Creating Throughlines and Signposts
by Robin
(Spain)
Question: I can't see the difference between Overall Throughline and the others. I don't know how I can create different events in every throughline following your kind advice. For example, let's take Star Wars. If the climax is when Darth Vader must decide between killing his son or help him, I see things this way:
Overall Signpost #3: Darth Vader must decide between killing his son or save him.
Main Character Signpost#3: Darth Vader must decide between killing his son or save him.
Impact Character Singpost#3: Luke must decide between fighting his father or surrender.
Relationship Singpost#3: Mr. Vader and son fight in an intergenerational struggle.
So in the end, all this signposts are the same event!! And even the same scene!! So what's the point in dividing the story in different throughlines and signposts? I can't find Signposts in Main Character's Throughline different to the Signposts in the Overall Throughline. Could you please explain more accurately those differences? I have read your answer to "Understanding/Identifying Signposts (Harry Potter and Dramatica)" and I feel that your explanation has nothing to do with your article about "Writing an Outline of your Novel". Please help me, because I can't sleep thinking about those things!
Thank you in advance!
Answer(UPDATED): One of the reason I didn't start off the section on writing a novel with a discussion of the throughlines and signposts is because they can get confusing.
And one of the biggest traps is exactly the one you point out. We all (me included) are inclined to simplify things. And one of the ways we simplify our understanding of stories is that we try to take several different story points and reduce them to one point. We have to fight this natural tendency because it makes our concept of a story more shallow.
In fact, I would argue that one of the distinct advantages of Dramatica is that it forces us to consider other dimensions of a story.
I have recently revised my analysis of the signposts in The Return of the Jedi. The address is below, or you can click on the Story Analyses tab to find it.
https://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/return-of-the-jedi.html
Comments for Creating Throughlines and Signposts
|
||
|
||
|
||
| site search by freefind |
Recent Postings
-
Murder Mysteries
Aug 14, 18 08:49 PM
Question: Does the main character(s) in a murder mystery, more specifically the narrator, need to be a detective? Can it be someone who is in a completely
-
HOW to start a book
Aug 10, 18 07:54 PM
Question: I have this genius idea to write a book about the topic that, in the book, breaks our country and starts the 2nd Civil War: LGBTQ+ Rights. I
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I
can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful.
You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and
with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write
these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero
