A dilemma is an important conflict engine in a screenplay. Find a good dilemma for your main character, and you practically have a good movie right there.
A dilemma is a situation in which you have two options and both are WORSE than the other. It’s the ultimate mental torture for anyone.
A second condition for a good dilemma is that we should also CARE FOR it. A dilemma can be a dilemma TECHNICALLY. But when it comes down to it, it might be downright silly. Example, the “dilemma” of a millionaire executive about whether she should spend her vacation in a luxury resort in the Bahamas or have a one-on-one fundraiser with a Swiss banker. Who cares?
Here are some good dilemmas that are guaranteed to drive your story forward relentlessly:
Overall STORY dilemma to drive a CHARACTER through a movie:
» Read more: Movies – Importance of “Dilemmas” in Movie Stories and Screenplays