The audience meets the two major characters, the protagonist and the antagonist. They learn about who these characters are, what they want, and why they must get what they want.

In the setup of a movie, we see one of the leading characters reacting to a major incident that sets the movie in motion. For example, in "Kramer vs. Kramer" Ted's wife - in what is an impulsive moment - walks out on him and their son. Suddenly Ted's life is turned upside down. In any movie, the decisions a protagonist makes, under pressure, reveals who he is and what he's made of. Ted (Dustin Hoffman) keeps telling his son that his mom will return soon. But when a letter arrives notifying the boy that she (Meryl Streep) will not be returning, Ted is faced with a crucial decision: give his son to relatives and appease his demanding boss or raise him as a single dad. Ted's decision to keep the boy is the first major turning point of the movie and the setup is complete.

In this way the screenwriter gives the movie its direction with both plot and character delineation. The protagonist has a choice: give up and run from the new reality or jump in and fight. The ensuing action grows out of the behavior of our leading character. 

The battle is joined and now both major characters are locked in combat for the remainder of the movie. The writer creates surprises that keep the conflict moving in an upward spiral. Then as it looks as though there will be resolution, there is another key surprise that turns the movie around yet again. Our characters are sent reeling, creating unbearable tension. This moment in the screenplay is called "the decision" or "crisis." It is where the protagonist  chooses a specific action that forces the outcome of the movie.  

From here the screenwriter builds to the final confrontation. Breathlessly, the audience anticipates the end.


The concluding sequence(s) shows the protagonist and antagonist playing out the climactic action and resolving the problem that started it all.