The Ultimate Evolution of Story Structures: Integrating Timeless Methodologies into a Modern Narrative Framework
Herogram is an innovative storytelling methodology that stands as an evolution of classical and modern narrative structures. By integrating the best practices from various theories, Herogram offers a versatile and effective tool for crafting compelling stories. With its nine key moments and seven flowcharts, Herogram not only facilitates the construction of a coherent narrative but also aims to connect emotionally with the audience.
- Aristotle and the Three-Act Structure: Herogram adopts the classic three-act structure proposed by Aristotle in “Poetics,” but it goes further by also integrating the Aristotelian syllogism, which consists of two premises and a conclusion. This combination not only subdivides the story into a beginning, middle, and end but also introduces a logical and mathematical dimension to storytelling. In Herogram, the segments are divided into motivation, action, and achievement, aligning with Aristotle’s logical progression. This integration ensures that each story has a coherent and engaging structure, where each part naturally flows into the next, much like how a conclusion logically follows from its premises in a syllogism. This approach provides the narrative with a solid and rational foundation, facilitating both understanding and emotional connection with the audience.
- Hegel and the Dialectic: Herogram’s axes of polarity reflect Hegelian dialectics (thesis, antithesis, and synthesis), applying this concept to the protagonist’s evolution. This dialectical dynamic enriches the story by exploring contrasts and resolving them throughout the hero’s journey.
- Jung and Archetypes: Herogram incorporates Jung’s archetypes, facilitating the protagonist’s transformation and connecting with the audience’s collective unconscious. Universal archetypes foster a deep emotional connection, reflecting the hero’s internal and external struggles.
- Joseph Campbell and the Hero’s Journey: Herogram integrates elements of Campbell’s monomyth, including the call to adventure and return. This helps structure crucial narrative milestones that ensure the story resonates deeply with the audience.
- Gustav Freytag and the Dramatic Pyramid: Similar to Freytag’s Dramatic Pyramid, Herogram uses a structure that spans from exposition to resolution, detailing a continuous and complex evolution of the protagonist from ordinary life to complete transformation.
- Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and the Stages of Grief: Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief are reflected in Herogram’s moments of nadir and reconnection, emphasizing the importance of internal transformation in the hero’s narrative.
- Syd Field and Screenwriting: Field’s influence is evident in Herogram’s three-act structure and the significance of turning points, ensuring that the narrative maintains the protagonist’s attention and progression.
- Linda Seger and Script Improvement: Herogram aligns with Seger’s emphasis on structural clarity and logic, utilizing flowcharts like the circle and triangle to ensure narrative cohesion and effectiveness.
- Chris Vogler and “The Writer’s Journey”: Just as Vogler adapts Campbell’s principles for modern screenwriters, Herogram expands this adaptation with additional elements such as the axes of polarity to enhance emotional coherence.
- Michael Hauge and Story Structure: Hauge focuses on the hero’s inner and outer journeys, a duality that Herogram also emphasizes to create a rich and multifaceted narrative.
- Robert McKee and the Principles of Structure: McKee emphasizes that every story element should contribute to character development, a principle adopted by Herogram to ensure each key moment aligns with the protagonist’s complete transformation.
- John Truby and the Anatomy of Story: Herogram ensures that story “beats” or key moments align with the character’s evolution, creating a coherent and effective narrative.
- Blake Snyder and “Save the Cat!”: Snyder aims for emotional resonance with his 15-beat structure. Herogram maintains this emotional resonance through the juxtaposition of its flowcharts.
- Dan Harmon and the Story Circle: Herogram adopts and expands Harmon’s “Story Circle,” adapting it for diverse narrative needs without losing effectiveness.
- Stan Williams and the Four-Act Diamond: Williams expands the traditional three-act narrative into four acts. Herogram similarly expands this structure with additional flowcharts to capture the protagonist’s complexity.
- Beyond the Classics: Herogram goes beyond the well-known classics, integrating insights and techniques from a broader spectrum of authors and methodologies. The inclusion of these diverse perspectives underscores Herogram’s commitment to innovation and its role as a bridge connecting traditional wisdom with contemporary storytelling needs.
By merging and expanding these methodologies, Herogram positions itself as a natural evolution of classical and modern narrative theories. It is a versatile tool that not only facilitates the creation of coherent and emotional stories but also offers a non-linear and adaptable approach, allowing storytellers to begin from any point in the narrative. With Herogram, writers can structure and develop stories more effectively and in less time, using a framework that resonates deeply and universally with audiences.