Designing Principle A foundational concept or guideline that informs the structure, themes, and development of the narrative, guiding the creation of a cohesive and impactful storytelling experience.
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Related terms A disappointing or underwhelming resolution to a sequence of events or a storyline that builds anticipation for a significant outcome.
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A principle in storytelling where every element introduced in a narrative must be necessary and serve a purpose.
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The dramatic turning point of the story when the conflict is resolved and the main character reaches their goal.
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Dan Harmon's Story Circle
A narrative structure consisting of eight stages that outlines the journey of a character, including aspects such as a comfort zone, a call to adventure, challenges, and a return with newfound wisdom, serving as a framework for crafting compelling stories.
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A central question or uncertainty posed by a narrative that drives the audience's engagement and anticipation for its resolution.
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A plot device whereby an improbable or unexpected event or character intervention resolves a seemingly unsolvable problem or conflict.
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A concluding section of a literary work that provides closure, reflects on the events or characters' futures beyond the main narrative, or offers final insights or resolutions.
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A narrative device used to provide essential background information, context, or setting details necessary for understanding the plot, characters, or themes of a story.
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The series of events that occur after the climax, leading towards the resolution, where tension diminishes, loose ends are tied up, and the story moves towards its conclusion.
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A narrative structure that charts rising tension and conflict, culminating in a climax followed by a rapid resolution or denouement.
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A narrative device used to depict a scene or event from the past to provide context, reveal character motivations, or enhance the plot.
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A technique where subtle hints, clues, or indications are given early in a narrative, hinting at future events, developments, or outcomes to create suspense and anticipation.
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A dramatic structure in storytelling, consisting of five stagesâexposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolutionâdepicting the progression of a narrative's plot from its introduction to its resolution, often used to analyze and structure dramatic narratives.
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A narrative archetype describing the common stages and motifs of a hero's adventure, serving as a template for many myths, legends, and stories across cultures.
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The event or circumstance that sets the main plot of a story in motion, disrupting the protagonist's ordinary life and prompting them to embark on a journey or face a conflict.
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A narrative device, often an object or goal, that drives the plot forward by motivating characters' actions but may hold little intrinsic value or relevance to the story itself.
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The central point of a story where significant revelations, reversals, or developments occur, altering the trajectory of the plot and characters, often dividing the narrative into two distinct halves.
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Narratives that do not follow a chronological sequence of events, instead presenting events out of order or through various perspectives.
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The trajectory or path that the plot of a story follows, including its various twists, turns, and developments.
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An introductory section of a story that precedes the main narrative, providing background information, setting the stage, or offering context to the story that follows.
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A misleading clue, event, or character introduced to divert attention away from the true solution or direction of the plot, often used to create suspense or mislead the audience.
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The concluding part of a narrative where conflicts are resolved, loose ends are tied up, and the story reaches its final outcome.
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The series of events and conflicts that intensify the narrative tension, leading towards the climax and propelling the plot forward.
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A unit of narrative that takes place in a specific time and location, often involving characters engaging in dialogue or action to advance the plot.
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A figure of speech that compares two things using "like" or "as" to highlight their similarities and create vivid imagery.
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