How can you use the "false victory" moment to create conflict in animation?

1 What is a false victory moment?

A false victory moment is a point in the story where the protagonist achieves or appears to achieve their main objective, but soon discovers that it was either a trap, a mistake, or a partial solution. For example, in Finding Nemo, Marlin and Dory finally reach Sydney and reunite with Nemo, only to find out that he is about to be taken away by a dentist. This creates a new conflict and raises the stakes for the final act.

2 Why use a false victory moment?

A false victory moment serves several purposes in your animation. First, it creates a contrast between the high and low points of the story, making the emotional impact stronger. Second, it adds suspense and unpredictability, as the audience wonders how the protagonist will overcome the new challenge. Third, it tests the protagonist's character and motivation, as they have to face their fears, doubts, or flaws and decide whether to give up or try harder.

4 Examples of false victory moments

To illustrate how false victory moments work in animation, let's look at some examples from popular animated films. In Toy Story 2, Woody decides to go with the Roundup Gang to a museum in Japan, thinking that he will be appreciated and loved there. However, he soon realizes that he is abandoning his friends and his true owner, Andy, who still cares for him. In The Incredibles, Mr. Incredible infiltrates Syndrome's island and finds his wife's plane wreckage, thinking that she and their kids are dead. However, he later discovers that they are alive and have followed him to the island, but are also captured by Syndrome. In Up, Carl finally reaches Paradise Falls with his house and his new friend Russell, fulfilling his lifelong dream. However, he soon learns that his idol, Charles Muntz, is a villain who wants to capture a rare bird that Russell has befriended.

6 Your turn

Now that you know what a false victory moment is and how to use it in your animation, why not try it out for yourself? Think of a story idea for your animation and plot out the main conflict and goal. Then, think of a way to introduce a false victory moment that will surprise and challenge your protagonist and your audience. How will you make it believable, relevant, and impactful? Share your ideas and feedback with other animators and learn from their examples.