The Rules of Storytelling Are Theories: Why This Matters
- Story Marc
- Feb 9
- 4 min read
When people talk about the "rules" of storytelling, they often treat them as hard-and-fast laws—unchanging commandments etched into stone. On the flip side, there are those who reject these so-called rules outright, arguing that creativity has no limits and rules are made to be broken. Both approaches miss the point. The "rules" of storytelling aren’t laws at all. They’re theories: observed patterns that help us understand what works, why it works, and how audiences tend to respond.
Seeing storytelling as a collection of theories rather than rules is not just a mindset shift—it’s a game-changer. It redefines how we approach craft, whether we’re following conventions, breaking them, or inventing entirely new ones. Let’s dig into why this perspective is important for both traditionalists and rebels, and what it means for the future of storytelling.
Why Storytelling "Rules" Are Theories
At its core, a theory is just an explanation of observed patterns. It’s not a prescription for what must happen—it’s a framework for understanding what has happened and why it worked. Every storytelling "rule" fits this definition.
Take "show, don’t tell," for example. This isn’t an ironclad rule that applies to every story in every context. It’s an observation: audiences tend to connect more deeply with stories that evoke emotions and allow them to infer meaning, rather than explicitly spelling everything out. But does that mean exposition is always wrong? Of course not. It just means the storyteller needs to understand why "show, don’t tell" usually works so they can decide when and how to break it.
Other examples:
The Three-Act Structure: Not a rule—a theory based on the observation that humans process stories better when they’re organized into a beginning, middle, and end.
Character Arcs: Not a rule—a theory about how audiences tend to find characters more engaging when they experience growth or transformation.
Tropes: Not rules—patterns that have been repeated because they often resonate with audiences, but they can grow stale or predictable if overused.
By thinking of these "rules" as theories, we free ourselves from the false dichotomy of "follow the rules or rebel against them." Instead, we can approach them with curiosity: What is this theory trying to achieve? Does it serve my story’s goals? If not, how can I do something different that works just as well or better?
Why This Matters for Rule-Followers
If you’re someone who likes structure and guidance, thinking of storytelling rules as theories makes them less intimidating. Instead of feeling like you’re being judged by some invisible authority, you can see these guidelines as tools. They’re here to help you, not box you in.
Flexibility: Understanding the "why" behind a theory allows you to adapt it to fit your story rather than forcing your story to conform to it.
Confidence: When you know the reasoning behind a theory, you’re better equipped to use it effectively. You’re not blindly following a rule; you’re making an informed choice.
Clarity: Seeing rules as theories helps you focus on their purpose. Instead of obsessing over whether you’re "doing it right," you can ask: "Is this helping me achieve the emotional impact I want?"
Why This Matters for Rebels
If you’re the type to reject rules on principle, thinking of them as theories might feel counterintuitive—but it’s actually liberating. You’re not breaking rules for the sake of rebellion. You’re experimenting with patterns to discover new possibilities.
Purposeful Innovation: When you understand why a theory exists, you can break it in ways that still resonate with your audience.
Avoiding Chaos: Breaking a rule without understanding it often leads to stories that feel incoherent or unsatisfying. But when you treat rules as theories, you can break them intelligently, ensuring your choices still serve your story’s emotional and thematic goals.
Expanding the Craft: Some of the most groundbreaking works in storytelling came from people who rejected conventions—but they didn’t do it randomly. They understood the patterns they were subverting and pushed the craft forward by offering something new.
What This Means for the Future of Storytelling
When we embrace storytelling rules as theories, we create space for both tradition and innovation to coexist. Here’s why that matters:
A More Inclusive Craft: Viewing rules as theories makes storytelling more accessible. It’s no longer about gatekeeping or rigid expectations; it’s about understanding patterns and exploring possibilities.
Encouraging Experimentation: If rules aren’t rules, there’s no "wrong" way to tell a story. This mindset encourages writers to take risks, try new techniques, and find their unique voice.
Evolving the Artform: Every new theory starts as an experiment. By treating storytelling as a living, evolving craft, we open the door to discovering patterns and methods that haven’t been fully explored yet.
Better Conversations About Storytelling: Instead of debates about whether rules should be followed or broken, we can have deeper discussions about what different theories achieve and how they can be applied or subverted.
Final Thoughts
For the rule-followers, this means flexibility and purpose. For the rebels, it means innovation with intention. And for the craft as a whole, it means a future where storytelling continues to evolve, expanding the ways we connect with audiences and each other.
At the end of the day, storytelling is about resonance. Whether you follow, bend, or break the patterns, the goal is the same: to create something that moves people. And when you treat the "rules" as theories, you give yourself the tools to do just that.
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