01/12/2022
The Ordinary World
Before we can begin to navigate our way through our story we must be able to clearly identify where we (our Protagonist) are currently located on the Story Map.
This is Step #1 in our story navigation process.
In a work of fiction this is often confused with “setting”.
Although setting is an external factor, it is only a geographical location.
The Ordinary World is also made up of other factors that are currently putting pressure on the protagonist.
1. Environmental or “External Factors”: (Often out of our control) Location, weather, workplace, culture, friends & family values, others’ opinions of the protagonist.
2. Psychological or “Internal Factors”: (Often within our control) Wants, needs, limiting beliefs, skills, weaknesses, fears, temperament, essential values, how other people’s opinions affect the protagonist.
Example: Harry Potter:
Harry is an 11-year-old orphan who never knew his parents.
He lives at #4 Privet Drive under the dictatorship of his non-magical Aunt, Uncle, and cousin Dudley.
He has a “gift” that he can’t quite understand and lacks any nurturing guidance.
When his buttons are pushed his emotions get the best of him and his “gift” gets him in trouble.
He is tired of being the family whipping boy and believes that he’s entitled to a better life; however, he doesn’t currently know how to achieve that.
Exercise:
Take time this week to locate where you currently are in your story.
Look over the “factors” above for some ideas of where to start but feel free to explore some of these things a little deeper.
Be completely honest with yourself.
My “Call To Create” online program will begin it’s Beta group class on Jan. 31
Please DM or email me at ryanbbrown44@gmail.com for a FREE 60 min exploratory call