14 Timeless Storytelling Principles with Author Douglas Vigliotti: Part One
Nov 29, 2024
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Douglas Vigliotti, an author of four books, including "Aristotle for Novelists," shares insights on timeless storytelling principles. He discusses how Aristotle's 'Poetics' continues to shape narratives today, emphasizing the cathartic power of well-told stories. Vigliotti argues that tragedies resonate more deeply than epics and critiques writers who don’t read extensively. He also explores the challenges modern readers face and reflects on his journey from sports to storytelling, highlighting the importance of structure and character development.
Aristotle's storytelling principles are crucial for modern writers, helping them create compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
A well-structured narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end is essential to maintain pacing and audience engagement effectively.
Deep dives
The Enduring Relevance of Aristotle's Principles
Aristotle's principles outlined in his work, Poetics, significantly influence modern storytelling, remaining relevant even after 2300 years. These principles are foundational for writers, as they help craft compelling narratives that engage audiences. Contemporary screenwriters, like Aaron Sorkin, heavily rely on these timeless elements to structure their stories effectively. Understanding Aristotle's approach can empower writers to create stories that resonate on a deeper level and stand the test of time.
The Protagonist's Journey
In every effective story, a protagonist who desires something must confront various obstacles, both internal and external, in their journey. The significance of this journey hinges on the transformation that occurs within the protagonist, leading to a change in fortune. This structure underlines the essence of storytelling, where the audience connects with the character's struggles and development. Through this lens, a writer can create a relatable and captivating narrative that draws readers in.
The Importance of Pacing and Structure
A well-structured narrative features a clear beginning, middle, and end, essential for maintaining pacing and audience engagement. By adhering to this structure, writers can ensure that their stories unfold in a coherent manner, preventing long pauses or rushed conclusions that detract from the experience. Aristotle emphasizes that the events within the story should be linked by cause and effect, which enhances the overall coherence of the plot. Mastering pacing and structure ultimately leads to a more satisfying reading experience.
The Role of Consistency in Storytelling
Consistency in storytelling encompasses not only character behavior and narrative style but also the length and pacing of a novel. Writers must carefully consider the ideal word count for their work to ensure that it meets reader expectations and maintains narrative flow. The principles of length vary depending on genre, with a typical range being between 75,000 and 100,000 words for most novels. By maintaining consistency, writers can create a seamless narrative that captivates readers and keeps them engaged from start to finish.
Polymath and author of ARISTOTLE FOR NOVELISTS Douglas Vigliotti spoke with me about the outsized influence of Poetics on storytelling, why a well-told story is so cathartic, and the three big questions every writer must answer.
Douglas Vigliotti is the author of four non-fiction and fiction books, including Tom Collins: A ‘Slightly Crooked’ Novel. He is also the host of Books for Men, a weekly podcast created to inspire (more) men to read.
His latest, Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story, is described as a writing and creativity guide on “... how to write a novel using tried-and-true principles that have been used since antiquity to tell great stories.”