Our Most Popular Articles on Writing of All Time

Just updated – your favorite articles on creative writing, story development, story structure and narrative science:

Our Most Popular Articles on Writing of All Time

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The 8 Archetypal Characters More stats 7,562
Dramatica Audio Program More stats 2,303
Dramatica Theory Book More stats 1,746
Dramatica Video Program More stats 1,526
Sidekick & Skeptic Archetypes More stats 1,297
The Best Story Structure Articles of 2012 More stats 1,209
Objective vs. Subjective Perspectives More stats 1,187
Story Development More stats 1,045
Characters More stats 1,011
Blog More stats 961
Dramatica Definition: Contagonist More stats 908
Complex Characters in “Rear Window” More stats 877
Dramatica Dictionary More stats 828
The 8 Archetypal Characters More stats 811
Creative Writing More stats 811
Novel Writing More stats 774
Dramatica Pro More stats 704
Character Interests (Likes and Dislikes) More stats 673
Plot More stats 634
12 Essential Questions More stats 567
Narrative Space More stats 566
A Character’s Purpose More stats 558
Stories with Main Characters Who Change More stats 548
Each Archetype is an Equation More stats 498
Character Development and the 28 “Magic” Scenes More stats 488
Genre & Theme More stats 487
Introduction to Plot More stats 478
Dramatica – How We Did It! (Part One) More stats 438
Objective and Subjective Characters More stats 429
Protagonist and Antagonist More stats 429
StoryWeaver vs. Dramatica More stats 420
Screenwriting More stats 408
The Dramatica Structural Model More stats 394
3 Act vs. 4 Act Structure More stats 380
“Sweet Spots” in Time More stats 334
Static & Progressive Plot Points More stats 333
Premise and the Thematic Argument More stats 323
Thematic Premise vs. Thematic Conflict More stats 322
StoryWeaving Seminar More stats 317
Four Dimensional Characters More stats 315
Using Dramatica Example Stories More stats 310
Psychology, Personality, Persona & Perception – The 4 P’s Revisited More stats 265
Dramatica Class More stats 261
Selecting Your Story’s Goal More stats 259
Narrative Dynamics 7 – Dynamics Quads More stats 251
External and Internal Dependencies More stats 245
The Four Story Domains More stats 235
Writing Trilogies More stats 228
The “Influence Character” in a Nut Shell More stats 228
The Contagonist More stats 225
Complex Characters in “Gone with the Wind” More stats 220
Conversational Inertia More stats 218
Your Plot, Step by Step More stats 207
New Interactive Index Card Software – Just $9.95 More stats 205
Writing Tips for Multi-Story Ensemble Series and Soap Operas More stats 204
A Novelist’s Bag of Tricks More stats 204
The Four Stages of Communication More stats 202
Dramatica Unplugged (Part 1) – Introducing the Story Mind More stats 202
Beyond Dramatica – a new free eBook by Dramatica co-creator Melanie Anne Phillips More stats 194
8 Character Archetypes Portray the Facets of Our Minds More stats 189
What Is Dramatica? More stats 188
Male vs. Female Problem Solving More stats 186
Action & Decision Elements of Character Archetypes More stats 185
The Four Story Throughlines More stats 176
The Reason and Emotion Archetypes More stats 176
Predicting Human Behavior More stats 175
Four Points of View in Every Story More stats 171
Birth of a Story Mind More stats 170
The Measure of a Hero More stats 169
Dramatica Class 10 More stats 168
Characters – Introduction to “Blind Spot” More stats 164
“Hero” is a Stereotype NOT an Archetype! More stats 162
Creating Characters from Scratch More stats 162
Dramatica Definition: Critical Flaw More stats 158
Enough Theory! How Does Dramatica Work on Real Stories? More stats 157
Narrative Science More stats 156
The Narrative Archetype More stats 152
Narrative Dynamics 1 – Introduction More stats 151
Dramatica Dictionary: P More stats 151
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 4 More stats 150
Is Story Structure a Myth? More stats 149
How to Structure Your Story’s Theme More stats 149
