The process of transforming an initial idea into a structured narrative, complete with characters and plots. Story development involves outlining and creating character arcs to ensure that the final script resonates with its intended audience.
Developing your story starts with cultivating your pivotal concept, whether it’s an engaging character, a transformative incident, or a gripping situation. From there, you can explore underlying themes and ideas that resonate with your audience.
You’ll also need to decide who your audience is and what type of message you want to convey through the story. This helps narrow your focus and makes it easier to choose the right set pieces and details for your story. For example, a story told to a corporate board will be very different from one that’s directed at an international film festival.
Another critical aspect of developing your story is determining the setting. Your choice of location and time period plays a big role in establishing the tone and atmosphere of your story, influencing the way readers feel and how they relate to your characters. A sunny park full of happy families will set a very different mood than a bleak forest with crooked trees and low-hanging fog.
Finally, you’ll need to think about the climactic moment in your story and how you want your protagonist to react. It’s important to get this right so that your reader feels a sense of emotional resonance, whether it’s shock, relief, or devastation.