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DESCRIPTION
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Identifiable and plausible actors, human or not |
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Authentic characters who come to imagined life | |
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BACKSTORY
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Main characters with pasts that inform their identities |
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Relevant histories that spur individual change and action | |
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AGENCY
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Characters who manifest through thoughts and choices |
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Clear, cumulative character development |
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PHYSICALITY
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Descriptive details that create a complete setting |
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A world that readers can imagine being within | |
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CULTURE
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A defined society |
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A social environment with key features fully realized | |
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CONTINUITY
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No unintended anomalies |
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Intentional inconsistencies that enrich the setting |
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GOAL-STAKE
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Discernible motivations for all actions |
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Friction that steadily intensifies stakes | |
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OPPOSITION
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Obstacles that impede goals |
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Situations that make discord inevitable |
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CLARITY
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Some recognizable message |
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An organic, overarching message | |
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RELEVANCE
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A relatable message |
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A profound impact |
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INCITING
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A specific incident that tees up events |
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An initial event that sets expectations and creates momentum | |
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RISING
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A logical sequence of events tied to an advancing narrative |
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Compounding events that compel engagement | |
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CLIMAX
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An obvious emotional peak |
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A culmination of tension realized in a defining moment | |
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FALLING
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No unintended loose ends |
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A managed moment that allows readers to recover | |
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RESOLUTION
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A clear ending, whether open or closed |
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A satisfying and impactful conclusion |
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EXPRESSION
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Apt word choice and syntax |
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Stimulating vocabulary and phrasing | |
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VOICE
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A consistent style |
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A distinctive, evocative style | |
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MECHANICS
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No mistakes in grammar, punctuation, etc. |
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Purposeful and impactful construction throughout |
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ENVIRONMENT
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Characters who fit world and vice versa |
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A synergistic interaction between characters and world | |
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VERACITY
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A solid connection between conflict and theme |
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Conflict and theme locked into a mutually reinforcing spiral | |
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INTEGRATION
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No incompatibility between elements |
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A productive orchestration of all elements | |
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DYNAMICS
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No unintended discontinuities between events |
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Unfolding events that exert a magnetic push or pull | |
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RESONANCE
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Events that correspond with conflict and theme |
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Sufficient impetus from events to deliver a powerful message |
SUMMARY / NOTES
Self Evaluation
(Updated Jul 23, 2026)
1945
Show element(s):
All
Character
World
Conflict
Theme
Plot
Language
Cohesion
| A GOOD STORY HAS: | A GREAT STORY ALSO HAS: |
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