Research Task: Story Structures

We consume stories everyday and for this research task I had to explore some of the story structures, by doing this I will be able to create elaborate illustrations that involve storytelling.

These are the most common story structures that I have researched:

• The three-act structure is where a story is set up into three parts, it shows us the set up then it goes into the aim of the story which then brings us to the climax.

• The hero's journey is set up like the three act structure, only with smaller additional elements, such as having a guide to help them on their journey and/or overcoming a loss of someone close (setting up their motivation). 1

• Seven point structure which includes

1. The hook

2. Plot point one

3. Pinch point one

4. Midpoint

5. Pinch point two

6. Plot point two

7. Resolution

Going in depth with the hero's journey arcs

Some story arcs you can use to get us interested in our character and how they introduce the plot, is through the typical plot point where the character is happy with their life- with this you can introduce something that wrecks their content life to add a little spice to your storytelling.

Another story arcs you can explore is the call to adventure, something I've explored recently as a hobby in D&D is the common arch. A group of friends (or associates, if you want to start it that way) are called upon a higher power or are given a sign to go on an adventure. A great way to start fantasy and action storytelling.

Denial. The main character is admanet that whatever has happened is not true. "Nope! All I'm going to do is go the bed and pretend none of this happened", it instantly makes the character somewhat more relatable and allows other side characters to a moment to shine "This is happening! There is a wizard standing in our living room!".

Having a mentor is great, for storytelling especially, just like Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back; it's great for the climax of the movie, where the main character finally finds his footing and saves the day.

I could go on and on with the type of story arcs that can benefit story-telling, there are so many elaborate ways you can introduce a character, create a problem and having a climax.

One story arcs I love to see which is "The Story Circle" plot device, it's a great way of making us reflect on a story as we're brought back to where we were at the start but with things the have changed (for better or worse).

It would start off with the character feeling content (like hero's journey) however they find something that they need, the find something missing in their life. Which they then go after it, ultimately though, having to change what they wanted to go after. Then, it happens, they find it. However, it comes at a cost, (example: they've left their closest friend to die fighting for what the main character wanted). They return home, back to normal. Just different from before. 2

My favourite type of storytelling structures with example

The story circle is one of my favourites, an example of this is 'The Way Way Back'. Duncan, an introverted and awkward teenager sits in the back of his Mum's boyfriend's car as they all go to the beach house for the summer vacation. Duncan is sick of his Mum's boyfriend snide comments and patronising personality that he escapes to a water park, where he meets Owen, an extroverted childish watermark owner.

Being together brings out something they both needed, however, a Duncan finds out a dark secret and ends up telling his Mum the truth- upset occurs and they're forced to leave, though not without a goodbye and a quick slide ride. The ending, sitting in the back seat of the car, but this time with his Mum; a changed boy and a stronger connection with his Mum.

Even though I've spoiled some of the movie, I highly recommend this movie. This is a more positive spin to the most common stories that have this story structure as the characters are changed for the better.

How can story structures help with drawings?

Storytelling in art is really important as it creates an emotional connection to the art. The way it's composed, how it's painted, what elements are involved (if there are people), little things that can tell a story. It's approached differently by different artists just like movie directors like Christopher Nolan or Greta Gerwig, each having their own cinematic style in how they shot or they creative methods.

Reflection

This research task was really interesting, it allowed me to think about the possibilities of story in art; it also prepares me for the assignment. It was a little overwhelming going through this research task explored this topic before, so I feel like I probably need to elaborate more.

1 Masterclass, Masterclass 'How to Write a Better Novel: The 4 Most Common Story Structures', Aug 31, 2021. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-better-novel Accessed Aug 8, 2023.

2 D Landsborough, DabbleWriter 'Story Structures: The Fundmentals you need to know', U/A. https://www.dabblewriter.com/articles/story-structures-fundamentals Accessed Aug 8, 2023.