In the world of independent filmmaking, screenwriting, or acting one of the most common pitfalls is misunderstanding the core of what makes a story. So many projects falter, not because the talent isn’t there, but because the structure is weak. Glenn Gers, a seasoned screenwriter known for films like Fracture and Disfigured, gives us a simple, powerful framework that any storyteller should use to build a narrative that grips the audience.
The Heart of Every Story: A Character in Motion
At its most basic, a story is about a character trying to accomplish something. Think about Isaac Newton’s laws of motion: an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force. Gers draws an interesting comparison between this concept and character development in storytelling. Your character is like a billiard ball—once they start moving in pursuit of their goal, something will inevitably get in the way.
The magic of storytelling comes from these moments of collision—whether they’re physical obstacles, emotional struggles, or other characters getting in the way. The protagonist wants something, and something else (or someone) is either helping or hindering them.
As Gers explains, every character in your story sees themselves as the protagonist. This is crucial for writers and actors alike to understand. If you’re writing or performing a secondary character, even if they’re the hotel clerk serving your hero, that clerk should still see themselves as the centre of their world. They aren’t just a plot device; they are a fully-fledged human with their own goals. Understanding this keeps your storytelling grounded and your characters realistic.
The Six Essential Questions
In Gers’ own words, storytelling is all about answering questions. His go-to list of six essential questions has helped him craft scripts that have succeeded in both feature films and television. These questions break down the DNA of any story, and if you can’t answer them, you’re likely missing a fundamental piece of your narrative:
- Who is it about?
- Who is the character we are following? If you can’t identify a clear protagonist (or protagonists), your story may lack focus.
- What do they want?
- What is their driving desire or goal? Every character must strive for something, whether it’s as simple as putting a suitcase on a train or as complex as finding love.
- Why can’t they get it?
- This is where the tension lies. Obstacles are the essence of drama. The harder it is to achieve a goal, the more gripping the story becomes.
- What do they do about it?
- How does your character respond to these obstacles? This informs their journey and creates the meat of your narrative.
- Why doesn’t that work?
- Conflict is key. If the character’s first attempt to overcome an obstacle succeeds easily, your story is over. They need to fail—or at least face setbacks—before they can find their final solution.
- How does it end?
- The resolution. Does your character achieve their goal or not? Either outcome is valid, but the journey must feel complete.
From Concept to Scene: Why Questions Are Vital
When writing a script, especially as an independent filmmaker, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to fit your work into a specific structure—whether it’s the traditional three-act framework or some other narrative formula. Gers encourages writers to move away from that rigidity. Writing, in its purest form, is about asking questions and letting the answers guide you organically from one scene to the next.
For example, if your story is about a plumber (Who is it about?), ask yourself: What does he want? Perhaps he’s trying to fix a leak in a high-rise apartment building. Then ask: Why can’t he get it? Maybe the building’s electricity keeps shorting out, complicating his work. From there, ask yourself what he does in response. These questions naturally lead you deeper into the character’s psyche and help you develop your scenes with a purpose.
Crafting a Writing Process That Works for You
Gers’ insights go beyond just story structure—he also addresses the importance of finding a writing process that suits your individual rhythm. Too many writers fall into the trap of trying to force themselves into a routine that doesn’t work for them. Whether you write in short bursts or marathon sessions, what matters is understanding what makes your creativity flow.
Gers shares a personal anecdote about how he used to push himself too hard, writing beyond the point where he was still producing quality work. In the end, he discovered that writing in shorter, focused sessions actually made him more productive. It took time, trial, and error to arrive at this method, but the key takeaway is to be honest with yourself. Not every process will suit every writer, and that’s okay.
Learn by Doing: Get It on the Page
Gers is a strong advocate for just getting the words out, even if they aren’t perfect. His example of writing a placeholder line like “This is the scene where he comes home and is miserable” is brilliant advice. By putting something—anything—on the page, you’re giving yourself a foundation to build on. Writing is an iterative process, and that first rough draft doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to exist.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Questions
Storytelling, at its core, is a process of exploration. Whether you’re a screenwriter, director, or actor, understanding the six essential questions will strengthen your craft. Each time you sit down to write or develop a scene, ask yourself: Who is this about? What do they want? and so on. By constantly interrogating your story, you ensure that every scene is moving your characters forward in a meaningful way.
To all the independent filmmakers and writers out there, remember: if you can answer these six questions, you have the foundation of a compelling story. And if you can’t, maybe it’s time to dig deeper into your narrative and find out what’s missing.