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Writing Drama

Types of Dramatic Stories

There are many different ways that we might classify types of stories. 

Whatever way we choose to classify stories; we need to realize that classifications are man made; and not set in stone. Always remain open to seeing stories in a different light, and classifying them in different ways.

What is the purpose of classifying stories?
By classifying stories into different types, we can broaden our understanding of different ways we might choose to approach the development of a plot.

Here is one way of Classifying Stories:

  •  Memoir
  •  Biographies 
  •  Reflective Stories
  •  Historical
  •  Sense of Place
  •  Opinionated Stories

Memoir
These are written from the perspective of the person experiencing the story. The story teller is a main player in the story. They may be non-fictional accounts of exceptional events experienced by the writer. They may be contrived fictional or embellished non-fictional stories

Biographies
A biography tells the story of a life or part of a life. It can be written from the outside looking in; in which case the story teller is not one of the main players in the story.

Reflective Stories
These stories reflect on events, ideas or even possibilities. They generally work toward a coherent conclusion; but can appear disjointed at times (which can add to the intrigue, as the reader is forced to puzzle over how components of the story relate to each other).
At the end of the story, all should be revealed; and the reader should be able to understand why the various components were all included earlier.

Historical
These are stories that recount the past, or fictionalised stories based on the past. Historical times and events can form a rich source of inspiration for writers, from which they can imagine details and build events (either based on true facts, or styled in a manner as they may have unfolded at the time). 

Sense of Place
These are stories that are built around places. The writer can start with a location or series of locations; and then build a story from there. It might be a journey (e.g. Homers Iliad, Around the world in 80 days) or something in a fixed location (A Year in Provence, or something on a space ship)

Opinionated Stories
These are stories that are rich in opinion of one or a group of individuals. A dramatic story can, for example, be built around a belief which is controversial and unexpected, such as the discovery that demons are real, or a belief that one race is superior to others.

Study Writing with ACS

ACS offer a wide range of writing courses.  From 100 hour courses to Advanced Diplomas (2,500 hours of study).

These include:

Dramatic Writing BWR110

Certificate in Creative Writing VWR004


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