Dramatica Theory Book

Chapter 39: Storytelling--Reception & Adaptation (Continued)

In Summary

Adaptation is no simple task. It requires familiarity with both the logistics and passion of the original, from the inside out and the outside in. To achieve this familiarity, one must resonate with the original on many levels, best examined through the Four Stages of Communication.

• Storyforming: Storyform the original and then create a new storyform to reflect any changes you make in the adaptation.
  
  
• Storyencoding: Delineate the original encoding and determine what must be lifted verbatim, what might be altered, and what could or should be eliminated.
  
  
• Storyweaving: Reproduce the storyweaving personality to faithfully reproduce the dramatic flavor.
  
  
• Story Reception: Determine the prior knowledge and expectations of your audience.

In conclusion, and above all, to your new audience be true, for then how canst thee be false to the original?