A short guide to writing stories where the inner conflict is worldview

Understanding the various genres, including internal content genres, is essential for crafting an engaging and emotionally resonant narrative when writing stories. One such internal content genre revolves around the concept of worldview, which focuses on a protagonist's beliefs, values, and perspectives. This article aims to provide guidance for writing stories with worldview as the central internal conflict, including the genre's conventions and obligatory scenes.

What is the worldview genre?

A worldview-driven story centres on the protagonist's journey to explore and confront new ideas, ultimately resulting in a transformation of their beliefs and perspectives. This genre provides a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of personal growth and self-discovery, highlighting the ways in which our beliefs shape our lives and the world around us.

Worldview is an internal content genre. Internal content genres explore themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and transformation. By highlighting the protagonist's emotional development, internal content genres create a more in-depth and layered narrative.

When to choose worldview as an internal content genre

Choosing worldview as an internal content genre enables writers to explore the intricacies of human understanding and personal evolution. By examining themes such as belief systems, values, and perspectives, authors can delve into how individuals develop and evolve through changing beliefs. Stories that centre around worldview-driven internal conflict are particularly suited for readers who want to gain insight into the human experience and the myriad ways in which our beliefs shape our lives.

Conventions of worldview-driven stories

Worldview-driven stories follow specific conventions that guide the narrative structure and character development. These conventions include:

• Protagonist's initial flawed or limited worldview: The protagonist starts the story with a set of beliefs that may be inaccurate or incomplete.
• An inciting event that challenges the protagonist's beliefs: A significant event or encounter forces the protagonist to question their pre-existing beliefs.
• Protagonist's journey to explore and confront new ideas: The protagonist embarks on a journey to better understand and challenge their beliefs, leading to personal growth.
• Conflicts and dilemmas arising from the clash of beliefs: As the protagonist explores new ideas, they face various internal and external conflicts resulting from the struggle between their old and new beliefs.
• External forces or events that catalyze the protagonist's transformation: Specific events or encounters further push the protagonist to change their worldview, leading to personal transformation.

Obligatory scenes in worldview-driven stories

To create a compelling narrative with a worldview-driven internal conflict, writers should include the following obligatory scenes:

• Establishing the protagonist's initial worldview: Introduce the protagonist's beliefs and perspectives at the beginning of the story, setting the stage for their emotional journey.
• Introducing an inciting event that challenges the protagonist's beliefs: Present an event or encounter that forces the protagonist to question their worldview, triggering their journey of self-discovery.
• Protagonist's exploration and confrontation of new ideas: Show the protagonist's growth as they examine and confront alternative perspectives, allowing readers to witness their transformation.
• Moments of conflict and dilemma arising from the clash of beliefs: Craft scenes in which the protagonist faces challenges and dilemmas as they grapple with their changing worldview.
• Climactic confrontation that tests the protagonist's evolved worldview: Include a climactic moment that puts the protagonist's newfound beliefs to the test, demonstrating the significance of their transformation.
• Resolution and personal transformation, leading to a broader understanding of self and the world: Conclude the story with the protagonist's personal growth and the lasting impact of their evolved worldview.

Tips for writing a compelling story where the inner conflict is worldview

To create a captivating story centred around worldview, consider the following tips:

• Conduct research on the social, cultural, and historical context of the era or setting to ensure your story is authentic and accurate, taking into account the diversity of worldviews within that context.
• Develop engaging characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and backstories that reflect their beliefs, values, and perspectives, allowing readers to connect with their journeys.
• Create a vivid and immersive setting that captures the nuances of the society and its differing worldviews, using rich descriptions and sensory details to bring the ideological environment to life.
• Craft an engaging plot that explores the dynamics, conflicts, and relationships arising from contrasting worldviews, maintaining reader interest and building tension throughout the story.
• Use authentic language and dialogue that reflects the diverse beliefs, values, and customs of the society while remaining accessible to modern readers.
• Incorporate themes and issues relevant to worldview, such as tolerance, acceptance, personal growth, and cultural differences, to add depth and complexity to the story.
• Balance character-driven and plot-driven elements, ensuring that both the individual journeys of the characters and the overarching ideological conflicts are integral to the narrative.
• Employ a variety of narrative techniques, such as multiple perspectives or an omniscient narrator, to provide a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the characters' struggles and triumphs related to their worldviews.

To write a captivating and thought-provoking story using worldview as an internal content genre, authors must first understand the protagonist's initial beliefs and the catalysts for change. By focusing on the genre's conventions and obligatory scenes, writers can craft a compelling narrative that not only captivates readers, but also prompts them to reflect on their own beliefs and perspectives. Ultimately, a well-crafted worldview-driven story can inspire readers to question their assumptions, embrace personal growth, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

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References

1. Coyne, Shawn. 2015. The Story Grid. New York, NY: Black Irish Entertainment.