Lecture Notes: Storytelling and The Story Circle

Introduction

• Creative Loop Challenges: Common issue among writers - starting scripts but unable to finish due to unclear endings.
• Solution by Dan Harmon: Developed a guide called the "Story Circle" for creating compelling stories using centuries-old storytelling principles.

The Story Circle

• Structure: One circle with eight steps.
• Purpose: Helps improve narrative structure and storytelling skills.

Case Study: "The Dark Knight"

• Complex Plot: Simplified using the Story Circle.

Step 1 - You

• Protagonist: Bruce Wayne.
• Status Quo: Bruce Wayne's life as fighting crime.

Step 2 - Need

• External Need: Time for Batman to retire.
• Internal Need: Bruce wants to be with Rachel.
• Additional Need: Finding a successor for Batman.

Step 3 - Go

• Chaos Realm: Seeking a successor, finds Harvey Dent.
• Harvey's Need: Capture Lao to clean up organized crime.

Step 4 - Search

• Obstacles: New criminal (The Joker) disrupts plans.

Step 5 - Find

• Unexpected Outcome: Plans go awry, Bruce attempts to unmask.
• Twist: Harvey claims to be Batman.

Step 6 - Take

• Price: Batman captures Joker but pays a heavy price with Rachel's death.
• Impact: Bruce's future reconsidered, pushes him to his limits.

Step 7 - Return

• Altered State: Bruce returns changed after personal loss.
• New Need: Gotham still needs Batman; Harvey becomes Two-Face.

Step 8 - Change

• Visual Change: Batman blamed for Harvey's crimes, becomes "The Dark Knight."
• Hero's Growth: Story's end reflects character growth and change.

Conclusion

• Story Circle Utility: Tool for overcoming creative loops and finishing scripts.
• Resources: Available Story Circle worksheet and other storytelling resources.

Additional Resources

• StudioBinder: Offers more videos and storytelling tools.

Closing

• Quote: "He's a silent Guardian. A watchful protector. The Dark Knight."