Setting Obstacles in Scriptwriting

Setting Obstacles in Scriptwriting: Crafting Challenges That Drive Your Story

Every great story has one thing in common: conflict. Whether big or small, conflicts mirror the challenges we face in everyday life. They push us out of our comfort zones, force us to make tough decisions, and help us grow in the process. In storytelling, setting obstacles in scriptwriting serves a similar purpose—guiding your hero through a journey filled with increasing stakes, emotional depth, and surprising twists.

Obstacles are the driving force of any script. They challenge your characters, create tension, and propel the story forward. For marketers creating commercials or brand films, setting obstacles is just as relevant. Even in short scripts, obstacles can engage viewers and highlight how a product or service can solve a problem. Let’s explore how to craft compelling obstacles that keep your audience hooked.

The Role of Obstacles in Storytelling

At the heart of any story lies a hero on a journey. But what makes that journey interesting? The obstacles they encounter along the way. Setting obstacles in scriptwriting is about more than just throwing random challenges in your hero’s path. Each obstacle should be carefully designed to test your character, reveal their inner struggles, and deepen their arc.

Escalating Conflict

Obstacles should build in intensity, starting small and growing as the story progresses. Early in the story, a hero might face minor inconveniences, like navigating a misunderstanding or overcoming self-doubt. As the plot unfolds, the stakes should rise. These obstacles might evolve into life-changing decisions, physical confrontations, or emotional reckonings.

Spinning the Story

Obstacles should also introduce twists that change the direction of the story. When your hero believes they’re close to a solution, an unexpected complication can create fresh conflict. These moments keep the audience engaged, adding unpredictability and depth to the narrative.

Setting Obstacles in Scriptwriting: Questions to Ask

Crafting meaningful obstacles starts with knowing your characters. The better you understand your hero, the easier it is to create challenges that feel personal and impactful. Ask yourself:

• What is your hero afraid of?
• Are there parts of themselves they’ve been avoiding or suppressing?
• What must your hero face to grow as a person?

For example, if your hero is afraid of failure, consider an obstacle that forces them to confront their fear head-on. If they’ve been avoiding emotional vulnerability, introduce a challenge that makes them open up. These obstacles not only drive the plot but also contribute to the character’s development.

Obstacles in Marketing Scripts: Making the Connection

In marketing scripts, obstacles are just as important as they are in feature films. They create tension and set the stage for your product or service to shine as the solution. For instance, a commercial might depict a character struggling with a problem—be it an overflowing schedule, a lack of resources, or a frustrating inefficiency. The solution? Your product. By setting obstacles in scriptwriting, even in a marketing context, you can craft compelling narratives that resonate with viewers.

Designing Meaningful Obstacles

Not all obstacles are created equal. To make your story impactful, the obstacles you set must feel authentic and significant. Here are a few tips for creating challenges that resonate.

Make Obstacles Personal

The most powerful obstacles are the ones that hit close to home. Think about what would truly shake your hero. For instance, an ambitious character might face an obstacle that threatens their career. A character who values independence might be forced to rely on others. By tailoring obstacles to your character’s deepest fears and desires, you create moments that feel real and relatable.

Tie Obstacles to Adversaries

In many stories, adversaries are the source of obstacles. These could be physical enemies, competing forces, or even internal struggles. The key is to make these obstacles a natural extension of the adversary’s goals. For example, if your villain is trying to undermine the hero’s confidence, the obstacles they create might involve public failures or manipulated misunderstandings. This approach makes the story feel cohesive and the conflict more organic.

Raise the Stakes with Each Obstacle

Every obstacle should escalate the tension and stakes of the story. Start with small challenges and build up to life-altering decisions or climactic confrontations. This steady progression keeps the audience engaged, as they witness the hero grow stronger and more determined with each challenge.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Setting Obstacles

While setting obstacles in scriptwriting is essential, there are some pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to avoid them and keep your story on track.

Avoid Predictable Obstacles

If the audience can see every obstacle coming, the story loses its impact. Avoid overused tropes or overly simplistic challenges. Instead, look for creative ways to surprise your audience. For example, instead of a standard physical challenge, consider an emotional or ethical dilemma that forces the hero to rethink their beliefs.

Keep Obstacles Relevant

Every obstacle should serve the story. If a challenge feels disconnected from the plot or the character’s journey, it can confuse the audience or slow the pacing. Before adding an obstacle, ask yourself: Does this challenge move the story forward? Does it reveal something new about the character?

Balance Obstacles with Resolution

While obstacles are crucial, they need to be balanced with moments of resolution. After each challenge, give the audience a moment to see how the hero grows or adapts. This rhythm of conflict and resolution keeps the story dynamic and satisfying.

Final Thoughts: The Art of Setting Obstacles in Scriptwriting

Setting obstacles in scriptwriting is about more than just adding challenges—it’s about creating moments that define your hero’s journey. By designing obstacles that are personal, escalating, and tied to the story’s core conflicts, you can craft a narrative that feels authentic and engaging.

For marketers, these same principles apply. Whether you’re writing a commercial, an explainer video, or a brand film, obstacles can add tension and make your story more compelling. By showing how your product or service solves these challenges, you create a narrative that resonates with your audience and highlights your brand’s value.

Ultimately, well-crafted obstacles make scripts unforgettable. They test your characters, surprise your audience, and drive your story forward. Embrace the art of setting obstacles, and watch your script transform into a gripping, dynamic journey.