How can you challenge conventional storytelling structures?

1 Break the rules

One way to challenge conventional storytelling structures is to break the rules that govern them. For example, you can play with the order, duration, or perspective of events, disrupt the expectations of genre, or mix different media or formats. Breaking the rules can create tension, intrigue, or humor, as well as challenge the assumptions of the audience. For example, the movie Memento tells the story of a man with short-term memory loss in reverse chronological order, creating a puzzle-like experience for the viewers.

2 Use nonlinear narratives

Another way to challenge conventional storytelling structures is to use nonlinear narratives, which are stories that do not follow a linear or chronological sequence of events. Instead, they can jump back and forth in time, switch between different timelines or realities, or explore multiple outcomes or possibilities. Nonlinear narratives can create complexity, diversity, or ambiguity, as well as invite the audience to participate in the interpretation of the story. For example, the novel Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell interweaves six stories from different eras and genres, creating a mosaic of interconnected themes and characters.

3 Experiment with form and style

A third way to challenge conventional storytelling structures is to experiment with form and style, which are the ways that a story is presented and expressed. For example, you can use unconventional or creative language, typography, or layout, incorporate visual or audio elements, or create interactive or immersive experiences. Experimenting with form and style can create contrast, emphasis, or emotion, as well as challenge the boundaries of storytelling. For example, the book House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski uses various fonts, colors, and orientations of text, as well as footnotes, appendices, and references, to create a labyrinthine and metafictional story.

4 Explore alternative perspectives

A fourth way to challenge conventional storytelling structures is to explore alternative perspectives, which are the points of view or voices that a story is told from or about. For example, you can use unreliable or multiple narrators, focus on minor or marginalized characters, or subvert the dominant or mainstream narratives. Exploring alternative perspectives can create diversity, empathy, or critique, as well as challenge the stereotypes or biases of the audience. For example, the play Wicked by Gregory Maguire and Stephen Schwartz tells the story of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West, revealing her backstory and motivations.

5 Collaborate with others

A fifth way to challenge conventional storytelling structures is to collaborate with others, which means to involve other people in the creation or consumption of the story. For example, you can co-create or co-author a story with someone else, invite feedback or input from the audience, or allow the audience to shape or influence the story. Collaborating with others can create diversity, dialogue, or community, as well as challenge the authority or ownership of the storyteller. For example, the podcast Welcome to Night Vale by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor is a fictional radio show set in a strange town, where the listeners can contribute their own stories, fan art, or theories.

6 Challenge yourself

A sixth way to challenge conventional storytelling structures is to challenge yourself, which means to push your own limits and try new things. For example, you can set yourself a constraint or a goal, experiment with a different genre or medium, or learn from other storytellers or sources of inspiration. Challenging yourself can create growth, innovation, or satisfaction, as well as challenge your own habits or comfort zones. For example, the author Ray Bradbury challenged himself to write a story every week for a year, resulting in some of his most famous works, such as Fahrenheit 451 and The Martian Chronicles.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?