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The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take
Eric Edson has developed a new tool for bringing depth and passion to any screenplay - the ""23 Steps All Great Heroes Must Take."" It's an easy to understand paradigm that provides writers and filmmakers the interconnecting, powerful storytelling elements they need. With true insight, a master teacher of screenwriting pinpoints the story structure reasons most new spec scripts don't sell; then uses scores of examples from popular hit movies to present, step by step, his revolutionary Hero Goal Sequences blueprint for writing blockbuster movies.
330 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
125 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 29, 2012
The first red flag was Chapter Titles With Trademarks(R)
This is another attempt to re-brand ( and trademark ) the work of Joseph Campbell. Do yourself a favour and read the original instead: Joseph Campbell's The hero with a thousand faces. If you need a workbook, get Vogler's The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. But only after you've read Campbell. And re-read Campbell. A lot.
One of the most irritating things about this book was the author's insistence on referring to Joseph Campbell as "Professor Campbell", as if using the honorific enough makes it okay to plagiarise his work with a thesaurus.
Syd Field should also receive a cut of the royalties.
This is another attempt to re-brand ( and trademark ) the work of Joseph Campbell. Do yourself a favour and read the original instead: Joseph Campbell's The hero with a thousand faces. If you need a workbook, get Vogler's The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. But only after you've read Campbell. And re-read Campbell. A lot.
One of the most irritating things about this book was the author's insistence on referring to Joseph Campbell as "Professor Campbell", as if using the honorific enough makes it okay to plagiarise his work with a thesaurus.
Syd Field should also receive a cut of the royalties.
February 15, 2023
This book was a fantastic listen during my daily commute.
The book argues that successful western movies (and by extension stories) tend to follow 23 Hero Action Goals along the classic 3 act structure.
The author very smartly uses examples from As Good As It Gets, Scarface, and other films to showcase each hero.
My favorite part was the summaries at the end of the chapters. I wrote notes while re-listening to the summaries.
The framework of this book is helping me outline my next novel 🤩
The book argues that successful western movies (and by extension stories) tend to follow 23 Hero Action Goals along the classic 3 act structure.
The author very smartly uses examples from As Good As It Gets, Scarface, and other films to showcase each hero.
My favorite part was the summaries at the end of the chapters. I wrote notes while re-listening to the summaries.
The framework of this book is helping me outline my next novel 🤩
December 29, 2017
This is one of the best screenwriting books I've read yet. Edson's Hero Goal Sequence model is intriguing and cogent. Be forewarned that while Edson attempts to overlay three-act structure with Hero Goal Sequences, Edson's model of three-act structure significantly differs from the traditional paradigm (notably where Act 2 breaks into 3).
August 22, 2025
I watched the YouTube video of his lecture on this, and decided to try the book to answer my last remaining questions. He answered them thoroughly.
This book is an excellent and very clear explanation on a method of compelling scriptwriting. I'm actually using this to help me with video game script writing, so it doesn't all overlap perfectly, but it's extremely helpful all the same. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, Mr Edson!!!
This book is an excellent and very clear explanation on a method of compelling scriptwriting. I'm actually using this to help me with video game script writing, so it doesn't all overlap perfectly, but it's extremely helpful all the same. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, Mr Edson!!!
May 5, 2014
Good primer that I used as part of an independent study I taught in the spring of 2014. The tips in here could lead to formulaic work, if not careful, but its definitely worth a read (and it's suggested techniques worth a try).
December 26, 2023
لازم به ذکر است که بگویم در تمام مدتی که
میخواندم و مینوشتم و یاد میگرفتم
و اصول و قواعد فیلمنامهنویسی و داستان نویسی
را در سناریوها و رمانهایم تا جایی که ذهنم مرا یاری میداد و به کار میگرفتم، هیچ کتابی مثل این کتاب آموزشی، مرا تحت تاثیر خود قرار نداد!
از صمیم قلب برای مولف این کتاب آقای «اریک ادسون»
و مترجمش آقای ««محمد گذرآبادی» برای نوشتن و ترجمه سپاسگزارم چرا که بسیار آموختم و چشمانم به دنیای سناریونویسی و داستاننویسی به گونهای دیگر باز شد!
