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The Dan Harmon Story Circle, also known as “The Embryo”, is an approach to plotting developed by TV writer Dan Harmon. It follows a protagonist through eight stages, beginning with the character being in their comfort zone, then venturing out into the unknown to seek something they want.
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Aug 23, 2020 · The Dan Harmon Story Circle is a story structure divided into eight distinct parts following a protagonist's journey. Also called "The Story Embryo" or "Plot Embryo," these 8 steps follow a character's pursuit of a goal outside of their normal world.
- You: the character is in a comfort zone. Step 1 takes place at the very beginning of your story, when you are introduced to your main character, understand the world that your character lives in, and demonstrate that they are in a familiar situation of some kind (whether that is emotional, physical, etc.).
- Need: The Character Must Want Something. Right from the beginning, you should make it clear that all is not right in the protagonist's world. While they are operating from a place of comfort, they have some internal or external need.
- Go: The Protagonist Enters an Unfamiliar Setting. It is at this point that the characters are thrust into worlds unknown, completely outside of their comfort zone, whether that be literally or emotionally.
- Search: The Character Must Adapt To the Unfamiliar World. It is at this point that the character realizes that they may have bitten off more than they can chew.
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Apr 10, 2024 · The 8 steps of the story circle. How to use Dan Harmon’s Story Circle. The Story Circle by Dan Harmon is a basic narrative structure that writers can use to structure and test their story ideas. Telling stories is an inherently human thing, but how we structure the narrative separates a good story from a truly great one.
Apr 30, 2024 · 1. You (Comfort Zone) Every story starts with the main character, or protagonist, in their everyday life. At this point, we see them at their baseline before anything changes. For example, many episodes of Rick and Morty start with Morty in his regular life at school or with his family, setting the stage for future adventures. 2.
Aug 25, 2021 · Learn how to use Dan Harmon’s Story Circle to craft your own plot. Plus, see how the story circle used in the pilot of Rick and Morty.
Oct 8, 2021 · Dan Harmon’s Story Circle depicts eight steps for the protagonist to travel into this special world. The Story Circle is also known as The Story Embryo as each step represents a new change in the story. The Circle is split into two halves horizontally and vertically.
