Category Archives: Dramatica Concepts

Secrets of Story Structure #1 – Introduction

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Secrets of Story Structure Part 1 – Course introduction Overview of the course and outline of its purpose. http://storymind.com/page407.htm

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The “Influence Character” in a Nut Shell

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Stories have a mind of their own, as if they were a person in their own right in which the structure is the story’s psychology and the storytelling is its personality. Characters, in addition to acting as real people,, also … Continue reading →

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Using Main Character Resolve

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Sheldon

Just because a Main Character ultimately remains steadfast does not mean he never considers changing. Similarly, a Change Main Character does not have to be changing all the time. In fact, that is the conflict with which he is constantly … Continue reading →

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Using Forewarnings

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Sheldon

Whether or not the characters are aware of them, the audience will need to see forewarnings that indicate the approach of the Consequences. Forewarnings describe the kind of items that can be used to indicate approaching Failure. One way to … Continue reading →

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Word Salad: Slicing and Dicing Story Structure

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Melanie Anne Phillips

A writer recently asked: I’ve read what you wrote about slicing and dicing the Dramatica chart on your web site and in Dramticapedia. It’s very interesting. Two questions if I may: * Limiting depth: “When you limit depth, you simple … Continue reading →

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Relationship of Story Driver to Journeys

Posted on November 1, 2010 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Recently, a writer asked about the relationship of the Story Driver to the three Journeys in every throughline.  Here’s my response: The Story Driver is one of the eight dynamic questions (the eight “essential” questions) that Dramatica asks, including Main … Continue reading →

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Sequences, Variations, and Acts

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Melanie Anne Phillips

A Dramatica user just asked: I have reached a small roadblock in reference to SEQUENCE, in terms of a division of ACT and organization of SCENE. The term is not covered in your Dramaticapedia pages nor in your theory book … Continue reading →

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Choosing a “Concern” for Your Story

Posted on May 16, 2010 by Melanie Anne Phillips

The Concern of a story tends to revolve around a definable area of activity or exploration. This central hub may be internal such as Memory or Conceiving (coming up with an idea). Or, it may be external such as Obtaining … Continue reading →

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Choosing an Objective Domain for Your Story

Posted on May 15, 2010 by Melanie Anne Phillips

The Objective Story Domain is the throughline which describes how all of the story’s characters have been brought together. By choosing this Domain, the author sets the background against which the story will be told. Therefore, its influence is gently … Continue reading →

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Dramatica Writing Software: Choosing an Objective Story Domain

Posted on May 15, 2010 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Objective Story Domain: The scenario or dramatic background against which a story takes place. Every story is set against the issues which arise from a single central problem. The problem itself will fall into one of four broad categories. If … Continue reading →

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