Novel Writing Tips: Novels Aren’t Stories More stats 148
Random Story Generator More stats 147
Archetypes in the Movie, “Jaws” More stats 146
Main Character’s Resolve More stats 145
Be a StoryWeaver – NOT a Story Mechanic! More stats 143
Dramatica Definition: Dynamic Pair More stats 143
Questions About Dramatica Story Expert More stats 142
Dramatica Structure “Super” Classes More stats 142
Throughlines (and how to use them!) More stats 141
Complex Characters More stats 140
Narrative Dynamics 6 – The Grand Unifying Theory of Everything More stats 140
Narrative Dynamics 3 – The Dramatica Model More stats 137
Do Stories Have 28 or 24 Scenes? More stats 136
The Reason and Emotion Archetypes More stats 135
Character Motivation Elements in Wizard Of Oz More stats 135
Writing Plot for Television Series More stats 133
The Four Stages of Storytelling More stats 133
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 3 More stats 129
Finding Inspiration More stats 129
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 7 More stats 127
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 5 More stats 125
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 9 More stats 124
Creating Four Dimensional Characters (video) More stats 124
Genre – Act by Act More stats 123
Act Order – Sign Posts, Journeys & Throughlines More stats 123
Motivations, Methodologies, Evaluations and Purposes More stats 122
Dramatica Theory More stats 120
Driver and Passenger Characters More stats 120
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 2 More stats 118
Creating Characters from Scratch More stats 118
Static vs. Progressive Plot Points (video) More stats 118
Dramatica Class 1 More stats 117
Defining and Identifying Personality Types More stats 116
How to Create Archetypal Characters More stats 115
Dramatica Theory Book: Prologue More stats 113
How to Use StoryWeaver Story Development Software More stats 112
Download Dramatica Theory Book in PDF More stats 111
Screenwriting Tips: Break Up Monologues More stats 110
Archetypes in Star Wars More stats 109
Dramatica More stats 109
Dramatica: The Lost Theory More stats 107
The Crucial Element More stats 107
Dramatica Dictionary: C More stats 107
Protagonist & Antagonist Archetypes More stats 106
Developing Your Theme More stats 104
Creating Characters from Plot More stats 103
Character Archetypes in Dynamic Pairs More stats 103
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 28 More stats 103
Dramatica Definition: Character Dynamics More stats 103
If Dramatica’s Options Aren’t What I Want, What Then? More stats 103
Complex Characters in “Rear Window” More stats 102
Stories with “Be-er” Main Characters More stats 102
Protagonist & Antagonist More stats 102
Definitive Scientific Article on Dramatica Theory More stats 102
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 6 More stats 101
About StoryWeaver Software… More stats 101
Dramatica Class 11 More stats 101
Write Your Novel Step by Step (Step 1) More stats 101
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 18 More stats 100
Character Arc 101 More stats 99
Dramatica’s Plot Sequence Report – Deep Theory More stats 98
Main Character Resolve – Change or Steadfast? More stats 98
The Master Storyteller: Create a Story “Focus” More stats 98
Identifying Your Antagonist More stats 98
Overall Story Throughline? More stats 97
Contact More stats 97
Dramatica Dictionary: A More stats 97
Dramatica Class 2 More stats 96
Archetypes and the Crucial Element More stats 95
Guardian & Contagonist Archetypes More stats 95
StoryWeaving Seminar: Introduction More stats 94
Dramatica Class 23 More stats 94
Narrative Dynamics 5 – The Interface Solution More stats 93
The Villain More stats 93
Character Elements in Wizard Of Oz More stats 93
Dramatica Dictionary: D More stats 93
Problem, Symptom, and Critical Flaw More stats 92
The 28 “Magic” Scenes – Part 2 More stats 92
Story Examples in Dramatica Pro 4 More stats 92
Fractal Psychology in the Real World More stats 92
Archetypes in Wizard of Oz More stats 91
