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Dramatic Dramatic Elements Elements Story Story The plot thickens! The plot thickens!

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Page 1: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Dramatic Dramatic ElementsElements

StoryStoryThe plot thickens!The plot thickens!

Page 2: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Dramatic ElementsDramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable.These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable.

1.1. Challenge Challenge - a demanding or stimulating - a demanding or stimulating situation situation

2.2. PlayPlay - participate in games - participate in games

3.3. PremisePremise - set forth beforehand, often as an - set forth beforehand, often as an explanation explanation

4.4. Character Character - fictional character: an imaginary - fictional character: an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction person represented in a work of fiction

5.5. Story Story - narrative: text that tells the course of - narrative: text that tells the course of events, particulars of an act, or occurrences.events, particulars of an act, or occurrences.

Page 3: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Story (Dramatic Story (Dramatic elements 5)elements 5)

Story - different Story - different significance in games.significance in games. No story: No story: CheckersCheckers Only a backstory, or an Only a backstory, or an

elaborate permise– “Once elaborate permise– “Once upon a time in a far away upon a time in a far away place, there lived an evil place, there lived an evil king.” Backstory creates king.” Backstory creates motivation, but is not motivation, but is not affected by gameplay.affected by gameplay.

Detailed story with a Detailed story with a branching storyline – branching storyline – causes the players to make causes the players to make choices that affect the choices that affect the outcome of the game.outcome of the game.

Page 4: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

The Dramatic ArcThe Dramatic Arc Shows the changing levels of Shows the changing levels of

story tension verses time.story tension verses time. Detailed storylines provide lots of Detailed storylines provide lots of

dialogue and conflict between dialogue and conflict between characters which usually escalate characters which usually escalate to some form or climax followed to some form or climax followed by falling action and a resolution.by falling action and a resolution.

Often, just when the player thinks Often, just when the player thinks the climax has occurred, some the climax has occurred, some new unforeseen event happens new unforeseen event happens which changes the course of which changes the course of events.events.

Watch example:Watch example:http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/mpd/http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/mpd/

permalink/permalink/mQXHCPO1QCWBD:mN5YM62NmQXHCPO1QCWBD:mN5YM62NMY7BY/026-6255684-4453213MY7BY/026-6255684-4453213

Page 5: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Classic Dramatic ArcClassic Dramatic Arc

                                                                                                                 

       

Figure 1: A dramatic arc.

Resolution

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1. Exposition

2. Inciting Incident

3. Rising Action

4. Crisis

5. Climax

6. Falling Action

7. Resolution

Time

Complication

Page 6: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Dramatic ArcDramatic Arc Exposition –setting, characters and Exposition –setting, characters and

concepts important to the actionconcepts important to the action Rising action –events that lead up Rising action –events that lead up

to the climaxto the climax Conflict-The protagonist has a goal Conflict-The protagonist has a goal

opposed by the antagonistopposed by the antagonist Climax-Big showdown between the Climax-Big showdown between the

main charactersmain characters Falling action-the conflict begins to Falling action-the conflict begins to

resolveresolve Resolution or denouement – all is Resolution or denouement – all is

finally resolvedfinally resolved

Page 7: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Examples of Dramatic Examples of Dramatic ArcsArcs

Take a movie and Take a movie and using the dramatic using the dramatic arc go through the arc go through the story line of the story line of the movie. Jaws is a good movie. Jaws is a good example. (see sample)example. (see sample)

Now do the same with Now do the same with a game. Donkey Kong a game. Donkey Kong is a good example. is a good example. (see sample)(see sample)

Page 8: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Dramatic Arc- JawsDramatic Arc- Jaws Exposition –Sheriff in small Exposition –Sheriff in small

town has trouble with shark town has trouble with shark attacksattacks

Rising action –People are Rising action –People are getting attacked by a sharkgetting attacked by a shark

Conflict-When Sheriff goes Conflict-When Sheriff goes out to kill the sharkout to kill the shark

Falling action-When he kills Falling action-When he kills the shark and returns the the shark and returns the town back to safety! town back to safety!

