It’s a brand new season and that means Melanie and I are studying two new topics: narrative drive and conflict triangles. Conflict and page-turners are usually associated with action stories, thrillers and the like. But DOUBT is a quiet, character-driven film that is so expertly crafted it grabs the viewer’s attention immediately and holds it right to the bitter end. Seriously, there’s so much for novelists in here. -V.
(The following summary was generated by AI.)
Are you struggling to make your stories more engaging and compelling? Do you find it challenging to hold your readers’ attention from the first page to the last? If so, you’re not alone. Many writers face this issue, but the solution might be simpler than you think. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into two powerful storytelling concepts: conflict triangles and narrative drive. Using the 2008 film ‘Doubt’ as a case study, we break down these techniques and show you how to apply them to your own writing.
Valerie Francis, a writer and literary editor, introduces the concept of conflict triangles. She explains that while we often think of story conflict as a simple tug-of-war between the protagonist and the antagonist, this approach can quickly become predictable and boring. By introducing a third character into the mix, you create a conflict triangle, which adds depth and complexity to your story. Valerie identifies eight conflict triangles in ‘Doubt,’ each contributing to the film’s rich narrative and keeping the audience engaged.
Melanie Hill, a writer, editor, and poet, explores the idea of narrative drive. She explains that narrative drive is a combination of craft techniques that create curiosity and concern in the reader. By controlling the flow of information relative to the point-of-view character, you can move your readers along a scale of curiosity and concern, keeping them hooked from beginning to end. Melanie highlights how ‘Doubt’ masterfully uses different types of narrative drive—mystery, suspense, and dramatic irony—to maintain audience interest and enhance the story’s thematic depth.
So, how can you apply these concepts to your own writing? Start by identifying the conflict triangles in your story. If you don’t have any, try creating a few and see how they impact your scenes. Next, think about how you can use narrative drive to control the flow of information and evoke curiosity or concern in your readers. By incorporating these techniques, you’ll find that your stories become more engaging, compelling, and ultimately, more satisfying for your readers.
Don’t miss this episode if you want to take your storytelling to the next level. Tune in now to learn more about conflict triangles, narrative drive, and how the film ‘Doubt’ can teach you valuable lessons in story theory. Happy writing!