Hey there! I’m John Vorhaus, and I have a bone to pick with my fellow writers. You see, there are three common mistakes that I come across far too often, and they drive me absolutely crazy. In this blog post, I’m going to share what these mistakes are and why they make me want to tear my hair out. So, if you’re a writer, buckle up and prepare to learn from my frustrations. Let’s dive in!

Introduction

Hey there! I’m John Vorhaus, and I’m an avid reader and passionate writer. Over the years, I’ve come across countless stories that have captivated my imagination, but I must admit, there are certain moments in stories that frustrate me to no end. In this article, I want to explore three common mistakes made by writers that, in my opinion, drive me crazy. So, grab a cup of coffee and join me on this literary journey!

Comedy and Drama: Similar Plot Structures, Different Outcomes

When it comes to storytelling, both comedy and drama have similar plot structures. However, the outcomes and overall themes differ in significant ways. In comedy, the hero undergoes an arc of change, transitioning from denial to acceptance of a theme, and is ultimately rewarded with a sense of belonging within a community. On the other hand, tragedy occurs when the hero fails to learn the lesson presented to them and is subjected to punishment, such as exile or death.

Examples that Illustrate the Difference

To better understand the distinction between comedy and tragedy, let’s take a look at a couple of examples. In the film “Liar Liar,” Jim Carrey’s character, Fletcher Reede, starts off as a deceitful lawyer who can’t tell a lie. Throughout the story, Fletcher struggles to overcome his dishonesty and ultimately learns the value of honesty. By the end, he is rewarded with a renewed connection to his son and a sense of community.

Contrastingly, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a tragic tale where Jay Gatsby fails to learn the lesson of letting go and living in reality. His obsession with the past, particularly his love for Daisy Buchanan, leads to his unfortunate demise. Gatsby’s failure to accept the inevitable consequences of his actions demonstrates the tragedy within the story.

Drama: Positive or Negative Outcome?

In drama, the outcomes can vary depending on the characters’ understanding and actions. It is essential for writers to carefully craft their characters’ motivations and choices to create a powerful and engaging story. A drama can have either a positive or negative outcome, depending on whether the characters learn their lessons and grow or remain stagnant.

Movies with “wedding” in the title often follow a similar arc found in both comedy and drama. These films often depict characters who initially deny their true feelings or resist the idea of love. As the story progresses, they undergo a transformation, leading them to accept their emotions and find true love. This acceptance then opens the door for them to become part of a supportive community.

“Thelma and Louise”: Paying the Ultimate Price

An excellent example of a drama that showcases a positive outcome but with a heavy cost is the film “Thelma and Louise.” In this gripping tale, Thelma and Louise find themselves on the run after an unexpected event spirals out of control. Throughout the story, they empower each other, develop a newfound sense of freedom, and challenge the patriarchal structures of society. However, their journey ultimately leads to tragedy as they make a choice with irreversible consequences.

A Clever Ending Twist

Interestingly, the original ending of “Thelma and Louise” had the two protagonists crashing their car and meeting a tragic end. However, during audience testing, it became evident that viewers desired a happier ending for the characters they had grown to love. In response, the filmmaker implemented a clever twist. Just before the credits roll, the movie freezes on an iconic moment, creating the expectation of a happy ending. Although it remains open to interpretation, this subtle change leaves audiences with a sense of hope.

Conclusion

As a reader and writer, I appreciate the power of storytelling, but there are moments where certain mistakes drive me crazy. Whether it’s lazy actions, characters’ irrational decisions, or a lack of logical consistency, these errors disrupt the flow of the narrative. However, comedy and drama offer different outcomes, allowing writers to explore various themes and character arcs. By avoiding these common mistakes, writers can create stories that resonate with readers and provide a satisfying literary experience.

FAQs

1. Why do comedy and drama have similar plot structures?
   Comedy and drama share similar plot structures as they both aim to captivate audiences and explore themes of human nature and personal growth.

2. Are all dramas tragic?
   No, not all dramas are tragic. Dramas can have both positive and negative outcomes, depending on the characters’ choices and motivations.

3. What is the importance of audience feedback in filmmaking?
   Audience feedback is crucial as it allows filmmakers to understand the viewers’ preferences and make adjustments to create a more satisfying experience.

4. Why did “Thelma and Louise” have a different ending in audience testing?
   The original ending of “Thelma and Louise” was altered due to audience desire for a more positive outcome for the beloved characters.

5. How can writers avoid common mistakes in their stories?
   Writers can avoid common mistakes by carefully crafting their characters’ motivations, ensuring logical consistency, and staying true to the themes of their story.