Aristotle, what a renaissance man. He was the first to create a comprehensive system of philosophy. He was a renown expert in morality and aesthetics, logic and science, politics and metaphysics. His views on the physical sciences profoundly shaped thoughts during his time around 2,500 years ago. In the biological sciences, some of his observations were only confirmed to be accurate in the nineteenth century. I’m also pretty sure he invented the Q-Tip, discovered the third eye, and even wrote the Happy Birthday song. Aristotle, dude, ease up on the brilliance. You’re just making everyone that comes after you look bad. I wish I was that knowledgeable, But then, he didn’t have distractions such as Dancing with the Stars several nights a week.
I really do have mad respect for Aristotle for all of his previously mentioned accomplishments. But did you know he was an expert at writing as well? Go figure.
All narrative writers should own a copy of Aristotle’s The Poetics. It’s a thin book that details THE rules to master the art of writing stories. Even today, this book is held up as the standard in contemporary fiction, drama, and screenwriting. If you’re aspiring to write stories, save yourself a lot of time and money by getting this book and studying it.
Here are a few gems from the book.
1. All stories are made up of five elements: setting, character, plot, dialogue, and thought (a character’s intention or motivation).
When all five of these elements work together in the proper proportions, you have a great story.
2. Plot is everything.
People these days might disagree here, but Aristotle is adamant about plot. He says, “The first essential, the life and the soul, so to speak, of story, is the plot.”
3. Well-rounded and “appropriate” characters
Aristotle wrote about four aspects that every character needs developed. First, they must have some redeeming quality (positive or negative) that wins the respect of the audience. Second, these qualities must make sense based on the characters personality. THird, the character must be “believable” and “realistic.” and fourth, a character should always remain consistent in their persona.
4. Keep readers hooked with “reversals”
Changes in the story from one state to the opposite state. Content / Sad / Mad / Content again.
5. Use of discoveries
Aristotle knew way back then that audiences love those moments where their hero learns something about themselves, or about another, that has a major impact on the direction of the story.