Resolution or denouement – Resolution or denouement – all is finally resolved town all is finally resolved town back to normalback to normal

Page 9: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Dramatic Arc- Donkey Dramatic Arc- Donkey KongKong

Exposition – Plumber’s girlfriend Exposition – Plumber’s girlfriend has been captured by a giant ape! has been captured by a giant ape! Gasp!Gasp!

Rising action –Mario climbs up the Rising action –Mario climbs up the construction site while dodging construction site while dodging things. (The levels of the building)things. (The levels of the building)

Conflict-Directly fights the apeConflict-Directly fights the ape Falling action-Rescues girlfriend! Falling action-Rescues girlfriend! Resolution or denouement – You Resolution or denouement – You

win gamewin game

Page 10: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Branching Story Branching Story StructureStructure

It’s a good idea to chart It’s a good idea to chart your story into your story into branching idea and branching idea and concepts.concepts.

This helps the flow of This helps the flow of the story or game.the story or game.

Programmers and game Programmers and game artists can see the next artists can see the next step in the story line.step in the story line.

Page 11: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Branching Story Structure: Branching Story Structure: The Three BearsThe Three Bears

Which bowl should she taste?

Big

Medium

Small

Right?

Not right?

Right?

Not right? Not right?

Right?

Page 12: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Your Turn: Pick a story or Your Turn: Pick a story or Game Game

((Hint: you may need to add or delete circles.)Hint: you may need to add or delete circles.)

Page 13: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Hero’s Journey: Hero’s Journey: Summary of StepsSummary of Steps

Departure Departure Inititation Inititation Return Return

Page 14: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Hero’s Journey: Hero’s Journey: Departure 1 of 2Departure 1 of 2

The Call to AdventureThe Call to AdventureThe point in the hero’s life when they are The point in the hero’s life when they are notified that everything is going to changenotified that everything is going to change

Refusal of the CallRefusal of the CallAt first, the hero refuses. Usually from a At first, the hero refuses. Usually from a sense of duty or obligation, fear, sense of duty or obligation, fear, insecurity, a sense of inadequacy, or any insecurity, a sense of inadequacy, or any of a range of reasons that hold the hero in of a range of reasons that hold the hero in the current circumstances. the current circumstances.

Supernatural AidSupernatural AidOnce the hero has committed to the quest, Once the hero has committed to the quest, consciously or unconsciously, a guide(s) consciously or unconsciously, a guide(s) and magical helper appear, or becomes and magical helper appear, or becomes known. known.

Page 15: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Hero’s Journey: Hero’s Journey: Departure 2 of 2Departure 2 of 2

The Crossing of the First ThresholdThe Crossing of the First ThresholdHero actually crosses into the adventure, leaving Hero actually crosses into the adventure, leaving the known limits and venturing into a dangerous the known limits and venturing into a dangerous realm where the rules and limits are not known. realm where the rules and limits are not known.

The Belly of the WhaleThe Belly of the WhaleRepresents the final separation from the hero's Represents the final separation from the hero's known world and self. It is sometimes described known world and self. It is sometimes described as the hero's lowest point, but it is actually the as the hero's lowest point, but it is actually the point when the person is between or point when the person is between or transitioning between worlds and selves. The transitioning between worlds and selves. The experience, which is often symbolized by experience, which is often symbolized by something dark, is unknown and frightening. By something dark, is unknown and frightening. By entering this stage, the person shows their entering this stage, the person shows their willingness to undergo a metamorphosis, to die willingness to undergo a metamorphosis, to die to him or herself. to him or herself.

Page 16: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Hero’s Journey: Hero’s Journey: Inititation Inititation 1 of 21 of 2

The Road of TrialsThe Road of TrialsA series of tests, tasks, or ordeals that the hero must undergo A series of tests, tasks, or ordeals that the hero must undergo to begin the transformation. Often the person fails one or to begin the transformation. Often the person fails one or more of these tests, which often occur in threes. more of these tests, which often occur in threes.

