“Ability” and Story Structure

Warning – Deep Narrative Theory Ahead… What’s “Ability” have to do with story structure? In this article I’m going to talk about how the Dramatica Theory of Narrative Structure uses the term “ability” as an element of dramatics, and how it applies not only to story narratives and characters but to real people, real life […]

Is Story Structure A Myth?

A whole flock of Story Gurus (myself included) will tell you that stories have structure. Therefore, if you learn that structure you’ll improve your stories. Ostensibly, this will lead to fame, riches, a keen sense of accomplishment, and the unparalleled pleasure of the act of writing itself. But is that true? Do stories have a […]

What Is Story Structure?

Most writers are not story theorists, and don’t want to be. Still, an understanding of the way stories work can help support a writer’s instincts to make sure a flawed structure won’t get in the way of the creativity. So what is story structure?  It is a map of the way people go about solving […]

The Story Mind (Part 7) – Story Structure vs. Storytelling

Excerpted from the Book “Dramatica Unplugged“ By Melanie Anne Phillips, Co-creator of Dramatica By now, you’re likely pretty familiar with the concept that every story has a mind of its own – a psychology (the structure) and a personality (the storytelling). But, if you are like many authors, knowing that and being able to identify the difference […]

Story Structure is Not Your Enemy!

Structuring your novel or screenplay can be a daunting experience.  Often it seems complex, counter-intuitive, or even contrary to the creative process – the killer of inspiration and inventiveness. But story structure does not have to be your enemy.  Dramatica software makes it easy with the world’s only patented interactive Story Engine based on sound […]

Origins of Story Structure

Imagine the very first storytellers. Actually, what they told would certainly not be considered a story by today’s standards. Rather, they probably began with simple communications with but a single meaning at a time. Even animals recognize a cry of pain or a coo of love from another creature, even across species. So it is […]