
Writing Excuses 11.40: Elemental Drama
Oct 2, 2016
Dive into the essence of elemental drama, where a character's transformation shapes the story and affects those around them. Explore the significance of character arcs, using examples like King Lear to understand how flaws and qualities define development. Discover the challenges of crafting engaging narratives filled with dramatic tension and catharsis. Plus, navigate the surprising link between financial literacy and effective storytelling, and learn about the powerful role of foreshadowing in drama.
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Drama's Ripple Effect
- Elemental drama focuses on one character's transformation.
- This transformation significantly affects everyone around them, creating a ripple effect.
Battlestar Galactica: A Genre Shift
- The original Battlestar Galactica is considered an adventure story.
- The reimagined version is a drama because it centers on character transformations.
Managing the Downward Slope
- Create a downward slope in your story without alienating readers by showing progress.
- Employ try-fail cycles, where characters make attempts to deal with situations, even if they fail.

