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Q&A How can I pinpoint a story's moral dilemma?

How can I pinpoint a story's moral dilemma? In classic narrative structure, the first act, called "the setup," establishes the setting and characters. Then, it creates the problem. First, look for ...

posted 4y ago by rolfedh‭  ·  edited 4y ago by rolfedh‭

Answer
#5: Post edited by user avatar rolfedh‭ · 2020-06-13T22:19:06Z (over 4 years ago)
Updated and expanded.
  • ayOk**Q**: How can I pinpoint a story's moral dilemma?
  • **A**: In classic [narrative structure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure), the first act, called "the setup," establishes the setting and characters. Then, it creates _the problem_.
  • First, look for the escalating problem that sweeps away the previous normal and puts pressure on the characters in the story. What differentiates the protagonist from the other characters is how they respond to the problem.
  • Then look for the chasm between the protagonist's past beliefs and the new reality created by the problem. **This gap IS the dilemma**. It forces the protagonist to make difficult choices and perform actions they would not have taken in the past.
  • The protagonist's response to the dilemma sets them apart from the other characters. Some stories accentuate this difference by juxtaposing the protagonist with a secondary character, called _the foil_. The foil's lesser qualities and choices draw attention to the protagonist's exceptional response to the dilemma.
  • Let's apply this analysis to a well-known story, [_Star Wars, A New Hope_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_(film)#Plot).
  • _The setting_: Luke is a bored farm boy working on his aunt and uncle's farm, longing for adventure.
  • _The escalating problem and pressure_: The war between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance comes to Luke's remote corner of the world in the form of two droids on a mission to deliver a secret message. One of the droids escapes, forcing Luke to leave the safety of the farm and meet Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan reveals that Luke's father was a fellow Jedi knight and close friend and that he was betrayed and murdered by a student who turned to the dark side of the Force. Obi-Wan bestows his father's lightsaber upon Luke. Luke returns to the farm to finds that imperial stormtroopers have murdered his uncle and aunt. His old life is gone, no turning back. The only question is, "what next?"
  • _The dilemma_: Luke's dilemma is that he must choose between two possible futures. One, in which he refuses to change and does little of consequence. The other, in which he acknowledges his connection to the Force and accepts the greatness of his destiny.
  • Luke resolves this dilemma in steps. His first step is when, during lightsaber training, he puts on a helmet with its blast shield lowered and accepts Obi-Wan's suggestion to reach out with his feelings. He does this and successfully blocks the small blasts of a remote.
  • Luke's ultimate step on the path to greatness happens during the attack on the Death Star. Again, he heeds Obi-Wan's ghost voice, which says, "Luke, trust me." Luke turns off the X-wing's targeting scope, feels the Force, and makes the one-in-a-million shot that destroys the Death Star.
  • _The foil_: Luke doubts himself and struggles to become great, but he never challenges the path that others put in front of him. He is a virtuous, obedient, and almost too predictable rube. To provide tension and contrast, Han Solo plays the foil. He is nearly the inverse of Luke: A greedy, egotistical, violent criminal. When told about the Force, he sneers, "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." He is motivated by Imperial credits, not altruism or noble causes.
  • So, to summarize, you can pinpoint the dilemma by doing the following:
  • - Identify the problem in the first act.
  • - Recognize the internal struggles it creates for different characters.
  • - Spot the protagonist, whose dilemma makes them take action.
  • - Look for a possible foil, whose thoughts and actions contrast with the protagonists.
  • How can I pinpoint a story's moral dilemma?
  • In classic [narrative structure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure), the first act, called "the setup," establishes the setting and characters. Then, it creates _the problem_.
  • First, look for the escalating problem that sweeps away the previous normal and puts pressure on the characters in the story. What differentiates the protagonist from the other characters is how they respond to the problem.
  • Then look for the chasm between the protagonist's past beliefs and the new reality created by the problem. **This gap IS the dilemma**. It forces the protagonist to make difficult choices and perform actions they would not have taken in the past.
  • The protagonist's response to the dilemma sets them apart from the other characters. Some stories accentuate this difference by juxtaposing the protagonist with a secondary character, called _the foil_. The foil's lesser qualities and choices draw attention to the protagonist's exceptional response to the dilemma.
  • Let's apply this analysis to a well-known story, [_Star Wars, A New Hope_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_(film)#Plot).
