In screenwriting, the Objective Storyline is the analytical perspective of how the story is presented. In other words, it is the path which takes the protagonist on a journey, fraught with conflict, toward achieving an initial desire.

Guidelines and Tips

When structuring a screenplay, it is important to establish the Objective Storyline first, so that you have a basic foundation with which to work. One will find it is much easier to add depth and emotion (I.e. the Subjective Storyline) to this framework rather than vice-versa.

Also, it should be noted that the Objective Storyline is closely intertwined with the Subjective Storyline in that the protagonist should never be able to achieve complete resolution satisfaction within the Objective Storyline until said protagonist has overcome any shortcoming established in the Subjective Storyline.

Format

The Objective Storyline format is as simple (and dry) as Conflict > Desire > Complications > Resolution

Examples

ET

The Objective Storyline is about whether the Elliot can get E.T. back to his ship.

Star Wars

The Objective Storyline is Luke siding with the rebels to destroy the Death Star.

Lethal Weapon

The Objective Storyline is Riggs taking down a drug smuggling ring.

Titanic

The Objective Storyline is Rose surviving the sinking of the Titanic.

Die Hard

The Objective Storyline is McClane finding a way to defeat the terrorists holed up in the top of a building.

Rocky

The Objective Storyline is Rocky preparing and ultimately fighting for the world heavyweight championship against the current champion.