This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Doppelgangland (Season 3 Episode 16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Vampire Willow returns. This podcast episode looks at: (1) the first scene - initial conflict or prologue? (2) is Willow both protagonist and antagonist? (3) a very subtle Midpoint; and (4) using subplots and story questions to keep viewers coming back. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).   ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Consequences (Season 3 Episode 15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy deals with the fallout after an untimely death. This episode includes: (1) setting up believable conflict among friends; (2) fast pacing through escalating tension and multiple plot twists; (3) when to leave a character out of a storyline; and (4) conflict based on characters’ life philosophies. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except a...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Bad Girls (Season 3 Episode 14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy tries out Faith's approach to life and slaying. This podcast episode talks about: (1) an interloper who brings out different sides of our core characters; (2) expressing theme and exploring philosophy through conflict; (3) how this Faith/Buffy story differs from the Buffy/Kendra story; and (4) two game changers for the season and for Faith personally. As always, the discussion...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – The Zeppo (Season 3 Episode 13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Xander has a very strange night. This podcast episode talks about: (1) why Xander is the protagonist; (2) whether a scene can be from the point of view of a character not in it; (3) the effect of a deliberately unfinished subplot; and (4) character growth through conflict. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warnin...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – The Wish (Season 3 Episode 9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) whether a character who dies partway through can be the protagonist; (2) events that shape a character’s personality; (3) a story about a character who never appears; (4) who serves as the antagonist; and (5) clothes that matter. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).   ...