Dissecting the Anatomy of a Story: John Truby's Approach

The Anatomy of Story is a narrative framework created by John Truby, a screenwriter and writing coach. The framework is based on the idea that a successful story must have a strong underlying structure, much like the human body needs a skeleton to stand. In this blog post, we will explore the Anatomy of Story framework, its advantages and drawbacks, and some examples of its usage.

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The Anatomy of Story Framework:

1. Premise: The premise is the basic idea of the story, the concept that forms the foundation for the entire narrative.
2. Designing Principle: The designing principle is the core conflict of the story, the central idea that drives the plot and characters.
3. Characters: The characters are the people in the story, each with their own unique backstory, goals, and motivations.
4. Plot: The plot is the series of events that make up the story, including the central conflict, subplots, and twists and turns.
5. Structure: The structure is the framework that supports the story, including the narrative arc, pacing, and the balance between exposition and action.
6. Scenes: Scenes are the individual units of the story, each with their own beginning, middle, and end.
7. Techniques: Techniques are the tools that writers can use to enhance the story, such as dialogue, description, and point of view.

Advantages and Drawbacks:

One advantage of the Anatomy of Story framework is its comprehensive approach to storytelling, covering all elements of a successful narrative. The framework provides clear guidelines for each element of the story, from premise to techniques, and can be a helpful tool for ensuring that the story is cohesive and engaging.

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However, one drawback of the Anatomy of Story framework is that it can be overwhelming or too prescriptive for some writers, who may prefer a more intuitive or free-form approach to storytelling. Additionally, the framework may not work for all types of stories or writing styles.

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Sample Usage:

One example of the Anatomy of Story framework in action is in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The premise is the idea of racial injustice and prejudice in a small Southern town. The designing principle is the moral and legal struggle of the protagonist, Atticus Finch, to defend an innocent black man accused of a crime. The characters are well-developed, each with their own backstory, goals, and motivations.

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The plot includes the central conflict, as well as subplots involving the protagonist's children and the town's social hierarchy. The structure includes a clear narrative arc, with a climax and resolution. The scenes are well-crafted, each with their own clear purpose and momentum. The techniques are skillfully employed, such as the use of Scout's first-person point of view to create a child's perspective on the events of the story.

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The Anatomy of Story framework is a useful tool for creating a comprehensive and engaging narrative. While it may not work for all writers or stories, it can provide a helpful structure for those who need guidance in their writing process. Ultimately, the choice to use the Anatomy of Story framework or any other narrative structure will depend on the writer's preferences and the needs of the story being told.

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