This video explains how to create plot points and story drivers that are purposeful and aligned with Dramatica theory. It demonstrates how to use the Subtxt platform to generate story forms and then guides viewers through creating a cosmic horror story by grounding plot points in the chosen objective story problem. The presenter emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying story structure to inform the narrative and create a more cohesive and meaningful story.
The four domains in Dramatica theory—Objective Story, Main Character, Influence Character, and Relationship Story—represent different perspectives through which conflict and problems are viewed in a narrative. The Objective Story domain looks at the plot and the overall narrative problem, the Main Character domain focuses on an individual's personal issues and perspective, the Influence Character domain introduces an opposing viewpoint that challenges the Main Character, and the Relationship Story domain explores the dynamics and growth of relationships. Together, they aim to encapsulate a complete story by covering these four distinct viewpoints on conflict.
In Dramatica theory, the initial story driver is the very first event that kicks off the objective story. It's the catalyst for the main plotline.
The inciting incident, as commonly understood (for example, in Robert McKee's work), is when the objective story throughline and the main character throughline intersect.
While they can sometimes be the same event, they are not always identical. The key distinction is that the inciting incident specifically marks the point where the main character's personal journey becomes intertwined with the overarching plot, whereas the initial story driver simply initiates the plot itself.
The choice of domains in a story form significantly influences the genre and overall feel of the narrative by defining the nature of the central conflict being explored. For instance, if the Objective Story domain is set in "Physics," it typically leads to genres like action or sci-fi, with conflicts manifesting as physical confrontations and external events. Conversely, if the Objective Story domain is in "Psychology," the narrative often leans towards psychological thrillers or dramas, where conflicts arise from internal struggles, manipulation, and mental states. The domains essentially set the personality and thematic focus of the story, guiding the types of events and conflicts that will resonate most strongly with the audience and define the story's genre.
