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DRAFT ZERO

DZ-119: Final Character Choices & Great Endings

How do you dramatise a protagonist's internal journey through their final decision?

⏱ 1h 52m
Character · Structure · Theme | 18 JUN 2025

Show Notes

In this episode, Stu and Chas focus solely on the final choices made by protagonists and how that reflects their character journey and successfully, or not, dramatises the internal.

We compare and contrast different uses of narrative POV in respect to these final choices. And in particular whether and when the audience is made aware of the options available to the character, the act of making the choice, and the consequences of the choice.

We breakdown examples from DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES, FINDING NEMO, MICHAEL CLAYTON, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN and TALK TO ME.

"The main reason we’re looking at final choices and hero’s choices is… that they should dramatize the entire character’s journey."

Chas Fisher  |  DZ-119: Final Character Choices & Great Endings

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Thanks to our Patrons, especially Lily, Paulo, Alexandre, Malay, Jennifer, Thomas, Randy, Jesse, Sandra, Theis and Khrob.

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes.


Chapters

  • 00:00:00 – Opening
  • 00:00:18 – Why Final Choices?
  • 00:10:45 – DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
  • 00:19:09 – FINDING NEMO
  • 00:28:45 – MICHAEL CLAYTON
  • 00:53:11 – PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN
  • 01:16:38 – TALK TO ME
  • 01:41:45 – Key Learnings
  • 01:50:13 – Thanks awesome patreons!

Scripts


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We are @stuwillis, @mehlsbells and @chasffisher on Twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter.