What makes a good story?

[minignu]

So, I've got a vague idea for a book that's been bouncing around my head for a while, the basics of the premise, characters and setting are all there, but I have doubts that it would entertain anyone but myself. It's made me a lot more interested in the whole mechanics of storytelling.

So, I ask you fellow escapists, what makes a story good, memorable and Compelling? What's the most important aspect of it, whether it's a book, game, film, whatever? Is the magic in the characters? Or the message the story is communicating? Or, in fantasy or science fiction, is it the world it's set in? Something else I'm missing?

Discuss.

 

[Eggsnham]

Tits make a good story. So write some erotic novels. Or maybe make a book from a genre you like and have there be a lot of sex scenes.

 

[_Janny_]

I think the most important thing is the message you're trying to convey. That usually sets good novels apart from those that rip off the story from other books. It needs to be unique in some way, you know, make the reader go "I've never read anything like this before; what else will happen?"

I noticed that the characters can be as crazy as you want, as long as you have the protagonist somewhat normal so the reader can relate to him.

 

[Savagezion]

Is the magic in the characters? Or the message the story is communicating? Or, in fantasy or science fiction, is it the world it's set in? Something else I'm missing?

It's in all of these. Having strong components in all of these fields is what makes a story memorable. The last one being the least important though I would say. Mostly it is in the message communicated and in the charactors at the same time. Ultimatley you want to make sure your story has a payoff in some sort of way. Because of this most good stories plots are wrote from end to beginning. However, that is not always neccessary. I think drama is easier to write going more forward and usually the end just tends to make sense when you get there.

Having potent charactors, and even better intersting relationships between them, sets you up pretty well. Having at least a good message to communicate with the story with such charactors IMO means it will be a favorite to many.

Another thing to consider is the best place to present the perspective. Whether it be first, second, or third person perspective.

 

[Girl With One Eye]

I would say how you develop the characters and how relatable they are.

 

[Bofus Teefus]

Lots of pictures. Colorful ones, preferably. They hold my attention a bit better.

I don't know....for me, probably character development. Make me feel like I know the people in the story. David Eddings is really good at that...though he does cheat and have his wife write for him any time the point of view is from a female.

 

[run_forrest_run]

A gripping story riddled with unpredictable twists (just don't pull them out your arse). Engaging characters are very important as you want someone that the reader can relate to, adds to the emotional impact that way. Setting is alsp very important, one that challenges the imagination and makes people wish they were there. I'm a fan of fantasy novels myself and settings like Middle Earth and Alagaesia are a few good examples of settings that captured my imagination.

 

[minignu]

OK, so it seems characters are the most favoured aspect. But what makes a character "better" for you guys? I was thinking more in emotional terms for yourself, than in an academic way...