Dramatica Dictionary

NOTE: Dowloadable Dramatica Dictionary -- The Dramatica Dictionary has an explanation for each
unique term associated with the Dramatica Theory. Find the definition of the term you are looking for by reading the
on-line dictionary below (continue on-line) or by downloading it (284K). (download now)

Vocabulary Grammar
Dramatica's terminology has its own grammar with structures, designations, and usages which are reflected in the
vocabulary listings. The individual Vocabulary listings are constructed as follows:

Vocabulary Item [the type of item] · if a Vocabulary term is a semantic item, the term's Dynamic Pair
(dyn.pr. ) will be noted · short definition · long definition · synonyms (syn.)

Example:

Chaos · [Element] · dyn.pr. Order<-->Chaos · random change or a lack of order · Chaos is disorder,
randomness, anarchy. The Chaos characteristic is brilliant at cutting through a Gordian knot. But then it just
keeps cutting every rope it sees until the chandelier falls on its head. It "stirs the pot" just to see what will
bubble up to the top · syn. randomness, anarchy, disorder, formlessness, noncohesion

The types of items which will be noted in the Vocabulary references include:

Structural Semantic items:

[Classes]

The 4 basic areas a story can affect (Universe, Physics, Psychology, Mind).

[Types]

The 16 basic categories of what can be seen from a specific point of view or Class.

[Variations]

The 64 terms which describe the thematic message and its development within a story as well as the ways of
evaluating this message (semantic items).

[Elements]

The 64 descriptions which represent the highest resolutions of approaches and attitudes required to solve a story's
problem (semantic items).

Story Points items:

[Overview Appreciations]

Items relating to the widest appreciation of your entire story, including the Character and Plot Dynamics which
describe its dramatic mechanism and basic feel.

[Character Dynamics]
1
Items relating to your Main Character's essential nature, behaviors, and attitudes.

[Plot Dynamics]

Items relating to the entire story (both Objective and Subjective Story) in terms of the forces that drive the plot
forward and the outcome to which they lead.

[Structural Items]

Items relating to the thematic arenas to be emphasized in a particular Storyform, focusing on goals, events, and
activities.

[Archetype]

A specific type of character reflecting one of eight quintessential arrangements of 64 Characteristics required to
solve a story's problem.

[Dynamic Pairs]

Implied by every term is a specific term that is its reciprocal. Together they create a paired unit where the presence
or absence of one affects the presence or absence of the other. Every term that is a structural semantic item is part
of a dynamic pair.

[Storyform]

The skeletal blue print of appreciations that are at work in any single story. It contains the appreciations at work in
the story which are independent of how an author chooses to illustrate them.

[Throughlines]

The story appreciations that are developed from the four distinct perspectives common to all stories (the Objective
Story, Subjective Story, Main Character, and Obstacle Character perspectives) create a line of observations, from
each of those points of view, which can be followed through the course of the story. These are called the
throughlines, one throughline for each perspective.

[Storyforming]

Determining the appreciations that will be explored in a story, the perspectives from which they will be explored,
and the order in which these explorations will occur within the world of a story is called Storyforming. This is
independent of any Storytelling and instead deals with ordering the pieces common to all stories.

[Storytelling]

Illustrating a storyform with the cultural signs and artistry that an author feels are appropriate to his story.

[Storyweaving]

Combining the Storytelling of a story with its Storyform.