Comments on: Story Structure http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/ How to write a superhero book, comic book or superhero novel and get it published Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:00:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Anonymous http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-54573 Anonymous Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:52:49 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-54573 Thanks for the help! ^_^ It wouldn't really be possible for character B (I'll just use names for the sake of clarity, so character A = Isabel, character B = Tom.) to hear a lot about Isabel- she's been imprisoned for the past thirteen years. I could perhaps find a way to work the diary in, as Isabel is known for keeping one. Seeing as the second scene in 1875 takes place briefly after the first, do you think it would just be simpler to have it in chronological order? I was planning on switching so it would be possible to introduce both main characters quickly. I do think it's a good idea to put down the year underneath the chapter- I was planning to do so, possibly with the location as well. Thanks for the help! ^_^
It wouldn’t really be possible for character B (I’ll just use names for the sake of clarity, so character A = Isabel, character B = Tom.) to hear a lot about Isabel- she’s been imprisoned for the past thirteen years. I could perhaps find a way to work the diary in, as Isabel is known for keeping one.
Seeing as the second scene in 1875 takes place briefly after the first, do you think it would just be simpler to have it in chronological order? I was planning on switching so it would be possible to introduce both main characters quickly.
I do think it’s a good idea to put down the year underneath the chapter- I was planning to do so, possibly with the location as well.

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-54524 B. Mac Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:58:36 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-54524 Hello. <br /> So, let me get this straight. Your book starts in 1875 with character A and then cuts to 1888 with character B. Then it returns to 1875 with A and then returns to 1888, where A and B meet. <br /> I think the main problem here is cohesion. Particularly when you switch to character B in 1888 for the first time, I think that readers will be disoriented because they've grown attached to character A and suddenly character A disappears. <br /> One way you could reduce the disorientation problem would be to keep character A sort-of-present even though character B is the new point-of-view character and even though B doesn't meet A for some time. Maybe character B hears a lot of second-hand talk about character A and perhaps A has even become something of a celebrity. Maybe character B has come across some writings from character A, like a diary or a journal or something he wrote for public consumption. That will help us keep him/her in mind even though (s)he is not physically present. <br /> For example, in Superhero Nation, the story cuts 10 years between the villain as a disturbed high schooler and as a wildly successful cosmetics designer and chemical engineer. So the papers announce that he has a big new cosmetics breakthrough almost ready and the audience knows that he's not REALLY working on cosmetics. The question is whether the heroes can figure out what's going on and stop him in time. <br /> Also, if possible, it may help to introduce character B in 1875. <br /> Finally, I'd recommend being clear about which time-era we're in at all times. If the chapter switches years, I would recommend putting the year right after the title. So, for example... <br /> [Chapter Title] GROVER CLEVELAND IS A FOOL AND A CHARLATAN or CHAPTER TWELVE or whatever you prefer [Year] 1888 [Begin chapter] Hello.

So, let me get this straight. Your book starts in 1875 with character A and then cuts to 1888 with character B. Then it returns to 1875 with A and then returns to 1888, where A and B meet.

I think the main problem here is cohesion. Particularly when you switch to character B in 1888 for the first time, I think that readers will be disoriented because they’ve grown attached to character A and suddenly character A disappears.

One way you could reduce the disorientation problem would be to keep character A sort-of-present even though character B is the new point-of-view character and even though B doesn’t meet A for some time. Maybe character B hears a lot of second-hand talk about character A and perhaps A has even become something of a celebrity. Maybe character B has come across some writings from character A, like a diary or a journal or something he wrote for public consumption. That will help us keep him/her in mind even though (s)he is not physically present.

For example, in Superhero Nation, the story cuts 10 years between the villain as a disturbed high schooler and as a wildly successful cosmetics designer and chemical engineer. So the papers announce that he has a big new cosmetics breakthrough almost ready and the audience knows that he’s not REALLY working on cosmetics. The question is whether the heroes can figure out what’s going on and stop him in time.

Also, if possible, it may help to introduce character B in 1875.

