In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through the conventions of the worldview genre. I'm also going to show you how these conventions show up in the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Here's a preview of what's included:
[01:45] Worldview stories focus on a period of the main character’s life where he or she is transitioning from one significant state to another. These stories show how the external events of the plot affect a character in such a way that he or she must grow, change, and awaken to a new understanding of themselves, or the world around him or her.
[02:55] Readers choose worldview novels because they are super relatable! They give readers a sense of relief, satisfaction, and maybe even hope that they, too, can survive whatever roadblocks or challenges are appearing in their own lives.
[04:30] Genre conventions are the character roles, settings, and events that are specific to a genre. They’re what help us writers write a story that works AND evoke emotional reactions in our readers.
[06:15] #1 - A mentor that can guide and support your protagonist.
[06:55] #2 - An outdated worldview or some kind of false belief that your protagonist must overcome by the end fo the story.
[07:55] #3 - Social problems or moral challenges for your protagonist to face (ideally, one that relates to your protagonist's outdated worldview).
[09:05] #4 - At least one shapeshifter who says one thing and does another.
[10:15] #5 - An internal change within your protagonist.
[11:35] #6 - Some kind of confrontation with the adult world that helps your protagonist grow and change.
[12:40] #7 - An emphasis on friendship.
[13:45] #8 - External pressure from your protagonist's friends, family, or society to be a certain way.
[15:15] #9 - Secrets.
[16:05] #10 - A bittersweet ending.
[18:10] Key points and episode recap.
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