How Does A Writer Find The Emotional Core Of Their Story? - Naomi Beaty

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through finding the emotional core of your story, as explained by Naomi Beaty in her discussion on screenwriting. Understanding the emotional essence of your narrative is crucial for creating compelling characters and engaging plots. This guide will break down practical steps to help you identify and develop that core element, ensuring your story resonates with your audience.

Step 1: Identify the Central Emotion

• Determine the primary emotion you want to evoke in your audience. This could be joy, sadness, fear, love, etc.
• Reflect on personal experiences or observations that relate to this emotion.
• Write down specific moments or themes that trigger this emotion for you.

Step 2: Create Character Backstories

• Develop detailed backstories for your main characters that align with the central emotion.
• Consider how their past experiences shape their current motivations and conflicts.

Use the following questions to guide your backstory creation

• What events in their life have impacted their emotional state?
• How do they cope with or confront these emotions?

Step 3: Craft Emotional Stakes

• Ensure that the stakes in your story are tied to the emotional core.
• Ask yourself how the outcome of the story will affect your characters emotionally.
• Create scenarios where your characters must face their fears or desires, enhancing the tension and engagement.

Step 4: Use Symbolism and Themes

• Integrate symbols and themes that reinforce the central emotion throughout your narrative.
• Identify objects, settings, or recurring motifs that can echo the emotional core.
• Example: If your central emotion is loss, consider using fading photographs or empty chairs as visual symbols.

Step 5: Revise and Refine

• After drafting your story, revisit the emotional core to ensure it remains strong throughout.
• Look for places where the emotional essence may be diluted or overlooked.
• Seek feedback from trusted peers or writing groups to gain insights on how well the emotional core is conveyed.

Conclusion

Finding the emotional core of your story is a vital step in crafting a narrative that connects with your audience. By identifying the central emotion, creating character backstories, crafting emotional stakes, using symbolism, and revising effectively, you can enhance the depth and impact of your writing. As you proceed, continue to reflect on the emotional journey you want to take your readers on, ensuring that every element of your story contributes to this experience.