I went from wrestling with my WIP Dramatica storyform to closing my computer and watching the last episode of Series of Unfortunate Events Season One with my kids.
What happened absolutely shocked me.
I noticed significant Storymind words in the script.
Out of the mouths of the characters were coming all the keywords from Storymind. Each character spewed off his or her theme.
And then they began a song of the main players, in which the OS problem and solution, including each character’s characteristics, and perhaps thematic issue/counterpoints, were declared.
I don’t know the form exactly, I haven’t put the TV series into Dramatica to know exactly which part was which.
But one thing I know. The author, Daniel Handler, is doing the same thing as we are here. Does anyone know details about this?
Here are the lyrics for the song: I’ve highlighted some of the thematic topics.
[Lemony Snicket]
You may think that the Baudelaires ought to prevail
And be tucked someplace, all safe and sound
Count Olaf captured and rotting in jail
His henchpeople nowhere around
[Olaf]
But there’s no happy endings
Not here and not now
This tale is all sorrows and woes
You dream that justice and peace win the day
But that’s not how the story goes
[Poe]
You might think that two parents,
Both brave and both true
Would live to a nice, ripe old age
But I’m sad to say I have bad news for you:
The curtain rings down on the stage
[Baudelaires]
Yes, there’s no happy endings
Not here and not now
[Olaf]
This tale is all sorrows and woes
[Poe]
You might dream that justice and peace win the day
But that’s not how the story goes
[Lemony Snicket]
I once loved a girl, and she thought well of me
We thought we’d be happy together
But now I’m alone, as you can well see
And she’s cold in her grave forever
[Olaf]
There’s no happy endings
Not here and not now
[Baudelaires]
This tale is all sorrows and woes
[Violet]
You might dream that justice and peace win the day
But that’s not how the story goes
[Olaf] (playing a role)
The world is a pair of ill-fitting pants
And other dire, hideous clothes
[Baudelaires]
You may think that three children would lead pleasant lives,
But that’s not how the story goes
[Lemony Snicket]
Some people smile at the end of the day
[Olaf]
Some people laugh, I suppose
[Poe]
But to me, there’s nothing but gloom and despair
That’s just how the story goes
That’s just how the story—
[Mr. Poe coughing]
[Sunny whistling / Poe vocalizing]