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Index
Introduction
Part I: The Three Key Characteristics of the Trough of Hell
Key Characteristic #1: It’s Painful
Physical Pain
Emotional Pain
Psychological Pain
Psychic Pain
Rate of Infliction
Key Characteristic #2: It’s Emotionally Wrenching
Emotional Amplification Technique #1: Demonstrate the Value
Emotional Amplification Technique #2: Delineate the Contrast
Emotional Amplification Technique #3: Depict the Aggregate
Key Characteristic #3: It’s Paradoxical
Paradox Type #1: Unfettered Growth
Paradox Type #2: Relationships of Substance
Paradox Type #3: Acquisition of Knowledge
Paradox Type #4: Exit Strategy
Exceptions
Part II: The Seven Common Trough Types
Trough Type #1: Hero Unmasked
Maintaining Dramatic Tension
Maintaining Likeability
Maintaining Credibility
Trough Type #2: Capture
The Escape Hatch
Trough Type #3: Death
The Resurrection Device
SIDEBAR: Deus Ex Machina
Trough Type #4: Banishment
Trough Type #5: Social Alienation
Betrayal Variant #1: Unwillingness to Commit
Betrayal Variant #2: Choosing Work over Love
Betrayal Variant #3: Engaging in Large-Scale Deception
Betrayal Variant #4: Inviting an Interloper
Betrayal Variant #5: Violating Unwritten Rules
Trough Type #6: The Vanishing Ally
Monster, Mummy, and Matrix Bait
The Bait and Switch
The Secret Sauce to Turning Friends into Foes
Trough Type #7: Stonewalling
Choosing the Perfect Trough
Advanced Trough Techniques
Advanced Trough Technique #1: Get Psychic
Advanced Trough Technique #2: Purposeful Misdirection
Advanced Trough Technique #3: Pain Comes in Pairs
Advanced Trough Technique #4: Create a Nexus
Advanced Trough Technique #5: Divide and Conquer
Advanced Trough Technique #6: Mix and Match
Part III: The Aftermath
5 Ways to Show (Rather than Tell) Your Hero’s in Distress
The Post-Trough Realization
Part IV: Parameters and Guidelines
Timing
Duration
Pacing
Genre Specifics
Thrillers and Action Movies
Comedies
Romantic Comedies
Part V: In-Depth Case Studies
SHERLOCK HOLMES 2: GAME OF SHADOWS
BRIDESMAIDS
ABOUT A BOY
MONSTERS, INC.
OCEAN’S 11 (2001)
A FEW GOOD MEN
LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
BRAVEHEART
Conclusion: The Importance of Being Earnest
Your Free Gift
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