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 17 More stats 91
Writing from the Passionate Self More stats 91
Four Essential Plot Points More stats 91
Dramatica Trivia 3: The Contagonist Archetype More stats 91
The Periodic Table of Story Elements More stats 90
Dramatica Unplugged (Part 2) – A Tale is a Statement More stats 90
The 28 “Magic” Scenes – Part 1 More stats 90
Throughline Interactive Index Cards – Tip 1 More stats 90
Don’t Forget the Requirements! More stats 89
Designing Your Plot – Multi Appreciation Moments More stats 89
The Hero Breaks Down More stats 89
Dramatica Class: Main Character vs. Protagonist More stats 89
Deciphering Lost Languages with Dramatica More stats 89
The Obstacle Character More stats 89
Do You Write Like An Actor or a Director? More stats 89
Four Archetypes More stats 89
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 8 More stats 88
Who Are You Writing For? More stats 88
Overcoming Habits More stats 88
Sidekick & Skeptic Archetypes More stats 87
“Premise” Leads to Lack of Conflict More stats 87
The Dramatica Chart More stats 87
Developing the Subjective Story Plot More stats 87
The Story Mind (Part 9) – The Story Mind Revisited More stats 87
Signposts & Journeys More stats 87
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 1 More stats 85
Character Dimensions More stats 85
The 8 Character Archetypes (part 1) More stats 85
Cliches, Dead Words, and Overused Phrases More stats 85
Protagonist Personal More stats 85
Dramatica Dictionary: S More stats 84
Avoiding the Genre Trap More stats 83
Dramatica Class 18 More stats 82
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 19 More stats 82
Writing Adaptations & Remakes More stats 82
The Coming Global Story Mind More stats 82
Using Forewarnings More stats 80
Narrative Structure, Game Theory and Crowd Control More stats 79
Dramatica Unplugged (Part 3) – A Story is an Argument More stats 79
Creating Extra Tension with Consequences More stats 77
The Dramatica Chart and Short Stories More stats 77
“Hero” is a Four Letter Word (Free eBook) More stats 77
What Happens in Acts One, Two and Three? More stats 76
How Dramatica Works More stats 76
Sequences, Variations, and Acts More stats 76
Dramatica Class 24 More stats 76
Creating Characters from Scratch More stats 76
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 10 More stats 76
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 25 More stats 75
Can Two Characters Share the Same Traits? More stats 75
Introduction to Premise More stats 75
Dramatica Pro 4 – Characters, Part 1 More stats 75
Trigonometry and Dramatica More stats 74
Dramatica Definition: Sidekick More stats 74
Main Character Resolve: Change or Steadfast? More stats 74
Dramatica Software Tips More stats 72
Plot Requirements More stats 72
Overall Story Concern? More stats 72
“Throughline” or “Through-Line” ? More stats 71
Choosing Your Story’s Title More stats 71
Examples of Story “Concerns” More stats 71
A Method for Locating Personality Types in the General Population More stats 71
Tricking the Muse: The Creativity “Two-Step” More stats 71
A Bug in Writer’s DreamKit? (Say it ain’t so!) More stats 70
Character Development Tricks! More stats 69
Story Driver – Action or Decision? More stats 69
Narrative Dynamics 4 – The Interface Conundrum More stats 68
Revealing Your Goal More stats 68
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 12 More stats 68
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 16 More stats 67
Overall Story Problem? More stats 67
Dramatica Dictionary: Synonyms More stats 67
Dramatica Class 19 More stats 67
A New Approach to Genre More stats 67
Theme and the Dramatica Chart More stats 67
Be a StoryWeaver – NOT a Story Mechanic! (mp3) More stats 67
Dramatica Class 4 More stats 66
Dramatica’s Semantics Explained More stats 66
Does Your Main Character Change or Remain Steadfast? More stats 66
Story Consequences More stats 65
A Screenwriter’s Bag of Tricks More stats 65
Origins of Dramatica More stats 65
Dramatica Class 15 More stats 65
