Fantasy
Main Character Issue
In each of the stories below, the Main Character's greatest personal issue grows from belief in something unreal (MC Issue: Fantasy). This issue naturally calls for the Main Character to also address belief in something real (MC Counterpoint: Fact). Together, these two structural items work together to denote a range of dramatic exploration within the Main Character personally and come closest to identifying the Main Character's "theme".
All That Jazz
Joe’s job is to provide fantasies for audiences; one example is the erotic fantasy he choreographs for NY/LA.
Star Wars
Balancing fact and fantasy is a constant issue with Luke. According to his Uncle Owen, Luke’s father was a freighter pilot—but Obi-Wan says his father was a Jedi Knight. Uncle Owen says the Ben Kenobi is a crazy old man and that Obi-Wan Kenobi never existed—but Ben “Ob-Wan” did exist. Obi-Wan purports the power of the Force, while Han shoots that down as a bunch of mumbo jumbo, etc.
Tootsie
Once Michael latches onto his fantasy woman, Dorothy Michaels, he does everything possible to perpetuate the illusion. He’s so seduced by his own creation that he almost destroys his friendship with Sandy; alienates his roommate when he doesn’t want Jeff to answer his own phone; risks his agent’s reputation, and prosecution for fraud. When Jeff questions his motives for his “dress up” role, Michael defends his deception.
MICHAEL: It happens to be one of the great acting challenges any actor can have!
Michael’s faith in his fantasy is so all-consuming that he can’t listen to reason about spending the weekend with Julie as Dorothy.
JEFF: You can’t do this. Stop packing and listen to me.
MICHAEL: In two weeks I’ll never see her again. And if I do see her I’ll be Michael Dorsey and she’ll throw a drink in my face.