(متاسفانه تاکنون و تا این لحظه بنا به دلایلی هنوز هیچ کدام از سناریوهای من تبدیل به فیلم سینمایی و یا سریال نشدهاند.)
بزرگانی همچون مایکل هیگ مشاور فیلمنامه در هالیوود نویسنده دو کتاب نوشتن فیلمنامه به فروش و فروختن فیلمنامه در ۶۰ ثانیه_
مایکل پر تزیان نایب رئیس آژانس ویلیام موریس
استیو وایت رئیس فیچر فیلمز
جسیکا دیویس استین رمان نویس: رویای کایوت
جان استال استاد دانشگاه و رئیس دپارتمان سینما و تلویزیون در دانشگاه ایالتی کالیفرنیا
مایکل وایز، کارگردان، تهیه کننده، ناشر
تام ریکمن، فیلمنامه نویس نامزد جایزه اسکار_
نامزد جایزه امی
اریکا بیرن، فیلمنامهنویس
استیفن وی، استاد فیلمنامه نویسی مولف کتابهای نویسندگی ژانر و راهنمای موفقیت در فیلمنامه نویسی_ نویسندگی برای سینما و تلویزیون
و دهها شخص دیگر از بزرگان دنیای سینما و ادبیات از اریک ادسون برای نوشتن این کتاب تشکر کرده و تحسین و حیرت خودشان را در چند خط در وصف این کتاب ابراز کردهاند، که نام بردن تک تک این افراد شاید در ده خط دیگر هم به اتمام نمیرسید.
برای کسانی که علاقمند به فیلمنامهنویسی و داستاننویسی هستند
این کتاب به شدت توصیه میشود.
۲۰۲۳/۱۲/۲۷
۱۴۰۲/۱۰/۶
ناصر سلیم (بارزانی)
میخواندم و مینوشتم و یاد میگرفتم
و اصول و قواعد فیلمنامهنویسی و داستان نویسی
را در سناریوها و رمانهایم تا جایی که ذهنم مرا یاری میداد و به کار میگرفتم، هیچ کتابی مثل این کتاب آموزشی، مرا تحت تاثیر خود قرار نداد!
از صمیم قلب برای مولف این کتاب آقای «اریک ادسون»
و مترجمش آقای ««محمد گذرآبادی» برای نوشتن و ترجمه سپاسگزارم چرا که بسیار آموختم و چشمانم به دنیای سناریونویسی و داستاننویسی به گونهای دیگر باز شد!
(متاسفانه تاکنون و تا این لحظه بنا به دلایلی هنوز هیچ کدام از سناریوهای من تبدیل به فیلم سینمایی و یا سریال نشدهاند.)
بزرگانی همچون مایکل هیگ مشاور فیلمنامه در هالیوود نویسنده دو کتاب نوشتن فیلمنامه به فروش و فروختن فیلمنامه در ۶۰ ثانیه_
مایکل پر تزیان نایب رئیس آژانس ویلیام موریس
استیو وایت رئیس فیچر فیلمز
جسیکا دیویس استین رمان نویس: رویای کایوت
جان استال استاد دانشگاه و رئیس دپارتمان سینما و تلویزیون در دانشگاه ایالتی کالیفرنیا
مایکل وایز، کارگردان، تهیه کننده، ناشر
تام ریکمن، فیلمنامه نویس نامزد جایزه اسکار_
نامزد جایزه امی
اریکا بیرن، فیلمنامهنویس
استیفن وی، استاد فیلمنامه نویسی مولف کتابهای نویسندگی ژانر و راهنمای موفقیت در فیلمنامه نویسی_ نویسندگی برای سینما و تلویزیون
و دهها شخص دیگر از بزرگان دنیای سینما و ادبیات از اریک ادسون برای نوشتن این کتاب تشکر کرده و تحسین و حیرت خودشان را در چند خط در وصف این کتاب ابراز کردهاند، که نام بردن تک تک این افراد شاید در ده خط دیگر هم به اتمام نمیرسید.
برای کسانی که علاقمند به فیلمنامهنویسی و داستاننویسی هستند
این کتاب به شدت توصیه میشود.
