: Common themes like The Hero's Journey , The Underdog, or a Coming of Age tale.
: The protagonist who drives the action and with whom the audience empathizes.
Most effective stories are built on a foundation often referred to as the 5 Cs:
How to Write a Story: A Checklist for Writing Your Story – David Farland
: Frameworks such as Overcoming the Monster , Rags to Riches, or The Quest. Approaches to Development
: The central problem or obstacle the character must overcome. Facts alone don't move people; emotion driven by conflict does.
