If You Want To Write A Great Story You Have To Develop The Argument - Alan Watt

Summary

In this discussion, Alan Watt emphasizes the importance of exploring both sides of an argument in storytelling, referencing a quote by George Bernard Shaw. He introduces the Credo exercise to help writers connect with antagonistic forces, thereby enriching their narratives. Watt also delves into the concept of dilemma as the core of a story, explaining how it differs from a simple problem. He underscores the protagonist's journey through a dilemma, highlighting the shift in perception required for true resolution and the significance of the Dark Night of the Soul in this transformative process.

Takeaways

• 📚 The importance of understanding the protagonist's dilemma is highlighted, relating it to George Bernard Shaw's quote about the selective perception of arguments.
• 🤔 The role of a writer is to present both sides of an argument with integrity, reflecting Einstein's idea of holding two opposing thoughts simultaneously.
• 📝 The 'Credo exercise' is introduced as a method to help writers connect to the antagonistic forces in their stories, encouraging exploration of opposing views.
• 💡 The exercise involves writing a strong belief and then finding an opposing argument, which can serve as the basis for developing characters and plot.
• 🎭 The storyteller's job is to explore these forces to arrive at a deeper truth, as illustrated by the example of 'Dead Man Walking' and its exploration of equality and responsibility.
• 📖 The perseverance of authors like Katherine Stockett, who faced numerous rejections before success, is emphasized as a lesson for writers.
• 🌟 The dilemma is the source of a story, differentiating it from a problem by being an experience that requires a shift in perception rather than a solution.
• 🌑 The 'Dark Night of the Soul' is a pivotal moment in a story where the protagonist recognizes the impossibility of their goal based on their current approach.
• 🦄 The story's focus is on whether the protagonist will let go of their old identity or perception to pursue what they truly need, which may differ from what they initially wanted.
• 🔍 The exploration of dilemmas and opposing forces is crucial for creating depth in storytelling and allowing characters to evolve and find satisfaction.
• 📚 The script suggests that sometimes letting go of what we want allows us to find what truly belongs in our lives, adding a layer of philosophical depth to the writing process.

Q & A

What is the quote by George Bernard Shaw mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to the protagonist's dilemma?

The quote by George Bernard Shaw is 'The moment we want to believe something, we suddenly see all arguments for it and become blind to the arguments against it.' It relates to the protagonist's dilemma by suggesting that characters, including the protagonist, may become biased towards their beliefs, ignoring opposing views, which can create conflict and drive the story.

What does Alan Watt suggest is the role of a writer in storytelling?

Alan Watt suggests that the role of a writer is to play both sides of an argument with equal integrity, exploring the complexities and nuances of beliefs and ideas without being swayed by personal biases.

What is the 'Credo exercise' that Alan Watt discusses in the script?

The 'Credo exercise' is an exercise where writers are asked to write for five minutes about something they feel strongly about, then frame it as a single arguable statement, and finally find an opposing argument to that statement. This helps writers to connect to the antagonistic forces in their story.

How does the 'Credo exercise' help in developing a story?

The 'Credo exercise' helps in developing a story by encouraging writers to explore conflicting viewpoints, which can lead to the creation of interesting characters and plot dynamics that challenge the protagonist's beliefs.

What is the significance of the quote by Einstein mentioned in the script?

The quote by Einstein, 'Genius is the ability to hold two opposing thoughts simultaneously,' is significant as it emphasizes the importance of embracing complexity and contradiction in storytelling, allowing for a deeper exploration of themes and character development.

How does Alan Watt connect the concept of dilemma to the story's theme?

Alan Watt connects the concept of dilemma to the story's theme by explaining that a dilemma is a problem that cannot be solved without creating another problem, which forces the protagonist to experience a shift in perception and pursue what they need over what they want.

What is the 'Dark Night of the Soul' in the context of storytelling?

In the context of storytelling, the 'Dark Night of the Soul' is a moment where the protagonist experiences a deep sense of failure, isolation, or the impossibility of achieving their goal, leading to a transformation or a shift in their approach.

How does the protagonist's dilemma differ from a typical problem?

A protagonist's dilemma differs from a typical problem because a dilemma is an experience that cannot be solved at the same level of consciousness that created it, requiring a shift in perception rather than an intellectual solution.

What role does perseverance play in the success of a writer, as illustrated by the story of 'The Help'?

Perseverance plays a crucial role in a writer's success, as illustrated by the story of 'The Help,' where the author faced numerous rejections before finding acceptance, demonstrating the importance of believing in one's work and persisting despite challenges.

How does the script discuss the importance of understanding dilemmas for a writer?

The script discusses the importance of understanding dilemmas for a writer by emphasizing that dilemmas are the source of a story, driving the dramatic question, and forcing the protagonist to confront their beliefs and desires, leading to character growth and resolution.

What is the significance of the protagonist's struggle with a dilemma in terms of character development?

The significance of the protagonist's struggle with a dilemma in terms of character development is that it forces the character to let go of their preconceived notions and desires, allowing them to grow and potentially achieve a deeper, more satisfying outcome.