Stories captivate our minds and transport us to different worlds. They help us understand ourselves and the world around us. Without stories, humanity would be incomplete. Every writer or editor wants to create a story that is well loved, and the question arises – how does one do that? Whether you are writing or editing a manuscript, knowing what to look for is essential.
Here, we will delve into the seven essential elements of a story –
We will understand how each of them contributes to creating an impactful narrative.
1. Originality: Finding a Fresh Perspective
In a world filled with stories, originality is what makes a tale stand out. It doesn’t necessarily mean coming up with a completely unique concept but rather finding a fresh way to approach a theme or idea. It could be a new twist on a classic tale, an unconventional character, or an unexpected narrative voice. It is about giving a reason to the reader to choose your story over countless others.
For writers, exploring originality can mean examining personal experiences or unique viewpoints and weaving them into the narrative. For editors, it’s about spotting these unique aspects in a manuscript and encouraging the writer to amplify them. When you find a story with a fresh perspective, you’ve found the first spark of potential in a manuscript that could develop into something remarkable. Simply imitating a popular story without adding anything new can make the manuscript feel forgettable.
2. Characters: Building Relatable and Intriguing Personalities
Characters are often the heart of a story. They are the ones who live out the events of the narrative and give readers someone to root for, relate to, or even despise. Compelling characters have depth, complexity, and a sense of realness that make readers care about what happens to them. Characters should be dynamic; they should evolve throughout the story and their actions should have believable motivations.
Writers can make characters more relatable by showing their vulnerabilities, strengths, and flaws, while editors should ensure these qualities are evident and consistent throughout the story. Characters who are flat, with no personality, flaws, or growth, will fail to connect with readers. Readers want to see characters they can relate to or sympathize with, not caricatures.
3. Big Idea: Conveying the Central Theme or Message
A strong story often revolves around a big idea — the central theme or message that gives the narrative depth. This could be a universal concept like love, sacrifice, or justice, or something more specific and unique to the writer’s experiences or perspective. The big idea gives the story depth and purpose, often conveying a theme that resonates with readers.
For writers, clarifying the big idea early on can guide the storytelling process, ensuring each element supports this central theme. For editors, identifying the big idea can help shape feedback, allowing them to suggest changes that enhance the theme’s presence throughout the story. A powerful big idea resonates with readers long after they’ve finished the last page, giving the story a lasting impact.
A story without a big idea can feel hollow or directionless. A lighthearted story without a deeper message or theme may leave readers feeling like the narrative is shallow or forgettable. A story should ideally give readers something to think about, even if it’s a simple reflection on friendship or courage.
4. Setting: Creating an Immersive World
The setting is more than just the backdrop where the story takes place. It’s a crucial element that shapes the narrative, adding layers of context and atmosphere. A well-crafted setting makes the story feel real and immersive, drawing readers into the world the characters inhabit. This could be a specific historical period, a fantasy realm, or a small town with unique quirks. A vague or inconsistent setting can confuse readers and make it difficult to visualize the story’s world.
Writers can enhance the setting by paying attention to sensory details — the sights, sounds, smells, and textures that make a place come alive. For editors, ensuring the setting feels consistent and relevant to the story is key. The setting can also influence the characters’ actions or the plot’s progression.
5. Style: Establishing a Unique Voice and Tone
Style refers to the writer’s unique way of telling the story. It includes elements like language, tone, and voice that give the story its personality. Style isn’t just about writing beautifully; it’s about creating a consistent mood that matches the story’s themes and genre. Whether it’s humorous, dark, poetic, or straightforward, the style should serve the story and engage the reader.
For writers, developing a distinctive style involves experimenting with language and tone. For editors, maintaining a consistent style is essential. A strong style makes the narrative feel cohesive and enhances the reader’s experience. A style that is inconsistent or forced can disrupt the reader’s experience.
6. Treatment: Outlining the Story
Treatment is an extended outline or a detailed summary of a story. It usually comes up in development phase to pitch or plan the narrative before it’s fully written. It captures the main plot points, characters, tone, and themes, but without the full dialogue or scene details found in a completed script or manuscript.
This is handy when a writer is pitching to a potential publisher. An editor can use this to understand how the story will unfold. A treatment can range from a few pages to an entire booklet. It serves as a blueprint that guides the writer and the publisher.
7. Plot: Drafting an Engaging Sequence of Events
The plot is often the backbone of the story; a series of events that unfold to take readers on a journey. A well-constructed plot is engaging, purposeful, and may be filled with twists and turns that keep readers hooked. It doesn’t need to be complex, but it should have a clear structure with a beginning, middle, and end. Each scene or chapter should propel the story forward, building toward a satisfying climax and resolution.
A good plot doesn’t just entertain; it makes the story feel coherent and rewarding to follow. Writers should focus on creating a storyline that’s both engaging and logical, while editors can provide guidance on pacing, structure, and coherence to keep the plot tight and compelling. An effective plot has clear stakes, conflicts, and resolutions. A disjointed series of events can leave readers feeling confused and disconnected.
How to Use These Elements to Identify a Story’s Potential
For editors and writers, analyzing a manuscript through the lens of these seven elements can help you determine if it has the potential to become a great story. Not every manuscript will excel in all areas initially, and that’s okay. What matters is identifying the strengths and weaknesses in each element and finding ways to address the weaknesses. Each element plays a role in drawing readers in, keeping them engaged, and leaving a lasting impression.
For instance, a manuscript might have an intriguing plot but weak characters. In this case, the editor could work with the writer on character development, ensuring they feel relatable and real. Alternatively, a story might have a powerful big idea but lack originality in its approach. Here, the approach would be to find ways to present the idea from a fresh perspective.
Storytelling involves both creative and technical skills. Whether you’re drafting a new story or polishing an existing manuscript, recognizing these core components will improve your ability to create narratives that capture readers’ imaginations and leave a lasting impression. Approaching each element with attention and care can elevate your storytelling and bring more powerful and memorable stories into the world.
