“Unlocking the Hidden Commonalities: What Two Strangers Revealed About Our Shared Humanity”

"Unlocking the Hidden Commonalities: What Two Strangers Revealed About Our Shared Humanity"

In the realm of screenwriting, few lines resonate as much as “We’re not so very different, you and I.” Often echoing at the climactic moments of stories, this phrase not only highlights the intricate dance between protagonist and antagonist but also evokes a deeper psychological exploration rooted in Jungian archetypes. Recently, Jonathan W. Stokes, an acclaimed screenwriter and creator of the insightful series Raising the Stakes, delved into this very phenomenon in his latest episode. What makes this line so compelling? And what truths lie beneath its surface? Join me as we explore the layers of storytelling through the lens of this fascinating concept—where could it lead you in your own narrative journey? LEARN MORE.

Another in the excellent screenwriting series Raising the Stakes.

Jonathan W. Stokes is a screenwriter with a unique credit to his name: Five of his original screenplays have been named to the annual Black List. That alone should get your attention, but there’s also this: Over the last few years, he has produced a valuable video series called Raising the Stakes.

Recently, Jonathon debuted the second video in Season 4 of his screenwriting series. Episode 3: Why “We’re Not So Very Different, You And I”. Here’s how he frames the subject:

Why does this famous line occur so often in screenwriting? Why does it tend to be at the Act II Climax or the Act III Climax, when the antagonist confronts the protagonist? And what does this line have to do with Jungian psychology? If you’re curious to find out, then you and I are not so very different after all.

Where Jonathan goes with this is right up my storytelling alley (more on that below). First, the video.

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