plot-driven or character-driven stories?

August 14, 2006

A simplistic way of looking at stories is either “plot-driven” or “character driven.” At first glance, Dramatica’s Story Driver may refer to these two concepts - an Action story seems to fit the “plot-driven” mode while a Decision story seems to fit the “character-driven” mode. But perhaps we can delve even further…

An action driven story can seem more happenstance when compared to a decision driven story.

This was brought up at our last User Group Meeting.

The actions may sometimes seem to “come out of the blue” and may seem to happen to the characters instead of growing from within them. This is not to say that these actions are exactly random, but that they are not based on personal decision.

But, with the above thought-starter in mind, I think you could break them down even further into:

Plot-Driven Actions - these are the ones that seem random or to happen to the characters
Character-Driven Actions - the character’s actions push the story forward
Character-Driven Decisions - the character’s decisions force actions to be taken
Plot-Driven Decisions - you got me on this one - although, in my sleep-deprived mind, my first thought would be these are decisions not made by the principal characters in your play

Any four of these could be the actual driver behind all your act turns - just as long as it remains consistent! (More on this with my review of Taladega Nights tomorrow…)