What is a Character Arc — Definition & Types of Character Arcs

What is a character arc and why are they so important in storytelling? A character arc is an essential part of writing a fully-fledged character. As much as we like seeing goals being achieved, it is the internal, positive change in characters that we really gravitate towards. We’re going to answer those questions with a character arc definition – then we’ll look at character arc examples in literature and film. By the end, you’ll know how to write a satisfying arc.Continue reading What is a Character Arc — Definition & Types of Character Arcs

What is Repetition — Definition and Examples for Writers

Literary devices aim to utilize words to communicate more efficiently and more effectively to readers and audiences. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at a literary device that aims to do just that simply by using the same word or phrase again and again. This is of course repetition. Repetition may seem straightforward, but there are various types of repetition that are defined by how and where words or phrases are repeated. So, what is repetition actually used for? Let’s take a look at those types of repetition and how iconic writers have used them throughout history. Continue reading What…

What is a Soliloquy — Definition and Examples

A soliloquy has the power to give an audience a direct channel into a character's innermost thoughts and emotions. This monologue, delivered alone on stage, whispers directly into the audience's ear, offering an intimate glimpse into the character's psyche. Let’s look deeper on how the best soliloquies have impacted larger stories.Continue reading What is a Soliloquy — Definition and Examples

What is a Synopsis? The Basics for the Screenwriter and Novelist

You finally wrote your screenplay, novel, or academic book. Now what? You want to grab an agent or editor’s attention. How might you do that? Writing a synopsis is an age-old tool to get your project noticed. But what is a synopsis? Is a film synopsis or book synopsis different? Let’s learn the basics so you can move your project along.Continue reading What is a Synopsis? The Basics for the Screenwriter and Novelist

What is an Epilogue — Definition & Examples

What is an epilogue? It’s a term that we hear often but we don’t see it in every story. So why are epilogues so commonly talked about to when they aren’t always used? We’re going to get to the bottom of that question with examples from Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more. By the end, you’ll know how to implement them in your own stories. But before we get into the best and most creative examples in literature and film, let’s define epilogue.Continue reading What is an Epilogue — Definition & Examples

What is an Aside — Examples & Literary Device Explained

Typically, films and television shows utilize dialogue and action to communicate information to an audience. But what if you want a character to speak directly to an audience? One of the best tools to do this is the aside. What is an aside in literature and film? Asides have been used in plays throughout history. This technique has inspired screenwriters to this day. In this article we’ll define aside and analyze a few modern examples.Continue reading What is an Aside — Examples & Literary Device Explained

What is Third Person Omniscient Point of View — Writer’s Guide

What is third person omniscient point of view? Third person omniscient point of view is the perfect perspective for writers who want to play god. We’re going to define this specific type of point of view by looking at examples from video essays and literature. By the end, you’ll know why third person omniscient POV is considered by many to be the most empowering literary perspective.Continue reading What is Third Person Omniscient Point of View — Writer’s Guide

What is a Film Treatment? Examples From E.T. and The Shining

Whenever you read a full-length screenplay, it is important to understand all of the steps that led to the final draft of that script. Stories are often changed and workshopped long before they are written into a screenplay. The pre-writing phase of a screenplay is essential to many writers and a fundamental device used is the film treatment. A treatment is utilized for various reasons and can be a key component to developing the seeds of an idea. So, what is a treatment in film? Let’s unpack the definition of a film treatment and why they are important for all…