Overall Story Issue? More stats 65
The Four Aspects of Story Structure More stats 65
The Dramatica Structure: Elements More stats 65
The Four Stages of Communication More stats 65
Dramatica Dictionary: T More stats 65
Questions about Dramatica Pro More stats 64
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 37 More stats 64
Protagonist & Antagonist More stats 64
Writing an Initial Plot Synopsis More stats 64
Dramatica Class 14 More stats 64
Character Justifications More stats 63
The Story Engine More stats 63
3 Act vs. 4 Act Structure More stats 63
The Relationship of Author to Audience (Theory) More stats 63
The Big Bang Theory – A “Penny” for Your Thoughts More stats 62
Changing Dramatica’s Suggested Act Order More stats 62
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 11 More stats 62
The False Narrative More stats 61
Dramatica Class 12 More stats 61
Main Character, Obstacle Character – Problem & Solution More stats 60
Dramatica Class: Mental Sex More stats 60
Relationship of Story Driver to Journeys More stats 60
Story Judgment – Good or Bad? More stats 60
Love Interests and the Dramatic Triangle More stats 60
The Chemistry of Characters More stats 60
John Muir and the Poodle People More stats 60
Both Sides of the Thematic Argument More stats 60
Developing the Objective Story Plot More stats 59
Creating Characters from Plot More stats 59
Main Character Approach – Do-er or Be-er? More stats 59
Main Character Style – Logical or Intuitive? More stats 59
Story Domain Examples More stats 59
Dramatica Class 5 More stats 59
Dramatica Class 22 More stats 58
Story Structure for Intuitive Writers in Dramatica Pro 4 More stats 58
Screenwriting Tips: Use Index Cards More stats 58
Finding Your Creative Time More stats 58
Graphic Novel Themes & Dramatica More stats 58
Dramatica Dictionary: I More stats 57
Main Character Growth – Start or Stop? More stats 57
Dramatica Class 9 More stats 57
Screenwriting: The Rule of Threes More stats 57
Introduction to the Story Mind More stats 57
Genre: Revealing Your Story’s Personality More stats 57
Dramatica Class 3 More stats 57
Screenwriting Tips: Red Herrings More stats 57
Write Your Novel Step by Step (Step 4) More stats 57
A Story’s Four Essential “Throughlines” More stats 56
Rising Tension in Character Relationships More stats 56
Your Unique Genre More stats 56
Writing an Initial Thematic Synopsis More stats 56
Quick Tip: The Collective Goal More stats 55
Dramatica Pro 4 – Characters, Part 2 More stats 55
Characters, Dramatica Style (mp3) More stats 55
Archetypal Character Dimensions More stats 55
Heroes & Villains More stats 55
Dramatica Dictionary: E More stats 55
Character Elements More stats 55
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 15 More stats 54
Writing an Initial Character Synopsis More stats 54
Indentifying Your Main Character More stats 54
Adaptation More stats 54
Screenwriting Tips: Use Index Cards More stats 54
Examples of Stories Concerned with “The Future” More stats 53
Write Your Novel Step by Step (Step 3) More stats 53
Coming Apart at the Themes More stats 53
Write Your Novel Step by Step (Part 6) More stats 53
Character Purposes More stats 52
Dramatica Dictionary: R More stats 52
Your Protagonist is not your Main Character More stats 52
Story Limit – Timelock or Optionlock? More stats 52
Contextual Retribution More stats 52
The 12 Questions Every Writer Should Answer More stats 52
Selecting Your Story’s Preconditions More stats 51
Dramatica Software: Character Generator More stats 51
Characters’ Personal Goals More stats 51
Progressive Plot Points & Acts More stats 51
Goals vs. Purposes More stats 51
Hidden Meanings in Citizen Kane More stats 51
Creating Characters: “My Hero!” More stats 51
An Example of Problem Solving More stats 51
The 28 Magic Scenes – Part Four More stats 51
The Thematic Conclusion More stats 51
The Dramatica Theory of Story Structure More stats 51
The Story Engine for Structural Writers More stats 50
Story Limit: Timelock or Optionlock? More stats 50
Dramatica Class 20 More stats 50
