Unraveling the Cardinal Sins of Storytelling: Understanding Why Your Tale Falls Flat

In the world of storytelling, crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences is no easy feat. The article "What Makes a Bad Story?" by author David Mehegan sheds light on some common pitfalls that can lead to a less-than-satisfying viewing or reading experience.

One such pitfall is the creation of characters that do not accurately reflect humanity. Characters that display inconsistent behavior can seem hypocritical or worse, deterring audiences from connecting with them. For instance, in the BBC series Land Girls, the character Joyce is portrayed as brave, plucky, humble, and hard-working, but her actions, such as abandoning her wounded husband, contradict these traits.

On the other hand, shows like Yellowstone offer a strong example of larger-than-life characters whose actions create dynamic and interesting plot events that arise naturally from their own personality and motivation. Beth Dutton, in particular, is a character whose actions drive the narrative forward in a way that feels organic and engaging.

Another critical aspect of a good story is the development of characters who adapt, learn, and change. Characters who keep doing the same foolish nonsense over and over throughout the story can become frustrating for audiences. In contrast, both lead characters in You've Got Mail learn from their mistakes and limiting perspectives over the course of the story, making their coming together in a relationship at the end feel satisfying rather than frustrating.

The meaning of a story is found in the ending, which proves what the story was about. Stories that lack meaning often fail to entertain and miss out on a greater potential. For example, the ending of Poldark's Season 5 weakened the overall characterization and failed to hone in on the throughline and point of the story: the conflict between Ross and his nemesis George Warleggan.

Good themes arise naturally from plots that are driven by strong characters. In The Winter Soldier, the thematic exploration of the complex intersection between moral values and relational loyalty was a natural extension of the protagonist's journey and interactions with other characters. On the other hand, in Thunderbolts, the thematic metaphor of mental health and depression was too explicit, and the plot and character dynamics did not catalyze the theme effectively.

It's also essential that every scene in a story's plot drives the story's conflict towards a cohesive and appropriately tense ending. Writing themes that feel too obvious or on the nose can make a story feel shallow. In the final season of Poldark, the writing became more about making characters do things for the sake of the plot, rather than allowing the plot to rise realistically from the characters' actions.

In conclusion, crafting a good story requires a delicate balance between character development, thematic integrity, and a plot that drives the narrative forward in a way that feels organic and engaging. By focusing on these elements, storytellers can create narratives that resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact.

Unraveling the Cardinal Sins of Storytelling: Understanding Why Your Tale Falls Flat