SeventeenAnchor Points

A Pattern of Design

“Most important of all is the structure of the incidents.”

(Poetics, Part VI)

This is where we start to get into the real nitty-gritty. So buckle your seat belts and pour yourself a tall mug of latte.

Let’s start by taking a look at the following three plot descriptions. And as we do, think about the story elements that they share in common.

Star Wars

Luke Skywalker is a moisture farmer on Tatooine, living with his aunt and uncle, and dreaming of a more exciting life. Then ONE DAY, while fixing a new droid, he discovers a Princess’ distress message. This discovery leads to a series of events that culminates with Stormtroopers burning down the family farm. With nowhere else to turn, Luke teams ...

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