In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through the conventions of the action genre. I'm also going to show you how these conventions show up in the movie The Hunger Games. Here's a preview of what's included:
[01:25] Action stories are about life and death, and good versus evil. They’re about a character who has to rise up, overcome great obstacles, defeat forces of evil, and maybe even save the world. But that being said, these stories aren’t always about superheroes.
[02:35] Readers choose action stories to experience the excitement of the life and death stakes and situations that the protagonist is presented with. But it’s not just about that—we choose these stories because they inspire us to become the best versions of ourselves, too.
[03:35] Genre conventions are the character roles, settings, and micro-events that are specific to a genre. They’re what help us writers write a story that works AND evoke emotional reactions in our readers.
[04:50] #1 - The protagonist has a special talent or gift and the potential for heroism.
[06:55] #2 - The protagonist’s goal is to stop the antagonist and save victims.
[08:10] #3 - There are multiple lives at stake (including the protagonist’s).
[09:10] #4 - The antagonist is stronger and/or more powerful than the protagonist.
[10:25] #5 - The protagonist has a moral compass that the antagonist does not.
[11:50] #6 - There’s a speech in praise of the antagonist.
[13:00] #7 - There’s a MacGuffin (or a very specific thing the antagonist wants).
[13:50] #8 - There are sidekicks who help the protagonist save the victim/s.
[14:45] #9 - There’s at least one mentor figure who gives the protagonist guidance.
[15:25] #10 - There’s a ticking clock that puts pressure on the protagonist.
[17:05] Key points and episode recap.
Follow & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you following my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not following the show there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to follow the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a follower, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!
Links mentioned in this episode:
👋 Want a behind-the-scenes look at my book coaching journey? Click here to download Author Accelerator's brand-new eBook to see how I built (and grew!) my business!
👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
#145. How To Develop Your Character's Backstory
#144. Student Spotlight: How She Landed A Book Deal With Her Dream Publisher (With Savannah Carlisle)
#143. How To Pitch Podcasts With Michelle Glogovac
#142. How To Write A Query Letter That Get Requests
#141. How To Create Believable Monsters With Randy Ellefson
#140. First Chapter Analysis: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
#139: 5 Multi POV Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)
#138: How To Manage Your Creative Anxiety With Rhonda Douglas
#137: 5 Tips For Writing Better Fiction (Even If You're Just Starting Out)
#136: First Chapter Analysis: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
#135: Mastering Point of View and Voice: Expert Tips From Gabriela Pereira Of DIY MFA
#134: How To Stop Procrastinating: 5 Productivity Tips For Writers
#133: A Week in the Life: 7 Days Behind the Scenes with Savannah (March 2024)
#132: First Chapter Analysis: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
#131: 5 Steps To Start Planning Your Book Series
#130: How to Craft Romantic Chemistry & Tension Between Characters
#129: Overcoming The Fear Of Marketing With Alexa Bigwarfe
#128: What Are Obligatory Scenes And Conventions?
#127: First Chapter Analysis: The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
#126: Save The Cat! Troubleshooting Common Plot Problems With Jessica Brody
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Lit Society: Books and Drama
Ex Libris
Write The Book: Conversations on Craft
Grimms’ Fairy Tales
Pride and Prejudice
Fresh Air
Myths and Legends