The Story Equation: S = (C + W) x O

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

Creating stories has been my foundation ever since I bought my first VHS camera in the fifth grade. Of course, at the tender age of ten, I was more interested in filming G.I. Joe action figures engulfed in gasoline fueled fires within my backyard sand box. I imagine still today if you dug deep enough to the spot where my childhood imagination seemed limitless, you’d find the mangled remains of battle tested toys pitted against each other like gladiators among fortified sand castles and garden hose moats.

Although the stories behind those epic battles may have been void of complex internal character flaws, powerful plot point twists, and juxtaposing story lines, those battles still encapsulated the most fundamental foundation and cornerstone of a good story.

A character, let’s say the ultimate bad guy Skeletor from Masters of the Universe, is forced to face off against Optimus Prime from Transformers. Both characters have a want: to win the battle. Both face an obstacle: each other. Each goal propels the story forward while obstacles create conflict and tension.

Now I’m older: married, three kids, a mortgage. I’m a writer, director, producer, and a professor, who teaches writing. Yet despite all I’ve learned, the story equation remains the same:

S = (C + W) x O

A good story (S) is about an interesting character (C) who wants (W) something badly and faces obstacles (O) while struggling to achieve that goal.

Memorable stories—regardless of genre or medium: film, TV, documentary, stage play, short fiction, or novel—must engage the audience with an unforgettable character, but if that character has no want, there is no motivation to propel the story forward, and if there are no obstacles (physical or emotional), then there is no conflict, and therefore no tension.

Applying the story equation as your foundation allows you to stay focused, but more importantly, it’s the root that keeps your story alive. Details can change, but without a healthy base, the life of your story will inevitably die. 

S = (C + W) x O

That’s the story equation. It’s clear. It’s concise. It’s crucial.