Why Stories Make Us Human and How to Tell Them Better

Chapter 1: Creating a World

• Stories begin with unexpected change: An unexpected event disrupts the normal flow of life, captivating our attention and setting the stage for the plot to unfold.
• Characters as neural models: Our brains create hallucinated models of the world, including the characters we encounter in stories. Each character has unique traits, experiences, and beliefs that shape their actions and reactions.
• The purpose of detail: Specific details enhance the vividness of scenes and allow readers to connect on a deeper level with the characters and the world they inhabit.
• The power of sensory information: Sensory details engage multiple senses, immersing readers in the story and creating a more impactful experience.
• Cause and effect as guide: Stories explore the consequences of actions, weaving a clear thread of cause and effect throughout the narrative.
• The art of showing, not telling: Skilful writers show the reader what is happening, rather than simply stating it outright, allowing the audience to form their own conclusions and experience the story more fully.
• Cause and effect in mass-market stories: Commercial storytelling employs predictable cause-and-effect sequences, catering to the expectations of a broader audience.
• The protagonist as enigma: Protagonists are often driven by mysterious desires or conflicts, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover their motivations.
• The flawed protagonist: Characters with flaws and contradictions are more relatable and engaging, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and empathize with their journeys.
• The protagonist’s theory of control: Each character possesses a theory of control, an unconscious belief about how they can influence their surroundings and achieve their goals.
• Goal-directed characters: Characters in stories are driven by goals, which provide direction and purpose to their actions.
• Plot as a series of events: Plots are constructed from a chain of story events, each bringing new challenges and obstacles to the protagonist’s path.
• Storytelling as a practice: Human beings are innately drawn to storytelling, and the act of creating and consuming stories is a fundamental part of our experience.

Chapter 2: The Character-First Process

• The sacred flaw: The protagonist’s sacred flaw is a fundamental belief that drives their actions and shapes their experiences. It is the core of their character and the foundation of their conflict.
• Origin damage: Origin damage refers to the experiences in a character’s past that have shaped their sacred flaw. Understanding this damage helps us comprehend why the character behaves and thinks the way they do.
• The hero-maker narrative: Characters often construct a hero-maker narrative to justify their actions and protect their self-image. This narrative can blind them to their own flaws and lead them into dangerous situations.
• The real answer to the dramatic question: The dramatic question, “Who is this person?”, is not easily answered. The protagonist’s true nature is revealed gradually through their actions, choices, and interactions with others.
• Multiple personas: Characters have multiple facets to their personalities, and their behaviour can change depending on the situation and the people they are interacting with.
• Control as the ultimate goal: The human brain is driven by a desire for control, and characters strive to maintain a sense of order and predictability in their lives.

Chapter 3: The Five-Act Plot

• The five-act structure: A standard plot structure consists of five acts, each with a distinct purpose and function.
• Act I: The Setup: Introduces the protagonist, the world they inhabit, and the initial conflict.
• Act II: Rising Action: The protagonist actively confronts the conflict and faces new challenges.
• Act III: The Climax: The protagonist reaches a turning point in their journey, confronting their deepest fears and making a decision that will shape the rest of their story.
• Act IV: Falling Action: The protagonist faces the consequences of their choices and begins to resolve the conflict.
• Act V: The Resolution: The protagonist finds a new balance and resolves the central conflict of the story.
• The hero’s journey: The protagonist’s journey often follows a predictable pattern, involving a call to adventure, challenges and trials, and a return to the ordinary world transformed.

Chapter 4: Information Gaps and Curiosity

• Information gaps: Gaps in information create suspense and keep readers engaged. Stories provide information gradually, building anticipation and curiosity.
• Curiosity as a driving force: Human beings are innately curious, and stories tap into this instinct to keep readers turning the pages.
• The power of withheld information: Withholding information can create tension and intrigue, prompting readers to speculate and anticipate what will happen next.
• The importance of pacing: The gradual release of information is crucial for maintaining interest. Too much information too quickly can overwhelm readers, while too little can bore them.

Chapter 5: The Power of Surprise

• Surprise as a catalyst: Unexpected events and plot twists create surprise and keep readers on the edge of their seats.
• The art of foreshadowing: Skilled writers foreshadow future events to create a sense of anticipation and dread.
• The element of the unknown: Stories often explore the unknown and the unpredictable, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and awe.

Chapter 6: The Art of Characterization

• Character as a complex puzzle: Characters are complex beings with multiple motivations, desires, and fears. Understanding their inner workings is essential for creating believable and engaging stories.
• Personality as a guide: Personality traits can predict behaviour and help writers create consistent and realistic characters.
• The influence of culture: Culture shapes our beliefs, values, and behaviour. Understanding a character’s cultural background provides insights into their motivations and actions.
• The role of backstory: Backstory gives depth to characters and explains their current behaviour. However, backstory should be used sparingly and only when relevant to the plot.

