What is Originality in Storytelling?

Originality is one of the most misunderstood concepts in storytelling. Many assume it means creating something completely new, something that has never been done before. But in reality, that’s nearly impossible. No story exists in a vacuum—every narrative, character, and theme has been influenced by something that came before. So if a truly original story is impossible, what does originality actually mean?

The truth is, originality isn’t about inventing something from nothing. It’s about perspective, execution, and synthesis. It’s about taking familiar ideas and presenting them in a fresh and unique way to the creator’s vision.

Breaking Down Originality

What people often mistake for originality is actually a fresh combination of familiar elements, executed in a way that feels new. This explains why two stories can have the same basic premise and still feel completely different. It’s not about avoiding tropes but rather about how you use them.

Here are the key ways originality manifests:

1. Unique Voice & Execution – The way a story is told matters just as much as the story itself. The style, tone, and craftsmanship all contribute to originality. (Quentin Tarantino’s dialogue-heavy style vs. Christopher Nolan’s cerebral structures)

2. Uncommon Synthesis – Combining existing elements in ways that haven’t been done before. (Attack on Titan blends political thriller with survival horror and mecha-action tropes.)

3. Personal Perspective – No two people will tell a story in the exact same way because no two people have the same life experiences, emotions, or worldview. (Wicked retells The Wizard of Oz from the villain’s point of view.)

4. Subverting Expectations – Challenging conventions and making audiences rethink their assumptions. (The Last Jedi deconstructs the myth of the Chosen One and hero worship.)

The Formula for Originality

If we break down originality into a structured formula, it would look like this:

ORIGINALITY = (Voice + Execution) x (Synthesis + Perspective + Subversion)

Each component plays a role in making a story feel fresh and unique:

• Voice (V): The writer’s distinct style, tone, and personality.

• Execution (E): The craftsmanship—pacing, worldbuilding, structuring, and storytelling techniques.

• Synthesis (S): Combining familiar elements in an unexpected way.

• Perspective (P): The unique lens through which the story is told.

• Subversion (Su): Breaking conventions and defying audience expectations.

Voice and execution amplify the effect of synthesis, perspective, and subversion, making even well-known ideas feel new.

Applying the Formula to Well-Known Works

Example 1: Star Wars (1977)

• Voice & Execution: Classic hero’s journey, but polished storytelling, strong worldbuilding, and pacing make it great.

• Synthesis: Samurai philosophy + WWII dogfights + space opera adventure.

• Perspective: A mythic fairy tale in a sci-fi setting.

• Subversion: The Force as a mystical rather than purely scientific power.

Result: Feels original despite using age-old archetypes.

Example 2: Attack on Titan

• Voice & Execution: Intense, high-stakes storytelling with deep lore.

• Synthesis: Titans from mythology + dystopian survival horror + military strategy + political intrigue.

• Perspective: Humanity at its most desperate, the "monster attack" genre told from an existential crisis angle.

• Subversion: The perceived "good vs. evil" dynamic changes drastically over time.

Result: A new take on multiple genres combined.

Example 3: Death Note

• Voice & Execution: Fast-paced, high-IQ battle of wits.

• Synthesis: Police procedural + psychological thriller + supernatural elements.

• Perspective: Told from the villain’s side as the protagonist.

• Subversion: No traditional hero, moral ambiguity.

Result: Feels completely fresh despite having recognizable genre elements.

Different Ways Originality Manifests

Different stories lean more on certain aspects of the formula:

1. Revolutionary Execution (E) Dominant:

   • Even with familiar ideas, the way it’s done makes it stand out. (Mad Max: Fury Road—simple plot, but visually and kinetically groundbreaking.)

2. Synthesis (S) Dominant:

   • A fresh mix of known elements in a unique way. (Cowboy Bebop—Western + noir + sci-fi + jazz.)

3. Perspective (P) Dominant:

   • Retelling a known story from a new angle. (The Witcher—fantasy that embraces moral ambiguity instead of clear good vs. evil.)

4. Subversion (Su) Dominant:

   • Breaking expectations. (Undertale—an RPG where the core mechanic is about not fighting.)

Final Thoughts: Engineering Originality

Originality isn’t about creating something that has never been done before—it’s about making the familiar feel new through voice, execution, synthesis, perspective, and subversion. Some works shine by mastering all five, while others thrive by focusing on just one or two.

By understanding this formula, you can deliberately engineer originality, ensuring your stories have at least one standout element that makes them feel fresh and engaging.