We’ve all heard the term internal conflict, but what does it mean? And how does it make your characters stronger on the page? There’s more than one way to do it, so we’re going to take a look at different movies that possess compelling internal conflicts. If you can master creating characters with internal conflict through the help of these examples, your writing won’t just be better, it’ll become unforgettable. Continue reading What is Internal Conflict — The Core of Great Characters
Michael Scott of The Office once said, “They’re trying to make me an escape goat.” That’s hilarious, but it’s also wrong… Which is why it’s a malapropism! But what is a malapropism, and how can you use it in your own script writing? That word may sound intimidating, but don’t worry, we’ll explain what malapropism means, provide examples, and even talk about how to use them in your own scripts to get readers rolling in the isles (read on to see what we did there!). Continue reading What is Malapropism — Definition & Iconic Comedy Examples
We all want to make our writing compelling. The question is - how? Utilizing figurative language is one of the many tools great writers employ to make their work visceral and memorable. Given that there are several different types of figurative language, it’s easy to get confused about what it is and how to use it in your writing. Yet in this post, we won’t just define figurative language, we’ll also dive into how to get the most out of using it in your writing. A writer who can master the use of figurative language is a compelling writer. Continue…
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
