Category Archives: Signposts & Journeys

First let me define what signposts are in stories and then provide a few hints on how to structure them. Signposts are the markers that separate one act from another.  Think about any well structured story you’ve read or seen … Continue reading →

The following is a transcript from an online class on the Dramatica theory of story hosted by its co-creator, Melanie Anne Phillips signed on as Dramatica: William S1 : After working so long in 3-act structure, I’m unclear on Dramatica’s … Continue reading →

A Dramatica user asks: Hi Melanie, In the [Dramatica] theory book you can find this text: “Just because we have absolute freedom, however, does not mean our decision will have no effect on our audience. In fact, the order in … Continue reading →

A Dramatica user recently asked: Hello:  would appreciate your help on this.  Am using the Dramatica software.  Level III.    Impact Character is MIND and that’s OK.  However, the software keeps telling me that Signpost #1 is Memories and Signpost #2 … Continue reading →

It is always best to work on the Subjective Story Domain last since it describes the growth of the relationship between the Main and Obstacle Characters, and therefore needs to call upon what was previously determined for them. Imagine for … Continue reading →

The Obstacle Character in a story never stands alone, but is always evaluated in terms of his impact on the Main Character. When encoding the Obstacle Character Domain Plot Progression, this is equally true. Unlike the Main Character Type Order … Continue reading →