The Meeting with the GoddessThe Meeting with the GoddessRepresents the point in the adventure when the hero Represents the point in the adventure when the hero experiences a love that has the power and significance of the experiences a love that has the power and significance of the all-powerful, all encompassing, unconditional love that a all-powerful, all encompassing, unconditional love that a infant may experience with his or her mother. In other words, infant may experience with his or her mother. In other words, the person begins to see him or herself in a non-dualistic way. the person begins to see him or herself in a non-dualistic way. This is a very important step in the process and is often This is a very important step in the process and is often represented by the person finding the other person that he or represented by the person finding the other person that he or she loves most completely. This unconditional love and /or self she loves most completely. This unconditional love and /or self unification does not have to be represented by a woman. unification does not have to be represented by a woman.

Woman as the TemptressWoman as the TemptressAt one level, this step is about those temptations that may At one level, this step is about those temptations that may lead the hero to abandon or stray from his or her quest, which lead the hero to abandon or stray from his or her quest, which as with the Meeting with the Goddess does not necessarily as with the Meeting with the Goddess does not necessarily have to be represented by a woman. For Campbell, however, have to be represented by a woman. For Campbell, however, this step is about the revulsion that the usually male hero may this step is about the revulsion that the usually male hero may feel about his own fleshy/earthy nature, and the subsequent feel about his own fleshy/earthy nature, and the subsequent attachment or projection of that revulsion to women. Woman attachment or projection of that revulsion to women. Woman is a metaphor for the physical or material temptations of life, is a metaphor for the physical or material temptations of life, since the hero-knight was often tempted by lust from his since the hero-knight was often tempted by lust from his spiritual journey. spiritual journey.

Page 17: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Hero’s Journey: Hero’s Journey: Inititation Inititation 2 of 22 of 2

Atonement with the FatherAtonement with the FatherIn this step the person must confront and be initiated by whatever holds In this step the person must confront and be initiated by whatever holds the ultimate power in his or her life. In many myths and stories this is the ultimate power in his or her life. In many myths and stories this is the father, or a father figure who has life and death power. This is the the father, or a father figure who has life and death power. This is the center point of the journey. All the previous steps have been moving in center point of the journey. All the previous steps have been moving in to this place, all that follow will move out from it. Although this step is to this place, all that follow will move out from it. Although this step is most frequently symbolized by an encounter with a male entity, it does most frequently symbolized by an encounter with a male entity, it does not have to be a male; just someone or thing with incredible power. For not have to be a male; just someone or thing with incredible power. For the transformation to take place, the person as he or she has been must the transformation to take place, the person as he or she has been must be "killed" so that the new self can come into being. Sometime this be "killed" so that the new self can come into being. Sometime this killing is literal, and the earthly journey for that character is either over killing is literal, and the earthly journey for that character is either over or moves into a different realm. or moves into a different realm.

ApotheosisApotheosisTo apotheosize is to deify. When someone dies a physical death, or dies To apotheosize is to deify. When someone dies a physical death, or dies to the self to live in spirit, he or she moves beyond the pairs of to the self to live in spirit, he or she moves beyond the pairs of opposites to a state of divine knowledge, love, compassion and bliss. opposites to a state of divine knowledge, love, compassion and bliss. This is a god-like state; the person is in heaven and beyond all strife. A This is a god-like state; the person is in heaven and beyond all strife. A more mundane way of looking at this step is that it is a period of rest, more mundane way of looking at this step is that it is a period of rest, peace and fulfillment before the hero begins the return. peace and fulfillment before the hero begins the return.

