Story: Style, Structure, Substance, and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee

Style, Structure, Substance, and the Principles of Screenwriting is a comprehensive guide on the art of screenwriting from renowned writer, Robert McKee. This influential book brings together a variety of elements to help create and develop successful screenplays.

McKee begins by discussing the elements of technique, the craft, and the art of writing. The debut of the book starts out by stressing the importance of story. McKee states that the primary force behind any successful screenplay is a story worth telling. After writing a story, it is important that the writer hone their writing style, aiming for concision and clear composition. Then McKee goes into the anatomy of story structure, the greatest weapon in a screenwriter's arsenal. Structure must be used, according to McKee, to allow the audience to effortlessly experience the story at hand.

McKee believes all great stories are built on the foundation of character. He explains how characters are the drivers, guides, and musicians of story, and role they play must be a deep and appropriate one. His advice to writers is to always begin with a functional question: why wasn't this character able to achieve their goals? McKee discusses how to create the deepest and most emotionally connecting characters. He also dives into creating a story world by emphasizing the importance of the environment and tone of the story.

McKee then dives into the principles of dialogue. His advice to writers is to create dialogue that serves their characters and drives the story forward. Dialogue should always be sharp and cutting, increasing tension and providing emotional and intellectual truths. McKee also goes in-depth about obstacles, breaks, and emotional turns, as he believes these are the integral foundations of screenwriting.

McKee talks about the elements of spectacle and duration too, noting the importance of taking the time to flesh out the nuances of the screenplay. He believes that the art of screenwriting lies in visual images, and that each moment of a story should be crafted to be the most effective and powerful. McKee also covers conflicts, suspense, the rhythm of action, the drama of sound, and the power of the audience's imagination.

He wraps up the book by summarizing the principles of screenwriting. He emphasizes how to craft stories with soul and depth, and how to make every single element of a screenplay worked in harmony. He encourages seeking perfection in a screenplay and demands that a writer must always work smart and hard.

Robert McKee's Style, Structure, Substance, and the Principles of Screenwriting is a comprehensive and enlightening guide on the art of screenwriting. His advice is valuable and scholarly, and his insights on story, structure, character, and dialogue are practical and easy to understand. This book is perfect for new or experienced screenwriters looking to brush up on the basics of screenwriting and for those looking for tips and tricks to strengthen their scripts.