Considering the Narrative Element of Free

Wading my way through the Dramatica archives last week, I found documents with earlier incarnations of key terms. Channeled for Control. Procrastination for Delay. Prejudice for Preconception.

Chris Huntley, co-creator of the Dramatica theory of story, pointed to Free as an example of a binary element pair (Control & Free) that really shouldn't be so binary. Free sounds like a lack of Control, which really isn't what that element is meant to describe. Directionless, or Free, would be a better indicator of this touch point within the narrative model.

Taken within the context of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) form Hacksaw Ridge, this difference showcases the deficiency of Free. Doss doesn't respond by being "free", he responds by pushing for the freedom to pursue his own course of action.

The best thing about Subtxt—I mean, there are several best things about the service—but one of the best is the idea that I can adjust & improve the model instantaneously. No longer beholden to extended release cycles, I can upgrade the narrative model—and therefore your ability to accurately assess conflict—by the hour if needed.

An early release of Subtxt took advantage of this potential with its usage of the original Genre classifications of Universe, Physics, Psychology, and Mind and the subtle—yet powerful—adjustment of a Change Main Character Resolve to a Changed Main Character Resolve. The former improves the writer's understanding of the areas of conflict within a story, while the latter removes all question of whether or not a Steadfast Main Character changes (he does).

In the end, it's all about developing the most accurate model of narrative.

And so now, Free is Free