This is Story Fanatic, a collection of articles covering story structure and analysis for
creative writers. Published weekly.
The Impact Character within a complete story provides an alternative paradigm that challenges the Main Character to reexamine his or her own point-of-view. This can be, but most often isn’t, the Antagonist of a story. By the end of the story, either the Impact Character’s influence will have won out and the Main Character will alter their paradigm, or their influence will have strengthened the Main Character’s resolve and the Impact Character will alter their paradigm. Thus, this character is essential for a story to have meaning.
Screenwriters everywhere often fall into the trap of writing lines like “You and I, we’re both the same” or “I saw myself in his eyes.” This occurs because of the relationship that exists at the heart of every great story. While complete stories requires this dynamic, you don’t have to resort to clichéd dialogue.
The concept of the character arc is often thought to explain the transformation a Main Character goes through over the course of a story. The problem with this definition is the idea of “transformation”. Not every Main Character completely changes, nor do they have to. Growth can occur without losing oneself.
A detailed look at the thought process I went into while analyzing I Am Legend.
The latest trailer for Pixar’s 2008 summer release has all the parts that make up a great story.
Approaching the analysis of a story using the Dramatica software.
It’s not an easy thing adapting a short story into a workable screenplay. Frank Darabont proves as much in his latest attempt at bringing Stephen King to the silver screen.
An explanation of why the Impact Character acts as the catalyst in the Main Character’s growth.
It is not essential for the Main Character to drive the plot forward. What is essential is that we the audience share their emotional experiences. Their surprises become our surprises.
An obvious candidate for an Impact Character if there ever was one.
An interesting look at the character primarily responsible for influencing growth in the Main Character.
An exploration of the idea that all Character is fate.
Some examples of the Dramatica theory of story being used in feature-length screenplays.
David Milch explains the relationship at the heart of this majestic series.
There are elegant and not-so-elegant ways of introducing this most important relationship.
A wonderful video montage of Impact Characters.
The nature of the relationship between the Impact Character and the Main Character.
And how to incorporate them into your story.
Is it possible that a Main Character could have a significant relationship with another character in a story?
Clarifying change in characters other than the Main Character.
The Main Character is the most important viewpoint into a story’s problems because it is the most personal.
In a conversation I had with Dramatica theory creator Chris Huntley last November, I asked him, “After 10 years of writing story analysis, what are the top 10 re-occurring problems you see in story today?” He gave me two.
The character most stories forget to include.
Continuing exploration of problem-solving and justification. Here we take a look at the Impact Character’s place in all of this.
Continuing exploration of problem-solving and justification. Here we take a closer look at the Impact Character.