۲۰۲۳/۱۲/۲۷
۱۴۰۲/۱۰/۶
ناصر سلیم (بارزانی)
May 24, 2024
I had the privilege of learning directly from Eric Edson, the author of The Story Solution, during my Master's in Screenwriting at Cal State Northridge. The concepts presented in class can be found in his book, The Story Solution, which delivers a fresh perspective on effectively constructing a compelling story.
Edson states, “if you choose to work in this magical medium of storytelling, for the screen or for the printed page, you can save years of trial and error in the pursuit of strong plotting craft by applying the concepts explained in this book” (Edson ix). The book presents Edson’s carefully researched story structure concept, which he calls Hero Goal Sequences.
“Every commercially successful movie contains the same detailed pattern in screen storytelling, consisting of 23 specific, linking story actions I call Hero Goal Sequences that must be included in a script if the movie is to become a hit” (x). We are then provided with a detailed breakdown of each Hero Goal Sequence and its importance to the story.
Edson also provides insights into creating a protagonist the audience can support: “When a person finds your hero sympathetic, they identify with that character. They project themselves into your hero as a surrogate for the adventure ahead” (14). He then presents the traits this character must possess to make this sympathy a reality.
With plenty of examples from familiar movies, Edson gives plenty of reasons why his Hero Goal Sequence structure is the best way to craft your next story.
Edson states, “if you choose to work in this magical medium of storytelling, for the screen or for the printed page, you can save years of trial and error in the pursuit of strong plotting craft by applying the concepts explained in this book” (Edson ix). The book presents Edson’s carefully researched story structure concept, which he calls Hero Goal Sequences.
“Every commercially successful movie contains the same detailed pattern in screen storytelling, consisting of 23 specific, linking story actions I call Hero Goal Sequences that must be included in a script if the movie is to become a hit” (x). We are then provided with a detailed breakdown of each Hero Goal Sequence and its importance to the story.
Edson also provides insights into creating a protagonist the audience can support: “When a person finds your hero sympathetic, they identify with that character. They project themselves into your hero as a surrogate for the adventure ahead” (14). He then presents the traits this character must possess to make this sympathy a reality.
With plenty of examples from familiar movies, Edson gives plenty of reasons why his Hero Goal Sequence structure is the best way to craft your next story.
May 6, 2025
As an overview of writing, I think this does just fine. Much is made of the hero-goal sequence and how you need exactly 23 of them -- this was a mystery to me and why I picked up the book. What was the magical key to unlock each of these hero-goal sequences, were they SPECIFIC and each script you read had the same specific sequences, in the same order? It seemed like such a cool discovery! How had I never heard of this before?
Well, because that's it's just a fancy way of saying that hey, write sequences. Which of course, is something you already know, if you have written. Because a sequence is just a few scenes, that when combined, have meaning, like gaining information or a chase or action happening. At the end of each hero-goal sequence, which may only be a few pages, you'll have something called Fresh News, which is some information or statement or new discovery, which will spin your character onto the next sequence!
This is otherwise known as writing.
Why 23 hero-goal sequences? I'm sure there's a reason: but I couldn't actually find it. I did watch part of this on Film Courage online before I got the book, and the guy (an instructor at UCLA, I think) seems genuine, so there's that. I just was expecting something revolutionary and got basic information, instead. Probably a great book if you are just starting to write, though. All in all, this is just a more confusing version of Save the Cat. :)
Well, because that's it's just a fancy way of saying that hey, write sequences. Which of course, is something you already know, if you have written. Because a sequence is just a few scenes, that when combined, have meaning, like gaining information or a chase or action happening. At the end of each hero-goal sequence, which may only be a few pages, you'll have something called Fresh News, which is some information or statement or new discovery, which will spin your character onto the next sequence!
This is otherwise known as writing.
