The Five Elements of Storytelling
I believe that stories, in the genres of fantasy and science fiction, contain five elements, idea, plot, characters, setting, and theme. Those five elements could be equated to the five elements air, fire, water, earth, and spirit.
The element idea is the air element of storytelling. It is ordinarily developed while breathing in deeply and contemplating, looking up at the clouds, or watching the wind blow the trees. The idea of the story can be divided into two subcomponents, hook and world. The hook of the story is what gets you to read the story after the first few sentences. The world of the story is what gets you to read it after the first few chapters. They are both just as important. A good hook can intrigue, interest, or motivate someone about reading the book. However, if the book does not have a hook it might be put down after the first paragraph. A book with a good world will enlighten, immerse, or fascinate the reader with the story. However, if the book does not have a good world someone reading it might grow tired after the first few chapters because of lack of continued reinforcement of interest.
The element plot is the fire element of storytelling. It is the element that starts with furious combat and ends with explosive power. When coming up with a plot often a heated argument is involved between interested parties. A quest or mission is undertaken by a hero. And a journey ensues which is full of perilous danger. Ultimately the hero or protagonist must face the villain or antagonist. Plot can be broken up into the subcomponents conflict and climax. Conflict is the subcomponent of plot that drives the actions of the hero, their companions, the villain, and their minions. A book with good conflict can cause tension to increase and will provide enthusiasm for the reader beyond the first couple of chapters, however; a book without a good amount of conflict will not create tension or increase enthusiasm and the reader will feel bored and want to quit. Climax is the subcomponent of plot that occurs at or near the end of the story. Climax brings resolution to the conflict between the protagonist and antagonist and their forces. A good climax can spike adrenaline for the reader and be a payout for their investment of time and energy in reading a full-length novel. Contrariwise, and anti-climactic ending to a book can make the reader's fulfillment feel deflated and might cause them to regret having read the story. Any chance that they might read a sequel will be greatly reduced if the climax is not good.
To be continued...
The element idea is the air element of storytelling. It is ordinarily developed while breathing in deeply and contemplating, looking up at the clouds, or watching the wind blow the trees. The idea of the story can be divided into two subcomponents, hook and world. The hook of the story is what gets you to read the story after the first few sentences. The world of the story is what gets you to read it after the first few chapters. They are both just as important. A good hook can intrigue, interest, or motivate someone about reading the book. However, if the book does not have a hook it might be put down after the first paragraph. A book with a good world will enlighten, immerse, or fascinate the reader with the story. However, if the book does not have a good world someone reading it might grow tired after the first few chapters because of lack of continued reinforcement of interest.
The element plot is the fire element of storytelling. It is the element that starts with furious combat and ends with explosive power. When coming up with a plot often a heated argument is involved between interested parties. A quest or mission is undertaken by a hero. And a journey ensues which is full of perilous danger. Ultimately the hero or protagonist must face the villain or antagonist. Plot can be broken up into the subcomponents conflict and climax. Conflict is the subcomponent of plot that drives the actions of the hero, their companions, the villain, and their minions. A book with good conflict can cause tension to increase and will provide enthusiasm for the reader beyond the first couple of chapters, however; a book without a good amount of conflict will not create tension or increase enthusiasm and the reader will feel bored and want to quit. Climax is the subcomponent of plot that occurs at or near the end of the story. Climax brings resolution to the conflict between the protagonist and antagonist and their forces. A good climax can spike adrenaline for the reader and be a payout for their investment of time and energy in reading a full-length novel. Contrariwise, and anti-climactic ending to a book can make the reader's fulfillment feel deflated and might cause them to regret having read the story. Any chance that they might read a sequel will be greatly reduced if the climax is not good.
To be continued...
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