Dramatica

Come here to ask questions or give advice about the theory that forms the basis of Dramatica.
Dron

Dramatica

Postby Dron » Mar 05, 2009 8:57 pm

New be Qs
Can you explain (SITUATION) & (ACTIVITY) & (Fixed Attitude) & (MANIPULATION) better Please and give me some examples of several uses. Thanks

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Chris Huntley
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Re: Dramatica

Postby Chris Huntley » Apr 06, 2009 1:10 pm

A SITUATION describes a domain in which conflict arises because something external is stuck.
An ACTIVITY describes a domain in which conflict arises because something is out of control (physically).
A FIXED ATTITUDE describes a domain in which conflict arises because of a clash or ideas, fixations, or biases.
MANIPULATION describes a domain in which conflict arises because of mental game playing or dysfunctional thinking.

For example, let's look at War as the subject matter. Here are examples of each:

SITUATION: A siege, where one group is trapped (stuck) and surrounded by another group, e.g. Masada. Once the siege is over, the story is done.

ACTIVITY: Warring factions fight each other, e.g. Star Wars (1977). Once the fighting stops, the story is done.

FIXED ATTITUDE: Warring factions fight over ideologies, e.g. the Lilliputians in Gulliver's Travels. The Lilliputians are at war with their neighbors over differing opinions as to which end of an egg is the correct end to open. Once the disagreement ends, the story is over.

MANIPULATION (Psychology): Warring factions use brainwashing to manipulate their enemies, e.g. The Manchurian Candidate. Once the manipulation of the American political system is assured (or the manipulation exposed), the story is over.

Understand, the above examples describe each of the domains in terms of an Overall Story perspective. These Dramatica "Classes" are also appropriate for the Main Character, Impact Character and Relationship throughlines. For example, a Situation Main Character might be the MC in The Elephant Man.

I hope this helps.
Chris Huntley
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