Unveiling the Secrets to Great Plots

Jatin Rathod · 20th February 2024 · ⧗ 25 min read ****

In the realm of movies and TV shows, storytelling is a craft that holds the power to captivate audiences and transport them to different worlds. A well-crafted story can evoke a wide range of emotions, ignite imaginations, and leave a lasting impact on viewers.

But what exactly makes a story great? How do scriptwriters and filmmakers bring their narratives to life? In this blog, we will explore the essence of storytelling, explore various types of story structures, and analyze notable examples from the world of cinema and television.

Understanding Story Structure

At the core of every compelling narrative lies a well-defined story structure. Story structure refers to the organization and arrangement of plot events that guide the progression of a story. While there are numerous story structures that writers can employ, most follow a similar pattern comprising key elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Classic Story Structure / Freytag’s Pyramid

The classic story structure serves as a foundation for many narratives. It encompasses several key elements that provide a framework for storytelling. Freytag's Pyramid, named after German novelist Gustav Freytag, is a five-point dramatic structure commonly used in classical tragedies. These elements include:

• Exposition: This sets the stage by establishing the protagonist's normal life and desires, leading up to the inciting incident.
• Rising Action: The protagonist embarks on a journey, encountering challenges and growing along the way.
• Climax: The turning point of the story, where the protagonist achieves their goal or experiences a moment of revelation.
• Falling Action: The aftermath of the climax, where the protagonist deals with the consequences of their actions.
• Resolution: The conclusion that ties together the plot, character arcs, and themes.

Classic story structure can be found in various genres, from action-packed thrillers to heartwarming romances. It provides a blueprint for creating engaging narratives that resonate with audiences.

While Freytag's Pyramid is less prevalent in modern storytelling, it remains a foundational structure in Western literature and can be seen in certain contemporary tales.

The Hero's Journey

Popularized by Joseph Campbell, is a narrative structure that draws upon mythological patterns found in stories from various cultures. This structure follows the hero's transformative journey and can be broken down into 12 stages:

• The Ordinary World: The hero's everyday life is established.
• The Call to Adventure: An inciting incident prompts the hero to embark on a quest.
• Refusal of the Call: The hero initially hesitates or rejects the journey.
• Meeting the Mentor: The hero encounters a wise figure who guides and prepares them.
• Crossing the First Threshold: The hero leaves their comfort zone and enters a new world.
• Tests, Allies, and Enemies: The hero faces challenges, gains allies, and confronts adversaries.
• Approach to the Inmost Cave: The hero approaches a significant challenge or ordeal.
• The Ordeal: The hero faces their greatest challenge and transforms.
• Reward (Seizing the Sword): The hero obtains a reward or accomplishes their goal.
• The Road Back: The hero realizes the journey is not yet over and faces further obstacles.
• Resurrection: The hero faces a final test, drawing upon what they have learned.
• Return with the Elixir: The hero returns to their ordinary world, changed by their experiences.

The Hero's Journey structure is widely used in various genres and has been influential in shaping many iconic stories, including George Lucas's Star Wars saga.

Examples from Movies and TV Shows

To illustrate the power of different story structures, let's explore how they have been employed in a selection of notable movies and TV shows.

Freytag's Pyramid: "Breaking Bad"

One exceptional example of Freytag's Pyramid can be seen in the critically acclaimed TV series "Breaking Bad." The show follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine producer.

• Introduction: Walter White is introduced as a mild-mannered teacher leading an ordinary life.
• Rise: Walter's cancer diagnosis becomes the inciting incident, prompting him to turn to a life of crime to secure his family's financial future.
• Climax: Walter becomes a feared drug lord, achieving power and wealth.
• Return: As the consequences of his actions catch up with him, Walter's empire collapses.
• Catastrophe: Ultimately, Walter faces the consequences of his choices and meets his tragic end.