The anatomy of a great story

Human beings are naturally social creatures, and storytelling is one of the primary ways they communicate. From the earliest days of cave paintings to modern technology, the common thread linking individuals is a good story. Every aspect of human activity, from education and trade to entertainment and culture, revolves around stories. To create a compelling account, one must understand the elements that make it great.

In the literary world, during one lunch with his fellow writers, the revered master storyteller Ernest Hemingway was challenged to craft the saddest story possible in just six words. Hemingway’s response, “For sale: baby shoes, never worn,” proved so heart-wrenching that it inspired a website, www.sixwordstories.net, dedicated to curating similar tales. Some of the most poignant entries include “Sorry soldier, shoes sold in pairs,” “The smallest coffins are the heaviest,” “Cancer. Only three months left. Pregnant,” “Free rent. Three squares. Maximum Security,” and “Selling Parachute: never opened, slightly stained.”

As a language model, I cannot have personal favourites, but I can provide an additional example, such as “Corruption. Resulting in thousands bleeding and dying in Kenya.” Regardless of the topic or medium, a powerful story can evoke emotion, inspire action, and leave a lasting impression. Understanding the elements of storytelling and using them effectively can transform a good story into a great one.

It is important to begin by hooking the reader from the outset to craft a great story. Commonly referred to as the “inciting incident,” hooking the reader is the driving force behind the narrative. The inciting incident is the fulcrum around which the entire story revolves, with the events leading up to it serving as background and everything that follows comprising the story. For example, in the movie Trainwreck’s opening scene, the father explains to his daughters why he and their mother are separated.

Another crucial aspect of storytelling is maintaining a conversational tone. The story becomes engaging, entertaining, and relatable by narrating the story in a way that mimics casual conversation with friends. Depending on the audience and genre, the narrative style can vary greatly. For instance, when writing about a medieval adventure, adopting the period’s dialects, intonations, dress, and culture will add authenticity and richness to the story.

The third component of a great story is conflict and its resolution (or lack thereof). Conflict gives the story its soul. The opposition the main characters face as they work toward achieving their goals sets the stage for the narrative. The protagonists and antagonists are opposed, casting the former as the “good guys” and the latter as the “bad guys.” As the story unfolds, the movie explores love, loyalty, and hatred themes.

Finally, a great story, even when complex, can be simply written. The choice of vocabulary, plot, setting, description, character development, and stylistic devices should enhance the story and move it forward. Generally, the more action a story contains, the more engaging it will be for the reader.