We writers are a pretty nerdy bunch. (We wear it as a badge of honor). So if you’re not a writer, you may want to look away now.
If you’re still here, let me tell you that this cartoon made me laugh out loud. I have spent a lot of time reading books on how to construct compelling plots. There are certain points you need to hit: the beginning is a snapshot of regular life, then the “inciting incident” happens (In E.T., Elliot goes out and sees E.T., in Saving Private Ryan, a general decides a unit should be sent to go find Private Ryan), then a bunch of obstacles, a sidekick, usually, a mentor (or mentors), maybe a love interest thrown in for good measure, low points, moments when all seems lost, a climax, a resolution of the conflict. The End.
Turns out maybe I’m just ruining all the fun.
