Story Structure: Precise or Contextual?

Story structure should be viewed as guidelines, not rules.  it is a logical framework to hold our passion.

If ever there is a conflict between high-passion and structure, go with the passion.  If ever there is an opportunity to apply structure in a more contextual and less direct way (without being unclear), take it.

Structure does not have to be seen in total clarity as the story unfolds, but only by the time the story had concluded.  Along the way, storytelling technique should layer ever-increasing understanding on the subject of the fiction until the precise nature of the structural component become clear by the the end.

Melanie Anne Phillips
Co-creator Dramatica