The Ultimate BoonThe Ultimate BoonThe ultimate boon is the achievement of the goal of the quest. It is what The ultimate boon is the achievement of the goal of the quest. It is what the person went on the journey to get. All the previous steps serve to the person went on the journey to get. All the previous steps serve to prepare and purify the person for this step, since in many myths the prepare and purify the person for this step, since in many myths the boon is something transcendent like the elixir of life itself, or a plant boon is something transcendent like the elixir of life itself, or a plant that supplies immortality, or the holy grail. that supplies immortality, or the holy grail.

Page 18: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Hero’s Journey: Hero’s Journey: Inititation Inititation 1 of 21 of 2

The Road of TrialsThe Road of TrialsThe road of trials is a series of tests, tasks, or ordeals that the person must undergo to begin the The road of trials is a series of tests, tasks, or ordeals that the person must undergo to begin the transformation. Often the person fails one or more of these tests, which often occur in threes. transformation. Often the person fails one or more of these tests, which often occur in threes.

The Meeting with the GoddessThe Meeting with the GoddessThe meeting with the goddess represents the point in the adventure when the person experiences a love The meeting with the goddess represents the point in the adventure when the person experiences a love that has the power and significance of the all-powerful, all encompassing, unconditional love that a that has the power and significance of the all-powerful, all encompassing, unconditional love that a fortunate infant may experience with his or her mother. It is also known as the "hieros gamos", or sacred fortunate infant may experience with his or her mother. It is also known as the "hieros gamos", or sacred marriage, the union of opposites, and may take place entirely within the person. In other words, the person marriage, the union of opposites, and may take place entirely within the person. In other words, the person begins to see him or herself in a non-dualistic way. This is a very important step in the process and is often begins to see him or herself in a non-dualistic way. This is a very important step in the process and is often represented by the person finding the other person that he or she loves most completely. Although represented by the person finding the other person that he or she loves most completely. Although Campbell symbolizes this step as a meeting with a goddess, unconditional love and /or self unification does Campbell symbolizes this step as a meeting with a goddess, unconditional love and /or self unification does not have to be represented by a woman. not have to be represented by a woman.

Woman as the TemptressWoman as the TemptressAt one level, this step is about those temptations that may lead the hero to abandon or stray from his or her At one level, this step is about those temptations that may lead the hero to abandon or stray from his or her quest, which as with the Meeting with the Goddess does not necessarily have to be represented by a quest, which as with the Meeting with the Goddess does not necessarily have to be represented by a woman. For Campbell, however, this step is about the revulsion that the usually male hero may feel about woman. For Campbell, however, this step is about the revulsion that the usually male hero may feel about his own fleshy/earthy nature, and the subsequent attachment or projection of that revulsion to women. his own fleshy/earthy nature, and the subsequent attachment or projection of that revulsion to women. Woman is a metaphor for the physical or material temptations of life, since the hero-knight was often Woman is a metaphor for the physical or material temptations of life, since the hero-knight was often tempted by lust from his spiritual journey. tempted by lust from his spiritual journey.

Atonement with the FatherAtonement with the FatherIn this step the person must confront and be initiated by whatever holds the ultimate power in his or her In this step the person must confront and be initiated by whatever holds the ultimate power in his or her life. In many myths and stories this is the father, or a father figure who has life and death power. This is life. In many myths and stories this is the father, or a father figure who has life and death power. This is the center point of the journey. All the previous steps have been moving in to this place, all that follow will the center point of the journey. All the previous steps have been moving in to this place, all that follow will move out from it. Although this step is most frequently symbolized by an encounter with a male entity, it move out from it. Although this step is most frequently symbolized by an encounter with a male entity, it does not have to be a male; just someone or thing with incredible power. For the transformation to take does not have to be a male; just someone or thing with incredible power. For the transformation to take place, the person as he or she has been must be "killed" so that the new self can come into being. place, the person as he or she has been must be "killed" so that the new self can come into being. Sometime this killing is literal, and the earthly journey for that character is either over or moves into a Sometime this killing is literal, and the earthly journey for that character is either over or moves into a different realm. different realm.