Finally, I’d recommend being clear about which time-era we’re in at all times. If the chapter switches years, I would recommend putting the year right after the title. So, for example…

[Chapter Title] GROVER CLEVELAND IS A FOOL AND A CHARLATAN or CHAPTER TWELVE or whatever you prefer
[Year] 1888
[Begin chapter]

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-54498 Anonymous Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:29:21 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-54498 Um, hi... (waves shyly) B.Mac, (or anyone who has an idea on this really) what do you think of flashbacks in a story? I'm considering having my story begin in 1875, with one main character, then cutting forward thirteen years to the other main character, and then briefly cutting back to 1875 before then returning to the story thirteen years later with the two characters meeting. (My apologies if that's not very clear.) My questions are: would this be confusing for the reader, and if so, how could it be made clearer? Um, hi… (waves shyly)
B.Mac, (or anyone who has an idea on this really) what do you think of flashbacks in a story? I’m considering having my story begin in 1875, with one main character, then cutting forward thirteen years to the other main character, and then briefly cutting back to 1875 before then returning to the story thirteen years later with the two characters meeting. (My apologies if that’s not very clear.) My questions are: would this be confusing for the reader, and if so, how could it be made clearer?

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-45575 B. Mac Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:43:25 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-45575 "I’ve also thought about having someone think or a twist revealed, but I think that it’ll get redundant..." Well, it doesn't have to be a twist. (If you tried twisting us every chapter, it would probably be very confusing). <br /> But I would recommend ending each chapter by having the characters do something interesting or at least make it clear they're about to do something interesting. For example, maybe they learn a key bit of information at the end of a chapter and readers will want to keep learning to find out how the characters react. Maybe the detective finds a key clue that completely rules out his main suspect. Or maybe a character is in danger and the readers want to find out whether/how he escapes. Or maybe a character has just made a terrible mistake and readers will want to know what comes of that. Anything that keeps the readers turning pages. Maybe there's been a sudden surprise of another sort. Maybe a character makes a major decision. Preferably one that creates an obstacle for the hero ("It's not you, it's me..."). “I’ve also thought about having someone think or a twist revealed, but I think that it’ll get redundant…” Well, it doesn’t have to be a twist. (If you tried twisting us every chapter, it would probably be very confusing).

But I would recommend ending each chapter by having the characters do something interesting or at least make it clear they’re about to do something interesting. For example, maybe they learn a key bit of information at the end of a chapter and readers will want to keep learning to find out how the characters react. Maybe the detective finds a key clue that completely rules out his main suspect. Or maybe a character is in danger and the readers want to find out whether/how he escapes. Or maybe a character has just made a terrible mistake and readers will want to know what comes of that. Anything that keeps the readers turning pages. Maybe there’s been a sudden surprise of another sort. Maybe a character makes a major decision. Preferably one that creates an obstacle for the hero (“It’s not you, it’s me…”).

]]> By: ShardReaper http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-45572 ShardReaper Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:57:06 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-45572 I need help with pacing and I guess overall structure. Basically, each chapter in "Project Hero" will one or two missions the characters are involved in. But I'm not sure how to end them. I've tried dialogue, but I don't want it to seem cliche. I've also thought about having someone think or a twist revealed, but I think that it'll get redundant. What should I do? The other issue is the structure. I have all the characters and events outlined, but I need advice on how to make them all not look cohesive. The whole story is supposed to take place over a few days, maybe a little over a week. I don't want all chapters to start with "the next day". Tips would be nice. I need help with pacing and I guess overall structure. Basically, each chapter in “Project Hero” will one or two missions the characters are involved in. But I’m not sure how to end them. I’ve tried dialogue, but I don’t want it to seem cliche. I’ve also thought about having someone think or a twist revealed, but I think that it’ll get redundant. What should I do?

The other issue is the structure. I have all the characters and events outlined, but I need advice on how to make them all not look cohesive. The whole story is supposed to take place over a few days, maybe a little over a week. I don’t want all chapters to start with “the next day”. Tips would be nice.

]]> By: Comic strips (Grade 6 project) | Angeli's Blog http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-16715 Comic strips (Grade 6 project) | Angeli's Blog Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:18:02 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-16715 [...] advice on making comics strips is the structure of the comic. This link over here, might help on structuring your comic strip. Over all i hope this blog entry has been useful for researching or leaning about comic strips (or [...] [...] advice on making comics strips is the structure of the comic. This link over here, might help on structuring your comic strip. Over all i hope this blog entry has been useful for researching or leaning about comic strips (or [...]

