

#118: How To Find The Major Dramatic Question Of Your Story
11 snips Nov 28, 2023
Discover the importance of the Major Dramatic Question (MDQ) in storytelling, and how it engages readers. Explore how genre determines the MDQ, and see examples from 'Yellow Face'. Learn how the MDQ guides writing, editing, and publishing, and how it can be used in book covers, social media posts, and teaser email copy.
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The Major Dramatic Question (MDQ)
- Every story has a Major Dramatic Question (MDQ) that drives the narrative.
- The MDQ is raised at the beginning and answered by the end, often determined by genre.
Finding Your Story's MDQ
- Understand your protagonist's goal and whether they achieve it to find your story's MDQ.
- This forms your story's spine and creates narrative drive.
Examples of MDQs in Stories
- Savannah analyzes MDQs in Fourth Wing, Ugly Love, and Yellow Face.
- Each scene contributes to the central question, increasing or decreasing the protagonist's chances of success.