Understanding the IC Signposts

[ricochet]

I have a question on how best to interpret the signposts on the IC Throughline. I understand that the IC only exists to influence the MC to either change or remain steadfast, but I’m stumbling on how that is supposed to be illustrated.

Let’s say that my IC Throughline is in Physics, and that the first signpost is Understanding. Should I interpret that as:

A) My IC does something related to Understanding that evokes a reaction from my MC? Or,
B) My IC does something that causes a reaction from my MC related to Understanding?

Basically, the question is, which viewpoint does the signpost refer to, because I’ve seen it described both ways in different places. (Notably, the Dramatica book itself seems to say it’s B, but almost everything else I’ve seen feels to me like it leans toward A.)

[mlucas]

It can be either. Just make sure that the process of Understanding (or Understanding-ing) is what’s causing conflict.

There was some discussion of the same thing here, where I thought it had to be only your B), but @bobRaskoph pointed out I was being too strict.

Relationship Story Signpost of Learning

Sorry to step in, but are you sure about that? Maybe I’m misunderstanding you, but a lot of the examples used for Dramatica aren’t like that. For instance, for Ex Machina, Jim talked about Ava’s situation, her predecessors (past), what can be predicted about her infuencing Caleb. Or in one example of his playground exercise:

[jhull]

Both are the same. Both show the influence, whether direct or indirect, of a problematic personal perspective.

Understanding The Influence Character's Focus Element

The book was written prior to practical application of the theory, and therefore doesn’t cover all the bases when it comes to putting Dramatica into practice.

[ricochet]

So, as long as the IC evokes some kind of response or consideration from (or even just conflict with?) the MC (via whatever means, direct or indirect), and the cause or effect is somewhere within the realm of the process of Understanding (or Doing, or whatever), then I’m OK? That definitely opens up the range of possibilities… Not that it makes it any easier… lol

[jhull]

The answer to all your questions is yes…yes, as long as its in the realm of possibilities of a process of Understanding (or Doing) you are good, yes, it opens up a huge range of possibilities (with some specific guidance), and yes – Dramatica does not make things any easier.

It’s a feature of the Theory, not a bug.

[MWollaeger]

Our favorite part about the theory is how much harder it makes things.

[ricochet]

Harder on some things, easier on others. Even the basic understanding that I have gotten to this point has helped me unlock things that I just couldn’t figure out in the story that’s been stuck in my head for about a year now.