Every Day

Definition

In storytelling, 'Every Day' refers to a foundational concept that describes the ordinary circumstances or routine situations faced by characters before a story's central conflict or significant event unfolds. This term sets the stage for understanding how characters transition from their normal lives into the extraordinary challenges they encounter, establishing a relatable baseline for audiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Every Day' serves as a contrast to the extraordinary events that follow in a story, making those events more impactful for the audience.
2. By establishing what is normal for characters, 'Every Day' helps audiences connect emotionally with them and understand their motivations.
3. 'Every Day' often highlights routines, relationships, and environments that can later be disrupted by conflict or change.
4. The concept allows writers to create tension by juxtaposing the mundane with unexpected challenges or revelations.
5. 'Every Day' scenarios can vary widely between stories, reflecting different cultures, lifestyles, and personal experiences of the characters.

Review Questions

• How does the 'Every Day' concept help in developing a character's journey throughout a story?
  • 'Every Day' establishes a baseline for characters that illustrates their normal life before any significant changes occur. This setup is essential for crafting a character arc, as it allows the audience to witness how characters evolve in response to conflicts and challenges. By knowing what is ordinary for a character, viewers can appreciate their growth and transformations more deeply as they face unexpected situations.
• In what ways does 'Every Day' relate to the inciting incident of a story?
  • 'Every Day' creates a context for understanding how the inciting incident disrupts a character's routine. When the inciting incident occurs, it serves as a catalyst that pulls characters from their normal lives into new conflicts. This contrast emphasizes the significance of the change and helps to heighten emotional stakes, making the audience more invested in how the characters navigate through these challenges.
• Evaluate the importance of contrasting 'Every Day' scenarios with conflict in storytelling. How does this enhance audience engagement?
  • 'Every Day' scenarios provide a relatable foundation that makes conflicts more resonant for audiences. When viewers see familiar routines disrupted by extraordinary circumstances, it evokes emotional responses and deepens engagement with the narrative. This contrast enhances storytelling by highlighting stakes; it allows audiences to appreciate not just what is lost but also what is at risk as characters confront their challenges. The interplay between normalcy and upheaval creates a dynamic storytelling experience that keeps audiences invested in outcomes.

Related terms

Character Arc: The journey a character undergoes throughout a story, which often includes growth or change as a result of their experiences.

Inciting Incident: The event that triggers the main conflict of the story, pushing the protagonist out of their everyday life and into a new and challenging situation.

Conflict: The central struggle or problem that characters face in a story, which drives the narrative and engages the audience.