The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller

by John Truby

In short, the designing principle is the seed of the story. And it is the single most important factor in making your story original and effective.

Designing principle = story process + original execution

“Best” doesn’t mean “nicest.” It means “the most fascinating, challenging, and complex,” even if that character isn’t particularly likable.

To figure out the central conflict, ask yourself “Who fights whom over what?” and answer the question in one succinct line.

W × A = C where W stands for weaknesses, both psychological and moral; A represents the struggle to accomplish the basic action in the middle of the story; and C stands for the changed person.

is the final moral choice you give to the hero. A lot of writers make the mistake of giving their hero a fake choice. A fake choice is between a positive and a negative. For example, you may force your hero to choose between going to prison and winning the girl. The outcome is obvious.