Notes on Story Structure and Personal Essays

Story Structure in Media

• Exposition: Introduces the background situation. Examples include:

  • Mystery shows like Sherlock Holmes, where the protagonist is exceptionally intelligent.

  • Procedural shows like Criminal Minds, which start with a crime scene (e.g., finding a body) that sets up the case for the week.

  • Medical dramas like House, where a perplexing medical case is presented (e.g., a teacher coughing up blood).

• Predictable Plot Points:

  • In medical dramas, if the problem seems solved around the 20-minute mark, it's likely a misdiagnosis.

  • The resolution involves identifying the true issue (catching the "bad guy" or diagnosing the illness).

  • The episode concludes by showing how the events impact the characters' relationships.

• Comfort TV:

  • Shows like Bones can be enjoyable because they are engaging yet easy to follow, requiring minimal attention.

Story Shape and Audience Expectation

• Conforming to familiar structures: When a story doesn't meet expectations, it may feel unsatisfying.

• Example: The speaker recalls reading Timberland in grad school, where a king faces no setbacks, defying typical narrative arcs.

• Sequels are not a new concept, even in the 1600s.

• Marvel Movies:

  • Appreciated for delivering on their promises and adhering to established story structures.

  • The speaker enjoys Marvel movies because they are mostly well-structured.

  • CGI fights typically begin around 40 minutes into the film.

Writing Personal Essays

• Introduction:

  • State the experience you're writing about and your reasons for doing so.

  • Provide relevant background information (e.g., parents' divorce if it impacts the narrative).

• Student Papers and Pricing Actions:

  • Use this section for planning and laying the groundwork for the events that follow (e.g., planning a party or stealing a golf cart).

• Climax:

  • The most detailed and substantial part of the essay, meant to captivate the audience through vivid descriptions.

• Conclusion:

  • Offer final reflective remarks, stating the moral of the story or lessons learned.

Important notes about the conclusion

• Moral of the story: Like in old South Park episodes, explicitly state the moral or lesson learned.

• Learning the right things: Be mindful of the conclusions drawn from the experience. Example:

  • A student who claimed church changed his life but continued his problematic behavior, misunderstanding forgiveness.

  • A student who implied drinking and driving was acceptable as long as they didn't smoke pot too, showing flawed reasoning.

Avoiding Clichéd Topics

• Avoid overdone topics: Such as high school graduation or generic positive experiences without conflict or growth that do not teach any lessons.

• Acceptable Topics:

  • A cruise with significant problems (e.g., engine trouble and repairs).

• Childbirth: While impactful, it can easily become too graphic or private for a public essay.

• Personal vs. Private: Differentiate between sharing personal experiences and delving into overly private details (e.g., medical procedures).

Essay Structure and Grading Process

• Topic Discussion: Each paper begins with a general topic discussion.

• Analysis of Professional Essays: The class will examine essays by professional writers and students.

• Drafting and Peer Editing:

  • First Draft: Due the class after the topic is presented for peer editing.

  • Final Draft: Due the next class, which will be graded.

• Content Restrictions: Write about topics you are comfortable sharing with classmates.

• Documentary Integration: Starting with the second paper, a documentary will be shown to provide additional insight and a break from lecturing.

Course Flexibility

• Adaptable Syllabus: The instructor avoids rigid planning to reduce stress and adapt to the class's progress.

Homework Assignment

• Reading Assignment: Read the assigned essay

• Questions: Answer the questions at the end of the essay for discussion the following day.