Trapped By Structure

Structure is seductive, at least it was for me. But that seduction often comes at a cost... a loss of surprise and delight.

Ed Catmull from his introduction to the book "Humor, Seriously":

The Typical story has three acts that go something like this: The first act tells the audience what the problem is and why they should care. The Second act is where it all goes wrong - so very, very wrong. The third act is where, unlike in real life, it all gets resolved. How exactly it ends, though, is, just like in real life, always a surprise.

To satisfy our readers, we must write something that feels vaguely familiar but is, in turn, surprising and unexpected. Novelty and surprise go a long way toward winning hearts and minds. The structure can be familiar, guiding our reader on the story's path, and that same structure can also be a rut, that inextricably traps us in the deeply worn track of formula.

Storytelling is a well of infinite fascination. A well-structured story can captivate an audience, create an explosion of emotion, and leave memories as vivid as real ones. However, it's also easy to fall into the trap of relying too heavily on formulaic structures and predictable plot twists, resulting in stale and unoriginal stories.

So, how can we apply story structure but avoid the formulaic? Answer: understand structure is a tool, a flexible framework, rather than rigid rules and restrictions. Often, the swerve, the zag away from formula, feeds delight and surprise in your reader.

First, understand the basic building blocks of story structure. Most stories follow a three-act structure, with the first act introducing the characters and setting the stage, the second introducing conflict and complications, and the third resolving the conflict and tying up loose ends. All stories must have a beginning, middle, and end; that's fundamental. Editing and publishing are acts of constraint; without them, you have no text, only an endless stream of electrons. Good luck with that.

Use these building blocks to lay a foundation for a story full of unique and surprising encounters. Your story might have a chance of standing out. Tweaking structure by starting in the middle of the action or using non-linear storytelling may trigger curiosity to keep your audience engaged.

Another way to avoid formulaic storytelling is to focus on character development instead of sequential events. Driven by complex, multi-dimensional characters, stories expand beyond a mere "what happens?" We see a character's growth and change as a satisfying outcome, giving meaning to the dramatic events. Absent the "why," a story's events become tedious and rote.

Rather than relying on stock characters and predictable plot twists, put the focus on confused characters with complex motivations, finding their way through a muddled chain of obstacles and challenges in search of their heart’s desire. Such focus feels fresh and honest, keeping the audience invested in the outcome.

Finally, don't be afraid to take risks and experiment with your storytelling. Play with genre conventions, subvert expectations, or explore unconventional themes. The goal is to create an original, meaningful story that resonates with the audience.

Story structure is an essential tool. But don't fall into formula's easy snare; don't be the blithe rabbit lured by the easy carrot. Unique stories focus on character development for richness and have plots that take bold storytelling gambits.

Be Bold.

Charles Merritt Houghton

14 March 2023