3 Pillars of Storytelling
From the Writing Trenches (but not muddy, pretty well-illuminated and has a little green space heater to keep my toes warm, too)
Storytelling followed flames, giving the primitive campfires meaning beyond heat and light. Whether you are writing a novel, creating a comic book, or telling a quick anecdote to friends, the key to a great story is understanding the 3 Pillars of storytelling: Character, Plot, and World.
Character: The first pillar of storytelling is Character. Characters are the lifeblood of your story and will engage your audience and keep them invested in your tale. When creating characters, you must understand their motivations and desires. Have their backstory in your pocket, even if your readers are oblivious. Realistic characters make conflicts and relationships feel authentic and will drive your story forward.
Plot: The second pillar of storytelling is Plot. Going beyond a mere series of events with a beginning, middle, and end, a good Plot should be engaging, surprising, and emotionally resonant. You must draft a series of ratcheting setbacks, increasingly harrowing scenes testing your Character's resolve to achieve their heart's desire.
World: The third pillar of storytelling is worldbuilding, also known as Setting. Your Character's mettle is forged on the anvil of World. It must be believable and consistent, for it is the context for all character transformation. Consider terrain and weather, customs and politics, and magic versus technology. Creating a rich and immersive world transports your audience to another place and time.
Understanding the 3 pillars of storytelling – Character, Plot, and World – is essential to creating a great story. By focusing on all 3 critical elements, you will be able to craft a story with exciting twists and turns and emotionally satisfying moments. Whether you are a seasoned storyteller or a novice, these principles will help you to take your storytelling to the next level.
Get Writing!
Charles Merritt Houghton
Writing for the ANAPRAXIS Newsletter