Writers: If you haven’t watched The Cincinnati Kid with Steve McQueen (The “Kid”), Edward G. Robinson, and Karl Malden, check it out? But this time, apply that writer’s analytical brain and watch for SUBPLOTS and CHOICES. This whole move is well-done and is based on If-Thens.
Steve, as the star, is a successful up-and-coming poker player, but hasn’t hit The Big Time. Malden, as an in-debt has-been needs to make points with a high-stakes better—to whom he owes big money. And Malden has an expensive young wife he wants to keep, Ann Margaret. Translation: Motives.
Motives of Revenge, Possession and Escape are all covered in this movie. This is STORY CRAFTING.
Onward: Now, Steve is doing just fine up to this point, and he has a true-blue girlfriend. But when Fixer Malden lays the deal on the table to make The Big Time, playing Robinson who is at the high-stakes top, Steve decides to go for It. Thus, making the choice to leave his safe mid-level bracket.
The Cincinnati Kid is probably the best demonstrations of good writing and story-crafting, even if you aren’t a poker betting fan. It’s all about Choices, the If-Then. The sub-players all have motivations, different sub-plots which set up the main character. Sub characters set up the main theme, and the star’s step-by-step choices are debated, thus creating a Hook. Hook equals will he, or won’t he?
Please continue reading? But FIRST, have you followed/subscribed to my blog? We’ve got more on writing, crafts, travel, cooking etc., AND I am adding a new page, especially for WRITERS.
The Cincinnati Kid’s very last scene is perfect, leaving the viewer with the Question of which direction will The Kid go, leaving his Poker-King dream for another life with his girlfriend? Or trying again?
I think what really sank the If-Then Choices and PLOTTING deal to me was when I took a basic programming college class. I discovered Flow Charts. (Take a look at Canva’s?) However, as students, our flow charts were simple and straight down, a Start point and an End. Various problems were pinpointed down that line— And off to the left or right, were If-Then choices, one of which would take you back to the main Start/End line.
Sub-plots and sub-characters do the job in our stories, setting up the main theme and/or characters. The If-Then applies throughout story crafting, the human/character struggle.
On that note: Each of my Fresh Start characters, Kenna/Olivia/Crystal make huge choices to change their lives. Repeat: Huge. Each woman is very different, with different needs and personalities. Their goals are very different.
As for The Cincinnati Kid, we continue to wonder about his next choice, a really good hook. Check out other good movies and books, where characters make Choices, the If-Thens, and the results.
Thank you for your care/interest in 2023. I’m looking forward to visiting with you in 2024 and check out my social media? And I’d love your comments below.
JUST YOU REVIEW: Wow, we have another series that will be fantastic. The emotion and heart that are written into the book takes it to another level. There is just so much beauty to it….
I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for more to come.
Visit My Social Media?
Cait London 