top of page

The Elements of a (great) Story

Click on the images below for a detailed description of how each component works

The Hero / Protagonist
The Setting/World
The Great Obstacle/Villain
The Quest
The Challenge
article-2054607-0E91661D00000578-25_964x643_edited
Victory - The End

What to do when your Story isn't working for you

STEP 1

The first thing to do is to understand that each person is a hero in their own story. Hitler saw himself as a hero. So did Mussolini. So did Franco. So did Manmohan Singh, and Rahul Gandhi, for that matter. Arnab Goswami definitely sees himself as one, perhaps as the only one.

​

​

STEP 2

Identify your story. Break it down into components. Find an anchor story - something from myth, fiction or reality that seems to parallel your own journey. Find a parallel rich with metaphor that you can draw on for inspiration through your own Quest.

​

​

STEP 3

Archetypes: This is terribly important. If, in your own story, the path you take is not one of the Hero/Protagonist, but far more of a character that resembles, in behaviour and action, another archetype, your Quest is in trouble. Common archetypes include The Wise Old Man, The Rebel, The Clown, The Sidekick, The Mother Figure, The Scapegoat, The Outcast, The Temptress, the Devil, etc. You could play the Clown or the Devil in someone else's story, but in your own, watch out for slipping into the wrong role. (A word of caution - every archetype has shades of the others - some heroes have a sense of humour, some are maddeningly attractive, some terribly intelligent. Those are their strengths, or weaknesses. We are all made up of a mixture of archetypes - so analyse well and don't be too hard on yourself)

​

​

STEP 4

Once you've identified the problems with your story and the character you have been playing, begins the process of transformation - your Challenge. Much like in the image above, there is a mountain to climb. Very often, you need help. That's where The Wordman or another friend/advisor is important. Whether you come to me, or find another Yoda, you often need help at this stage to change your story, so don't let your ego get in the way.

​

​

STEP 5

Get your story back on track. Change it around so it flows more smoothly. Fulfill your Quest. Simpler said than done, but then again, what's the point of a Quest if it isn't worthy of a Hero such as you?

​

​

​

​

wordman

 
teller of tales
bottom of page