Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Confl icts create problems, obstacles, and dilemmas that place the character in some form
of danger or jeopardy, either physically, mentally or spiritually. This means that there will
be something at stake for the character if they do not overcome the confl ict.
The other elements of story include:
Location.
Stories take place in a space. Location is the place, time period, or atmo-
sphere that supports the story.
Inciting
Moment.
In every story, the world of the character is normal until something
unexpected happens. This unexpected event begins the story.
Story Question.
The inciting moment will set up questions in the mind of the audience
that must be answered by the end of the story.
Theme.
Stories have meaning to the character and to the audience. The theme or
concept is the underlying larger idea that the animation communicates. It is the deeper
meaning of the story. Common themes include man prevails against nature, technology
advances against man, and love conquers all.
Need.
In order for the story to have meaning to the character, he or she needs to learn
something to achieve the goal.
Arc.
When a character learns—or doesn't learn—there will be what is called an
emo-
tional
arc
or change in the character.
Ending/Resolution.
The ending is what must be given to the viewer to bring emotional
relief and answer all of the questions of the story. The ending must transform the audi-
ence or the character.
As you move through the topic, you will gain an understanding of how the elements of story
are defi ned, how they function, and how they work together.
Why Do All Stories Seem the Same?
With so many different story elements and seemingly infi nite ways to combine them, why
do all stories seem familiar, as if you have heard them somewhere before? Why do all fi lms
seem like you've seen them before?
It is because in some form or another, you have. Nearly every story told, every feature fi lm pro-
duced, follows the same structure and formula with similar characters, themes, and confl icts.
The lights dim. In the fi rst 20 minutes of a movie, a hero will be introduced. He will have
some fl aw that makes him human—just like us. Something unexpected will happen that
throws his world into chaos. For the next hour or so, our hero will go through a series of
trials, aided by friends and challenged by foes, trying to restore order to his world. In the
last 20 minutes our hero will be crushed, only to rally for one fi nal showdown against his
challenger. He succeeds or fails—usually succeeds. We all celebrate.
This is the basic story. Where did it come from?
