What are Universal Story Patterns
Everyone may relate to a narrative about one person's fear, excitement, dreams, success, or failure.
All novels and films that have won millions of hearts share common storytelling characteristics.
Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Mandela mobilised people; Steve Jobs' stories show these tendencies.
Famous director Kieslowski remarked, "I'm talking about the most primitive emotions, the emotions that unite us, not what separates us."
All memorable stories evoke basic emotions. All good stories follow a pattern, from myths to epics, Hollywood films to elegies. An Indian chief, a Kars student, and a Parisian youth share compassionate thoughts.
Stories focus on universal emotions like love, compassion, anger, resentment, and retribution, as well as sacrifice, honour, and courage.
Life's meaning seek is expressed in stories. They are immortal and global because of this. Christopher Booker claims that 7 universal themes may unite humanity. All stories can be grouped around these 7 patterns:
The protagonist must battle an enemy, conquer a major challenge, and break a harmful habit. In the story, he starts as a prisoner but overcomes all odds to become a hero. Movie-based novels and political leaders' stories feature "defeating the enemy".
Stories of overcoming failure and rebirth inspire just as much as those of poverty to wealth. Everyone likes to hear and watch stories of surviving a terminal sickness, breaking an Olympic record, or saving a failing firm.
A place to conquer. The hero overcomes all hurdles to complete a quest. The fact that all victories in the stories are earned via hardship touches individuals emotionally. People who overcome all odds, accept responsibility, and sacrifice for themselves and those they love or know strike our hearts.
Thus, "saviour" tales are universal. These people are heroes if they save a small hamlet or a nation. Generations pass forth their heroic tales.
Tragedy has no happy conclusion. Tragedies show people the hard and terrible parts of life and teach them that love, pride, morality, and virtue are the most important things in life. They appeal to everyone.
These stories of misery, anxiety, and life's pitfalls are compelling because they inspire soul-searching and cleansing.
These paintings show the hilarious side of life and people and make you ponder and laugh. Moliere, Nasreddin Hodja, Meddah tales, and today's comedy films have used this storytelling approach to hilariously explain the wisdom behind everyday situations.
These smartly written stories with surprising humour "make people's minds jump" and make them laugh by removing all control systems.
Effective stories convey humanity's battle for survival and touch hearts. They find meaning in stories. A tale from a distant era evokes emotions and resonates with universal principles. Good stories are timeless.
Storytelling is the best approach to influence people in business, politics, and daily life. A well-told narrative changes everyone.