Dramatica

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Storypoints ​

Storypoints are the Appreciations that define the meaning of a Storyform. They describe what the conflict is about (Domains, Concerns, Issues, Problems) and how that conflict unfolds (Signposts, Drivers, Limits, Outcomes). Every Storypoint is part of a single cohesive argument, so changing one often changes several others.

Storypoint families ​

Throughline Storypoints ​

Each Throughline carries a nested set of Storypoints:

  • Domain — the Source of Conflict for the Throughline.
  • Concern / Benchmark — the Throughline’s thematic focus and how progress is measured.
  • Issue / Counterpoint — the value at stake and its opposing force.
  • Problem / Solution / Symptom / Response — the elemental engine that drives the conflict.

Plot Storypoints ​

These Storypoints describe the Objective Story’s external pressures:

  • Goal, Requirements, Prerequisites, Preconditions
  • Costs, Dividends, Forewarnings, Consequences

Story Dynamics ​

Dynamics are Storypoints that define the emotional shape of the story:

  • MC Resolve, Growth, Approach, Problem-Solving Style
  • Story Driver, Story Limit, Outcome, Judgment

Working with Storypoints in the platform ​

  • Subtxt (Illustrating): Explore Storypoints Throughline by Throughline and translate them into concrete Illustrations and Storybeats.
  • Storyform Builder: See the full matrix of Storypoints and how each choice collapses the space of valid Storyforms.
  • Narrova: Ask questions about a Storypoint in the context of your current Storyform, and Narrova will respond with aligned guidance.

Storypoint best practices ​

  1. Stay in the correct Perspective. A Storypoint always belongs to a specific Throughline, so clarify which Perspective you are in before you interpret it.
  2. Use the Dramatica definition first. Start with the structural meaning, then add your story’s specific Illustration.
  3. Check alignment after edits. If you adjust a Storypoint, review connected Storypoints to keep the Storyform cohesive.

TIP

If a Storypoint feels too abstract, jump to Storybeats and draft a concrete moment that expresses it. The Illustration will often clarify the correct Storypoint choice.

Next steps ​

  • Explore Storybeats to translate Storypoints into sequence and rhythm.
  • Review Dynamics to confirm the emotional shape of the Storyform.