Lecture Notes: Story Circle and The Dark Knight

Introduction

• Creative loops in storytelling often lead to unfinished scripts.
• Dan Harmon created a storytelling guide called "the story circle."
• This lecture breaks down "The Dark Knight" into eight steps using the story circle.

The Story Circle

1. You (Protagonist)
   • Identify the protagonist and their status quo.
   • Example: Bruce Wayne in "The Dark Knight" who fights crime.
2. Need
   • Introduce a need for the protagonist, which begins their story.
   • "The Dark Knight": External need – Batman's limits; Internal need – Bruce wants to be with Rachel.
3. Go
   • The protagonist enters the chaos realm.
   • Bruce Wayne seeks a replacement in Harvey Dent.
   • Harvey needs to capture Lau to retire Batman and be with Rachel.
4. Search
   • Obstacles arise preventing the protagonist from achieving their need.
   • The Joker disrupts Gotham, leading to a new crime wave.
5. Find
   • The protagonist finds their need but faces unexpected challenges.
   • Bruce attempts to reveal Batman's identity but is foiled.
6. Take
   • The protagonist must take what they want but at a cost.
   • Batman captures the Joker but loses Rachel.
   • Push the antagonist to their limits.
7. Return
   • The protagonist returns altered by their experiences.
   • Bruce Wayne is forced to remain Batman.
   • Harvey Dent becomes Two-Face.
8. Change
   • The protagonist undergoes a visual change through a final showdown.
   • Batman takes blame for Harvey's crimes to preserve his heroism.
   • The hero returns to the start, but transformed.

Conclusion

• The story circle helps resolve creative loops in scriptwriting.
• Resources are available: downloadable story circle worksheet and more via StudioBinder.
• "The Dark Knight" exemplifies effective use of the story circle, showcasing character growth and change.

Resources

• Free story circle worksheet available via description link.
• StudioBinder for storytelling resources and videos.