Michael Hauge’s Six Stage Plot Structure for Screenplays

Inspired by Michael Hauge’s work, this plan is a variation of three-act structure and the Hero’s Journey. It is great for character-focussed stories as it considers the inner journey as well as external goals. Over the course of six stages and five turning points, a character will stop living in fear and instead live courageously.

To read more about Michael Hauge’s books and seminars visit storymastery.com.

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Act 1

Inner journey stage 1: Character living fully within identity

Outer journey stage 1: The set-up

Turning point 1: Opportunity

Inner journey stage 2: The character glimpses his destiny, it’s a glimpse of living life in ‘essence’

Outer journey stage 2: New Situation

Turning point 2: Change of Plans

Act 2

Inner journey Stage 3: Moving towards Essence without leaving identity

Outer journey stage 3: Progress

Turning Point 3: Point of No Return

Inner journey Stage 4: Fully committed to Essence but growing Fear

Outer journey stage 4: Complications and Higher Stakes

Turning Point 4: Major Setback

Act 3

Inner journey Stage 5: Living one’s Truth with everything to lose

Outer journey stage 5: Final push

Turning Point 5: Climax

Inner journey Stage 6: The Journey complete, Destiny achieved

Outer journey stage 6: Aftermath

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