Introduction
In the world of storytelling, one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is the simple yet profound “What if?” question. These questions serve as the gateway to endless possibilities, pushing the boundaries of your creativity and helping you explore uncharted territories in your script. Whether you’re developing a new idea or trying to solve a plot problem, “What if?” can unlock the door to new dimensions in your story. Let’s dive into the power of “What if” questions and how they can elevate your storytelling.
1. Exploring Possibilities & Unlocking Creativity
At its core, the “What if?” question is designed to open up new avenues for exploration. It encourages you to think beyond the conventional, take risks, and challenge the status quo of your story. When you’re unsure where to take your narrative next, asking a “What if?” question can help you move past creative blocks and spark fresh ideas.
For example:
- What if a character who’s been good all their life suddenly commits a crime?
- What if a tragedy leads to a character finding a new sense of purpose?
- What if the protagonist learns something unexpected about their past that changes everything?
By simply asking these questions, you expand the boundaries of what’s possible in your story, giving yourself permission to explore different directions and angles.
2. Shifting the Story’s Direction
Sometimes, your story may feel stuck or predictable. A common issue writers face is that they can’t seem to break free from a stagnant plot. This is where “What if?” questions shine. By posing a “What if?” scenario, you can pivot your plot in an entirely new direction.
For example:
- What if the villain isn’t actually the villain, but a misunderstood character with a tragic backstory?
- What if the protagonist’s greatest strength turns out to be their biggest flaw?
These kinds of questions force you to reimagine what’s possible within your world and can push the narrative toward unexpected outcomes. It can create plot twists or character developments that surprise both you and your audience, making the story more engaging.
3. Deepening Character Development
Characters are at the heart of every good story, and “What if?” questions can be incredibly useful when developing or deepening your characters. These questions prompt you to explore your character’s internal conflicts, motivations, and challenges in new ways. You might discover hidden layers or untapped potential within your characters.
For example:
- What if my protagonist had a deep secret they’ve been hiding for years?
- What if my antagonist was forced to collaborate with the protagonist for a common goal?
- What if my character was given a second chance to right a past wrong?
These “What if?” questions lead you to delve deeper into your character’s psyche and circumstances, revealing complexities that add depth to your story and create more compelling, multifaceted characters.
4. Exploring Themes and Symbolism
“What if?” questions aren’t just for plot and character; they’re also a great tool for exploring the themes and symbolism of your story. Whether you want to explore themes of love, identity, loss, or morality, these questions can help you examine how these ideas can manifest in different ways.
For example:
- What if love was considered a crime in this world?
- What if time travel had dire consequences on human existence?
- What if nature had its own consciousness, and humans were its unwitting antagonists?
By examining your themes through these questions, you can create a story that feels richer and more thought-provoking. It helps you explore different layers of meaning and can lead to deeper, more symbolic storytelling.
5. Finding Unique Plot Ideas
One of the most significant advantages of asking “What if?” is that it can lead to unique and original plot ideas. Often, the best stories are those that feel fresh and distinct, and posing the right questions can help you find your narrative’s unique angle.
For example:
- What if a person wakes up in a completely different body every day?
- What if an entire civilization is secretly living in an underground world, and their existence is uncovered by accident?
- What if a group of strangers finds themselves trapped in a mysterious location, but none of them remembers how they got there?
By using “What if?” you can uncover plot premises that might not have been obvious at first but have the potential to hook your audience and leave them intrigued from the first frame.
6. Fostering Conflict and Tension
Conflict is the backbone of any good story. The tension between characters, the external forces pushing against the protagonist, and the obstacles they must overcome all stem from conflict. “What if?” questions can help you craft these moments of friction by presenting your characters with dilemmas or obstacles they have to navigate.
For example:
- What if two characters who once loved each other are now on opposite sides of a war?
- What if the protagonist is forced to choose between saving their family or the world?
- What if the hero loses their powers and has to face the antagonist without them?
These “What if?” scenarios build the foundation for dramatic conflict and help maintain the tension that keeps your audience engaged throughout the story.
7. Exploring "What If" as a Thematic Device
Another compelling use of “What if?” questions is to embed them as a central theme in your script. These questions can act as an exploration of hypothetical situations that push your characters to confront their choices, fears, and dreams. As the story progresses, the “What if?” question can act as a touchstone, guiding both the plot and the character arcs.
For example:
- What if you could see the future—would you change your actions, or accept fate?
- What if you could live forever—how would you spend your time?
- What if everyone could hear your thoughts—how would that change the way you interact with others?
By using “What if?” in this way, you can create a philosophical or existential undertone that challenges your characters (and audience) to think deeply about the world and their place in it.
8. How to Use "What If?" Questions in Your Writing Process
To incorporate “What if?” into your writing process:
- Brainstorm: Write down a series of “What if?” questions based on your current script or new ideas. Let your mind wander and ask questions freely. The goal is to expand possibilities and free yourself from constraints.
- Ask During Different Stages: Pose these questions during early stages of story development to find direction, or ask them mid-process when you’re seeking ways to improve your script.
- Push the Boundaries: Don’t be afraid to ask questions that seem outrageous or far-fetched. The more extreme or unusual your “What if?” questions, the more unique your story will become.
- Use Them for Rewriting: If your script feels predictable or stagnant, revisit your “What if?” questions to discover new angles or surprising twists.
Conclusion
The “What if?” question is a key tool in the development of any story. It invites exploration, sparks creativity, and offers endless potential for plot twists, character depth, and emotional resonance. By asking “What if?” throughout your scriptwriting process, you can break free from writer’s block, develop engaging characters, and create a narrative that feels both original and thought-provoking. So the next time you’re stuck, ask yourself: What if?