Date of Award
3-2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Creative Writing
Abstract
The Alternate is a feature-length action screenplay that serves as the culmination of Clint Green’s academic journey through Lindenwood University’s MFA in Writing program. The story centers around Jacquelin "Jax" Pierce, a complex female assassin with a traumatic past and a fractured moral compass. When Jax is hired to eliminate Shiri Wan—a pregnant medical professional with unknown ties to a larger political conspiracy—she is forced to confront her own haunted past and reevaluate her future. Rather than execute her target, Jax chooses to protect Shiri, setting off a deadly chain of events that pits her against the covert organization that once employed her.
Infused with elements of suspense, emotional depth, and stylized action, the screenplay explores themes of redemption, identity, and personal transformation. Jax’s evolution from ruthless killer to reluctant protector is mirrored by the psychological toll of her profession, her loss, and her buried humanity. The antagonist, Rick Brass, represents the institutionalized cruelty and manipulation of military-industrial power, offering a chilling counterpoint to Jax’s moral awakening.
Drawing inspiration from action films like The Replacement Killers and Wanted, the screenplay utilizes genre conventions while subverting expectations, particularly by placing a woman in the role of a hardened, introspective antihero. The work demonstrates the author’s command of screenwriting techniques including structure, pacing, and dialogue, as well as a keen understanding of character development.
This screenplay not only reflects the author’s growth as a writer—from early influences in comic books to mastery of multiple narrative forms through graduate study—but also offers a compelling, cinematic narrative rich with both emotional resonance and action-driven stakes. The Alternate stands as a testament to the author’s creative vision and skill in blending entertainment with thematic depth.
Recommended Citation
Green, Clint, "The Alternate" (2011). Theses. 1661.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/1661
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