Qualities of truly great stories

I've studied storytelling all my life and one of the things I've definitely learned is nobody can say for certain when a story will become a classic, or even highly popular. Now, we can say some stories should become so, but popularity is a fickle beast. Yet, there are some things I've noticed are common about all great classics.

 

First, there is very little suspension of disbelief. I'm a huge fan of fantasy and science fiction, and those genres deal in things not around in daily life (either mind boggling technology or flights of fancy), which require you to believe in the world and not fight against it. An example is Tolkien's Middle Earth where "The Hobbit" and the "Lord of the Rings" takes place. I've never heard any readers disbelieve the world (usually people who don't like it just don't like the slow pace). Because the author took extensive time building the world, it all makes sense, has a place, and feels real.

 

Next, the characters are likeable, realistic, behave believably, and live in the world. I look at "Les Misérables " and point to Javert and Valjean as hugely famous people in fiction that seem as real as any historical figure. They matter to each other, to the story, and to the audience. That's an amazing trick by the author. Even in fiction, audiences want relatable people.

 

And, finally, the story has multiple layers of complexity. Some stories are just adventure tales (like "The Hobbit") and others are plumbing the depths of morality (such as "Moby Dick"). Either way, these tales stand up to intense scrutiny and philosophy. It's incredible how many college papers have been written about these two stories. Great stories teach as well as entertain. It's like watching a chess master move pieces--there's subtlety and insight beyond what most can comprehend, yet the beauty is clear to anyone paying attention.

 

These are things I think are especially important of the very many aspects of great stories. They are still being created, and I expect will continue until the last human falls.

 

- M