Why 23 hero-goal sequences? I'm sure there's a reason: but I couldn't actually find it. I did watch part of this on Film Courage online before I got the book, and the guy (an instructor at UCLA, I think) seems genuine, so there's that. I just was expecting something revolutionary and got basic information, instead. Probably a great book if you are just starting to write, though. All in all, this is just a more confusing version of Save the Cat. :)
June 25, 2025
راهحل داستان: 23 کنش ضروری قهرمانان بزرگ – ترجمهی محمد گذرآبادی
کتاب با هدف نوشتن فیلمنامههای تجاری و گیشهای به رشته تحریر درآمده و چندان ارادتی به سینمای هنری ندارد. بااینحال اما میتوان از میان بخشهای مختلف کتاب، نکاتی را برای نوشتن فیلمنامهای پویا و ساختارمند استخراج کرد. فارغ از اینکه مخاطب فیلمنامهی شما عامهی مردم یا قشر روشنفکر و سخت پسند سینما باشد
همچنین باید رهنمودهای نویسنده را بهنوعی آموزشهای انگیزشی قلمداد کرد که با هدف نوشتن متونی با پایان خوش و عامهپسند طراحیشده. الگویی که عموماً با فیلمهای تراژیک سر ستیز دارند، تا پس از تمام شدن فیلم، مخاطب را آنچنان سرخورده با پایانی تلخ تنها نگذارند
به نظر من نکتهی منفی کتاب را هم باید وابستگی بیشازحد نویسنده به کهنالگوهای داستانی دانست. اصولی که بهنوعی سازندهی کلیشههای داستانیِ برخی فیلمهای ماشینی هالیوود هستند و برای مخاطب عادات و انتظاراتی را ایجاد کردهاند. عاداتی که بهنوعی خلاقیت نویسنده را کمرنگ میکند تا انتظارات عموم مخاطبان را سیراب کند
کتاب با هدف نوشتن فیلمنامههای تجاری و گیشهای به رشته تحریر درآمده و چندان ارادتی به سینمای هنری ندارد. بااینحال اما میتوان از میان بخشهای مختلف کتاب، نکاتی را برای نوشتن فیلمنامهای پویا و ساختارمند استخراج کرد. فارغ از اینکه مخاطب فیلمنامهی شما عامهی مردم یا قشر روشنفکر و سخت پسند سینما باشد
همچنین باید رهنمودهای نویسنده را بهنوعی آموزشهای انگیزشی قلمداد کرد که با هدف نوشتن متونی با پایان خوش و عامهپسند طراحیشده. الگویی که عموماً با فیلمهای تراژیک سر ستیز دارند، تا پس از تمام شدن فیلم، مخاطب را آنچنان سرخورده با پایانی تلخ تنها نگذارند
به نظر من نکتهی منفی کتاب را هم باید وابستگی بیشازحد نویسنده به کهنالگوهای داستانی دانست. اصولی که بهنوعی سازندهی کلیشههای داستانیِ برخی فیلمهای ماشینی هالیوود هستند و برای مخاطب عادات و انتظاراتی را ایجاد کردهاند. عاداتی که بهنوعی خلاقیت نویسنده را کمرنگ میکند تا انتظارات عموم مخاطبان را سیراب کند
January 2, 2025
4.5 rounded up for it's helpfulness and clarity. Recommended to me by people in my writing book, I initially got this book from my library on Kindle and quickly realized that I needed a physical copy so I could take notes in the margin and keep it for future reference.
In the first few chapters, it helped me diagnose and start to solve some issues I'd been having with my main character. As I kept reading, though, I realized some deeper flaws in my plans for my first fiction book. I decided to press pause on writing while I finished this book, and I'm glad I did. Now I need to go back and overhaul my outline, but with this as my guide, I feel more confident and prepared than my first shot at it.
Overall, I'm very thankful to have been recommended this book and am looking forward to seeing how these ideas impact my stories.
In the first few chapters, it helped me diagnose and start to solve some issues I'd been having with my main character. As I kept reading, though, I realized some deeper flaws in my plans for my first fiction book. I decided to press pause on writing while I finished this book, and I'm glad I did. Now I need to go back and overhaul my outline, but with this as my guide, I feel more confident and prepared than my first shot at it.
Overall, I'm very thankful to have been recommended this book and am looking forward to seeing how these ideas impact my stories.
