Mapping a Story

Introduction

• Concept of mapping a story like drawing a mountain.
• Stories have elements similar to ingredients in a recipe.
• Recognizing story patterns helps in discussions and writing.

Elements of a Story

1. Exposition
   • Introduces characters and setting.
2. Conflict
   • Presents a big problem.
3. Rising Action
   • The buildup where characters interact with the conflict.
4. Climax
   • The peak of excitement; the conflict reaches its highest point.
5. Falling Action
   • Action slows down; the problem might be solved or changed.
6. Resolution
   • Ties up loose ends; characters reflect on lessons learned.

Application: TLP Starbound

• Reboot of "Three Little Pigs" set in space.

Exposition

• Future setting, pigs explore space.
• Characters: three pigs with different spaceship materials:
  • 1. Straw ship
  • 2. Twig ship
  • 3. Hyper alloy ship (brainy pig).

Conflict

• Space pirate Captain Wolf threatens the pigs.
• Captain Wolf: part robot, hunting down pigs' spaceships.

Rising Action

• Straw ship engages Captain Wolf; space battle ensues.
• Pig escapes to twig ship but is followed.
• Twig ship is destroyed; pigs escape to hyper alloy ship.

Climax

• Captain Wolf attacks the advanced ship but cannot destroy it.
• Pigs trap Wolf in a space barrel during a boarding attempt.

Falling Action

• Options to deal with Wolf:
  • Punt barrel into space or strand on a deserted planet.

Resolution

• Pigs learn to improve their spaceship designs for survival in space.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to apply story elements to favorite media (books, comics, movies, etc.).
• Look for conflict and resolution in entertainment.