Encoding Genre More stats 49
Interactions Among Character Dimensions More stats 49
The Purpose of Story Structure More stats 49
Writing from a Character’s Point of View More stats 49
What, Exactly, Is Theme? More stats 49
Story Outcome – Success or Failure? More stats 49
Developing the Main Character’s Plot More stats 49
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 20 More stats 49
How the Main Character Changes More stats 49
Characters – The Attributes of Age More stats 48
Quick Tip: Characters’ Personal Goals More stats 48
Write Your Novel Step by Step (Step 2) More stats 48
Introduction to Theme More stats 48
Introduction to Plot More stats 48
Love Interests and the Dramatic Triangle More stats 48
Change & Steadfast Characters in the Real World More stats 48
Blowing the Story Bubble More stats 48
Dramatica Definition: Main Character Problem More stats 48
Screenwriting 101 More stats 48
Selecting Your Story’s Forewarnings More stats 48
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 21 More stats 48
Mentors, Guardians, Obstacles & Star Wars More stats 48
Character Dimensions More stats 47
Write a Novel or Screenplay Step by Step More stats 47
The Four Story Issues More stats 47
Dramatica Unplugged (Part 6) – Audience Reach More stats 47
Characters in the Middle of Act Three More stats 47
Plot Progression for Structural Writers More stats 47
Choosing Your Protagonist & Antagonist More stats 47
Dramatic Quads & Dramatic Pairs More stats 47
Character Elements in the Movie, “Jaws” More stats 46
Subjective Characters and the Objective Story More stats 46
Dramatica Definition: Non-accurate More stats 46
Your Thematic Message More stats 46
Dramatica Dictionary: M More stats 46
A Word of Warning About Propaganda More stats 46
Introducing the Story Mind (video) – Part 1 of 113 More stats 46
Novel Writing Tips: Get Into Your Characters’ Heads More stats 46
Dramatica Dictionary: K More stats 46
Archetypal Methodologies More stats 46
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 13 More stats 45
Success or Failure? More stats 45
Developing the Obstacle Character’s Plot More stats 45
Using Character Names from Someone Else’s Story More stats 45
Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird” More stats 45
“Hero” is a Four-Letter Word (Part 2) More stats 45
Narrative Dynamics (Part 4) More stats 45
Writing Theme & Genre in Television Series More stats 44
Plot Points in Example Stories More stats 44
Story Perspectives More stats 44
Dramatica Unplugged (Part 4) – The Dramatica Chart More stats 44
Dramatica Unplugged (Part 7) – Story Structure vs. Storytelling More stats 44
Unfolding Your Thematic Topic More stats 44
Be a Story Weaver (Part 3) More stats 43
Dramaticapedia – “Ability” More stats 43
Dramatica Dictionary: F More stats 43
“Illegal” Plot Progressions More stats 43
Dramatica Definition: Main Character Focus More stats 43
Storytelling Technique: Meaning Reversals More stats 43
The 28 Magic Scenes – Part Three More stats 43
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 24 More stats 42
al Awlaki, the “Uncanny Valley” and Writing Empathetic Characters More stats 42
Relationship Between Main & Obstacle Characters More stats 42
Storytelling Technique: Red Herrings More stats 41
Main Character Throughline More stats 41
New Book on Archetypes and the Mind More stats 41
Brainstorming for Structural Writers More stats 41
The Villain More stats 41
Conflict Can Limit Your Characters More stats 41
Scene Creation for Structural Writers More stats 41
The Objective Story Issue More stats 41
Blowing the Story Bubble More stats 41
Plot vs. Exposition More stats 40
A Story is a Argument More stats 40
Examples of Main Characters who Change More stats 40
Levels of the Story Mind More stats 40
Narrative Dynamics (Part 1) More stats 40
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 29 More stats 40
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 35 More stats 40
Four Levels of Propaganda More stats 40
A Story’s Limit: Timelock or Option Lock? More stats 40
