Since the beginning of time, storytelling has been practiced using words to convey a message, evoke emotions, and engage the imagination through a crafted narrative. These narratives can be used to convey significant themes and ideas, and they play a vital role in connecting the storyteller with their audience. In literature, they can be expressed in many forms, such as novels, short stories, poetry, and plays.

If you are here because you want to be an effective storyteller, you must master language, characterization, plot, and setting. You should have a thorough understanding of your audience and the message you are trying to convey. To do this, it's helpful to understand the four pillars necessary to building a good story and engaging your readers so they crave more.


Pillar 1- The People

Picture's Credit by  Franzi Draws/ ADOBE


The characters in a story are responsible for pushing the plot forward and captivating the audience. They can be the protagonist, antagonist, and even a supporting character who helps the protagonist during challenging times. Regardless of their role, characters are critical to the story's success as they breathe life into it and enable the audience to establish an emotional connection with the tale. If you want to create compelling characters, it is essential to give each one depth and personality. 

Show your characters' strengths and weaknesses, what they fear and hope for, and the unique qualities they possess that make them memorable. A well-crafted character, one that stays true to the traits you give them, allows the audience to connect with them and remain engaged in the story until the end. Likewise, clearly defined relationships between characters are crucial as they can help to move the plot forward and reveal significant information about the characters themselves.

Dialogue is just as critical as creating memorable characters. The words your characters think and speak can be a powerful medium for enhancing relationships and for adding depth and nuance to them. You will want to make sure that what your characters say remains consistent with their personality traits, their history, and the circumstances they encounter.

By the end of the story, your main character should show growth. In literature, this is called the 'character arc'. If they start their journey as a timid person, perhaps someone who endures bullying, they should come out of the story with more strength than they came in with. This can be accomplished through their relationships and the obstacles they face along the way.

Captain Ahab's Evolution (a case study in character)

Gregory Peck as Ahab in John Huston's 1956 screen adaptation. Photograph: Cinetext/Allstar

In Herman Melville's novel Moby Dick, Captain Ahab is a fascinating and memorable literary character who immediately captures the reader's attention. With an ivory leg and an all-consuming obsession with the elusive great white whale, this tormented sailor embarks on a remarkable journey that keeps the audience engaged. His deep-seated vendetta against the whale, born out of a past confrontation resulting in the loss of his limb, propels the narrative forward with a sense of urgency and purpose. Ahab's relentless pursuit of Moby Dick paints him as a man possessed, teetering on the brink of insanity.

As we delve deeper into the tale, we peel back the layers of Ahab's psyche and uncover a man grappling with profound existential questions about the nature of existence and the meaning of life. Melville's storytelling mastery lies in the gradual unveiling of Ahab's inner turmoil. Through dialogue and interactions with crew members, Ahab's multidimensionality becomes evident. He emerges as a vengeful captain and a symbol of humanity's struggle against unfathomable nature and fate.

Moreover, the ship transforms into a microcosm of society, where Ahab's authority and decisions influence every soul aboard. His relationships offer contrasting views on duty, morality, and obsession. This dynamic reflects humanity's internal conflicts, making Ahab's arc universal.

Pillar 2- The Plot

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The plot is the backbone of a good story. It should be well-structured and engaging, drawing the audience in and holding their attention until the end. There are several ways to construct a plot, but they all typically involve acts. The plot includes an introduction to the protagonist, the setting, and the conflict. The beginning of the story should set the stage and establish the tone and atmosphere for the narrative. It's important for the audience to clearly understand the protagonist's goals and motivations from the start, as well as the potential obstacles the protagonist will face to reach their goals.

In the middle of the plot, tension should be maintained, with the protagonist facing challenges and setbacks. The stakes are raised, and the audience is drawn deeper into the story. This is an important aspect of the plot where the protagonist grows and changes, developing new skills and insights that will be crucial to their success.

The climax happens in the last act of the story. It's the point of highest tension, where the protagonist faces the ultimate obstacle or conflict. The audience should be so connected to the protagonist by now that they feel what the protagonist feels as their fate hangs in the balance.

On the heels of the climax is the resolution, the part of the plot that brings the story to a close, tying up loose ends and providing closure for the characters and the audience. The protagonist achieves their goal and/or learns a valuable lesson. A good resolution should leave the audience feeling satisfied. It should have a fulfilling 'story arc'.

Point of view can have a significant impact on how the audience perceives a story. Whether it be an adventure, a comedy, or a grim tale, a writer needs to consider which point of view will be best for conveying the story they want to tell. A first-person point of view, for instance, creates an intimate connection between the narrator and the audience, while a third-person point of view can provide a larger perspective of the events of the story.

The Acts of The Hobbit (a case study in plot)

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When exploring the vast world of literature, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien shines as a remarkable example of masterful storytelling. One of the key reasons for its enduring popularity is the flawless manner in which Tolkien weaves the classic plot structure into the adventurous journey of the protagonist, Bilbo Baggins.

By breaking down the tale into distinct acts, we are able to appreciate the intricacies of this narrative masterpiece even more. In act one, Bilbo's peaceful life in the Shire, where his main concern is his next meal, is interrupted by the arrival of the wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves who invite him on an adventure to secure a great treasure. This is the inciting event that pushes Bilbo out of his comfort zone and sets the stage for what lies ahead.