Chapter 7: The Power of Dialogue

• Dialogue as a window into the soul: Dialogue reveals a character’s thoughts, emotions, and motivations. It brings characters to life and allows readers to connect with them on a deeper level.
• Subtext as a hidden message: Subtext conveys unspoken thoughts and feelings, adding depth and nuance to the narrative.
• The rhythm of dialogue: The rhythm and flow of dialogue can enhance characterization and create a sense of authenticity.
• The art of listening: Characters who truly listen to each other create more engaging and believable conversations.

Chapter 8: The Use of Setting

• Setting as a character: Setting is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the story. It influences characters’ behaviour, shapes their experiences, and evokes emotions in readers.
• The power of sensory details: Sensory details immerse readers in the setting and create a vivid and memorable experience.
• Symbolism in setting: Objects and places can carry symbolic meanings, adding depth and resonance to the story.
• The hidden messages of setting: Setting can reveal character traits, foreshadow events, and convey the author’s message.

Chapter 9: The Importance of Theme

• Theme as the heart of the story: Theme is the central idea or message that the story conveys. It provides a deeper level of meaning and resonates with readers on a personal level.
• Theme as a unifying force: Theme ties together the various elements of the story, giving it coherence and purpose.
• Theme as a reflection: Themes often reflect the author’s own beliefs, values, and experiences.
• The power of subtlety: Themes can be conveyed subtly or explicitly, allowing readers to discover them gradually as the story unfolds.

Chapter 10: The Craft of Writing

• The importance of revision: Revision is an essential part of the writing process, allowing writers to refine their work, eliminate errors, and improve the overall quality.
• The art of editing: Editing involves checking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, as well as making stylistic adjustments to improve the flow and readability of the text.
• The value of feedback: Seeking feedback from beta readers, writing groups, or mentors can provide valuable insights and help writers identify areas for improvement.
• The joy of rewriting: Rewriting is an opportunity to rethink the story, experiment with different ideas, and refine the narrative.
• The writer’s responsibility: Writers have a responsibility to their readers to craft stories that are engaging, meaningful, and well-executed.

Chapter 11: The Science Behind Storytelling

• The brain’s role in storytelling: The human brain is wired for storytelling, and certain brain regions are activated when we engage with stories, creating a sense of involvement and immersion.
• The neurochemistry of storytelling: Storytelling triggers the release of neurochemicals such as oxytocin and dopamine, which promote feelings of connection, pleasure, and reward.
• The evolutionary origins of storytelling: Storytelling has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years, serving as a means of entertainment, education, and social bonding.
• The power of stories to change our minds: Stories have the ability to shape our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours, influencing our perceptions of the world and ourselves.

Chapter 12: The Future of Storytelling

• The rise of digital storytelling: Digital technologies are transforming the way stories are created, consumed, and shared, offering new possibilities for interactive and immersive experiences.
• The blurring of boundaries: The lines between different storytelling mediums are becoming increasingly blurred, with stories being told through a variety of channels, including books, films, television, video games, and social media.
• The importance of diversity: Diversity in storytelling is essential for creating narratives that reflect the experiences and perspectives of all members of society.
• The power of stories to connect us: In an increasingly fragmented world, stories have the power to connect us, foster empathy, and promote understanding.

Practical Tips for Storytelling

• Develop a strong premise: The premise is the foundation of your story, so make sure it is compelling, original, and has the potential to sustain a full narrative.
• Create relatable characters: Readers connect with characters they can relate to, so develop characters with realistic motivations, flaws, and aspirations.
• Build a believable world: The setting of your story should be vivid, immersive, and consistent. Consider the sensory details, cultural influences, and historical context.
• Craft a compelling plot: The plot is the backbone of your story, so make sure it is engaging, suspenseful, and satisfying. Use unexpected events, rising action, and a clear resolution to keep readers hooked.
• Write with clarity and precision: Use clear and concise language that allows readers to easily follow the story and connect with the characters. Avoid unnecessary jargon or technical terms.
• Revise and edit: Once you have a draft, take time to revise and edit your work. Check for errors, inconsistencies, and areas that need improvement. Get feedback from others to gain fresh perspectives.
• Read widely: Study the works of great storytellers to learn from their techniques and develop your own style.
• Practice regularly: The more you write, the better you will become. Set aside time each day to practice your craft and hone your skills.
• Don’t give up: Writing a successful story takes time and effort. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or rejection. Keep writing, keep learning, and never give up on your dreams.