9 Ways To Identify A Story’s Keystone Message

You know those stories that stick with you long after you’ve experienced them?

The stories that seem to have some kind of a profound effect on you…

Those stories have a Story Keystone Message that you resonate with on a level that runs far deeper than mere entertainment.

The difficulty though, sometimes, is identifying exactly what that message or lesson is, and why it resonates with you so well.

In this article, we’ll be looking at 9 ways to identify a story’s Keystone Message…

• What Is A Story Keystone?
• Immerse Yourself In The Story
• Identify Central Themes
• Look For Patterns
• Consider Conflict and Resolution
• Explore Subtext
• Relate to Real Life
• Reflect on the Impact
• Summarise the Message
• Compare Multiple Themes

What Is A Story Keystone?

First of all, let’s define what a Story Keystone is…

Imagine a magnificent arch, like the masterpieces the ancient Roman Emperors used to build to celebrate their victories – the strength of the arch is dependent on a single, perfectly placed stone: the keystone.

Similarly, a Story Keystone is the core principle, or message, that holds the entire narrative together. It’s the reason your characters are facing conflict. It’s the root of the emotion that lingers in your psyche long after the story ends.

I do have an article that digs into what a Story Keystone is in much more depth, but by now you probably just want to know how to unearth these hidden treasures…

9 Ways To Identify A Story’s Keystone Message

As mentioned at the outset, there are times when a story resonates with you but you can’t quite put your finger on why that might be. 

OR maybe you want to reverse engineer the process to create a solid Story Keystone for your own story.

In either case, these methods (in no particular order) will help you identify the Keystone Message of any good story!

Immerse Yourself In The Story

Immerse yourself in the story and absorb as much information as you possibly can from the story’s world. Savour the prose, visualise the scenes, and be mindful of the emotions you feel as you let them wash over you. 

Take note of key events, character arcs, and in particular, your own emotional responses. This initial absorption paves the way for a deeper understanding of the story you’re analysing.

Identify Central Themes

Look beyond the surface plot and identify the broader ideas or concepts the story is exploring. What are the key themes? Love, betrayal, friendship, redemption, personal growth – question what recurring ideas tug at your heartstrings or spark intellectual curiosity.

Also remember, message and theme are NOT the same thing.

Look For Patterns

Similar to themes, pay close attention to recurring motifs, symbols, and imagery. These often act as signposts pointing towards the Story Keystone. Is there a persistent animal, a symbolic object, or a colour that seems to hold extra significance? 

Deciphering these patterns can unlock deeper meaning.

Consider Conflict and Resolution

Analyse the central conflict of the story. How do the characters grapple with it? Does the resolution offer a sense of redemption or catharsis, a lesson learned, or a harsh reality exposed? 

By understanding the journey through conflict, you gain insights into the core message about overcoming challenges. 

Explore Subtext

Listen to the whispers between the lines. There can be a lot given away in what isn’t directly said. What remains unsaid, yet deeply felt? 

Consider the emotions implied but not explicitly stated. sometimes, the most powerful Story Keystones lie just below the surface, waiting to be unearthed by an attentive audience.

Relate to Real Life

Bridge the gap and think about how the themes and events in the story resonate with your own real-life experiences and the world around you. Does the narrative reflect universal truths bout human nature? 

This connection between fiction and reality helps illuminate the message the storyteller is trying to convey.

Reflect on the Impact

Ponder the lasting impression the story leaves on you. What resonated the most? Does it leave with a sense of hope, a pang of grief, or a spark of inspiration? 

Identifying these lingering emotions can give you clues about the Story Keystone.

Summarise the Message

Distil your understanding of the story into a concise sentence or phrase that captures the core message you believe the story conveys. This simple act of crystallisation solidifies your interpretation and allows you to share it with others. 

Compare Multiple Themes

Stories are rarely one-dimensional. Consider the possibility of multiple themes weaving together to create a mosaic of meaningful matter. Explore how these themes interact, complement, or even contradict each other, contributing to the overall message in their intricate interplay.

Discover Story Keystones

By using these methods and engaging with a story on multiple levels, you can transform yourself from a passive audience into an active interpreter, unearthing the hidden gem at the heart of every great narrative. 

So get stuck in, and discover the Keystone Messages of every story you enjoy!

BONUS TIP

As you journey through these steps, keep a notebook handy! 

Jot down your observations, emotions, and interpretations. This record of your exploration will become a valuable point of reference, guiding you back to the Story Keystone anytime you wish to revisit the story’s depths.

Happy storytelling!

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