Will Storr: The Science of Storytelling | How I Write
Apr 23, 2025
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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.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for simplifying complex human experiences, allowing individuals to process their emotions and ambitions effectively.
Character development is crucial in storytelling, as great narratives focus more on flawed characters than the plot itself to engage audiences.
Change is fundamental to effective storytelling, with character transformations and challenges driving the narrative arc and enhancing emotional resonance.
Deep dives
The Role of Storytelling in Human Experience
Storytelling serves as a fundamental way for humans to make sense of the chaotic complexities of reality. It simplifies experiences into understandable narratives that aid in processing emotions, behaviors, and ambitions. This capacity for imagination and storytelling differentiates humans from other species, allowing for future planning and personal growth. As such, the importance of storytelling is deeply rooted in human survival, shaping progress and understanding in various contexts.
Character Over Plot: The Key to Memorable Stories
Great characters are essential for creating impactful narratives, often outweighing the plot's significance. Characters are viewed as theories of control through which they navigate the world, helping to drive the story forward. By establishing a character's core belief or flawed perspective early on, storytellers can craft profound and complex narratives. This exploration reveals that significant growth and conflict emerge when characters confront and challenge their underlying beliefs.
Understanding the Origins of a Character's Flaw
A character’s flaw often stems from their past experiences, which shape their worldview and decisions. While understanding the origin of this flaw can provide depth, it is not always necessary to explicitly state it in the narrative. The revelation of these unconscious motivations can add richness to the character development, engaging the audience as they discover these layers. This focused exploration of a character's flaw and its repercussions on their actions serves as a powerful storytelling tool.
The Importance of Change in Storytelling
Effective storytelling hinges on the idea of change—both within the plot and the characters themselves. A strong narrative arc features causality where one event leads to another, creating tension and engagement for the audience. Characters must undergo transformation, often testing their original theories of control amid unfolding events. The dynamic nature of change keeps the story compelling and resonates deeply with the audience's understanding of human experiences.
Obstacles and Goals: The Framework of Compelling Stories
At the core of any enriching story are obstacles and goals, driving the narrative forward and providing context for character development. Clearly defining what characters want and the challenges they face can engage the audience and create compelling drama. This framework allows for exploration of internal obstacles, such as characters’ personalities and decisions, that hinder their pursuits. This interplay between obstacles and goals is essential in building suspense and achieving a deeper understanding of the characters and their journeys.
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.
