Elastic Story Structure: A Simple Guide to Big Moments
Unlock the hidden structure behind every great story! See how the same timeless pattern shapes everything from a child's bedtime tale to epic cinema masterpieces.
Every great story, whether long or short, has certain big moments that make it thrilling and satisfying. Let's explore these moments using simple ideas everyone can grasp without complex terminology, sparking your curiosity and anticipation for what's to come.
1. Wants and Needs
At the beginning of every story, we meet the characters, especially the main character. We quickly discover what they want — like winning a race, solving a mystery, or making friends. These are their 'wants,' the immediate goals they strive for. But they also have more profound needs, which might not be as obvious, like needing to believe in themselves, learning to trust others, or understanding the value of hard work. These are their 'needs,' the deeper, often emotional, motivations that drive their actions.
Example: In 'The Lion King,' Simba wants to be king but must learn about responsibility and bravery to lead.
Key Question: How do the wants and needs of the main character drive the story forward, and how might they conflict with each other to create tension?
2. Adversity
Soon after, we find out what the characters want and need, something makes it difficult for them to get it. This could be a person, a situation, or something about themselves that they must overcome.
Example: In "Finding Nemo," Marlin wants to find his son Nemo, but the vast, scary ocean of dangers makes it difficult.
Key Question: What specific obstacles make it difficult for the characters to achieve their wants and needs, and how do these challenges help reveal deeper aspects of their personalities?
3. Trouble, Very Big Trouble
As the story progresses, the problems get bigger. This is where things go from bad to worse, and the characters might not succeed. This moment is crucial because it tests the characters to their limits.
Example: In "Toy Story," Woody and Buzz are lost, far from home, and captured by the mean neighbor Sid, which looks like a vast, possibly insurmountable problem.
Key Question: When the situation worsens for the characters, how does this escalation affect their decision-making and relationships with other characters?
4. Courage at Crisis and Climax
This is the turning point. Despite all the troubles, the main character finds the courage to face the biggest challenge. This moment, known as the 'climax,' is full of action and excitement, as the character uses everything they've learned to try to win, solve the problem, or overcome their fear. It's the most intense part of the story, where the outcome is uncertain and the stakes are high.
Example: In "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," Harry must use all his bravery and the skills he's learned at Hogwarts to face Voldemort and protect the magical stone.
Key Question: How do the characters gather the courage to face the climax, and what lessons have they learned along their journey that prepare them for this moment?
5. Happily Ever After… or Not
After the climax, we see the results. Sometimes, stories end happily, and other times, they don't. But we always know how the characters have changed and how the adventure has affected them.
Example: At the end of "Charlotte's Web," while it's sad that Charlotte the spider dies, Wilbur, the pig, lives on, saved by her bravery, and he's learned the value of friendship and sacrifice.
Key Question: How have the characters changed by the end of the story, and how does the resolution reflect the themes and messages of the narrative?
Wrapping It Up: Why These Moments Matter
These significant moments in a story make it a transformative journey to read or watch. They keep us on the edge, wondering what will happen next, and show us how characters evolve and change. When you grasp these key points, you can immerse yourself in stories even more or embark on creating your own, inspiring others with your characters' growth and change.
Remember: All stories, whether movies, books, or plays, follow these big moments. They are the universal language of storytelling. Understanding them not only helps you see the pattern in stories but also empowers you to tell your own tales. Whether you're writing about a knight on a quest or a kid at a new school, think about what they want, the troubles they face, and how they find courage. Your story is waiting to be told.
I'm eager to see the stories you'll tell. Maybe your next story will become a favorite for someone else, just as others' stories have become your favorites. Let's keep sharing stories—they're how we understand the world and each other better. To recap, the key moments in a story structure are: the character's wants and needs, the adversity they face, the escalating troubles, the courage at crisis and climax, and the resolution. Keep these in mind as you craft your own stories.
Charles Merritt Houghton
16 May 2024