3:10 to Yuma (Story Structure for Writers)

Written by Michael Brandt & Derek Haas
Based on the 1957 film written by Halsted Welles
Based on the short story written by Elmore Leonard

Opening Image

A match strikes. A young boy uses the match to illuminate the cover of a dime-store novel titled "The Deadly Outlaws".

Point of Attack

A group of men who work for Glen Hollander, burn down Dan Evans' barn as a warning to Dan to pay the money he owes for feed and grain to Hollander.

SET-UP - Arizona Territory, 1884. Dan Evans is introduced as a struggling rancher, a man of principles but beset by bad luck and facing imminent foreclosure. He has a loving but strained relationship with his wife and sons, especially his older son, William, who sees him as a failed coward.

THEME REVEALED - The theme of redemption and moral courage is subtly introduced when Dan, a Civil War veteran who lost part of his leg in battle, discusses his financial woes and need to prove his worth to his family. 

Inciting Incident

While rounding up his scattered herd of cattle, Evans and his two sons witness Ben Wade and his gang brutally rob a stagecoach. Evans rescues the lone survivor of the attack, Byron McElroy, and takes him to Doc Potter in Bisbee.

Catalyst | Call to Action

Unable to negotiate his debt to Hollander, Dan notices Wade lingering at a local saloon (after his gang has departed the town), and approaches Wade to acquire money for the trouble he caused him. While the two men talk, a group of lawmen arrest Wade. Railroad man Grayson Butterfield offers money for men to escort Wade to Contention and ensure he is put on the 3:10 train to Yuma Prison. Dan sees an opportunity to earn a much-needed reward, and volunteers to help transport Wade to the train.

Debate

Dan's debate is with his wife, who grapples with the risks of the mission. She debates whether he should undertake the dangerous task, weighing his desperate need for money against the lethal threat posed by Wade and his gang.

First Turning Point

The posse of men - Butterfield, Doc Potter, a recovering McElroy, Tucker (one of Hollander's men), and Dan - embark on the mission of escorting Wade to Contention. 

SUCCESS & FAILURE - The journey to Contention is filled with obstacles. Along the way, Wade kills Tucker and McElroy. Charlie Prince, now leading Wade's gang, burns a stagecoach meant as a decoy, kills the men and, along with the other gang members, begins pursuing the posse after discovering Wade is being taken to Contention.

Midpoint

Wade attempts to escape, but Dan's son William (who has been secretly following the posse) arrives and prevents it.

DESCENT - Wade saves the men from an attack by a group of Apache warriors, but then successfully escapes. The posse find Wade in a railroad camp where he is being held captive and tortured by a man whose brother Wade killed. The posse saves Wade and engages in a gunfight as they are chased through a mountain tunnel. Dan and his men blow up the tunnel and escape, but Doc Potter is killed.

Crisis Point | Second Turning Point

In Contention, Dan, Butterfield, and William, along with the town's Marshall, and two of his Deputies hold up in a hotel room with Wade and await the 3:10 to Yuma. Wade’s gang, led by the ruthless Charlie Prince, arrive in Contention and offer the townsfolk $200 for the death of any of Wade's captors. The posse is vastly outnumbered and surrounded. The Marshall and his Deputies surrender and are killed by Wade's gang. Butterfield declares it's too dangerous to continue, and backs out of accompanying Wade to the train.

REFLECTION & ENLIGHTENMENT - This moment of despair is epitomized by the realization that there seems no way out. Dan faces his darkest moment, feeling the weight of impending failure and his inability to protect his family financially. He contemplates the futility of his struggle, reflecting on his life and principles. Despite the overwhelming odds, he resolves to get Wade on the 3:10 train to Yuma, driven by his need to set an example for his son and reclaim his honor. Dan negotiates a new contract with Butterfield, and gets him to promise he will get his son William home safely, ensure his land is protected from Hollander, and provide $1,000 to his family.

RUN UP TO THE CLIMAX - Dan and Wade race against time to reach the train, while facing attacks from Wade’s gang and the townspeople. Wade overpowers Dan, and almost kills him, but changes his mind when Dan reveals the truth about his life and his relationship with William.

Climax | Final Confrontation

Wade, who now respects Dan’s determination, helps him fulfill his contract to reach the train. As Dan puts Wade on the train, Charlie Prince fatally shoots Dan (against Wade's orders). Wade steps off the train, and when Charlie returns his gun to him, Wade kills Charlie and his entire gang.

Resolution | Denouement | Final Image

William witnesses his father’s bravery, providing a sense of closure and fulfillment of Dan’s quest for redemption. Wade forfeits his weapon and reboards the train to Yuma. As the train departs, Wade whistles for his horse (implying that he will escape).

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