As Bilbo, Gandalf, and the dwarves make their way towards the Lonely Mountain, they encounter obstacles, ranging from trolls to goblins to the perils of Mirkwood forest. These trials make up the rising action, gradually intensifying the plot and shaping Bilbo into an unlikely hero. Along the journey, Bilbo's discovery of the One Ring and its magic adds a layer of intrigue and complexity.

After finally arriving at the Lonely Mountain, the group faces the main challenge of dealing with the terrifying dragon Smaug, who is protecting the treasure. This is the highest point of the story, tying together previous events and highlighting Bilbo's bravery and intelligence. The ensuing battle represents the severe consequences of the allure of treasure and the obsessive lengths people (and dragons) will go to in order to possess something they desire above all else.

The falling action of the story follows Bilbo's return journey to the Shire. This segment includes reflections on the adventure, the perils faced, friendships forged, and lessons learned. The ending narrative then circles back to Bilbo once again in his hobbit hole, but now forever changed.


Pillar 3- The Places

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When crafting a story, it's essential to carefully consider the setting: time and place. How do you want the elements of the setting to impact the mood, tone, and atmosphere of the plot? How do you want the setting to impact the characters and their journey? And how will you convey these elements to the audience, not only at the beginning but throughout the story?

Besides timeframe and location, it's important to include aspects of society and culture in a story's setting. The values and morals of a population offer social context, as does the political environment. Culture contributes to creating a believable setting in the form of regional customs and events, personal and family roles and rituals, cuisine, as well as traditional occupations.
Dialogue can serve as a vivid way to describe time and place by allowing the characters to interact with each other in these settings.

Have them use the vocabulary of the era and talk about the environment where the story takes place in a way that portrays the character's feelings and the impact the setting has on their circumstances. Do they feel calm? Are they agitated? Are they afraid? Don't forget about props. Even minor descriptions can be useful in developing a rich setting, such as lighting, smells, sounds, and objects that evoke a sense of time and place, not only for the character but for the audience as well. As your character stands beneath a lamppost, is the light bright and glaring, or is it dim and flickering? Is the wind howling ferociously or whispering gently as they walk alone through a stand of pines?

Setting can also convey the symbolism of a situation, a character, a concept, or an event. Don't be afraid to dig into the history and physical environment of the character's world. When used well, the unique aspects of time, place, and culture can highlight what your characters might be facing during that time. By providing an intriguing backstory to the world, you can increase suspense, create ambiance, and even foreshadow things to come.

The world of Harry Potter (a case study in place)

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The Harry Potter series, created by J.K. Rowling, is a vast and enchanting universe filled with magic, intrigue, and timeless conflict. The beauty of the narrative lies not only in the engaging plot and its relatable characters but also in the settings that fully immerse readers in this remarkable literary world. Each location accentuates the storyline and provides opportunities for shaping the characters.

The series revolves around Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, an ancient castle, and the central learning place. The castle is presented to the audience as a living entity, complete with mischievous poltergeists, shifting staircases, enchanted ceilings, and secretive chambers. The school represents both a sanctuary and a battleground, where Harry and his friends learn the value of friendship, bravery, and the nuances of morality.

Beyond the protective walls of Hogwarts lies the Forbidden Forest. First term, students are warned to stay away from these dark, dangerous woods. It represents the unknown and provides a field for introducing suspense and foreboding to the plot. Diagon Alley is a bustling marketplace that showcases the everyday magical world, as well as its shadier side in Knockturn Alley. The home of Harry's non-magical relatives can be found in the 'muggle' world. It symbolizes the mundane and sometimes cruel reality Harry wishes to escape when he's not in school.

The stark contrast between Harry's oppressive suburban home and the magical places he experiences with his school friends highlights the vast differences between these two settings and provides contrast within the overall story. The intricate and interwoven details of Harry Potter's world help to guide the plot, mold the characters, and captivate the audience.

Pillar 4- The Audience

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Understanding your audience is crucial when it comes to crafting an effective and engaging story narrative. Ask yourself who you are writing the story for. Then consider the demographic characteristics of your audience, such as age, gender, and cultural background, and tailor your story to their interests. When developing your protagonist and supporting cast, you first need to know who they'll be speaking to. What types of people will your audience likely be drawn to? As you consider the trials and adversity you the the protagonist will go through, which of those difficulties will your audience relate to? What themes or topics might resonate best with them? Consider the emotions you want to evoke in your audience. Do you want to make them laugh, cry, or feel inspired?

It's also important to consider what your audience already knows or believes about the subject matter of your story. This can help you avoid confusing or alienating them with concepts that are unfamiliar or counter to their beliefs. Writing from the perspective of a lived experience can be an effective way to connect with your audience. But as with any story that pulls from shared experiences, you will want to be extremely thoughtful about how you convey the people, the plot, and the places. Do your research and enlist the help of a sensitivity reader, if necessary.

The best way to communicate your story is through thoughtful examination of your particular audience. This means choosing the right language and tone for delivering your story. Avoid jargon or terms that may be unfamiliar or outdated. Speak to your audience, not over them. Even if you do not identify with your audience on a personal level, you will need to create people and places in your story that will.