In a previous post we talked about Dan Harmon’s Story Circle. Below is the  “Circle” applied to the movie: Star Wars, A New Hope (1977)

Star Wars Story Circle

1. A Character’s Zone of Comfort or Familiarity.
   • For Leia, that is the opening scene, which isn’t roses and sunshine. She’s already deeply entrenched in the Rebellion on a Mission to Alderaan.
   • For Luke, he’s on Tatooine and not exactly happy with life on the desert planet being a “moisture farmer.”

2. They Desire/ Want Something .
   • Leia’s desire is to get the Death Star plans into the hands of the Rebellion to defeat the Empire
   • Luke’s desire is to fight the rebellion, leave Tatooine like all his friends have.
3. They Enter an Unfamiliar Situation
   • Luke’s Aunt and Uncle are murdered.
   • Leia is captured, Alderaan is destroyed by the Death Star
4. They Adapt to the Situation
   • Luke chooses to go with Obi-wan to save the princess
5. Character Gets what they wanted but…
   • Leia is rescued
6. They Pay a Heavy Price for it
   • Obi-Wan is killed by Vader
   • Their ship is being tracked, but hey HOPE to find a weakness in time
7. Returning to Their Familiar Situation
   • Luke Desires to help the Rebellion and ultimately destroys the Death Star.
8. New Normal – Changed as a result of the journey
   • Luke is no longer the farm boy from Tatooine. He is a Jedi, and now DESIRES to find the Jedi Master, Yoda for training.

The Three Act Outline

From this Basic “outline” you can flesh out the story. Understand that your wheel points will vary, and the transitions between each point will blend or mesh together. Applied to the 3 Act outline:

• Act 1: Points 1, 2 (~25%)
• Act 2: Points 3, 4, 5, 6 (~50% or more)
• Act 3: Points 7, 8 (~25% or less)

Story Circle: Scene-by-Scene

MOVIE: Star Wars IV: A New Hope (1977)

1. OPENING: Imperial Boarding Party
   1. R2’s Mission
   2. Vader Confronts the Princess
   3. Droids Lost in the Desert of Tattooine
   4. Land of the Jawas
   5. Droids For Sale
   6. In the Garage (mention of his desire — to leave Tatooine)
2. Lars Family Dinner (DESIRE / WANT)
   1. Binary Sunset Tattooine
   2. Attack of the Sand People
   3. Meeting Old Ben (Obi-Wan Kenobi)
   4. “Your Father’s Lightsaber”
   5. Leia’s Message (Amended WANT)
      – – –
3. The Death Star (UNFAMILIAR SITUATION)
   1. Torched Homestead / Death Aunt & Uncle
4. Luke’s Decision (ADAPT)
   1. Mos Eisley Spaceport
   2. The Cantina
   3. Han Solo
   4. Cornered by Greedo
   5. Death Star Destination
   6. Jabba the Hutt
   7. The Millennium Falcon
   8. Alderaan’s Fate
   9. Lightsaber Training
   10. “That’s No Moon…”
   11. Secret Compartment
   12. Planning the Escape
   13. Wookiee Prisoner
5. Rescuing the Princess (WANT ACHIEVED)
   1. Into the Garbage Chute
   2. The Trash Compactor
   3. The Walls Close In
   4. Deactivating the Tractor Beam
   5. Back to the Ship
6. Obi-Wan vs. Vader (PAY A HEAVY PRICE)
   1. The Fighter Attack
   2. “They Let Us Go”
   3. Arrival on Yavin 4
   4. Rebel Briefing
   5. Han’s Departure
   6. Luke and Biggs
      – – –
7. Assault on the Death Star
   1. Trench Runs
   2. “Use the Force, Luke”
8. A Hero’s Welcome
   1. Medal Ceremony

PERSONAL TIDBIT:

The original theatrical release of Star Wars in 1977, did not have a subtitle “A New Hope.” It was simply named: Star Wars. I suppose Lucas was waiting to see whether the audience would love or hate the movie. Well, we all know how that turned out.