What Exactly is a Story?

Many writers misunderstand what a story is, and it holds them back.

"A story is about how the plot affects the protagonist."

When I started writing, I thought the key to storytelling was nailing the plot. It wasn't until I read Wired for Story that I understood the truth. Allow me to save you years' worth of time by touching on the reality of what stories are.

The Core Truth of Story

A story is an emotional journey in which a character is shaped and transformed by the events they face, revealing a deeper truth. This transformation is the heart of the story, supported by the plot, which provides the structure; worldbuilding, which enriches the context; and genre and medium, which shape the delivery. Ultimately, a story is about how events affect the character and what it says about the human experience.

MYTH: The Plot Is the Story

The Misconception: Many people believe a story is simply a sequence of events: "This happens, then this happens, and then this happens."

Why It’s Wrong: Plot is just the framework of events. Without emotional resonance or impact on the characters, a plot is nothing more than a timeline. A series of actions alone doesn’t connect with an audience.

The Truth: Plot provides structure to the story, but it exists to create challenges and opportunities for the characters to grow. The story emerges from how the plot affects the characters and drives their transformation.

Example: The plot of The Lion King might be summarized as, "Simba’s father dies, and he returns to reclaim the throne." But the story is about Simba’s emotional journey: his growth from a guilt-ridden exile to a responsible leader and how his choices define his identity and relationships.

MYTH: Worldbuilding Is the Story

The Misconception: In genres like fantasy or science fiction, some think worldbuilding — the intricate details of a setting — defines the story. They mistakenly believe in terms like "setting-driven" storytelling.

Why It’s Wrong: Worldbuilding is the backdrop. Without characters experiencing and interacting with the world, the story is static and lifeless. An imagined world may intrigue readers, but it doesn't carry emotional weight.

The Truth: Worldbuilding sets the stage for the story, shaping the conflicts and stakes that challenge the characters. The story emerges from how the world impacts the characters and their journeys.

Example: In Mistborn: The Final Empire, the ash-filled skies, oppressive society, and magical systems create a unique and immersive world. But the story is about Vin transforming from a mistrustful street urchin to an influential revolutionary. The setting serves to test her trust and growth, not to overshadow her journey.

MYTH: Theme Is the Story

The Misconception: Some argue that a story’s theme—its message or moral—is what defines it.

Why It’s Wrong: A theme is an abstract idea. Without characters and a plot to explore the idea, it remains a philosophical concept rather than a compelling narrative. A theme needs a vehicle to become tangible.

The Truth: The theme provides the story's soul, tying the events and characters' journeys into a deeper meaning. It is revealed through the protagonist’s experiences and transformations.

Example: The theme of Tales of the Abyss explores identity, responsibility, and redemption. It resonates because it is embodied in Luke von Fabre’s journey from a selfish, ignorant noble to someone who accepts responsibility for his actions and sacrifices for others. The theme is powerful because it is woven into his transformation.

MYTH: A Story Is About Action

The Misconception: Stories are driven by exciting action sequences, battles, or external conflicts.

Why It’s Wrong: Action creates movement, but it’s meaningless without emotional stakes. The audience cares about the why behind the action and its consequences for the characters.

The Truth: Action is a tool to test the character, forcing them to make choices and grow. The story is not the explosions or fights; it’s how those moments affect the character.

Example: While the action sequences in John Wick are thrilling, the story is about Wick’s grief, his search for purpose, and the moral dilemmas he faces as he returns to a world of violence. The action is impactful because it reflects his internal struggles and choices.

MYTH: The Author’s Message Is the Story

The Misconception: Some believe a story's purpose is to communicate the author’s specific idea or moral.

Why It’s Wrong: Stories are not sermons or essays. They resonate most when they allow the audience to interpret and experience meaning rather than being told what to think.

The Truth: A story invites the audience to discover its meaning through the character’s journey and the emotional resonance of the narrative.

Example: In Ace Attorney, themes of justice, truth, and perseverance are explored through Phoenix Wright's experiences and the cases he takes on. The series doesn’t preach these ideas; instead, it immerses the player in the struggles and triumphs of uncovering the truth and defending the innocent.

Reaffirming the Core Truth

A story is not just a series of events, a meticulously crafted world, or a powerful message. It is a character’s emotional journey as their challenges shape and transform them, ultimately revealing a deeper truth.

When all elements work together—plot providing structure, worldbuilding enriching context, genre setting expectations, and medium shaping delivery—the story becomes a cohesive, resonant experience. Still, the story's heart remains in how the events affect the characters and what they say about the human experience.

From Misconceptions to Mastery

To craft compelling stories, it’s crucial to understand how all elements work together. That’s where the Six Pillars of Storytelling come in:

1. Character (The Vessel): The emotional anchor of the story.

2. Theme (The Soul): The deeper truth explored through the narrative.

3. Plot (The Engine): The structure that drives the story forward.

4. Worldbuilding (The Stage): The context and environment shaping the stakes.

5. Genre (The Blueprint): The framework that sets audience expectations.

6. Medium (The Bridge): The method of delivery that shapes the audience’s experience.

By mastering these pillars, you can create stories that resonate.

Conclusion

A story is more than the sum of its parts. It’s the transformation of a character, the emotional resonance of their journey, and the truth revealed through their struggles. By understanding what a story is and dismantling the myths that often confuse writers, you’ll be equipped to craft narratives that captivate and inspire.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore the Six Pillars of Storytelling to unlock the full potential of your writing.