Identifying external genre and values at stake helps shape narrative direction and conflict.
Balancing external and internal values at stake creates cohesive and compelling storytelling.
Understanding values drives character arcs and narrative progression, adding depth and complexity.
Deep dives
Understanding the Full Scap Global Story Grid
The Full Scap Global Story Grid is a tool that helps writers map out important aspects of their story such as the external genre, internal genre, and values at stake. It allows writers to answer key questions like what genre they are writing in, what are the main values at stake, and how to structure the story arc. By filling out the Full Scap, writers can have a clear roadmap for their story and ensure that they are staying true to the core elements of their narrative.
Identifying the External Genre and Values at Stake
The first step in using the Full Scap Global Story Grid is to identify the external genre and values at stake in the story. The external genre defines the overarching category of the story, such as romance, thriller, or war. The values at stake represent the core emotional or moral dilemmas faced by the characters, such as love and hate, shame and honor, or life and death. Understanding these elements helps writers shape the narrative direction and create meaningful conflict.
Balancing External and Internal Values
Another crucial aspect of filling out the Full Scap is balancing the external and internal values at stake. While the external genre focuses on the physical or tangible outcomes like winning or losing, the internal genre delves into the emotional and moral transformations of the characters, such as gaining self-respect or reclaiming one's identity. By aligning the external and internal values, writers can create a cohesive and compelling story that resonates with readers.
Using Values to Drive Character Arcs
Values play a pivotal role in driving character arcs and narrative progression. By understanding the values at stake in the story, writers can craft scenes that challenge the characters' beliefs and push them towards growth or change. For example, in a redemption plot, a character may start with feelings of shame and dishonor and through the story, evolve to embody honor and integrity. This evolution adds depth and complexity to the character's journey.
Maintaining Narrative Coherence and Avoiding Clichés
Filling out the Full Scap Global Story Grid helps writers maintain narrative coherence and avoid clichés in their storytelling. By aligning the external and internal values, balancing genre elements, and staying true to the core values at stake, writers can create a unique and engaging narrative that resonates with readers. The Full Scap serves as a roadmap to guide writers through the complexities of plot development and character arcs, ensuring a well-crafted and compelling story.
How does The Martian work with The Story Grid? Plus, we discuss how to make sure your story is good before writing 100k words and the difference between Internal and External genre.
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