5 Key Elements: Describing Story Information

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Every story is a journey that invites readers into a world crafted by the author. But what makes a story compelling? The answer lies in how well the author describes the information within the story. Let's dive into the five key elements that can help bring a story to life, starting with how to create compelling characters.

1. Create Compelling Characters

Characters are the heart and soul of any story. They're the ones who are going to take the reader on an adventure, evoke emotions, and provide a connection to the narrative. But what makes a character compelling? Here are three key aspects to consider.

Build a Background

The first step to creating a compelling character is to build a solid background for them. This includes their past experiences, family history, and anything else that has shaped who they are today. This gives your characters depth and makes them feel real. For instance, think about Harry Potter. His tragic past, being an orphan and living under the stairs, defines his character and motivations. It's these details that make readers sympathize and connect with him.

Develop Personal Traits

Next, it's important to develop personal traits for your characters. This includes their likes, dislikes, habits, and quirks. These traits make your characters unique and memorable. For example, Sherlock Holmes's keen attention to detail and his peculiar habits are what make him stand out and be remembered by readers.

Understand Their Motivations

Finally, understanding your characters' motivations is key. Why do they do what they do? What drives them? What are their goals? Understanding these motivations can help you create a believable character arc and drive the plot of your story. Take Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games, for example—her primary motivation is to protect her sister, which drives her actions throughout the series.

So, when you're crafting your next story, remember: which statement describes the information within a story? It's not just about the plot—it's about the characters who drive that plot, and the backgrounds, traits, and motivations that make them compelling.

2. Craft a Convincing Setting

Now, let's shift our focus from characters to the world they inhabit. The setting of your story is more than just a backdrop—it's a character in its own right that can enhance your narrative, establish the mood, and influence the character's actions. Here's how to make it convincing.

Choose the Location

Choosing the right location for your story can set the tone and influence the plot. Whether it's the hustle and bustle of New York City or the serene landscapes of rural Oregon, the location should serve the story. Think of Stephen King's "The Shining"—the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado creates an eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere that amplifies the story's tension.

Use Sensory Details

Immerse your readers in your story's world by using sensory details. Describe what characters see, hear, smell, touch, and taste to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Remember the bustling Diagon Alley from Harry Potter? J.K. Rowling's rich descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of the magical marketplace make us feel as if we are walking down the cobblestone streets ourselves.

Make it Relevant to the Plot

Finally, ensure the setting is relevant to the plot. It should influence the story's events, character's decisions, or the challenges they face. For instance, in The Hunger Games, the arena's harsh conditions and deadly traps directly impact the characters' survival strategies.

A well-crafted setting can elevate your story and make your readers feel like they're a part of the narrative. So, when considering which statement describes the information within a story, don't underestimate the power of a compelling setting!

3. Develop a Dynamic Plot

Once you have compelling characters in an engaging setting, it's time to plunge them into a dynamic plot. The plot is the heart of your story—it's the sequence of events that forces your characters to evolve and keeps your readers turning the pages. So, let's dive in and see how you can create a plot that's both engaging and satisfying.

Start with a Strong Hook

Riveting stories always start with a bang! Your opening scene should intrigue your readers, draw them into your story, and make them want to know what's going to happen next. Think about the opening line of George Orwell's "1984": "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." It immediately piques the reader's curiosity and sets the tone for the rest of the novel.

Build Tension and Conflict

Conflict is the engine that drives your plot. It could be a clash between characters, a struggle against external forces, or even an internal battle within the protagonist's mind. Remember how Frodo struggled in "The Lord of the Rings" to destroy the One Ring? It's this tension and conflict that keep us glued to the pages, anticipating the next twist and turn.

Plan a Satisfying Resolution

After all the struggles and obstacles, the story must reach a satisfying conclusion. It doesn't necessarily have to be a happy ending, but it should resolve the main conflict and tie up loose ends. The dramatic courtroom showdown in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" serves as a powerful resolution, bringing the story's themes of racial injustice full circle.

So, when focusing on which statement describes the information within a story, remember: a dynamic plot is a journey that takes your characters from a starting point, through a series of conflicts, and leads them to a resolution that leaves your readers breathless, reflective, or ready for more!

4. Engage with Effective Dialogue

Great dialogue is like a spicy seasoning—it can add flavor to your story and reveal hidden layers of your characters. It's the tool that brings your characters to life, letting them speak their minds and interact with each other. Let's explore how you can use dialogue to engage your readers and propel your story forward.

Make it Realistic

Realistic dialogue reflects the way people actually talk. No need for long, flowery speeches—just think about how you chat with your friends! And remember, it's not just about what the characters say, but also how they say it. The use of dialect in Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", for instance, adds a layer of authenticity and immerses the reader in the setting.

Use Dialogue to Advance the Plot

Every line of dialogue should serve a purpose, whether it's revealing information, increasing tension, or advancing the plot. Remember the iconic line from Star Wars, "Luke, I am your father"? It's a game-changer that drastically alters the direction of the story.

Reveal Character Through Dialogue

Dialogue is a great way to reveal character traits without explicitly describing them. Through their speech, we can learn a lot about who the characters are, where they come from, and what they want. Hermione Granger's dialogue in the "Harry Potter" series, for instance, consistently reveals her intelligence and resourcefulness.

So, when considering which statement describes the information within a story, don't overlook the dialogue. It's the voice of your characters, the pulse of your narrative, and the tool that can transform your story from good to unforgettable.

5. Master the Art of Description

When it comes to painting a vivid picture in your reader's mind, mastering the art of description is key. It's the brush you use to color your narrative, enhancing your characters, settings, and actions. But how do you craft descriptions that captivate your readers? Let's delve in.

Show, Don't Tell

We often hear the advice "Show, don't tell," but what does it mean? It's simple: instead of telling your readers that Bob is sad, show them Bob's trembling lips, the tears welling in his eyes, the way his shoulders slump. This way, you allow your readers to experience the sadness with Bob, rather than just being told about it.

Use Evocative Language

Evocative language engages the senses, helping your readers to see, hear, taste, touch, and smell the world of your story. For example, you might describe a room not just as "messy," but as a chaotic jumble of dog-eared books, discarded coffee cups, and crumpled sheets of paper. This kind of description makes your story more immersive, transforming it from a simple narrative into a rich, sensory experience.

Balance Description with Action

While description is important, it's equally crucial to balance it with action. Too much description can bog down your story, while too little can leave it feeling flat. The trick is to weave description seamlessly into the action, like J.K. Rowling does in the "Harry Potter" series, making Hogwarts Castle as much a character as Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

So, as you ponder which statement describes the information within a story, remember the power of description. It's not just about painting a pretty picture—it's about immersing your readers in your story's world, engaging their senses, and making them feel like they're right there with your characters, experiencing every joy, every heartbreak, and every triumph right alongside them.

If you're looking to dive deeper into the art of storytelling and enhance your skills in describing story information, don't miss the 'Documentary Filmmaking' workshop by Jessy Moussallem. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques that will help you effectively convey your story through the powerful medium of documentary filmmaking.