January 4, 2025
20 years ago, I took Eric Edson's screenwriting courses. I just published my first novel and would like to say that his advice for creating story structure was critical to planning, improving, and finishing it. While I feel like I knew how to write before taking his classes, understanding the 23 steps and how they relate to character, plot points and story structure all helped me better understand my stories. Over the years, that structure has become more of a natural part of my writing process. I wrote out the outline for my Artemis Starfighter Academy trilogy, and refined my characters and conflict with Edson's concepts in mind. More than anything, it made this lengthy process more enjoyable, since I felt confident through the entire process. If you're a writer or even just interested in better understanding TV, movie, novel, or even video game stories, this book is for you.
January 16, 2025
I'm always fascinated by story structure, and patterns and methodologies to write. Yes, this book borrows heavily from Joseph Campbell, as well as other story structuring/screenwriting tips, but the way Edson puts it together is probably the best I've seen.
The way each of the 23 actions is brought up, explained, then illustrated with various different movies is really helpful and illuminating. It's an intriguing premise, and I do want to see if it applies to virtually every movie, as claimed.
I'm also very much interested in attempting to construct at least one story using the framework, just to see if I can.
The way each of the 23 actions is brought up, explained, then illustrated with various different movies is really helpful and illuminating. It's an intriguing premise, and I do want to see if it applies to virtually every movie, as claimed.
I'm also very much interested in attempting to construct at least one story using the framework, just to see if I can.
September 12, 2018
Despite the fact that this book is designed for screenwriters, it was equally useful to me as a novelist. I gained some new insights into a story structure and story elements which I haven't been able to encounter at any other place.
It covers every aspect of storytelling into details and it has plenty of examples to support its claims.
My personal belief is that is an essential book for any storyteller.
It covers every aspect of storytelling into details and it has plenty of examples to support its claims.
My personal belief is that is an essential book for any storyteller.
July 20, 2020
Helped me plot my novel - Story is story
I had a lot of material to somehow shoehorn into an action plot with multiple subplots. External and internal journies with character growth. This book enabled me to break the story down to hero sequences that generated action and emotional character arcs. A big help
I had a lot of material to somehow shoehorn into an action plot with multiple subplots. External and internal journies with character growth. This book enabled me to break the story down to hero sequences that generated action and emotional character arcs. A big help
January 20, 2022
For a newbie storyteller, this book provides an amazing amount of insight into the world of screenwriting. There are several lessons to take away and the overall framework provides a clear map through the chaotic process that is creation. I recommend this book to anyone that is interested in telling a better story.
February 10, 2025
The author mentions Joseph Campbell who took this subject seriously but the connection ends on that. This book is a story writing guide equivalent of those stock trading people who draw those lines on a graph and make statements that sound like stock market horoscopes. Your characters needs to overcome a challenge, buy low, sell high. Thank you, sensei.
March 1, 2021
Amazing, must read for ALL people. If you have any curiosity about the world you have to read this book, who doesn't like TV, movies or media to SOME extent? Exactly, READ THIS BOOK, you'll be glad you did!
August 15, 2017
Excellent insight into plotting a blockbuster movie. It was neat to see the breakdown of a movie and how screenplays and character development is written out. Highly recommended to aspiring writers.
November 16, 2019
Excellent. A great deal of useful information. Edson breaks down stories and film scripts into their essential parts. Good for novelists, too.
May 10, 2020
Indispensable
Really opened up the inner workings of narrative storytelling—I’m hooked. Now, I’m off to work with this little volume laying open while I type!
Really opened up the inner workings of narrative storytelling—I’m hooked. Now, I’m off to work with this little volume laying open while I type!
August 1, 2022
This book saved my writing life. Highly recommend.
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August 9, 2022My favorite book on story structure so far
May 17, 2024
This is a great book for writers! I look forward to applying these strategies for structure to my own work!
June 29, 2024
This is one of the best books I've read on writing stories and screenplays. He makes story beats, plot points, and other story jargon understandable.
July 21, 2025
illuminating study of story structure and a solution to writing more engaging characters and stories.
January 28, 2015
This was a good book for screenwriters, and novelists as well it seems.
I can't wait to put it to use.
I can't wait to put it to use.
September 30, 2016
Great advice for writers.
July 16, 2019
One of the best books on screenplay and fiction writing I've read. Lots of examples from the movies. I plan to go back and re-read much of it to use in my own writing.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews