Notes from Liam’s Lair
6 Narrative Elements
·       Setting - The setting is the time and location where the story takes place
·       Characters - each with a different role or purpose
·       Story
·       Conflict
·       Theme
·       Narrative Arc – Overall Story
7 Story Archetypes
·       Comedy
·       Overcoming the Monster
·       Rags to Riches
·       Rebirth
·       Quest
·       Tragedy
·       Voyage and Return
8 Story Types:
·       Comedy
·       Overcoming the Monster
·       Rags to Riches
·       Rebellion
·       Rebirth
·       Quest
·       Tragedy
·       Voyage and Return
8 Story Elements
·       Theme
·       Plot – Story Structure
·       Characters – Includes Protagonist Growth Arc
·       Conflict – Both Hero and Antagonist Internal/External
·       Point of View
·       Setting
·       Tone
·       Style
Story Type by Value Scale
·       Accomplishment vs. Failure: Performance/Sports Stories
·       Life vs. Death: Adventure, Action Stories, War
·       Life vs. Fate Worse than Death: Thriller, Horror, Mystery
·       Love vs. Hate: Romance/Love Stories
·       Maturity vs. Immaturity: Coming of Age stories
·       Right vs. Wrong: Temptation/Morality Stories, Westerns
6 Rules for Great Storytelling
·       Great stories are universal
·       Great stories have a clear structure and purpose
·       Great stories have a character to root for (an underdog)
·       Great stories appeal to our deepest emotions
·       Great stories are surprising and unexpected
·       Great stories are simple and focused