Robert McKee

Definition

Robert McKee is a renowned screenwriting lecturer and author best known for his book 'Story', which provides invaluable insights into the art of storytelling and screenplay structure. His teachings emphasize the importance of structure, character development, and thematic depth in creating compelling narratives, making him a key figure in understanding screenplay format and structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. McKee's book 'Story' has been widely influential among both aspiring and established screenwriters, offering practical advice on creating engaging plots.
2. He is known for his engaging lectures, where he breaks down famous films to illustrate essential principles of storytelling and screenplay structure.
3. McKee advocates that a well-structured story must balance emotional resonance with logical progression, ensuring characters evolve through their journey.
4. His ideas on conflict are pivotal; he stresses that conflict drives stories forward and is essential for character development.
5. Many successful screenwriters and filmmakers have credited McKee's teachings as instrumental to their understanding of effective storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does Robert McKee's approach to storytelling enhance the understanding of screenplay structure?
  • Robert McKee's approach to storytelling highlights the significance of structure in creating compelling narratives. He teaches that a screenplay should have a strong foundation built on a three-act structure that guides the audience through setup, confrontation, and resolution. This method not only helps writers organize their thoughts but also ensures that the story maintains momentum and emotional impact throughout its progression.
• In what ways does McKee emphasize the role of conflict in screenwriting, and how does this relate to character development?
  • McKee emphasizes that conflict is the engine of any story, asserting that it propels the narrative forward and leads to character growth. According to him, each character's journey should be shaped by the conflicts they face, which in turn reveals their true nature and motivations. By focusing on both external and internal conflicts, McKee encourages writers to create dynamic characters whose arcs resonate with audiences.
• Evaluate how McKee's teachings can influence a writer's ability to craft an emotionally resonant screenplay while adhering to structural guidelines.
  • McKee's teachings provide a comprehensive framework that balances emotional resonance with structural integrity in screenplay writing. By outlining clear narrative structures, such as the three-act format, he helps writers understand how to build tension and resolve conflicts effectively. This structured approach does not sacrifice emotional depth; instead, it enhances it by guiding characters through experiences that evoke genuine reactions from the audience. Ultimately, integrating McKee's principles allows writers to create screenplays that are both engaging and impactful.

Related terms

Screenplay: A written work that outlines the dialogue, actions, and overall narrative structure of a film, serving as a blueprint for production.

Three-Act Structure: A narrative framework commonly used in screenwriting that divides a story into three distinct sections: setup, confrontation, and resolution.

Inciting Incident: An event in a story that sets the main plot into motion and introduces the central conflict.