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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/48558
License name: CC BY-SA 4.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

I recently asked a question about my current project for a serialised e-story and was informed by the stalwarts that my format was not new. I contrast my own techniques with many of those being promoted in this Q&A, and, after extended thought, have decided new media techniques differ substantially from the traditional and perhaps should be embraced.

I have witnessed endless questions about heroes, villains, conflicts and arcs. I do not believe I am alone in believing traditional formulas have become predictable and boring. The emphasis in story-telling has moved unapologetically in the direction of character (as opposed to plot). Accelerated communications, the Internet, and social media now provide instant, unsolicited feedback.

If we compare the beloved literary trilogy with a successful TV drama season we can see the vast difference in formats. TV seasons contain multiple, dynamic, asymmetric character arcs within rolling storyline. Last week's hero may be this week's villain. The inclusion of actors with real lives causes plot-lines to be far more flexible. If an actor dies, becomes ill, or gets pregnant - the character must suffer the same fate. We learn from this that plot-lines and arcs are not set in stone. Armed with the knowledge the public will accept the unexpected we are freed from traditional formulae. If a character is not 'liked' but the customer, that character is simply replaced (regardless of what the original arc decreed).

I admit, my new project started a white male supporting character. By episode two he was boring me. The traditional writer in me considered starting again. But what's done is done. I threw him under a bus and replaced him with a female Hispanic character that was missing in terms of diversity.

Globalisation, capitalism, and diversity have a greater effect on multi-million dollar studio production than on the single writer.

Original score: 1