]]> By: Ragged Boy http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-15374 Ragged Boy Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:34:51 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-15374 Flareblade has a long post he wants me to do for him. I have to revise some things for him but his plot is okay. I'll post it in a few. Flareblade has a long post he wants me to do for him. I have to revise some things for him but his plot is okay. I’ll post it in a few.

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-14922 B. Mac Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:35:36 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-14922 Yeah, I think focusing on Adrian (with a bit of Jimelly) makes sense. Maybe we'll see a bit of another alien in the opening shots, and we might see a recurring side-character at Adrian's school (Eric, or one of Adrian's friends, etc). Yeah, I think focusing on Adrian (with a bit of Jimelly) makes sense. Maybe we’ll see a bit of another alien in the opening shots, and we might see a recurring side-character at Adrian’s school (Eric, or one of Adrian’s friends, etc).

]]> By: Ragged Boy http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-14921 Ragged Boy Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:08:27 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-14921 Problem: Is there a minimum to how many characters I need to develop in my first issue? I have Adrian and some of Jimelly and that's about it. Of course there will be more characters, mainly those in Jimelly's troupe and some outside. But, as for the first issue should my focus just be on Adrian? Problem: Is there a minimum to how many characters I need to develop in my first issue? I have Adrian and some of Jimelly and that’s about it. Of course there will be more characters, mainly those in Jimelly’s troupe and some outside. But, as for the first issue should my focus just be on Adrian?

]]> By: Ragged Boy http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-13541 Ragged Boy Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:08:06 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-13541 I don't want Adrian to actually fall in love with her, but he can generally like her. I think Loretta is a nice name for a girl who lives in the hood, it certainly less ghetto than Qwaneisha or Claresha. Names like Laura and Rebecca sound distinctly white, in my opinion. How many girls from the hood do you know named Laura? Yasmin would work, but I think I'll stick with Loretta. I don’t want Adrian to actually fall in love with her, but he can generally like her.

I think Loretta is a nice name for a girl who lives in the hood, it certainly less ghetto than Qwaneisha or Claresha.

Names like Laura and Rebecca sound distinctly white, in my opinion. How many girls from the hood do you know named Laura?

Yasmin would work, but I think I’ll stick with Loretta.

]]> By: Holliequ http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-13417 Holliequ Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:38:01 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-13417 Rather than making her the seducer, you could maybe make her more of . . . well, of a potential love interest. I don't think many readers will feel anything if Adrian decides not to get together with this semi-temptress. However, if it's a friendly person who truly cares for him, then that could be dramatic. Readers would care about this other character (especially if Adrian still likes her - just not in a romantic way) and that's the perfect excuse for her to show up again: she's his friend, so when he needs help he has only to ask. <br /> You'd have to be careful to make Adrian not seem like a jerk for turning her away (or an idiot), but I think you're perfectly capable of that. So long as he doesn't start leading her along - that's instant jerk territory. <br /> Personally, I don't like the name Loretta. It sounds like the name of a Bond girl. I'd recommend something a little more ordinary: Vicky, Yasmin, Laura, Rebecca, etc. Rather than making her the seducer, you could maybe make her more of . . . well, of a potential love interest. I don’t think many readers will feel anything if Adrian decides not to get together with this semi-temptress. However, if it’s a friendly person who truly cares for him, then that could be dramatic. Readers would care about this other character (especially if Adrian still likes her – just not in a romantic way) and that’s the perfect excuse for her to show up again: she’s his friend, so when he needs help he has only to ask.

You’d have to be careful to make Adrian not seem like a jerk for turning her away (or an idiot), but I think you’re perfectly capable of that. So long as he doesn’t start leading her along – that’s instant jerk territory.

Personally, I don’t like the name Loretta. It sounds like the name of a Bond girl. I’d recommend something a little more ordinary: Vicky, Yasmin, Laura, Rebecca, etc.

]]> By: Ragged Boy http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-13413 Ragged Boy Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:09:26 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-13413 Well, regarding the seducer, she's still in development, I don't even have a name for her yet, so I'll be sure to add traits of interest to her. I'll try to put a fresh spin on the character so she feels new. Maybe I'll make her philosophical (llike she's always reading) or something. I may consider using Loretta, but that will probably come after I develop the alien races. Well, regarding the seducer, she’s still in development, I don’t even have a name for her yet, so I’ll be sure to add traits of interest to her. I’ll try to put a fresh spin on the character so she feels new. Maybe I’ll make her philosophical (llike she’s always reading) or something.