  • - _The setting_: Luke is a bored farm boy working on his aunt and uncle's farm, longing for adventure.
  • - _The escalating problem and pressure_: The war between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance comes to Luke's remote corner of the world in the form of two droids on a mission to deliver a secret message. One of the droids escapes, forcing Luke to leave the safety of the farm and meet Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan reveals that Luke's father was a fellow Jedi knight and close friend and that he was betrayed and murdered by a student who turned to the dark side of the Force. Obi-Wan bestows his father's lightsaber upon Luke. Luke returns to the farm to finds that imperial stormtroopers have murdered his uncle and aunt. His old life is gone, no turning back. The only question is, "what next?"
  • - _The dilemma_: Luke's dilemma is that he must choose between two possible futures. One, in which he refuses to change and does little of consequence. The other, in which he acknowledges his connection to the Force and accepts the greatness of his destiny.
  • Luke resolves this dilemma in steps. His first step is when, during lightsaber training, he puts on a helmet with its blast shield lowered and accepts Obi-Wan's suggestion to reach out with his feelings. He does this and successfully blocks the small blasts of a remote.
  • Luke's ultimate step on the path to greatness happens during the attack on the Death Star. Again, he heeds Obi-Wan's ghost voice, which says, "Luke, trust me." Luke turns off the X-wing's targeting scope, feels the Force, and makes the one-in-a-million shot that destroys the Death Star.
  • - _The foil_: Luke doubts himself and struggles to become great, but he never challenges the path that others put in front of him. He is a virtuous, obedient, and almost too predictable rube. To provide tension and contrast, Han Solo plays the foil. He is nearly the inverse of Luke: A greedy, egotistical, violent criminal. When told about the Force, he sneers, "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." He is motivated by Imperial credits, not altruism or noble causes.
  • So, to summarize, you can pinpoint the dilemma by doing the following:
  • - Identify the problem in the first act.
  • - Recognize the internal struggles it creates for different characters.
  • - Spot the protagonist, whose dilemma makes them take action.
  • - Look for a possible foil, whose thoughts and actions contrast with the protagonists.
#4: Post edited by user avatar rolfedh‭ · 2020-06-13T22:16:56Z (over 4 years ago)
Expanded and improved.
  • **Q**: How can I pinpoint a story's moral dilemma?
  • **A**: In classic [narrative structure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure) the first act, called "the setup", establishes the setting and characters. Then, it creates _the problem_.
  • This problem takes away the norm and creates new circumstances that put pressure on the character(s). It forces them to reckon with their beliefs, make difficult choices, and take actions that they otherwise would not have taken.
  • How the protagonist responds to the problem sets them apart from the other characters. Sometimes, stories highlight the protagonist's outstanding qualities by presenting a secondary character, known as _the foil_, with lesser qualities and less-good choices.
  • Let's look at a well-known example:
  • In _Star Wars, A New Hope_ the problem is the arrival of two droids carrying a secret message for Obi-Wan Kenobi. This turn of events brings Luke to learn the (half-) truth about his father and the Force. It sets off an escalating chain of challenges that transform him from a simple farm boy into a Death Star blower-upper. Some claim Luke's dilemma is the struggle between good and evil within himself. However, in this first movie, it seems more like his dilemma is whether to believe in himself and trust the Force. This culminates when he hears Obi-Wan's ghost say "Luke, trust me," turns off the targeting scope, connects with the Force, and takes the one-in-a-million shot that destroys the Death Star.
  • The secondary character, in this case, is Han Solo. When told about the Force, he sneers and replies "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." He is motivated by Imperial credits, not altruism or worthy causes.
  • So, summarize, to pinpoint the dilemma:
  • - Identify the problem in the first act.
  • - Recognize the internal struggles it creates for different characters.
  • - Spot the character who faces a moral dilemma and starts making the right choices.
  • - Keep an eye out for the foil, who makes the protagonist look better by comparison.
  • ayOk**Q**: How can I pinpoint a story's moral dilemma?
  • **A**: In classic [narrative structure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure), the first act, called "the setup," establishes the setting and characters. Then, it creates _the problem_.
  • First, look for the escalating problem that sweeps away the previous normal and puts pressure on the characters in the story. What differentiates the protagonist from the other characters is how they respond to the problem.
  • Then look for the chasm between the protagonist's past beliefs and the new reality created by the problem. **This gap IS the dilemma**. It forces the protagonist to make difficult choices and perform actions they would not have taken in the past.
