First Scene Between Rick and Louis

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* Position on the Character Arc This is the first moment in the development of the relationship between Rick and Louis that will end in their mutual redemption and "marriage" in the final scene of the story. This scene is a perfect example of why you should always start constructing a scene by determining its place on the overall character arc. This is not the first scene in the movie and so it appears to be just another step in the flow of the story. Only by starting with the endpoint of Rick's arc-—becoming a freedom fighter and entering a "marriage" of friendship with Louis—do you see that this is the crucial opening step in that arc.
* Problems
1. Show the audience that Louis is as witty as Rick and that he is the appropriate buddy for Rick to end up with.
2. Show that Louis has just as much moral need as Rick.
3. Bring in more information about Rick's ghost, particularly information that shows that this cynical, hard man was once not only good but also heroic.
* Strategy
1. Have Louis question Rick and introduce information about his past under the guise that it is all part of Louis's job of stopping Laszlo. This is an excellent way of introducing exposition about the main character without being dull or heavy-handed. At the same time, Rick's insistence that he was well paid for his work keeps him from seeming too sentimental and idealistic.
2. Have Rick and Louis bet on whether Laszlo will escape. This gives the two men a desire line just between them and shows their mutual cynicism and selfishness both will turn a freedom fighter's quest to defeat the Nazis into a contest for money.
3. Introduce information about Laszlo and Ilsa so that both arrive on the scene already having great reputations.
4. Provide more explanations between the complex and confusing power relationships between Louis, the French police captain, and the Nazi, Major
Strasser.

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