The Story Circle: A Blueprint for Crafting Engaging and Memorable Narratives
Writer Dan Harmon is known for popularising the concept of the "Story Circle," a narrative structure that he uses in his writing process. The Story Circle is based on the hero's journey, which was first described by Joseph Campbell in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces." Harmon has adapted Campbell's into a narrative structure that he believes can be used to be a base for any story, whether it's a TV show, online video or computer game.
The story circle outlines the key stages of the progression of a character. It can be applied to many characters from Luke Skywalker in Star Wars to Pip in Great Expectations. From their initial call to adventure to their eventual return home, you can follow these steps:
A character starts in a comfortable and familiar environment, but they have a desire that propels them to take action.
A character begins 'at ‘home.’ They have a routine and are content with their life, but they are not fulfilled. There is an underlying desire or aspiration that drives them to take action and break out of their comfort zone. This desire could be a personal goal, a longing for something more, or a drive to change the status quo. Whatever the cause may be, the character feels compelled to leave their familiar surroundings and venture into an unfamiliar situation in pursuit of their desire. This is the start of the character's journey and sets the stage for the rest of the story.
They venture into an unfamiliar situation in pursuit of what they want.
As the character sets out on their journey, they venture into the unknown. This can take many forms, such as a physical journey to a new place, a change in their personal or professional life, or a spiritual quest. The situation is potentially challenging, but the character is driven by their desire and is willing to face the unknown. They may encounter obstacles, meet new people, or face inner turmoil, but they continue to pursue their goals. This step represents the character's bravery and determination, and it sets the stage for their growth and development as they navigate this new and unpredictable world.
As they navigate this new world, they learn new skills and adapt to them.
The character faces obstacles that require them to learn new skills and adapt to their changing circumstances. This step represents growth and transformation, as they gain new knowledge and experiences that shape their perspective and worldview. The character may encounter mentors, allies, or enemies who influence their journey and help them develop new abilities. This step is critical in the character's development, as they gain the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve their goal. They may also encounter setbacks and failures, which test their resolve and further shape their character. Ultimately, the character emerges from this step stronger, wiser, and more capable than they were before.
They ultimately achieve their goal, but at a cost.
After navigating the unfamiliar situation and facing challenges along the way, the character ultimately achieves their goal. This could be the realisation of a personal dream, the resolution of a conflict, or the attainment of an objective. However, the character soon realises that their victory has come at a cost. They may have lost something valuable, such as a relationship or a piece of their identity, or they may have discovered that the pursuit of their goal was not as fulfilling as they expected. This step represents the character's newfound wisdom and understanding, as they come to terms with the trade-offs and consequences of their actions. The character is forced to confront the reality that achieving their goal was not the end of their journey, but rather the beginning of a new and more complex chapter.
They experience unexpected losses as a result of their victory.
These losses can take many forms, such as the loss of relationships, personal possessions, or a sense of security. The character may have made sacrifices along the way or may have discovered that their victory has created new problems that they were not prepared for. This step is a pivotal moment in the character's journey, as they come to understand that success and happiness are not always intertwined. The character is forced to confront their own limitations, as well as the consequences of their actions. They may feel disillusioned or regretful, but they are also motivated to find a way to cope with their losses and move forward. This step represents the character's maturity and growth, as they come to understand that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and that their journey is far from over.
The character returns to their familiar situation, but they have changed as a result of their journey.
After experiencing losses and coming to terms with the reality of their victory, the character returns to their familiar environment. However, they are not the same person who left. Their journey has changed them in profound ways, shaping their worldview and influencing their actions. The character may find it difficult to adjust to their former life, as they are now different from the person they once were. They may struggle to reconnect with old friends or family members, or they may find that their values and priorities have changed. This step represents the character's integration of their experiences into their everyday life, as they find a way to incorporate their newfound wisdom and skills into their familiar environment. The character is now a different person, with a new understanding of the world and their place in it.
The story's resolution reflects the lessons they've learned and the growth they've undergone.
The resolution of the story reflects the lessons the character has learned and the growth they have undergone during their journey. The resolution ties together all of the themes and events of the story, providing a sense of closure for the audience. It may involve the character applying their newfound skills or wisdom in a practical way, or it may involve them reflecting on their experiences and coming to a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. The resolution may also involve the character finding a way to overcome the losses they experienced or finding a sense of peace with their situation. The resolution serves as a testament to the character's growth, as they have overcome obstacles and learned important lessons along the way. It provides a satisfying ending to the story and leaves the audience with a sense of hope and inspiration, as they see the character move forward with newfound purpose and determination.
It's worth mentioning that not all narratives are required to follow the story circle strictly, but it can serve as a useful aid in organising a story and guaranteeing that it has a coherent and fulfilling trajectory for the audience.
Why is it important?
The story circle is a narrative structure that outlines the journey of a protagonist as they face a challenge, struggle to overcome it, and ultimately reach a resolution. This structure resonates with audiences because it mirrors the challenges and struggles we all face in our own lives and provides a satisfying resolution that allows us to reflect on and understand our own experiences in a deeper way. By following this structure, stories can create an emotional connection with their audience, making the narrative more memorable and impactful.
It’s important to note that there are many variations on the Story Circle but they all follow the same thread. The original looks more like this:
The ordinary world
The call to adventure
Refusal of the call
Meeting the mentor
Crossing the threshold
Tests, allies, and enemies
Approach to the inmost cave
The supreme ordeal
Reward
The road back
Resurrection
Return with the Elixir