I may consider using Loretta, but that will probably come after I develop the alien races.

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-13400 B. Mac Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:24:16 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-13400 I don't know. It doesn't seem that there's a lot to her beyond her sex appeal. (She's hot, she's flirty, she's able to seduce him with a kiss [kind of], etc.) I'd recommend building on her other traits, like the lack of seriousness and maybe the self-centeredness. (Self-centeredness may be a bit too obvious for this character, but OK). <br /> Were you planning on doing anything with the girl who lives near his high school but doesn't go there? I don’t know. It doesn’t seem that there’s a lot to her beyond her sex appeal. (She’s hot, she’s flirty, she’s able to seduce him with a kiss [kind of], etc.) I’d recommend building on her other traits, like the lack of seriousness and maybe the self-centeredness. (Self-centeredness may be a bit too obvious for this character, but OK).

Were you planning on doing anything with the girl who lives near his high school but doesn’t go there?

]]> By: Ragged Boy http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-13396 Ragged Boy Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:53:02 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-13396 I wasn't sure where to post this so I'm putting it here. <br /> I had an idea for Adrian and a "love" interest. Adrian isn't really in love with the girl (he doesn't really like her either) despite the fact that she is hot. Her relationship with him would be very Batman to Catwoman, she likes him but he just tries to keep things professional. At on point their forced to work together because the alien she is infused with is one with biological manipulation as its main ability. <br /> She kisses Adrian being the most effective form of biological interaction, next to sex (no sex for Adrian, yet). In doing so she purposely ties a biological link between her body and his, that way if she gets hurt, he gets hurt, and she can sort of kill him at will. Something happens and the two have to work together and avoid getting hurt or killed. In the end she would kiss him again untieing the link. <br /> After the event, I wanted her to be a recurring character, but a nuetral one. The Elektra to Daredevil, Shadowcat to Spidey, Catwoman to Batman, etc. She works in her own best interests. <br /> Personality-wise, she's a very adamant flirt, she doesn't take alot of things seriously, and is very-self centered. She is older than Adrian, and looks it too. I don't want her to come off as a pedophile, I was thinking 18. She is one of the few people to learn Adrian's true identity, through the kiss. <br /> What do you think of this character and her relaionship with Adrian? She's still in development, so I'll update you on her A.S.A.P. I wasn’t sure where to post this so I’m putting it here.

I had an idea for Adrian and a “love” interest. Adrian isn’t really in love with the girl (he doesn’t really like her either) despite the fact that she is hot. Her relationship with him would be very Batman to Catwoman, she likes him but he just tries to keep things professional. At on point their forced to work together because the alien she is infused with is one with biological manipulation as its main ability.

She kisses Adrian being the most effective form of biological interaction, next to sex (no sex for Adrian, yet). In doing so she purposely ties a biological link between her body and his, that way if she gets hurt, he gets hurt, and she can sort of kill him at will. Something happens and the two have to work together and avoid getting hurt or killed. In the end she would kiss him again untieing the link.

After the event, I wanted her to be a recurring character, but a nuetral one. The Elektra to Daredevil, Shadowcat to Spidey, Catwoman to Batman, etc. She works in her own best interests.

Personality-wise, she’s a very adamant flirt, she doesn’t take alot of things seriously, and is very-self centered. She is older than Adrian, and looks it too. I don’t want her to come off as a pedophile, I was thinking 18. She is one of the few people to learn Adrian’s true identity, through the kiss.

What do you think of this character and her relaionship with Adrian? She’s still in development, so I’ll update you on her A.S.A.P.

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2006/07/22/story-structure/comment-page-1/#comment-10915 B. Mac Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:55:39 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=16#comment-10915 <a href=http://www.playwriting101.com/ rel="nofollow">This site</a> looks pretty OK for playwriting advice. You can also check out your library. My library has a few books on playwriting, but none on superhero writing. (Hence this site!) This site looks pretty OK for playwriting advice. You can also check out your library. My library has a few books on playwriting, but none on superhero writing. (Hence this site!)

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