Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

In 1991, fifty-year-old John Lennon lives on the dole in Birmingham. This establishes his altered life circumstances.

1991 Birmingham Setting — In 1991, John Lennon is living in Birmingham at age fifty. Characters: John Lennon Location: Birmingham
Living on the Dole — John Lennon lives on welfare support in Birmingham. Characters: John Lennon Location: Birmingham
The Beatles Remembered — John recalls the moderate success achieved by the Beatles. Characters: John Lennon Location: Birmingham

John recalls the moderate success of the Beatles. His present life is contrasted with memories of the band.

The Beatles Remembered — John recalls the moderate success achieved by the Beatles. Characters: John Lennon Location: Birmingham
A Band Departure Recalled — John recalls leaving the Beatles in 1962. Characters: John Lennon Location: Not specified

John remembers leaving the Beatles in 1962. The recollection is connected to a disagreement over a planned single.

Single Choice Pressure — The band is persuaded to release one song instead of another. Characters: John Lennon Location: Not specified
How Do You Do It? — The proposed single is How Do You Do It? Characters: John Lennon Location: Not specified

The band is persuaded to release How Do You Do It? rather than Love Me Do. John departs after this decision.

Love Me Do Rejected — Love Me Do is identified as the alternative single. Characters: John Lennon Location: Not specified
John Leaves the Band — John departs after the band is persuaded over the single choice. Characters: John Lennon Location: Not specified

Story Breakdown

1991 Birmingham Life — The story begins with John Lennon living on the dole in Birmingham at age fifty.
- Age Fifty — John is identified as fifty years old in 1991.
- Living On The Dole — His present circumstances are defined by living on welfare support.
Remembered Beatles Success — John looks back on the Beatles and their moderate success.
- Moderate Success — The Beatles are described as having achieved moderate success.
- Personal Recollection — John is the character who recalls the band's history.
The 1962 Departure — The narrative centers on John's recollection of leaving the Beatles in 1962.
- Leaving The Beatles — John recalls departing from the band.
- Historical Reversal — The departure is presented as part of this alternate account of Beatles history.
The Single Dispute — The band's release decision becomes the immediate context for John's departure.
- How Do You Do It? — The band is persuaded to release How Do You Do It? as a single.
- Love Me Do — Love Me Do is identified as the song not selected in that decision.