Analyzing and Developing Structure

These flashcards cover key concepts related to story structure, character development, and the importance of conflict and values in narratives.

What is the difference between a life story and the story told?

A life story is a comprehensive biography from birth until death, while the story told is a selective narrative determined by the writer to convey specific experiences and insights about a character.

What is story structure?

Story structure refers to the selection of events from a character's life composed into a strategic sequence to evoke specific emotions and express a certain view of life.

What are story events?

Story events, also known as scenes, are moments in a story that involve change affecting the characters, generating emotions, dialogue, and action.

What do story values represent?

Story values are the universal qualities of human experience that can shift from positive to negative or vice versa, influencing the narrative.

What is required for a story to exist?

A story requires events that involve struggle, tension, conflict, or an unfulfilled need that affects the characters.

How are story values represented as binaries?

Story values can be expressed as binaries such as life/death, truth/lies, freedom/slavery, courage/cowardice, and good/evil.

How does conflict contribute to an effective story event?

Conflict is essential as it drives meaningful change in a character's life situation, making the story event impactful and engaging.

What does the Hogwarts letter scene illustrate in terms of values?

The Hogwarts letter scene reflects story values by dealing with a meaningful life situation that involves a universal shift between positive and negative values.

What should occur for a major event in a story to be considered effective?

Major events should not be coincidental; they must be deeply connected to the story and contribute to the character's meaningful change and conflict.

What questions should you consider when analyzing a story event?

Consider how the event shows meaningful change in a character's life, how it leads to emotions, dialogue, action, and the central conflict involved.