Dramatica Definition: Apparent Work

Apparent Work • [Overview Appreciation] • In an Apparent Work story, the Goal will fail if the Main Character stays on course. For the Goal to succeed he must adopt a new path. Of course, the Main Character cannot see the future and therefore can never be absolutely sure if he should change or not. That is why Main Characters must often make a “leap of faith” at the moment of climax and decide to Change or Remain Steadfast. Other times, the Main Character is slowly drawn towards his Resolve of Changing or Remaining Steadfast, however it is still must be made clear which way he’s gone by the end of the story. In stories where the Main Character Remains Steadfast and fails as a result, the assessment that only Work was needed was merely Apparent, not Actual