Dramatica Pro software has many pros and cons according to various opinions. The learning curve is HUGE with new terms to learn and a new way to look at story. I too struggled with concept and the four throughlines scratching my head about how to use this program until it finally sunk in—perspectives!

Overall Story = objective perspective

Subjective Story = emotional perspective

Main Character = narrator or protagonist perspective

Impact Character = obstacle character perspective

Dramatica even provides objective archetypes to help flesh out what would otherwise be flat characters in your story. What more could one ask?

The best way to approach this program in my opinion is to have your story idea developed before attempting to use the software. You should know what genre you are writing in as well as who your protagonist is, what he/she wants, and if he/she will learn something (steadfast character) or change (change character) to establish character arc.

I use archetypes here when in doubt. Victoria Lynn Schmidt’s 45 Master Characters is a great resource to find the perfect fit. Once you know these points open the software (free demo available for download). This software will assign the perfect obstacle character as you choose your main character details. Choose your objective throughline according to the genre: activity for action/adventure, manipulation for psychological thriller, Fixed Attitude for drama about bigotry and Situation defines environmental problems.

That should be enough for this column. Next week we will discuss theme and author statements. Until then, keep writing!

--ModernWriter