DARA MARKS

The Wholly Triad and the Transformational Arc

Wholly Triad

The “A” story shows us the problem in the outer world that can only be solved if…

There is a shift of consciousness in the protagonist in the “B” story, which represents the inner world.

That shift of consciousness primarily occurs in relationship to someone or something in the “C” story.

And it is then through the relationship that the problem in the “A” story is resolved.

Wholly Triad

In Casablanca, the conflict of the “A”Story—Laszlo needs Rick’s help to escape the Nazis—can only be achieved…

If the conflict of the “B” story—Rick connects with others—is resolved…

Through the conflict of the “C” story—Rick learns to love unconditionally. Rick learns to love unconditionally through his reunion with Ilsa in the “C” story…

And this change deepens his connection to others, which motivates him to help Laszlo escape.

In Finding Nemo, the conflict of the “A”Story—Marlin needs to find Nemo—can only be achieved…

If the conflict of the “B” story—Marlin learns to trust —is resolved…

Through the conflict of the “C” story—Marlin learns to let go. Rick learns to let go through his interaction with Dory in the “C” story…

And this change allows him to trust others and let go, which allows him to find Nemo.

Marlin needs to find Nemo

Marlin trusts others

Marlin learns to let go

Finding Nemo – Transformational Arc

Inciting Incident – Nemo swims out to the boat Call to Action – Diver takes Nemo Defining Moment – “You think you can do these things, but you can’t.” Awakening – 1st Turning Point – Defeats deep sea fish / Sydney Push to breaking point – Jellyfish Forest Midpoint – Marlin wakes up with turtles and realizes he was wrong Grace – Riding the current Fall – Swallowed by the whale Death Experience – 2nd Turning Point – Whale – Marlin has to let go Descent – Nemo is dead Transformational Moment – Marlin decides to let Nemo go Climax – Marlin cheers Nemo, and Nemo saves Dorly Resolution – Marlin “finds” Nemo literally and, more significantly,

emotionally—better father/son relationship