Love Is An Open Door?
Love Is An Open Door?
Two people. A moment of connection. A shared dream.
But one of them is lying.
This challenge asks you to write a scene or duet where one character is secretly manipulating the other. On the surface, the interaction seems genuine, warm, even romantic or hopeful. But beneath the surface, one person has an agenda.
It is up to the audience to pick up on the clues and determine: Who is the manipulative one? What do they really want?
Set the tone. The scene should feel charming, exciting, or filled with possibility—until the audience realizes something is wrong.
Make one character oblivious. The manipulated person should not see the warning signs—at least, not yet.
Let the manipulation be subtle. The audience should sense something is off, but it shouldn’t be obvious at first.
Use dialogue to deceive. The manipulator might be overly agreeable, flattering, or steering the conversation toward their goal.
Decide their motive. What does the manipulative character actually want? Control? Money? Loyalty?
Consider making the audience doubt themselves. Is the manipulator truly bad? Or are they just playing a game everyone plays?
Who is the manipulative one, and why are they doing this?
What small clues in the dialogue suggest something is off?
How does the tone shift by the end of the scene?
If the naive character figured it out, what would happen next?
The Perfect Date – Everything the manipulative character says is exactly what the other person wants to hear. Too perfect.
A Job Offer – One person is being recruited for something they don’t fully understand.
The Sibling Reunion – A long-lost sibling suddenly wants to reconnect… but why now?
The Best Friend Bonding Moment – They seem supportive, but they are subtly pushing an agenda.
The Escape Plan – One person is convincing the other to run away, break rules, or take a risk.
The Business Pitch – A too-good-to-be-true deal, where one person is clearly being played.
The Political Power Move – Flattery, promises, and trust-building—all a setup for future betrayal.
"Love Is an Open Door" (Frozen) – A seemingly perfect love song… hiding a manipulation.
Shakespeare’s Othello – Iago’s skillful manipulation of Othello.
The Talented Mr. Ripley – A masterclass in charming, slow-burning deception.