Give each speaker an action
See this course’s project requirements
An original 3–5-minute script with contrasting objectives, playable actions, purposeful dialogue, economical stage directions and a solo table-read revision.
Keep your working files in your own notebook or software. Save a private description, checklist, and work link in My Proof.
What to include
- Write a complete original two-person scene with beginning, turn and consequence.
- Show two objectives and at least two tactics.
- Supply essential setting/prop directions with consistent continuity.
- Include a turning-point revision and actual solo-review method.
Review and revise
Use these criteria to check your work and choose what to improve.
- Action: dialogue pursues concrete objectives.
- Structure: new evidence/actions cause the central turn.
- Playability: props and visible directions are coherent.
- Revision: review claims and before/after changes are traceable.
Want more background?
The idea in everyday life
An objective can remain stable while the tactic changes. Asking, bargaining and challenging produce different exchanges. Write an action verb beside each line, then test whether the response makes the speaker change approach. Do not label every line “say” or invent hidden feelings as instructions to actors.
A tactic changes how the character pursues the same want.
Give each speaker an action — worked practice
A tactic changes how the character pursues the same want.
Original beat: DEV: “Could you hold the box open?” [asks] ROWAN: “It needs to close.” [refuses] DEV: “Two minutes, and I fold both tables.” [bargains] ROWAN: “You said that ten minutes ago.” [challenges] Dev still wants time, but the method shifts after refusal. A flat version repeating “Please wait” three times shows no tactical development unless repetition itself is a deliberate consequential tactic.
1. 2.1 Give
Annotate the four supplied lines with verbs describing what each speaker does to the other. Distinguish an objective from the immediate tactic.
You should see: Asks/refuses/bargains/challenges name actions.
2. 2.2 Give
Continue with four new lines in which one tactic fails and the speaker tries another. Let the other character’s actual response cause the shift.
You should see: The response leads to a changed tactic.
3. 2.3 Give
Read the sequence with pauses or examine it silently. Remove one repeated line that adds no action and retain a repetition only if it increases pressure deliberately.
You should see: Each retained line has a consequence or deliberate pressure.
4. 2.4 Give
Change Rowan’s response to an offer of help. Rewrite Dev’s next tactic so it responds to help rather than ignoring the new input.
You should see: An offer of help creates a different next action.
What to finish
An annotated eight-line tactical exchange and revised response.
Watch for this
Assigning a new label while the dialogue performs exactly the same action.
How can I tell I understand it?
You can show where and why a speaker changes tactics.
Quick knowledge check
Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson completes automatically.
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Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.
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Source & access notes · checked 2026-10-01
Opened and read the one-page primary teaching document on objectives, opposing goals, tactics and urgency. The LifeStarter scene is original and uses a different bounded assignment.
Access: Public page text or PDF was opened and read through the web reader on 2026-10-01; no signup required for reading.
Reuse: Linked for further study. All LifeStarter scenarios, samples, assets and assessments are original; no source exercises or artwork are copied.
Source & access notes · checked 2026-10-01
Read the scene arc, dialogue, revision and process teaching description; no class participation or outside performance required here.
Access: Public page text or PDF was opened and read through the web reader on 2026-10-01; no signup required for reading.
Reuse: Linked for further study. All LifeStarter scenarios, samples, assets and assessments are original; no source exercises or artwork are copied.
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