  • The protagonist's response to the dilemma sets them apart from the other characters. Some stories accentuate this difference by juxtaposing the protagonist with a secondary character, called _the foil_. The foil's lesser qualities and choices draw attention to the protagonist's exceptional response to the dilemma.
  • Let's apply this analysis to a well-known story, [_Star Wars, A New Hope_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_(film)#Plot).
  • _The setting_: Luke is a bored farm boy working on his aunt and uncle's farm, longing for adventure.
  • _The escalating problem and pressure_: The war between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance comes to Luke's remote corner of the world in the form of two droids on a mission to deliver a secret message. One of the droids escapes, forcing Luke to leave the safety of the farm and meet Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan reveals that Luke's father was a fellow Jedi knight and close friend and that he was betrayed and murdered by a student who turned to the dark side of the Force. Obi-Wan bestows his father's lightsaber upon Luke. Luke returns to the farm to finds that imperial stormtroopers have murdered his uncle and aunt. His old life is gone, no turning back. The only question is, "what next?"
  • _The dilemma_: Luke's dilemma is that he must choose between two possible futures. One, in which he refuses to change and does little of consequence. The other, in which he acknowledges his connection to the Force and accepts the greatness of his destiny.
  • Luke resolves this dilemma in steps. His first step is when, during lightsaber training, he puts on a helmet with its blast shield lowered and accepts Obi-Wan's suggestion to reach out with his feelings. He does this and successfully blocks the small blasts of a remote.
  • Luke's ultimate step on the path to greatness happens during the attack on the Death Star. Again, he heeds Obi-Wan's ghost voice, which says, "Luke, trust me." Luke turns off the X-wing's targeting scope, feels the Force, and makes the one-in-a-million shot that destroys the Death Star.
  • _The foil_: Luke doubts himself and struggles to become great, but he never challenges the path that others put in front of him. He is a virtuous, obedient, and almost too predictable rube. To provide tension and contrast, Han Solo plays the foil. He is nearly the inverse of Luke: A greedy, egotistical, violent criminal. When told about the Force, he sneers, "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." He is motivated by Imperial credits, not altruism or noble causes.
  • So, to summarize, you can pinpoint the dilemma by doing the following:
  • - Identify the problem in the first act.
  • - Recognize the internal struggles it creates for different characters.
  • - Spot the protagonist, whose dilemma makes them take action.
  • - Look for a possible foil, whose thoughts and actions contrast with the protagonists.
#3: Post edited by user avatar rolfedh‭ · 2020-06-12T23:52:06Z (over 4 years ago)
Expanded content.
  • **Q**: How can I pinpoint a story's moral dilemma?
  • **A**: In classic [narrative structure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure) the first act, called "the setup", establishes the setting and characters. Then, it creates _the problem_.
  • This problem takes away the norm and creates new circumstances that put pressure on the character(s). It forces them to reckon with their beliefs, make difficult choices, and take actions that they otherwise would not have taken.
  • How the protagonist holds responds to the problem, how they respond to the dilemma, makes them stand apart from the other characters.
  • Let's look at a well-known example:
  • In _Star Wars, A New Hope_ the problem is the arrival of two droids carrying a secret message for Obi-Wan Kenobi. This turn of events brings Luke to learn the (half-) truth about his father and the Force. It sets off an escalating chain of challenges that transform him from a simple farm boy into a Death Star blower-upper. Some claim Luke's dilemma is the struggle between good and evil within himself. However, in this first movie, it seems more like his dilemma is whether to believe in himself and trust the Force. This culminates when he hears Obi-Wan's ghost say "Luke, trust me," turns off the targeting scope, connects with the Force, and takes the one-in-a-million shot that destroys the Death Star.
  • **Q**: How can I pinpoint a story's moral dilemma?
  • **A**: In classic [narrative structure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure) the first act, called "the setup", establishes the setting and characters. Then, it creates _the problem_.
  • This problem takes away the norm and creates new circumstances that put pressure on the character(s). It forces them to reckon with their beliefs, make difficult choices, and take actions that they otherwise would not have taken.
  • How the protagonist responds to the problem sets them apart from the other characters. Sometimes, stories highlight the protagonist's outstanding qualities by presenting a secondary character, known as _the foil_, with lesser qualities and less-good choices.