Subplots More stats 40
A Few Words About Theme More stats 39
The New Dramatica for Macintosh is Finally Here! More stats 39
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 26 More stats 39
#6539 (loading title) More stats 39
Direction of Main Character Growth More stats 39
Start and Stop Characters in the Real World More stats 38
Dramatica Pro 4 – Brainstorming, Part 1 More stats 38
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 33 More stats 38
Storytelling Trick 2 – Red Herrings (Changing Importance) More stats 38
How Dramatica is Different from Six Other Story Paradigms More stats 38
Dramatica & Non-linear Game Theory More stats 38
Examples of Stories Concerned with Understanding More stats 38
Psychology, Personality, Persona and Perception More stats 38
Dramatica vs. McKee More stats 37
Dramatica Class 17 More stats 37
Dramatica Class 7 More stats 37
How to Beat Writer’s Block More stats 37
Dramatica Class: Main Character vs. Protagonist More stats 37
More Notes on the Dynamic Model of Narrative Psychology More stats 37
Character Relationships Baselines More stats 37
Dramatica Class 21 More stats 37
God and Dramatica More stats 36
The Story Mind (Part 8) – Writing Remakes More stats 36
New Category – Narrative Science! More stats 36
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 34 More stats 36
StoryWeaving, Space & Time More stats 36
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 27 More stats 36
Famous Novels’ first sentences mapped! More stats 36
Character Motivation Elements in Star Wars More stats 36
Introducing Characters: First Impressions More stats 35
Dramatica Class 6 More stats 35
Be a Story Weaver (Part 1) More stats 35
50 Sure-Fire Storytelling Tricks! More stats 35
Why Dramatica Works – Part 1 More stats 35
Main Character Mental Sex More stats 35
Dramatica: Out of Balance More stats 35
Origins of Story Structure More stats 35
Character Justifications More stats 35
The Four Throughlines More stats 35
The Cardinal Rule of Storytelling More stats 34
How to Use Dramatica & StoryWeaver Together More stats 34
A Tale is a Statement More stats 34
Storytelling Technique: Out of Sequence Experiences More stats 34
Co-Creator of Dramatica’s Birthday Today! More stats 34
Writing Non-stories More stats 34
Creating Characters: “My Hero!” More stats 34
The Authorless Narrative More stats 34
Character Element Pairs More stats 34
Dramatica Definition: Author’s Proof More stats 34
Matching Character Personalities to Archetypes More stats 34
Screenwriting Tips: Exposition More stats 34
Characters’ Changing Emotional Relationships More stats 34
The Love Interest More stats 34
How to Come Up with Story Ideas More stats 34
Narrative Dynamics 2 – Transmutation of Particles and Waves More stats 34
Revealing Your Goal More stats 33
Writing Stories about Hopes and Dreams More stats 33
Throughline 3 is Here!!! More stats 33
Quick Tip: Flashbacks and Flash Forwards More stats 33
How Characters Solve Problems More stats 33
StoryWeaver Story Development Software Walk Through More stats 33
Introducing the Story Mind (video) More stats 33
Dramatica Pro 4 – Characters, Part 3 More stats 33
StoryWeaver Tip 1 More stats 33
Your Thematic Topic More stats 33
Breaking Screenplay Format More stats 33
Different Themes in Different Throughlines More stats 33
Dramatica Theory Book: Chapter 23 More stats 33
Character Development Tricks! More stats 32
Write Your Screenplay Step By Step – Now for Kindle More stats 32
Writing from a Character’s Point of View More stats 32
Questions About Act Order in Different Cultures More stats 32
StoryWeaver Fix – Why Files Don’t Seem to Save More stats 32
Elements of Structure – Art of Storytelling More stats 32
Character Assumptions More stats 32
Applying Dramatica to the Real World More stats 32
Dramatica Software: Developing Plot More stats 32
Screenwriting Tips: Don’t Say It! More stats 32
Dramatica Dictionary: H More stats 31
Deus ex Machiavelli More stats 31
Theme: An Emotional Argument More stats 31
The Four Story Problems More stats 31