Average characters, odd situations

by | Mar 10, 2023 | Blog

Here’s a rule of thumb to help you think about how to tell (or why or when to tell) stories.

A good story usually consists of either average characters in odd situations or odd characters in average situations.

An average character going through an average situation is, generally, too boring.

(Though this book exists – I just learned of it today, care of Craig Mod – chronicling nothing more or less than an average, middle-aged man’s strolls around Tokyo.)

And an odd character going through an odd situation is, generally, too unrelatable.

(Not seeking any examples to the contrary, though I’m sure they exist in spades.)

This is why case studies work. (Average company garners outsized results!)

And paparazzi exist. (Celebrity buys bread!)

So if you’re trying to think of the right angle or approach to telling a particular story. Or you’re trying to come up with a story (from your life or imagination) to tell. This is one place you could start.

Is my average-to-odd ratio in check?

Odds-on,
James