Embracing the Unconventional: Kishōtenketsu and the Art of Storytelling Where Conflict is Subdued, not In Your Face.
Are you tired of predictable storylines and clichéd plot twists? It's time to ditch the 'good vs. evil' trope and embrace storytelling alternatives.
The Problem: Conflict Addiction in Western Narratives
Let's face it: our western storytelling diet can be a bit... one-note. In the grand buffet of narratives, Western stories are like that guy at the party who only knows three chords on the guitar – reliable but oh-so-predictable. We've been feasting on a steady diet of conflict-driven narratives. You know the drill: hero, villain, conflict, resolution. Rinse and repeat. It's the storytelling equivalent of a fast-food burger – satisfying at the moment but leaving you hungry for something more nourishing.
But what if I told you there's a whole other cuisine that doesn't rely on the ketchup and mustard of conflict and resolution? Enter Kishōtenketsu, the narrative structure quietly waiting in eastern wings, ready for its moment in the spotlight.
The Agitation: The Hunger for Something Different
You're not alone if you've started to feel that narrative ennui, that deep-seated craving for a story that doesn't hinge on the 'good vs. evil' trope. It's like sitting through a movie marathon where every plot feels eerily similar – after a while, even the popcorn loses its charm. Even the butter doesn’t make it better.
Our global village is bustling with diverse voices and experiences, yet our stories have been stuck in a loop. We've been painting with only primary colors, blissfully unaware of the rest of the palette. This is where Kishōtenketsu waltzes in, with its nuanced shades and textures, offering a refreshing alternative.
The Solution: Kishōtenketsu – A Four-Part Harmony
Kishōtenketsu, originating from Chinese and Japanese literary traditions, is like the jazz of storytelling. It's all about improvisation, harmony, and rhythm rather than the predictable three-chord progression of conflict-driven narratives.
1. Ki (Introduction): Setting the Stage Without the Drama
Imagine a story where the introduction is more than a hastily constructed runway for the conflict to take off. In the Ki stage, we're talking about a leisurely stroll through the characters' world, getting to know them like new friends at a dinner party – no rush, no drama, just good company.
2. Shō (Development): Where Things Simmer
Here's where things get interesting. Instead of turning up the heat and bringing our story to a rolling boil, the Shō stage lets it simmer. We delve deeper into the characters and their world, exploring their quirks and intricacies. It's like people-watching at a café – no car chases or explosions, just the rich tapestry of everyday life.
3. Ten (Twist): The Plot Thickens, But Gently
Just when you're getting cozy, the Ten stage introduces a twist. But hold your horses – this isn't your garden-variety cliffhanger. The twist in Kishōtenketsu is more of an 'aha!' moment, a gentle nudge that shifts your perspective. It's like realizing the quiet guy at the party is a world-class DJ.
4. Ketsu (Conclusion): Harmonizing the Threads
Finally, in the Ketsu stage, everything comes together in a harmonious conclusion. It's not about defeating a villain or saving the world; it's about tying together the story's threads emotionally satisfyingly. Consider it the end of a great dinner party – everyone's full, happy, and maybe wiser.
The Irony: Who Needs Conflict, Anyway?
Here's the delicious irony: in a world obsessed with conflict, a structure that eschews it might just be what the story doctor ordered. Kishōtenketsu whispers, "Hey, maybe life isn't just about winning or losing, heroes or villains. Maybe it's about the journey, the small moments, the subtle shifts in perspective." Isn't it refreshing to immerse yourself in a world of grays, of narrative nuance, instead of the brash drama of pure blacks and stark whites?
The Truth: We're Often Lazy
Let's be honest: we can all be lazy in our storytelling, stuck in our Western ways. We've clung to overt conflict like a security blanket, afraid to venture out into the wild unknown of narratives where it's more subtle. But here's the kicker – stories can thrive on empathy, curiosity, and exploration, not just fierce conflict and melodramatic resolution.
The Fresh Perspective: Life Beyond the Three-Act Structure
Kishōtenketsu offers a fresh lens through which to view our stories and world. It's a reminder that life isn't always about overcoming obstacles or defeating enemies. Sometimes, it's about understanding, growth, and seeing the world in a new light. Your story can embrace a different pace and rhythm.