  • Let's look at a well-known example:
  • In _Star Wars, A New Hope_ the problem is the arrival of two droids carrying a secret message for Obi-Wan Kenobi. This turn of events brings Luke to learn the (half-) truth about his father and the Force. It sets off an escalating chain of challenges that transform him from a simple farm boy into a Death Star blower-upper. Some claim Luke's dilemma is the struggle between good and evil within himself. However, in this first movie, it seems more like his dilemma is whether to believe in himself and trust the Force. This culminates when he hears Obi-Wan's ghost say "Luke, trust me," turns off the targeting scope, connects with the Force, and takes the one-in-a-million shot that destroys the Death Star.
  • The secondary character, in this case, is Han Solo. When told about the Force, he sneers and replies "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." He is motivated by Imperial credits, not altruism or worthy causes.
  • So, summarize, to pinpoint the dilemma:
  • - Identify the problem in the first act.
  • - Recognize the internal struggles it creates for different characters.
  • - Spot the character who faces a moral dilemma and starts making the right choices.
  • - Keep an eye out for the foil, who makes the protagonist look better by comparison.
#2: Post edited by user avatar rolfedh‭ · 2020-06-12T23:26:03Z (over 4 years ago)
  • **Q**: How can I pinpoint a story's moral dilemma?
  • **A**: In classic [narrative structure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure) the first act, called "the setup", establishes the setting and characters. Then, it creates _the problem_.
  • This problem takes away the norm and creates new circumstances that put pressure on the character(s). It forces them to recon with their beliefs, make difficult choices, and take actions that they otherwise would not have taken.
  • If it wasn't already obvious, this is the point where the protagonist emerges from the ensemble of characters.
  • Lets look at a well-known example:
  • In _Star Wars, A New Hope_ the problem is the arrival of two droids carrying a secret message for Obi Wan Kenobi. This turn of events forces Luke to discover his secret past. It sets off an escalating chain of conflicts that transform him from being a simple farmhand into a Jedi. Some claim Luke's dilemma is the struggle between good and evil within himself, but to me, at least in this first movie, it seems more like his dilemma is whether to believe in the Force and gain mastery over himself. This culminates when he hears Obi Wan's voice say "Luke, trust me" as he targets and destroys the Death Star.
  • **Q**: How can I pinpoint a story's moral dilemma?
  • **A**: In classic [narrative structure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure) the first act, called "the setup", establishes the setting and characters. Then, it creates _the problem_.
  • This problem takes away the norm and creates new circumstances that put pressure on the character(s). It forces them to reckon with their beliefs, make difficult choices, and take actions that they otherwise would not have taken.
  • How the protagonist holds responds to the problem, how they respond to the dilemma, makes them stand apart from the other characters.
  • Let's look at a well-known example:
  • In _Star Wars, A New Hope_ the problem is the arrival of two droids carrying a secret message for Obi-Wan Kenobi. This turn of events brings Luke to learn the (half-) truth about his father and the Force. It sets off an escalating chain of challenges that transform him from a simple farm boy into a Death Star blower-upper. Some claim Luke's dilemma is the struggle between good and evil within himself. However, in this first movie, it seems more like his dilemma is whether to believe in himself and trust the Force. This culminates when he hears Obi-Wan's ghost say "Luke, trust me," turns off the targeting scope, connects with the Force, and takes the one-in-a-million shot that destroys the Death Star.
#1: Initial revision by user avatar rolfedh‭ · 2020-06-12T22:10:11Z (over 4 years ago) 
**Q**: How can I pinpoint a story's moral dilemma?

**A**: In classic [narrative structure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure) the first act, called "the setup", establishes the setting and characters. Then, it creates _the problem_.

This problem takes away the norm and creates new circumstances that put pressure on the character(s). It forces them to recon with their beliefs, make difficult choices, and take actions that they otherwise would not have taken.

If it wasn't already obvious, this is the point where the protagonist emerges from the ensemble of characters.

Lets look at a well-known example:

In _Star Wars, A New Hope_ the problem is the arrival of two droids carrying a secret message for Obi Wan Kenobi. This turn of events forces Luke to discover his secret past. It sets off an escalating chain of conflicts that transform him from being a simple farmhand into a Jedi. Some claim Luke's dilemma is the struggle between good and evil within himself, but to me, at least in this first movie, it seems more like his dilemma is whether to believe in the Force and gain mastery over himself. This culminates when he hears Obi Wan's voice say "Luke, trust me" as he targets and destroys the Death Star.