Difference between revisions of "Story Writing Basics"
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'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Basic_Plots Wikipedia Definition:]''' The protagonist sets out to defeat an antagonistic force (often evil) which threatens the protagonist and/or protagonist's homeland. | '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Basic_Plots Wikipedia Definition:]''' The protagonist sets out to defeat an antagonistic force (often evil) which threatens the protagonist and/or protagonist's homeland. | ||
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Revision as of 15:54, 14 July 2019
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VisuStella, Caz Wolf, Fallen Angel Olivia, Atelier Irina, and other affiliated content creators.
Depending on certain games, story may or may not be the most important thing. In RPG's, story tends to be an (extremely) important aspect of them. But even the smallest games with the simplest gameplay will still have a story to them. There's protagonists and antagonists, heroes and villains, resolution and conflict. The following is a list of things to take into consideration when writing a story.
The Seven Basic Plots
There's an infinite amount of possible stories you can write for a game. But among them are seven categories that story plots tend to fall under. Stories can follow one or multiple of these at a time. Understanding them, what they are, and what they can do for your game will help build an understanding on how you want to write your story.
Overcoming the Monster
Wikipedia Definition: The protagonist sets out to defeat an antagonistic force (often evil) which threatens the protagonist and/or protagonist's homeland.
Modern Interpretation: This has now transformed into something more like "Overcoming the Antagonist". The "monster" doesn't have to be an actual monster but an antagonist and/or source of conflict. This can be the villain or baddie that the hero and his/her party has been chasing since the start of the game or a giant evil and/or disaster that they must prevent or halt.
Used as a Main Plot:
Used as a Sub-Plot:
Video Game Examples:
Rags to Riches
Wikipedia Definition: The poor protagonist acquires power, wealth, and/or a mate, loses it all and gains it back, growing as a person as a result.
Modern Interpretation:
Used as a Main Plot:
Used as a Sub-Plot:
Video Game Examples:
The Quest
Wikipedia Definition: The protagonist and companions set out to acquire an important object or to get to a location. They face temptations and other obstacles along the way.
Modern Interpretation:
Used as a Main Plot:
Used as a Sub-Plot:
Video Game Examples:
Voyage and Return
Wikipedia Definition: The protagonist goes to a strange land and, after overcoming the threats it poses to them, they return with experience.
Modern Interpretation:
Used as a Main Plot:
Used as a Sub-Plot:
Video Game Examples:
Comedy
Wikipedia Definition: Light and humorous character with a happy or cheerful ending; a dramatic work in which the central motif is the triumph over adverse circumstance, resulting in a successful or happy conclusion. Booker stresses that comedy is more than humor. It refers to a pattern where the conflict becomes more and more confusing, but is at last made plain in a single clarifying event. The majority of romance films fall into this category.
Modern Interpretation:
Used as a Main Plot:
Used as a Sub-Plot:
Video Game Examples:
Tragedy
Wikipedia Definition: The protagonist's character flaw or great mistake which is their undoing. Their unfortunate end evokes pity at their folly and the fall of a fundamentally good character.
Modern Interpretation:
Used as a Main Plot:
Used as a Sub-Plot:
Video Game Examples:
Rebirth
Wikipedia Definition: An event forces the main character to change their ways and often become a better person.
Modern Interpretation:
Video Game Examples:
Used as a Main Plot:
Used as a Sub-Plot:
