Illustrations
Illustrations are the bridge between Dramatica's semantic terminology and your Storytelling. They translate the meaning of a Narrative Function, Storypoint, or Storybeat into a concrete, playable idea without changing the Storyform's argument.
Why Illustrations Matter
Dramatica defines what a Storypoint or Storybeat means. An Illustration shows how that meaning appears in your story. When you pick or write an Illustration, you are anchoring abstract structure to specific Storytelling so the Throughline, Perspective, and Domain remain intact while the surface details come alive.
The Illustration Dropdown
Open the Illustration field to see a curated list aligned to the current Narrative Function, Storypoint, or Storybeat. Use the dropdown to explore alternatives before you commit to Storybeats.
- Click the Illustration field to open the dropdown.
- Type to filter the list by phrasing or concept.
- Use the target icon to narrow results to the best-fit Illustrations for the current Storypoint or Storybeat.
- Select an Illustration to apply it.
Random Illustration
If you want a fresh angle, use the shuffle icon to pull a Random Illustration from the library. The Storyform structure stays the same; only the Storytelling surface changes.
Submit an Illustration for Review
If none of the existing options fit, type your own Illustration directly into the dropdown. New entries can be submitted to Narrova for review.
- Enter your custom Illustration in the dropdown.
- Submit it for Narrova review.
- If approved, it is added to your story and becomes available for future use.
- If declined, choose another Illustration or revise and resubmit.
IMPORTANT
Narrova's grade is the default, but we may override it if the analysis is off. If we do, you will receive an email letting you know the final decision.
Privacy and Sharing
You can keep an Illustration private by locking the padlock icon next to it. When private, the Illustration stays in your account and does not enter the shared library unless you unlock it.