Heroes are some of the most popular protagonists in storytelling – and there are a lot of types of heroes to use; a byronic hero being one such example. But what is a byronic hero? We’re going to outline a byronic hero definition then break down a variety of byronic hero examples in literature and film. By the end, you’ll know what a byronic hero is and how to use it in writing. Continue reading What is a Byronic Hero — Definition, Examples & Traits
Diegesis is a word that’s thrown around a lot in film studies – but what is diegesis in film? We’re going to define diegesis by examining its long history; with reference to Aristotle and Ancient Greece. We’re also going to explore some diegesis examples in literature, film, television, and games to see how writers build worlds for their stories. Continue reading What is Diegesis & Why Storytellers Should Know It
Conflict is at the heart of drama. It is what forces a hero to grow or change, making a story memorable. Few character types are better at creating conflict for a story's protagonist than the archenemy. Some of the most iconic character dynamics in cinema are between a hero and their archenemy — Batman and The Joker, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, and Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. The best heroes often have an equally formidable foe in their archenemy. Continue reading What is an Archenemy — Definition, Functions & Examples
Doctor Evil! I didn’t spend six years in an evil medical school to be called Mister, thank you very much.” These hilarious words were said by Dr. Evil, the ridiculously arch and wildly funny villain of the Austin Powers franchise. Dr. Evil embodies all the classic negative character traits of a villain: He’s selfish, maniacal, and hell-bent on world domination. “Bad” characters in your story have negative character traits, just like Dr. Evil - although maybe not so obvious! What are negative character traits exactly, and what are some examples of bad character traits? Read on for a negative character…
Human beings in the real world are multi-faceted, each with unique traits, strengths, desires, and flaws. Honest, compelling characters in storytelling, therefore, must also be complex beings. One of the unique tools writers have in making characters more complex and more interesting is character flaws. Continue reading The Ultimate Character Flaws List — A Writer’s Guide
Whether it be whispered tales around a campfire or blockbuster epics on the silver screen, certain character archetypes have stood the test of time, captivating audiences with their timeless appeal. Among these, the Chosen One trope shines as a beacon of hope and destiny, weaving through narratives with the promise of greatness and the allure of a predetermined path. Let's explore this fascinating trope, understanding its roots, characteristics, and unforgettable cinematic renditions. Continue reading What is the Chosen One — Classic Character Trope Explained
A famously red-headed little girl once said, “The sun will come up tomorrow.” Annie, the titular character of the movie of the same name, became a beloved figure in film, and an enduring symbol of staying optimistic in hard times. Annie had several character traits, but her hopefulness is what’s often remembered about her. Having hope or optimism is a positive character trait. Some of the most memorable heroines and heroes in film and literature have positive character traits. So what are positive character traits, and why do authors choose to use them? Continue reading Positive Character Traits — A Guide &…
Revamps, reboots, and sequels have become a staple in the entertainment industry. The MCU has created a web of narratives, intertwining and overlapping. Disney is breathing new life into the Star Wars franchise and new blockbusters like Twisters and Furiosa have proved that revamps can still be fresh and entertaining. But all this narrative revisiting has given rise to the power of retconning. Let's look at what retconning is and how its narrative impact on the industry can be good, bad, and increasingly prevalent. Continue reading What Does Retcon Mean — Best and Worst Examples
Synecdoche may not be one of the most common words on your radar, but it's a literary device frequently used in everyday language, often without people realizing it. This device is not only functional but also creatively adds depth to a sentence. Let's dive into the definition and types of synecdoche that you have undoubtedly used or heard before.Continue reading What is Synecdoche — Definition, Examples & Writing Tips
Jo March. Harry Potter. Captain Underpants (yes, even him!). These are just a few of the names people may say when asked who their favorite character is. But besides their popularity, what do all these beloved characters have in common? They are all found in works of fiction. Read on to learn what fiction is, and how you might want to become a fiction writer yourself. Continue reading What is Fiction — Definition & Examples
