To craft an emotionally engaging story, understand your protagonist’s desires and their arc. Employ the three-act structure by focusing on evoking specific emotions at each stage: from curiosity and tension in exposition, to clarity at the midpoint, and ultimately to catharsis in resolution. Prioritize emotional impact over mere plot mechanics.
Refrain: The Rythmic Music Behind Story
Refrain, unlike anaphora, operates on a larger scale within a narrative, emphasizing repeated phrases, symbols, or scenes that build rhythm and meaning. It deepens thematic resonance and emotional engagement, exemplified by Uhtred’s refrain “Destiny is all” in The Last Kingdom, which highlights fate's significance. Next, motifs will be explored.
Welcome to the Story Structure Series: Building Stories that Move Us
You are not alone if you’ve ever struggled with plotting your novel or screenplay. Many writers feel unsure about where their story should go next. That’s where structure comes in, but not as a rigid formula. At Story Structure Studio: Device & Design, structure is a tool for emotional connection. This category is dedicated to…
Story Structure Studio: Device and Design... 