Will Storr, an author and storytelling expert, dives deep into the science behind character development. He asserts that compelling stories build around rich characters rather than plot alone. Storr discusses the transformative power of change in narratives and the importance of pacing to captivate audiences. He reveals how human drives like connection and status shape our narratives, linking personal health to storytelling. By the end, listeners gain valuable tools to enhance their storytelling in daily conversations.
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insights INSIGHT
Story Simplifies Reality
Humans use stories to simplify and make sense of an overwhelmingly complex reality.
Storytelling's power lies in helping us imagine the future and progress as a species.
insights INSIGHT
Character Over Plot
Character drives story more than plot, though both are important.
Memorable stories hinge on deep, well-developed characters, not just events.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Start Characters With Theory
Define a character by a simple sentence expressing their flawed theory of control over the world.
Use this core belief to shape how the character acts and reacts throughout the story.
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The novel revolves around Montgomery Brewster, who inherits one million dollars from his grandfather. However, to receive a larger inheritance of seven million dollars from a rich uncle, he must spend the entire million within one year without retaining any assets or property. The story follows Brewster's challenges and moral dilemmas as he attempts to fulfill the conditions of the will while maintaining his integrity and eventually finding love.
Jaws
Peter Benchley
Published in 1974, 'Jaws' tells the story of a great white shark that preys upon the fictional town of Amity, a small seaside resort on Long Island. The novel follows the efforts of Police Chief Martin Brody, marine biologist Matt Hooper, and shark hunter Quint as they try to stop the shark. The book explores themes of public safety versus economic survival, marital strife, and the primal fear of nature's brutality. Despite mixed critical reviews, the novel was a huge commercial success and led to a iconic film adaptation by Steven Spielberg[1][3][5].
The Godfather
Mario Puzo
Published in 1969, 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo is a crime novel that follows the story of the Corleone family, one of the Five Families of the New York Mafia. The novel spans from the early life of Vito Corleone to the rise of his youngest son, Michael, as the new Don. The story explores themes of loyalty, power, and violence as the family navigates internal conflicts, external threats, and the transition of leadership. Michael, initially reluctant to join the family business, becomes deeply involved after an assassination attempt on his father and eventually succeeds Vito as the head of the family. The novel is known for its realistic portrayal of organized crime and its impact on the characters' personal lives[2][3][4].
The Remains of the Day
Kazuo Ishiguro
The Remains of the Day is a novel told through the first-person narration of Stevens, a long-serving butler at Darlington Hall. In the summer of 1956, Stevens embarks on a six-day motoring trip through the West Country, which becomes a journey into his past. The novel explores Stevens' memories of his service during and after World War II, his relationship with the former housekeeper Miss Kenton, and the decline of the English aristocracy. It delves into themes of regret, repression, and the consequences of dedicating one's life to professional duty at the expense of personal happiness. The story is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the reliability of memory, and the human cost of maintaining a rigid professional persona[1][3][5].
A Christmas carol
Jacqueline Goldfinger
Jacqueline Goldfinger's adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' is a family-friendly version that includes music, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. This play retains the core themes and characters of the original while adding a musical element to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.
The Science of Storytelling
Why Stories Make Us Human and How to Tell Them Better
Will Storr
Will Storr has written 7 books and he’s basically a scientist for storytelling. Now you might be thinking: Do we really need another storytelling guy? But Will is different.
That's because he doesn’t just talk about plot or the hero’s journey, he focuses on character.
Great stories don’t start with plot… they start with people.
The best part? By the time you’re done with the episode, you’ll have the tools to be a better storyteller in your next conversation.