The Essential Elements of Engaging Storytelling

Crafting Compelling Narratives from the Building Blocks

Storytelling is an art form as old as humanity itself. At its core, a compelling story draws in the audience, transports them to another world, and connects on an emotional level. But what makes for a great story? There are three fundamental elements that all engaging narratives contain. Master these storytelling basics, and you’ll be on your way to developing unforgettable tales that stick with readers long after “The End.”

Plot Structure Brings Purpose

The plot provides a story’s backbone and purpose. Also called the storyline, the plot is the sequence of events that make up the narrative. While creative plot twists keep readers guessing, an effective plot generally contains the following components:

• Exposition: This introduces the setting, characters, and background information.
• Rising Action: The conflicts and struggles that build tension.
• Climax: The peak moment when the tension reaches its height.
• Falling Action: Events begin to resolve after the climax.
• Resolution: The story’s questions are answered and loose ends tied up.