In this post, I’m sharing the second page of the script from Favor of Athena, a project that dives deep into the dynamics between the gods Athena and Ares as they navigate a modern murder investigation. As Athena deals with the frustration of her demotion and Ares’ taunts, their sibling rivalry comes to the forefront, all while they must work together on a serious case. Here’s a breakdown of the scene and some insights into my creative process.
Script (Page 2):
PAGE TWO (FIVE PANELS)
Panel One:
Close-up on Athena. She crosses her arms and scowls, frustrated with the lack of evidence, having to report to her brother, and her demotion.
ATHENA:
You? That’s vague. They could be taunting us and have their next victim.
Panel Two:
Ares stands and throws his cigar away. He is frustrated but enjoying the fact that his sister now reports to him.
ARES:
I guess so. You’re late. Follow me.
Panel Three:
Medium shot of Ares and Athena walking away from the tombstone. They’re walking through the attendees of a funeral. Athena remains abrasive while Ares smirks.
ATHENA:
Sorry, it won’t happen again.
ARES:
Don’t be mad about being assigned to me. You’re the one who broke a sacred vow. This is going to be fun for me personally.
ATHENA:
Well, at least one of us is having fun on a murder investigation. Each family was attacked the same way.
Panel Four:
Worm’s-eye view of Ares. He ignores Athena’s remark and taunts her.
ARES:
That is the only thing we know for sure. Are you going to be up to the task? Breaking that vow has taken some of your power.
Panel Five:
Close-up on Athena.
ATHENA:
I’ll be up to the task, Ares. I won’t be assigned to you for long.
Script Breakdown & Writing Insights:
Athena’s Frustration
In the opening panel, Athena’s frustration is multifaceted: she’s angry about the lack of progress in the case, frustrated by having to report to Ares, and deeply affected by her recent demotion. Her emotions are simmering just below the surface, and this tension plays out in her body language (crossed arms, scowl) and dialogue.
Sibling Rivalry
The dynamic between Athena and Ares drives much of the tension on this page. Ares is enjoying his moment of superiority, relishing the fact that Athena now reports to him, which is a rare reversal of roles. Their history as siblings and gods comes through in their sharp exchanges.
Funeral Setting
The funeral attendees serve as a backdrop for their conversation, emphasizing the seriousness of the murder investigation. The contrast between the solemnity of the setting and their personal squabbles heightens the tension.
Athena’s Motivation
By the end of the page, Athena is resolute, making it clear that she will rise to the challenge and won’t remain under Ares’ command for long. This foreshadows her determination to solve the case and regain her standing.
What do you think?
What do you think of Athena and Ares’ relationship in this scene? Leave a comment below with your thoughts or predictions about how their dynamic will evolve as they investigate the case! Also, feel free to share your favorite moment from this page or ask me any questions about the writing process.
