A story tells a series of events over time. How storytellers choose to tell these events in or out of chronological order is what makes the story linear or non-linear. More commonly, storytellers tell linear narratives — stories that are told in the chronological order in which they occur. There are good reasons to tell a story in a linear way, but there are also some restrictions that come with the technique.Continue reading What is a Linear Narrative — Sequential Storytelling 101
How does one recreate “reality” in art? Is it possible to recreate “reality” in art? These are the questions that guide the study of Mimesis. But what is mimesis? And what does mimesis mean? We’re going to answer all of these questions by outlining the history of mimesis, as well as a mimesis definition. By the end, you’ll know what mimesis means.Continue reading What is Mimesis — Reality Through Art Explained
Comedy holds a significant role in stories of every genre. Even the most dramatic plays and films can benefit from a few laughs. One of the best ways to introduce comedy in any type of story is through the use of a gag character.Continue reading What is a Gag Character — The Secret to Comic Relief
Rhyme, a key component of poetry and song, brings a melodious touch to compositions. Its power is not only to make language and words sound better but also to allow their meaning to have more impact. It’s a delivery system of words that can make a simple line or phrase hit even harder.Continue reading What is Rhyme — Definition, Examples and Types
The difference between the simile and metaphor is simple but makes them two distinctly different devices that can be used to different effects. Sure, they are both used to compare and contrast, but let’s dive a bit deeper. Why does the difference between simile and metaphor matter?Continue reading Simile vs. Metaphor — Differences Explained
They say everyone has a double, but not all of us are so lucky (or cursed) to encounter them. In the world of fiction, some stories use the idea of a double–also known as a doppelgänger–to explore various ideas and tell introspective stories where the protagonist comes face-to-face with (some version of) themselves. So what are doppelgängers and what are doppelgänger examples in film?Continue reading What is a Doppelgänger — The Evil Double Explained
Have you ever worked somewhere that used specific terms and phrases to refer to specific things at your job? Maybe you have been part of a friend group that used terms and phrases that would not make sense outside of that friend group. No, it’s not lingo or slang, but something more technical that can be used casually or professionally. If you’re ever talking about filmmaking with someone and say “head room” or type “XCU” without needing to explain yourself, you’re most likely using jargon.But what is jargon? How can you identify jargon? After all, talking about jargon can only…
Myths, with their enigmatic allure, have fascinated cultures across the ages. These captivating tales possess an inherent grandeur that never fails to enthrall. But what exactly is a myth? Is it simply a story that has been passed down over the years, or does it hold deeper meaning and significance?Continue reading What is a Myth — Definitions, Roots & Illustrative Tales
Do you remember the first time you heard a fairy tale? The anticipation as the story unfolded, the palpable magic, the clash between good and evil, and the eventual triumph of the hero or heroine? But what makes these stories so special? Are they just entertainment, or do they hold a deeper meaning?Continue reading What is a Fairy Tale — Definition, Types & Examples
