
The Storytelling Lab
Kurt Vonnegut's Simple Theory of the Eight Shapes of Storytelling
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Quick takeaways
- Kurt Vonnegut's theory of the eight shapes of stories illustrates how narrative arcs reflect universal emotional journeys in storytelling and life.
- Understanding one's current emotional position in life's narrative can provide clarity, perspective, and resilience through both good and bad times.
Deep dives
Kurt Vonnegut's Story Shapes
Kurt Vonnegut identified eight distinct shapes of stories that reflect the emotional journey of characters. Central to his theory is the idea that the shape of a story matters more than its starting point; characters can begin in ill fortune or good fortune but will traverse specific arcs that determine their emotional outcomes. For instance, he describes 'man in a hole' as a narrative where a character falls into trouble and works to regain good fortune, while 'boy meets girl' illustrates the rise, fall, and eventual rise characteristic of romantic storylines. These shapes highlight the simplicity and universality in storytelling, showing how varied narratives can align with common emotional trajectories, illustrating a shared human experience in storytelling.