53. How to Portray Good and Evil in Story

THE STORYTELLER’S MISSION WITH ZENA DELL LOWE

EPISODE 53 – How to Portray Good and Evil in Story

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EPISODE DESCRIPTION - A few weeks ago, I asked the question, “Is your story good before God,” which launched us into a series outlining 5 keynotes for godly storytelling. 

1. A commitment to truth-telling. 
2. A commitment to do no harm.
3. Promoting involvement or empathy instead of voyeurism.

 Today, I’d like to present keynote #4: Portraying Good versus Evil accurately. 

There’s a number of issues involved in this. For starters, you want to be sure at the end of your story that the good comes out better than the evil is bad. In other words, the good portrayed must be genuinely good – and it must be worth it. Whatever suffering or pain or sacrifices the character makes to uphold it, must be truly honorable and praiseworthy. Any character who “dies” while standing for something good, if the good isn’t ultimately worth it or noble, we will hate them for their sacrifice. 

We also have to work hard to make sure we don’t have a misguided notion of good. For example, many Christians have adopted the unspoken rule that a “good” story is one that is inspirational. It should build people up and make them feel good. It must have a happy ending. But is this true? 

Tragedies are stories that damn the characters to redeem the audience. Furthermore, not everything in this world ends up being redeemed. So there is room in God’s economy for hopelessness.

UP NEXT - Next week, we will unpack this notion further. There is room in God’s economy for hopelessness, yes, however, the possibility of redemption must be offered as well.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

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THE WELL CREATIVITY CONFERENCE

Zena Dell Lowe is honored to be a Keynote Speaker at THE WELL CREATIVITY CONFERENCE, which takes place in Grand Rapids MI on April 22-23, 2021. She’ll also be teaching an acting/improvisational workshop for actors and writers called, “Make Me Believe.”  To find out more or to register to attend, CLICK HERE, or go to https://seeyouatthewell.net

TOPIC REQUESTS? 

If you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing in a future podcast, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL recording with your problem, question, or issue!

SPECIAL THANKS - The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe would like to thank composer CARLA PATULLO for the original music she graciously permits us to use in the intro and outro of this podcast. To find out more about this amazing talent, go to  www.carlapatullo.com