This document provides an introduction to storytelling. It discusses what storytelling is, why people tell stories, and some key elements that make up stories such as setting, characters, themes, conflicts, and plot structure. It also outlines some common story structures, including the three-act structure and the hero's journey monomyth. Finally, it lists seven basic plot archetypes such as overcoming the monster, rags to riches, the quest, and comedy.

1. Introduction to
Storytelling
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Cover image from TED-Ed video “What makes a hero? By Matthew Winkler

2. Once upon a time…
• What is “Story telling” ?
– An ancient art form
– Valuable form of human
expression
• Why people tell stories ?
– Expressing and explaining aspects
of human life and the world we
live in.
2Frog Prince by Kevin Eslinger

3. 3
Engagement
Emotional &
Mental connection
Anticipation &
Imagination
Storytelling

4. 4
Setting
• The setting is the time and location in which your story takes place.
Characters
• A story usually includes a number of characters as Protagonists and Antagonist
, each with a different role or purpose.
Theme
• The theme is what the story is really about. It’s the main idea or underlying
meaning.
Conflict
• The conflict is what drives the story and creates tension and builds suspense.
Story structure & Plot
• A strong story plot has a story structure that has three main acts.

5. Setting
5Bioshock infinite vs. Bioshock 2

6. 6
Characters
Protagonist vs. Antagonist
The Lion King (1994 ): Scar betrays Mufasa

7. 7
Theme
Major Theme and Minor theme
Coco (2017): Migel finds his bless

8. 8
Conflict
Conflict is what drives the story
Toy Story (1995): Woody makes fun of Buzz

9. 9
Story structure
Three Act Structure

10. 10
The Monomyth
The Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse

11. 11
Call to Adventure
Resolution
Return Initiation
Departure
The Hero's Journey by Joseph Campbell

12. The Seven Basic Plots
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13. • The protagonist sets out to defeat an antagonistic
force (often evil) which threatens the protagonist
and/or protagonist's homeland.
• Example : Blue beard
Overcoming the Monster
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14. • The poor protagonist acquires things such as
power, wealth, and a mate, before losing it all
and gaining it back upon growing as a person.
• Example : The Girl Without Hands
Rags to Riches
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15. • The protagonist and some companions set out to acquire an
important object or to get to a location, facing many obstacles and
temptations along the way.
– Example : The seven ravens
The Quest
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16. • The protagonist goes to a strange land and,
after overcoming the threats it poses to him
or her, returns with experience.
– Example : The twelve brothers
Voyage and Return
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17. • Light and humorous character with a happy or
cheerful ending; a dramatic work in which the central
motif is the triumph over adverse circumstance,
resulting in a successful or happy conclusion.
– Example : Puss in Boots
Comedy
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18. • The protagonist is a hero with one major character
flaw or great mistake which is ultimately their
undoing. Their unfortunate end evokes pity at their
folly and the fall of a fundamentally 'good' character.
– Example : Cat and mouse in partnership
Tragedy
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19. • During the course of the story, an important
event forces the main character to change their
ways, often making them a better person.
– Example : The Frog Prince
Rebirth
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20. References
• What makes a hero? by Matthew Winkler
• The Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker
• The Hero's Journey by Joseph Campbell
• Grimms' Fairy Tales by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm
Grimm
• The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers
by Christopher Vogler
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21. You
Thank
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