|
DESCRIPTION Exercises |
Identifiable and plausible actors, human or not | Authentic characters who come to imagined life | |||
|
BACKSTORY Exercises |
Main characters with pasts that inform their identities | Relevant histories that spur individual change and action | |||
|
AGENCY Exercises |
Characters who manifest through thoughts and choices | Clear, cumulative character development |
|
PHYSICALITY Exercises |
Descriptive details that create a complete setting | A world that readers can imagine being within | |||
|
CULTURE Exercises |
A defined society | A social environment with key features fully realized | |||
|
CONTINUITY Exercises |
No unintended anomalies | Intentional inconsistencies that enrich the setting |
|
GOAL-STAKE Exercises |
Discernible motivations for all actions | Friction that steadily intensifies stakes | |||
|
OPPOSITION Exercises |
Obstacles that impede goals | Situations that make discord inevitable |
|
CLARITY Exercises |
Some recognizable message | An organic, overarching message | |||
|
RELEVANCE Exercises |
A relatable message | A profound impact |
|
INCITING Exercises |
A specific incident that tees up events | An initial event that sets expectations and creates momentum | |||
|
RISING Exercises |
A logical sequence of events tied to an advancing narrative | Compounding events that compel engagement | |||
|
CLIMAX Exercises |
An obvious emotional peak | A culmination of tension realized in a defining moment | |||
|
FALLING Exercises |
No unintended loose ends | A managed moment that allows readers to recover | |||
|
RESOLUTION Exercises |
A clear ending, whether open or closed | A satisfying and impactful conclusion |
|
EXPRESSION Exercises |
Apt word choice and syntax | Stimulating vocabulary and phrasing | |||
|
VOICE Exercises |
A consistent style | A distinctive, evocative style | |||
|
MECHANICS Exercises |
No mistakes in grammar, punctuation, etc. | Purposeful and impactful construction throughout |
|
ENVIRONMENT Exercises |
Characters who fit world and vice versa | A synergistic interaction between characters and world | |||
|
VERACITY Exercises |
A solid connection between conflict and theme | Conflict and theme locked into a mutually reinforcing spiral | |||
|
INTEGRATION Exercises |
No incompatibility between elements | A productive orchestration of all elements | |||
|
DYNAMICS Exercises |
No unintended discontinuities between events | Unfolding events that exert a magnetic push or pull | |||
|
RESONANCE Exercises |
Events that correspond with conflict and theme | Sufficient impetus from events to deliver a powerful message |
Self Evaluation (Updated Feb 08, 2026) 2157
Show element(s):
All
Character
World
Conflict
Theme
Plot
Language
Cohesion
| A GOOD STORY HAS: | A GREAT STORY ALSO HAS: |
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