If the protagonist fails, they lose their integrity or sense of safety.

For more detailed guidance, you can follow Savannah Gilbo's 10-step roadmap for beginners or explore Toronto Film School's tips on forming a core spark.

The file is opened, or someone tries to steal it.

Select a structure that fits your premise to give the story direction:

What internal struggle (like fear or greed) makes their journey harder?

A former employee of "Woodmart" uses the data in the file to expose the company's illegal deforestation. 3. Build Compelling Characters

A coder finds the file and must go on the run to deliver its contents to the right hands.

Someone (or a corporation) that provides a "formidable problem" for the hero. 4. Create Conflict and Stakes For the story to feel "proper," the stakes must be high.