ApotheosisApotheosisTo apotheosize is to deify. When someone dies a physical death, or dies to the self to live in spirit, he or she To apotheosize is to deify. When someone dies a physical death, or dies to the self to live in spirit, he or she moves beyond the pairs of opposites to a state of divine knowledge, love, compassion and bliss. This is a moves beyond the pairs of opposites to a state of divine knowledge, love, compassion and bliss. This is a god-like state; the person is in heaven and beyond all strife. A more mundane way of looking at this step is god-like state; the person is in heaven and beyond all strife. A more mundane way of looking at this step is that it is a period of rest, peace and fulfillment before the hero begins the return. that it is a period of rest, peace and fulfillment before the hero begins the return.

The Ultimate BoonThe Ultimate BoonThe ultimate boon is the achievement of the goal of the quest. It is what the person went on the journey to The ultimate boon is the achievement of the goal of the quest. It is what the person went on the journey to get. All the previous steps serve to prepare and purify the person for this step, since in many myths the get. All the previous steps serve to prepare and purify the person for this step, since in many myths the boon is something transcendent like the elixir of life itself, or a plant that supplies immortality, or the holy boon is something transcendent like the elixir of life itself, or a plant that supplies immortality, or the holy grail. grail.

Page 19: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Hero’s Journey: Return 1 Hero’s Journey: Return 1 of 2of 2

Refusal of the ReturnRefusal of the ReturnSo why, when all has been achieved, the ambrosia has So why, when all has been achieved, the ambrosia has been drunk, and we have conversed with the gods, been drunk, and we have conversed with the gods, why come back to normal life with all its cares and why come back to normal life with all its cares and woes? woes?

The Magic FlightThe Magic FlightSometimes the hero must escape with the boon, if it is Sometimes the hero must escape with the boon, if it is something that the gods have been jealously something that the gods have been jealously guarding. It can be just as adventurous and guarding. It can be just as adventurous and dangerous returning from the journey as it was to go dangerous returning from the journey as it was to go on it. on it.

Rescue from WithoutRescue from WithoutJust as the hero may need guides and assistants to set Just as the hero may need guides and assistants to set out on the quest, often times he or she must have out on the quest, often times he or she must have powerful guides and rescuers to bring them back to powerful guides and rescuers to bring them back to everyday life, especially if the person has been everyday life, especially if the person has been wounded or weakened by the experience. Or perhaps wounded or weakened by the experience. Or perhaps the person doesn't realize that it is time to return, the person doesn't realize that it is time to return, that they can return, or that others need their boon. that they can return, or that others need their boon.

Page 20: Dramatic Elements Story The plot thickens!. Dramatic Elements These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable. These dramatic elements make a game enjoyable

Hero’s Journey: Return 2 Hero’s Journey: Return 2 of 2of 2

The Crossing of the Return ThresholdThe Crossing of the Return ThresholdThe trick in returning is to retain the wisdom gained on The trick in returning is to retain the wisdom gained on the quest, to integrate that wisdom into a human life, the quest, to integrate that wisdom into a human life, and then maybe figure out how to share the wisdom with and then maybe figure out how to share the wisdom with the rest of the world. This is usually extremely difficult. the rest of the world. This is usually extremely difficult.

Master of the Two WorldsMaster of the Two WorldsIn myth, this step is usually represented by a In myth, this step is usually represented by a transcendental hero like Jesus or Buddha. For a human transcendental hero like Jesus or Buddha. For a human hero, it may mean achieving a balance between the hero, it may mean achieving a balance between the material and spiritual. The person has become material and spiritual. The person has become comfortable and competent in both the inner and outer comfortable and competent in both the inner and outer worlds. worlds.

Freedom to LiveFreedom to LiveMastery leads to freedom from the fear of death, which Mastery leads to freedom from the fear of death, which in turn is the freedom to live. This is sometimes referred in turn is the freedom to live. This is sometimes referred to as living in the moment, neither anticipating the to as living in the moment, neither anticipating the future nor regretting the past.future nor regretting the past.