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Dramatica Theory Book
Chapter
12: The Elements of Structure -- Theme
(Continued)
Ranges
Identifying the Variation which is most suited to the central explorations
of a throughline sets up the Range of thematic concepts to be explored
from that point of view. To demonstrate how this might work, let's look
at the Ranges of Star Wars.
Star Wars
Objective Story Range: Skill (Practiced ability)-- Everyone in this galaxy
compares themselves to one another in terms of their skills; piloting
a spacecraft, fighting their way out of tight situations, and standing
up for themselves. The princess immediately evaluates her rescuers (Han,
Chewbacca, and Luke) in terms of their apparent lack of skill. The entire
war between the Rebellion and the Empire is a match between skills and
experience. The Empire has a great deal of experience in quashing upstart
groups, but its skills at doing so are rusty. The Rebellion, which has
far less experience, is made up of great numbers of raw talent like Luke.
Skill is an advantageous quality in this story.
Main Character Range: Fantasy (Belief in something unreal)-- Fantasy is
an important part of Luke Skywalker's life. He has no idea what wars are
really like, but he wants to hear all he can about them because his fantasy
is to be a hero in one. He plays with toy space ships, he is intrigued
by messages from damsels in distress, and he cares more about these fantasies
than about the hum-drum life of farming on a desert planet. These fantasies
help set him apart from the unimaginative people around him (e.g. his
uncle), yet they also make him seem exceedingly inexperienced and naive
(as he is almost killed in Mos Isley cantina). Fantasy is advantageous
for Luke.
Obstacle Character Range: Worth (A rating of usefulness or desirability
to oneself)-- Obi Wan's impact forces considerations of what should be
thought to have true worth (as opposed to objective value). Obi Wan makes
it clear that he believes the Force is what everyone should see as having
the greatest worth in the galaxy, and then he backs up his opinion by
using it to get himself and others out of tight jams. He also appears
at first to be a nutty old hermit, but is revealed to be a person of great
worth in the eyes of Princess Leia, an important leader in the Rebellion.
Because Obi Wan shows that things are seldom what they seem, his impact
often causes people to reevaluate what they find of worth and what they
don't. These re-evaluations of worth generally lead to a greater understanding
-- especially for Luke Skywalker. Obi Wan shows Worth to be advantageous.
Subjective Story Range: Ability (The innate capacity to do or be)-- The
most focused aspect of Luke's and Obi Wan's relationship has to do with
developing the abilities of a Jedi Knight. When Luke is either improving
his own abilities or admiring Obi Wan's, everyone sees this relationship
as a positive one for both people involved. Obi Wan's influence helps
Luke see abilities which he didn't ever allow himself to see, such as
the ability to leave home and join the Rebellion. Clarifying these abilities,
however, would not be positive to their relationship if these two didn't
also share similar desires. Fortunately for them, every time Obi Wan uncovers
a new ability, such as being able to use a light saber without looking,
it makes Luke want more. These kinds of demonstrable abilities make others,
such as Han Solo, see that there really is something good happening between
this teacher and student--even if it does involve ancient religion. Ability
in this relationship is advantageous.
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