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Kurt Vonnegut on the 8 “Shapes” of Stories
there are seven basic plots running through human history: overcoming the monster (think Beowulf or Jaws); rags to riches; the quest; voyage and return; comedy; tragedy; and rebirth. The Irish playwright Denis Johnston identified eight: unrecognised virtue; fatal flaw; debt that must be paid; love triangle; spider and the fly; boy meets girl plus
... See moreLouise Willder • Blurb Your Enthusiasm: A Cracking Compendium of Book Blurbs, Writing Tips, Literary Folklore and Publishing Secrets
In 4 minutes, Kurt Vonnegut explains stories better than anyone I’ve ever heard.
“The shape of the curve is what matters. Not their origins.”
He plots stories on 2 axes:
X: Time
Y: Good fortune / ill fortune
He goes on... See more
Nathan Baughx.comContext Rising action (or conflict) Climax Denouement (or falling action) Good stories tend to follow this narrative arc.