Designing complications using the fortunately / unfortunately method

The climax of Skulduggery Pleasant reads like a Hollywood movie. It's non-stop action; a major achievement by author Derek Landy. After reading it, it's no wonder this young adult novel became a bestseller.

I recently attended a workshop where we learned the "fortunately / unfortunately" method of designing plot complications. These happen on a macro scale through the entire novel, and on a micro scale within chapters and scenes.

"Fortunately / unfortunately" is better illustrated than explained.

Here's an example using Chapters 28-29, the climax of Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy. Need I say, MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!

Unfortunately, when the party arrives at the wax museum, they are attacked by Hollow Men.

Fortunately, they defeat the Hollow Men.

Unfortunately, Stephanie is attacked by the white Cleaver.

Fortunately, Tanith steps in as a proxy and sends Stephanie to safety.

U, it appears the white Cleaver is way too powerful for Tanith.

F, Tanith manages to kill the Cleaver anyway.

U, the Cleaver is not dead and stabs Tanith from behind by surprise.
F, before Tanith can be decapitated, she is able to close and seal a door between her and the Cleaver for protection.

Chapter 29

U, Stephanie finds Serpine in the repository moments away from stealing the Book of Names.
F, the magic protecting the book is too strong.

U, Serpine kills Sagacious, thus releasing the remaining magic protecting the book.
F, Stephanie silently sneaks across the room and blasts Serpine before he can pickup the Book. Skulduggery arrives for the battle with Serpine.

U, Serprine uses magic to suck Skulduggery into a wall.
F, Stephanie manages to snatch the magic Scepter before Serpine can get it.

U, Serpine breaks Stephanie's leg with a table and she drops the Scepter.
F, Mr. Bliss arrives.

U, Serpine convinces Mr. Bliss to kill Stephanie.
F, Bliss turns on Serpine instead.

U, Bliss' attempt to kill Serpine fails and Serpine disposes of Bliss. Then he goes after Stephanie.
F, Stephanie spits on him delaying her murder.

U, Serpine throws Stephanie into a pillar and goes after the Book of Names.
F, Stephanie hits Serpine with a glass vial and he turns to face her, leaving the Book.

U, Serpine raises his red hand to dispose of Stephanie once and for all.
F, Skulduggery reappears from the ceiling.

U, Serpine gets a hold of the Scepter.
F, Skulduggery shoots Serpine in the chest and head with his gun.

U, Serpine heals immediately. It's revealed he's an undead zombie. He shoots at Skulduggery with the Scepter.
F, Skulduggery blocks the Scepter's lightening bolt with the Book of Names, destroying it. Skulduggery knocks the Scepter away from Serpine.

U, Serpine slips into a rage and attacks Skulduggery with his red hand.
F, it doesn't work. Skulduggery is immune to the red hand.

U, the white Cleaver shows up. Serpine commands the Cleaver to kill Skulduggery.
F, the white Cleaver is no longer under the influence of Serpine. Reason unknown. The Cleaver leaves.

U, Serpine uses his red hand on Stephanie, much like he killed Skulduggery's wife and child in front of him years ago.
F, Skulduggery gets the Scepter and kills Serpine with it.

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