Will Eisner: make me a storyteller?

Idea:

Idea generation for a story can develop from a variety of ways, though Eisner specifies a particularly useful one, the “What if?” method (Eisner, 2008, Pg. 76). The “What if?” method allows for a fusion of “experience and reality” and “the fabrication of a problem,” (Eisner, 2008, Pg. 76). This method is useful because it allows for a reliable, consistent formula to generate unique, and interesting stories. As Eisner says, it allows one to “…fashion imagery that does not have to answer to a reality test,” (Eisner, 2008, Pg. 76).

Story:

Using this method of idea generation, one could generate a type of story called the plotless story. A plotless story is one that relies very little on content that is not visual, with Eisner stating “…a plot with too much “density” can be an impediment,” (Eisner, 2008, Pg. 22). To assist in keeping the plot of these stories simple, authors will often utilize stereotypes. These allow for easy character creation and for the reader to know the characters traits quickly.

Attention:

With a plotless story the reader is not expecting deep interwoven plot, but instead “a plot that centers on a single problem,” (Eisner, 2008, Pg. 22). With these stories the focus is less on the plot and more on the spectacle, so much so that “…art becomes the story,” (Eisner, 2008, Pg. 22). This “special effect” artistry “must sustain interest” of the reader. Eisner also suggests using surprise as a method of retaining reader interest. “Surprise is an often used element in all storytelling,” (Eisner, 2008, Pg. 52).