The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human and How to Tell Them Better

by Will Storr

For me, the standard five-act structure isn’t the only way to tell a story. It is, in fact, the narrative equivalent of the three-and-a-half-minute pop song, perfectly tooled to hold attention. It’s ubiquitous in mass-marketing storytelling because it’s the simplest way of showing a character’s flawed theory of control being broken, changed and rebuilt. In its ‘happy ending’ form it goes like this: Act I: This is me, and it’s not working The protagonist’s theory of control is established. Unexpected change strikes. The ignition point draws them into a new psychological world. Act II: Is there another way? The old theory of control is tested by the plot and it begins breaking down. There are rising emotions of excitement, tension or thrill as a new way forward is sensed, learned and actively experimented with. Act III: There is. I have transformed Grim tension grips as the plot fights back. The protagonist counter-attacks using their new strategy. In doing so, they transform in a way that feels profound and irreversible. But then the plot strikes again with unprecedented power. Act IV: But can I handle the pain of change? Chaos spirals. The protagonist’s lowest, darkest point. As the plot’s attack becomes relentless, our hero begins to question the wisdom of their decision to change. But the plot won’t leave them alone. We realise they’ll soon have to decide, who are they going to be? Act V: Who am I going to be? Tension builds at the approach of the final battle. A peak mo...