels or movies wherein the protagonist is expected (ie. Superman.) In a film of that nature, you can hold off and build suspense - the audience is waiting for the protag. In a typical spec script, it would just confuse them, IMO. If I remember correctly, all of these protags make an appearance in the first act.

In 99% of films, the audience's interest is centered in their bond to the central character. Without that, you're asking them to stick with the film on a purely intellectual level - not many films will succeed in that.

If your story genuinely demands that you avoid the protag, do it. Otherwise, avoid a tremendously risky gimmick.

[mrbenning]

Re: Timely Introducing the MC

Thanks for your suggestions and honesty.

The difficulty with this concept lies in the fact that the main character is questioning his reality. I would like the audience to do so as well.

The only way I could see doing this is to start the story after it has already begun and have the audience learn as he does.

Time to flush it out some more.

[MrDelaney]

Re: Timely Introducing the MC

Off the top of your head, name 3 movies, short stories, or novels where the protag was introduced anything later than 3 minutes into the film?


Psycho
Moby Dick
Full Metal Jacket (barely, Mathew Modine is introduced just past 3min)
2001

It's possible.
But you're right, it's not common.

-Mr D.

[DUCPHO]

Re: Timely Introducing the MC

I will never say anything is impossible! However, normal screenwriting conventions are of the opinion that your Protag should be introduced as early as possible.

Usually within the first ten pages. I have worked on projects that saw a delayed mainstream injection of the Protag until close to the end of Act One but whenever this happens I attempt to come up with a scenario (literary adjustment) that allows me to "frame" the Protag a bit earlier on in the first act and then bring him (or) her back for the main entrance!

Just my own opinion though!

[Matt Chap]

Re: Timely Introducing the MC

How about Fargo?

[v i o l e n t c a s e s]

Re: Timely Introducing the MC

ensemble movie.

[Biohazard EHW]

Re: Timely Introducing the MC

Once Upon A Time In The West

The first 10 minutes is just 3 random dudes waiting for a train.

[altoption]

Re: Timely Introducing the MC

I have worked on projects that saw a delayed mainstream injection of the Protag until close to the end of Act One but whenever this happens I attempt to come up with a scenario (literary adjustment) that allows me to "frame" the Protag a bit earlier on in the first act and then bring him (or) her back for the main entrance!

CUT TO:

William Strunk, Jr., rolling in his grave.

[DUCPHO]

Re: Timely Introducing the MC

Altoption... apparently you find something absurd in my response. Lets explore that for a moment Okay.

Your response seems to bespeak either an inability or refusal to grasp what I'm stating, which was;

Sometimes and infrequently, and occurring outside the "normal bounds" of screenwriting convention , I have been involved with projects where the Protagonist was introduced within the story line early on and briefly, then turning the first act midpoint early on... while reintroducing the hero at the near end of act one.

In this way the reader feels the script has met the standard criteria and you have just managed ro capitalize on the utilization of "craft" to create a more innovative and creative project, while still incorporating and thus meeting conventional standards .

Now, why should that cause anyone to turn over in their grave, please respond with your problem with this, what I perceive to be a specific "opportunity" that sometimes rears it's head and affords the inspired and "insightful writer" with an opportunity for what's known as innovation without breaking conventional tenants.

Again please delineate as it's always difficult to respond when one doesn't understand the response.... just the context!

[altoption]

Re: Timely Introducing the MC

Not what you said, Duchpo. How you said it.

"Avoid passive voice" and "Omit needless words" from Strunk's classic, "The Elements of Style," leap to mind.

Cheerio.

[DUCPHO]

Re: Timely Introducing the MC

Isn't style a matter of preference and a subjective issue as is art itself? I would think any attempt to define style, or what it is, as the same as attempting to define art, Strunk's classic, as you call it, brings to mind the DA DA Art movement which was an attempt by artists to show the world the irrelevance of what anyone outside the artist thought and that the collective opinions of others about one's work were based on absurdities!