Lesson 11. Possible Worlds, Dilemma & Conflict │The Mechanics of Fiction Writing

Understanding Predictive Inference in Fiction

The Engaging Introduction

• A humorous video is used to illustrate a key point about fiction, capturing students' attention.

• The video features a man on a ladder with a chainsaw, humorously demonstrating poor decision-making.

• As the man cuts down the tree, suspense builds until he falls, highlighting predictive inference in storytelling.

Predictive Inference and Emotional Response

• Viewers instantly predict the outcome of the scenario, showcasing human cognitive abilities.

• This ability to foresee consequences creates an anticipatory emotional response—an "anticipatory cringe."

• The discussion shifts from falling ladders to "modal universes," which represent possible futures constructed while processing stories.

Modal Universes and Character Development

Defining Modal Universes

• Modal universes allow characters to plan for future outcomes within their storyworld.

• Understanding these universes is crucial for creating suspense and making characters relatable.

Possible Worlds Theory

• Possible Worlds Theory suggests that characters have multiple facets of personality that can conflict or align.

• Characters desire change in their storyworld, driving motivation and plot development.

Knowledge Worlds: Understanding Character Motivation

Knowledge Worlds Explained

• Characters possess unique knowledge about their world, influencing their actions and decisions.

• A character's knowledge world includes beliefs and assumptions that shape their understanding of situations.

Example: Ju-Bee's Knowledge World

• Ju-Bee’s situation illustrates how his hunger and fear influence his choices within the narrative framework.

Wish Worlds: Goals and Aspirations

Concept of Wish Worlds

• A wish world represents the future a character desires; it drives their motivations throughout the story.

• Clear communication of a character's goals is essential for reader engagement; otherwise, confusion arises regarding what they want.

Importance of Textual Cues

Character Obligations and Conflicts

Understanding Character Obligations

• Characters have real-life obligations similar to those of actual people, which shape their narratives. For instance, a father must care for his children, while a judge has to manage paperwork and punctuality at work.

Cultural Rules and Plot Tension

• Characters must also adhere to cultural norms, such as not behaving aggressively in public spaces. The plot becomes engaging when these obligations conflict with personal desires or wishes. A minor tension example is an employee torn between attending a social event and fulfilling work duties.

Dilemmas: Balancing Wishes and Obligations

• A compelling dilemma arises from the clash between a character's wishes and obligations. The more significant the stakes—such as potential loss of reputation or relationships—the greater the suspense created within the narrative. An example involves Andre, who faces moral choices regarding reporting a teammate's misconduct that could impact his future career.

Complexities of Dilemma Narratives

• Dilemmas allow readers to explore complex social scenarios without real-world consequences, enhancing engagement through relatable conflicts faced by characters like Andre. Readers can empathize with characters' struggles as they navigate difficult decisions that lack clear right or wrong answers.

Conflict Dynamics Between Characters

Exploring the Psychological Unknown in Storytelling

The Role of Moral Ambiguity

• The concept of moral ambiguity is highlighted as a crucial element in storytelling, representing the complex interplay between right and wrong.

• This gray area serves to deepen narratives, adding layers of conflict and consequence that enrich character development and plot progression.

Understanding Literary Epiphanies

• Epiphanies are discussed as significant moments in literature where characters achieve enlightenment or realization about their lives.

• A definition from a craft guide describes an epiphany as a moment when a character recognizes something profoundly important, impacting their life trajectory.