Dan Harmon's 8-Step Story Circle
- Start with a relatable character;
- Give the character a need/wish;
- Going after that need/wish takes the character across a threshold (where the story changes direction);
- The characters have to go through a road of trials, searching for something;
- They find it, whether they like it or not;
- It kicks their ass;
- They return to their starting point;
- (having gone through some change)
Key Takeaways
Relatable Characters: Begin with characters that audiences can connect with, making their journey more engaging and meaningful.
Clear Motivations: Establish a need or wish for the character, driving the plot forward and adding depth to their journey.
Threshold Crossing: Introduce a pivotal moment where the character's quest takes a new direction, adding intrigue and complexity to the story.
Trials and Tribulations: The character must face challenges and obstacles, creating tension and development opportunities.
Transformation: After facing adversity, the character returns changed, providing a satisfying narrative arc that resonates with the audience.
Additional Insights
Dan Harmon's 8-step story circle is a fascinating framework that distills the essence of storytelling. It's like a recipe for crafting a narrative that consistently hooks and holds an audience's attention. Think of it as a storytelling GPS, guiding your characters through trials, tribulations, and transformations.
Picture Rick and Morty embarking on their insane adventures—each episode is a madcap journey through Harmon's story circle, leaving viewers both entertained and pondering life's bigger questions. The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity and universality. Whether you're scripting a sci-fi cartoon or writing a novel, these steps provide a sturdy structure to build upon.
And let's face it, we all love a character who gets their butt kicked and comes back stronger. It's the ultimate underdog story, and who doesn't root for the underdog?