The Real Deal: Emotional Resonance Over Explosive Action
In a world where action-packed blockbusters dominate our screens, Kishōtenketsu gently nudges us toward the beauty of emotional resonance. It's the difference between a fireworks display and a night spent stargazing. Both are beautiful, but one offers a quiet, profound experience that lingers long after the moment has passed.
So, No Car Chases?
Now, you might think, "But where's the thrill without a car chase or a dramatic showdown?" And to that, Kishōtenketsu says, "Ever found yourself lost in a book, not because the world was ending, but because you were utterly captivated by the characters and their world?" That's the magic we're talking about. It's the art of crafting a narrative that doesn't need to shout to be heard. The Cat Bus’s search for Satsuki, in Totoro, is dramatic but not conflict driven, and it certainly isn’t a Ghibliesque Fast and the Furious.
The Fresh Take: Storytelling That Mirrors Life
Kishōtenketsu reflects the ebb and flow of life itself – not a constant battle against villains, but a journey of understanding, of small moments that shape us, of relationships that define us. Storytelling mirrors life's intricate, multifaceted nature, where not every problem has a clear solution, and not every story needs a defined villain.
The Inclusivity: Everyone's Story Matters
This narrative structure is a celebration of inclusivity. In a Kishōtenketsu story, every character, every moment, has its place and purpose. There's no sidelining of characters because they don't fit into the conflict-resolution paradigm. It's a narrative democracy where every voice matters. The irony of embracing Kishōtenketsu is realizing that we may not have all the answers in our hollywood-centric, western-oriented narrative toolbox. Maybe there's more to explore and learn from other cultures and their ways of telling stories. It's a humbling and exciting realization – a call to expand our narrative horizons and enrich our storytelling palette.
The Final Snark: Conflicts Are So Last Century
If the traditional conflict-driven narrative is a well-trodden path, Kishōtenketsu is the scenic route we've often ignored. Sure, there's conflict underneath it all; it may be emotional and hidden, but it is there. Regardless, if you've got the itch, feel free to step off that well-worn path and explore the lush landscapes of storytelling that lie beyond the mainstream. After all, pitched battles are so last century. (ughh... don't we wish!) Let's embrace the nuanced, subtle, and emotionally resonant narratives that Kishōtenketsu offers. Who knows? We might find that these stories have been the ones worth telling. If you follow your narrative voice, you might discover it has a softer timbre than you expected.
So, as we bid adieu to our overreliance on open conflict, pause to consider an alternative, Kishōtenketsu – the narrative structure waiting patiently for us to catch up or at least ask us to try something unfamiliar and surprising. Here's to more stories that make us think, feel, and see the world in a different light. Cheers!
C Merritt Houghton
20 December 2023
Here are the top 5 that come to mind. Enjoy.
"Spirited Away" (Film, 2001) - This Studio Ghibli film, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is an excellent example of the kishotenketsu structure. It doesn't rely on a traditional antagonist but instead focuses on the protagonist's personal growth and the world she navigates.
"Kiki's Delivery Service" (Film, 1989) - Another gem from Studio Ghibli, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this film tells the story of a young witch, Kiki, who starts her own delivery service. The narrative focuses on Kiki's personal growth, her interactions with the townspeople, and her journey to find her place in the world, reflecting the kishotenketsu emphasis on character and situation over conflict.
"Your Name" (Film, 2016) - This highly acclaimed anime film by Makoto Shinkai weaves a narrative that, while not strictly adhering to kishotenketsu, incorporates its elements, particularly in the way it develops its story through emotional and situational shifts rather than traditional conflict.
"Tampopo" (Film, 1985) - Directed by Juzo Itami, this Japanese film is often cited as an example of non-linear storytelling that aligns with kishotenketsu principles. It's a collection of vignettes revolving around food, life, and human relationships, emphasizing thematic exploration and character interaction.
"My Neighbor Totoro" (Film, 1988) - This beloved Studio Ghibli film, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a classic example of the kishotenketsu structure in cinema. The story, centered around two sisters and their encounters with friendly forest spirits, including the iconic Totoro, follows the four-part structure with a focus on everyday life, magical discoveries, and emotional growth rather than conflict-based drama. The film's narrative unfolds through the sisters' experiences and interactions with the magical world around them, emphasizing exploration and wonder over traditional plot progression.