The Heart of Storytelling: Principles, Not Rules

I’ve simplified the core story elements to these five, in this order: Establishing a GOAL—the action of a story begins when we discover what someone wants. Introducing a PROBLEM someone didn’t know they had—this creates conflict and tension, which is the engine of all action. Discovering a TRUTH that makes inaction impossible, because it puts the g

Here is nearly every story you see or hear in a nutshell: A CHARACTER who wants something encounters a PROBLEM before they can get it. At the peak of their despair, a GUIDE steps into their lives, gives them a PLAN, and CALLS THEM TO ACTION. That action helps them avoid FAILURE and ends in a SUCCESS.