Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

#103: Morality Genre Conventions

Aug 8, 2023

The podcast delves into the morality genre conventions using the movie A Man Called Otto as an example. Topics include protagonist's transformation, facing past mistakes, mentor figures, unexpected help, and bittersweet endings. It explores character development, key scenes, and genre expectations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a moral focus amidst external conflicts for compelling storytelling.

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ADVICE

Key Scenes and Conventions

Include key scenes and conventions for your genre.
If you don't, your story might not resonate with readers.

INSIGHT

Protagonist's Starting Point

Protagonists in morality stories start at their worst, subjectively.
They seek redemption or silence their conscience.

INSIGHT

The Antagonist's Role

Antagonists in morality stories challenge the protagonist's behavior.
They prevent redemption or pressure them to face wrongdoing.

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In today’s episode, I’m covering the conventions of the morality genre using the movie A Man Called Otto as an example. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[05:09] The protagonist starts the story at their worst (with a "wrong" moral compass)

[06:40] The antagonist pressures the protagonist to face their bad behavior/wrongdoing

[07:54] The protagonist is haunted by their past mistakes or selfish behavior

[09:09] A character who represents the consequences of the protagonist’s wrongdoing

[10:20] At least one mentor figure who helps the protagonist see right from wrong

[11:13] External conflict that pits the protagonist's goals against the needs of others

[12:53] A foil character who positively or negatively demonstrates different behavior

[14:24] The protagonist gets help from unexpected sources

[15:23] The setting must offer the protagonist opportunities to be selfish or altruistic

[16:49] The end of the story is often bittersweet

[18:04] Final thoughts and episode recap.

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