This is Story Fanatic, a collection of articles covering story structure and analysis for
creative writers. Published weekly.
There are four major throughlines in every complete story. The Overall Story, or what is commonly referred to as the “A” story line or “headline,” often describes what the story is “all about.” It represents a very dispassionate view of the story’s problems as it steps back and looks at the characters as functions, almost like chess pieces on a board. From this perspective, names and personal problems are not as important as the character’s role and story function.
When does a story begin? If one assumes the given that complete stories are more than simply the exploration of one character’s journey, then it becomes necessary to identify the moment when the global inequity affecting all the characters transpires. This driver separates Backstory from Story and drives the Audience towards the narrative’s ultimate resolution.
Trust me, there is a difference between the two.
The keys to serving up that dish best served cold.
And the problem with leaving one of them out.
The latest trailer for Pixar’s 2008 summer release has all the parts that make up a great story.