This week, we talked about how to create stories and how editing and character design help bring them to life. Our main topics were narrative structure, character development, and film editing.
We started off with narrative structure, which is basically how a story is created from beginning to end. We also covered the Five-Act Structure and how every story moves through balance, conflict, and resolution. I found it really interesting that even small details, like adding a new challenge or a side story, can make a big change in keeping the audience engaged. I also realized how important it is to plan each scene thoughtfully so the story flows naturally.
Next, we went onto character development. We learned that strong character design drive the story forward. Heroes, villains, and side characters all have different roles, and their decisions shape the direction of the plot. We looked at examples of several character types and discussed how their objectives, emotions, and changes help them feel authentic. What struck me the most was how much the ending depends on the characters – a well-written conclusion may keep readers pondering long after the narrative has ended.
Finally we discussed editing. Editing is more than just combining clips together; it is also about managing rhythm, time, and emotion. We learnt about continuity editing, which makes a film appear smooth and natural, and montage editing, which can create surprises or emotional effects. I find it really interesting how editing can make time appear to be continuous even when it is not. The “invisible” nature of editing, or making cuts that the viewer does not see, demonstrated the strength of this art form.
Overall, this week taught me how storytelling, characters, and editing work together to bring a story to life. I’ve started watching movies differently recently, focusing on how they’re made rather than just what they depict. I feel like I now have a greater understanding of narrative and can apply what I’ve learned to make my own efforts more creative and meaningful.