The four basic story schematics.

[slaytonf]

There are four basic schematics which account for all stories that are told.  The one that forms the basis for most stories is:

--Things start out right, then they go wrong, then they are made right again.

Two variations are:

--Things are wrong, then they are made right.  And--

--Things are right, then they go wrong.

The first is the basis for comedy, the second for tragedy.

A final schematic is the inverse of the first:

--Things are wrong, then they are made right, then they go wrong.

It is employed in more modern works, particularly in ones crafted to highlight the failures of contemporary society.

Stories may have added elaborations and embellishments on these basic forms to lengthen the works and increase dramatic tension, but they can all be reduced to the above forms.

Two final schematics are possible:

Things are right, and they stay right.

Things are wrong, and they stay wrong.

These are rare and mainly form the basis for absurdist, nihilistic, or angry man (woman) stories.

 

[laffite]

Is all this going to be on the test?

[speedracer5]

23 minutes ago, laffite said:

Is all this going to be on the test?

When in doubt, pick C. 

If it’s an open ended test, BS your answer and never put a question mark. Own your answer. A question mark makes the teacher re-evaluate your response. 

[laffite]

38 minutes ago, speedracer5 said:

When in doubt, pick C. 

If it’s an open ended test, BS your answer and never put a question mark. Own your answer. A question mark makes the teacher re-evaluate your response. 

And how much must I pay for this sage advice. I hope not much, I couldn't even afford tuition.

[laffite]

2 hours ago, slaytonf said:

--Things are wrong, then they are made right, then they go wrong

Room at the Top (1959)

...sorta

///

[cigarjoe]

5 hours ago, slaytonf said:

Things are right, then they go wrong

Most Film Noir

 

[sagebrush]

5 hours ago, slaytonf said:

Things are wrong, and they stay wrong.

MONSTER (2003)

[Roy Cronin]

Romantic Comedy is easier:  Boy Meets Girl; Boy Loses Girl; Boy Gets Girl Back

[slaytonf]

10 minutes ago, Roy Cronin said:

Romantic Comedy is easier:  Boy Meets Girl; Boy Loses Girl; Boy Gets Girl Back

Things are right, then they go wrong, then they are made right.

[hamradio]

10 hours ago, slaytonf said:

There are four basic schematics which account for all stories that are told.  The one that forms the basis for most stories is:

--Things start out right, then they go wrong, then they are made right again.

Two variations are:

--Things are wrong, then they are made right.  And--

--Things are right, then they go wrong.

The first is the basis for comedy, the second for tragedy.

A final schematic is the inverse of the first:

--Things are wrong, then they are made right, then they go wrong.

It is employed in more modern works, particularly in ones crafted to highlight the failures of contemporary society.

Stories may have added elaborations and embellishments on these basic forms to lengthen the works and increase dramatic tension, but they can all be reduced to the above forms.

Two final schematics are possible:

Things are right, and they stay right.

Things are wrong, and they stay wrong.

These are rare and mainly form the basis for absurdist, nihilistic, or angry man (woman) stories.

 

Like wiring an old 3D projector.