The Future of Storytelling 1-5 | Story Structure: Story Design

Summary

This video explores key principles of story design, emphasizing Robert McKee's 'Hook, Hold, and Payoff' model, which aims to maintain audience interest. McKee discusses the classical three-act structure, known as the archplot, where a protagonist embarks on a journey to achieve a goal, overcoming obstacles along the way. While the archplot is a widely-used framework in storytelling across films, literature, and games, the video also introduces alternative structures like anti-plot and mini-plot. Creators are encouraged to understand and use these tools creatively, blending traditional storytelling methods with personal innovation for impactful storytelling.

Takeaways

• 😀 Storytelling in various mediums, including Hollywood films, literature, and games, has been deeply influenced by classical theories, including those of Aristotle.
• 😀 Robert McKee's concept of 'story design' emphasizes the importance of the inciting incident, which sets life out of balance and drives the protagonist's desire for restoration.
• 😀 The goal of story design is to Hook, Hold, and Payoff the audience's interest, creating a satisfying experience by engaging them emotionally and intellectually.
• 😀 Story structures, such as the three-act archplot, are fundamental tools for understanding storytelling and can be found across many forms of media, from films to games.
• 😀 The archplot, a classical design structure, revolves around protagonists who face inner and outer obstacles to reach a goal, providing a clear narrative arc.
• 😀 Not all stories follow a linear or traditional structure; alternative models like the anti-plot and mini-plot also exist and are worth exploring in storytelling.
• 😀 Robert McKee encourages learning from existing story structures, but also advocates for creativity and breaking the rules to innovate, as seen in works like 'Memento'.
• 😀 Great artists often learn and master traditional rules before bending them to create something unique, as demonstrated by figures like Picasso and Dali.
• 😀 The lecture invites viewers to analyze stories closely and encourages them to understand various story structures, helping to develop their own creative approaches to storytelling.
• 😀 Viewers are encouraged to watch supplementary videos, such as 'Josh Turnbull - Sign Him Up!' and 'Dog versus Frisbee', to enhance their understanding of the concepts discussed.

Q & A

What is the role of the inciting incident in McKee's story design?

The inciting incident is a pivotal event that disrupts the protagonist's life, creating an imbalance that drives them to pursue a goal or object of desire in an attempt to restore balance.

How does Robert McKee define the structure of a good story?

McKee believes a good story should 'Hook, Hold, and Payoff' the audience's attention. This means capturing interest, maintaining engagement throughout the story, and delivering a satisfying emotional resolution.

What are the key elements of the Archplot structure?

The Archplot structure is a classical three-act design that follows a protagonist's journey, where they face challenges (both internal and external) in pursuit of a goal. The climax is the moment when the protagonist either succeeds or fails in achieving their goal.

How does McKee's theory apply across different media forms?

McKee's story design theories apply universally across films, literature, television, and even games. The principles of the Archplot, including the inciting incident, pursuit of a desire, and resolution, can be found in stories across all these forms.

What does McKee mean by the 'Hook, Hold, and Payoff'?

The 'Hook' refers to the initial element that captures the audience's attention. The 'Hold' is the process of maintaining that interest throughout the story. The 'Payoff' is the satisfying conclusion or resolution that rewards the audience emotionally and intellectually.

What are alternative story models that McKee discusses?

McKee mentions alternative models such as the 'Anti-Plot' and 'Mini-Plot', which break away from the classical three-act structure and offer non-linear, fragmented storytelling approaches.

How does the Archplot structure relate to the protagonist's journey?

In the Archplot structure, the protagonist embarks on a journey to achieve a goal or desire. Along the way, they face significant obstacles, both internal and external, which shape their character and lead to a climactic resolution.

Why is it important to study classical story structures like the Archplot?

Studying classical story structures like the Archplot helps storytellers understand foundational principles of narrative, which can then be adapted or subverted to create new and innovative storytelling forms.

What is the relationship between creativity and structure in storytelling?

While structures like the Archplot provide a foundation for storytelling, creativity flourishes when writers understand these structures but are not bound by them. Breaking or bending the rules can lead to more innovative and groundbreaking work.

How does McKee's approach to story design differ from rigid formulaic structures?

McKee advocates for using story structures like the Archplot as tools for analysis, not as rigid formulas. He encourages flexibility and experimentation, suggesting that following strict templates can stifle creativity, as seen in the works of artists like Christopher Nolan and Salvador Dalí.