Delving Into Story Design

by Dr. Mary Dezember

NOTE: I AM STILL WORKING ON THIS PAGE. THANK YOU, Mary Dezember

Metaphors Be With You: Powerful Words, Powerful Worlds

GrandMama’s letter in Chapter 3 offers her “words of wisdom” to guide Twilight. Some of these “words of wisdom” can be clues to other parts of the novel and to situations that linger from a historical period to our contemporary period.

The signs repeat ~ Recognize Repetition. See Symbols. Discern Signs. Read the Messages.

Three-part Story Structure, similar to the Rite of Passage to Identity & the Hero’s Journey (and also the musical sonata form):

*Beginning/Exposition/“Home”

*Middle/Development/Journey (Conflict—w/self; w/social context/convention, issues; w/other character)

*End/Recapitulation/Return to Home, changed

Literary Elements Essential for Powerful Stories in Any Genre

1. Plot/Subject—

*What is the story about literally? Can be summarized in one or two sentences.

2. Theme—What is the story “really” about?

*Abstract/emotions/human element/human condition aspects

3. Epiphany—Character, usually protagonist, undergoes a major change for the better

4. Characters/Character Interaction/Character Development (or not) Protagonist—Main Character Antagonist—Opposes Protagonist

5. Conflict—w/self, w/social context, convention, issues, w/other character/s

6. Point of View: Who is telling the story?

1st Person: I/We
2nd Person: You
3rd Person: He/She/It/They
Omniscient—can see inside all characters
Limited omniscient—can see inside usually only one character/maybe two
Objective—can see inside no characters

7. Setting: Where is the story taking place? Physical setting/cultural/historical setting

8. Symbols and Metaphoric writing: Something that signifies something else

9. Style
Word Choice

Tone
Dialogue
Details
Description Literary/Poetic Devices

Alliteration Rhyme Rhythm Repetition Verb Tense Imagery Irony Repetition Syntax Clues

Title

10. Strong and Correct Writing--Grammar and Composition Skills

11. Mystery and Clues