Dan Harmon, creator of the beloved TV show Community and Rick and Morty, is a big proponent of the “story circle” for telling a good story. In its simplest form, the story circle goes like this:
You start with a character who wants something and is struggling to get it. They go on a journey and face various challenges along the way. Eventually, they either succeed or fail at their quest, learning something important.
Harmon argues that this structure is “universal,” meaning that it can be applied to any story, whether a Hollywood blockbuster or your memoir. And he’s not alone in this belief – many other respected storytellers have also championed the use of the story circle.
So what does all this mean for you? Understanding the basics of Harmon’s story circle can be a great place to start if you want to tell a good story.
What is Dan Harmon’s story circle?
The idea of hero narratives is traced back to 1871 when anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor observed common patterns in the plots of heroes’ journeys. In the past, people have given different steps, ranging from 17 to 12 (and in between), and Harmon simplified his story structure to eight steps. He notes that the protagonist:
- Is in a zone of comfort
- They desire something
- Enter an unfamiliar situation
- Adapt to it
- Get what they desired
- Pay a heavy price for it
- A return to a familiar situation
- They have changed overall
Who is your protagonist, and what do they want?
At the core of any good story, you need to start with a protagonist, someone for the audience to identify and root for.
Who is this person, and what do they want? Without knowing the answers to these two questions, it’s impossible to move forward. So how can you determine the solutions?
First, take your time. Don’t rush it; make sure to give each character you create individual attention, ensuring that they have a defined goal and that there is room for growth throughout the story. As long as you’re starting here with well-fleshed-out characters with clear objectives, you’re setting yourself up for success no matter what kind of story or narrative you’re crafting.
Give them a problem to overcome that is both relatable and interesting
No one likes to be confronted with a complex issue, especially if it’s seemingly impossible. However, when faced with seemingly daunting tasks, that’s often when our most creative and effective solutions come out.
Everyone has experienced a challenging situation they needed to find a way out of at some point, so allowing your audience to connect and relate to the problems your characters face helps them engage with the story.
Think outside the box and create exciting issues for your protagonist to overcome. It could be anything from defeating an evil witch or procuring a rare artifact – let your imagination run wild! Just make sure it will draw people in, forcing them to invest emotionally in the outcome.
With significant problems come great stories.
Make sure your story has a beginning, middle, and end that are all equally engaging
The importance of telling a good story is that it has an equally balanced beginning, middle, and end that can not be overstated.
At the beginning of your story, you want to set the scene instead of an info-dumping exposition. The middle is where things start to heat up; through conflict and rising stakes, it should keep your readers engaged. And lastly, in the end, you want to offer a resolution that ties everything together but leaves enough threads open for audience speculation and further exploration. A momentous conclusion is key: something both meaningful and memorable.
Tell a story that captures your audience with each act – that’s how you create a truly engaging experience.
How to further the plot and develop the characters
Robust dialogue is the driving force behind any great story. It can progress the plot, reveal character motives and introduce conflict.
Dialogue should be sharp, attention-grabbing, and natural.
Utilizing thought-provoking questions, engaging banter, and witty comebacks can give your writing life and make it come alive. By employing honest dialogue that resonates with readers, you can draw them in, inviting them to reflect on what’s being said by the characters. As a result, your audience will become more emotionally invested in the story–able to put themselves into the shoes of each character as they all strive towards a common goal or clash over their beliefs. This creates intrigue, allowing readers to consume every word, eager to learn more.
How to keep the reader engaged
Nothing beats a good bit of humor if you’re looking to liven up your content and keep the reader engaged.
Not only can a well-timed joke brighten up potentially dull subjects, but if handled correctly, it can also add some surprise and interest that the audience wasn’t expecting. Humor is an art worth mastering since few things, like a well-placed pun or clever quote, spark lively conversation. It helps make even mundane topics more enjoyable for the reader and gives them something fun to talk about long after they move on from your content.
Be creative with your storytelling
The Harmon circle is the perfect tool to help you get creative with your storytelling. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and put yourself in the shoes of different characters, elevating the narrative and plot points.
Embrace your imagination–discover how scenes can connect, create unexpected events and plot twists, and take risks that could push a story in an exciting new direction. The reward for taking these steps is incredibly fulfilling as you watch your story come to life before your eyes.
Don’t be afraid to bring something original to your audience; trust yourself, and don’t hesitate to create something that stands out from the status quo.
Final thoughts on how to tell a good story
Dan Harmon’s story circle is a great way to think about structuring your own stories, whether you’re writing a TV show, movie, or even a personal essay.
By starting with the basics of who your protagonist is and what they want, you can then craft a relatable problem for them to overcome. It’s essential to have a beginning, middle, and end that are all equally engaging so your reader doesn’t get bored in any one section. Robust dialogue can also help further the plot while developing the characters. And don’t forget to add some humor because lightening the mood will keep your readers engaged from start to finish.
If you’re struggling with where to start or how to be more creative with your ideas, sign up for a consultation today. We can help you determine what steps you need to take to write the best story possible.