Discovery

Disciplines > Storytelling > Story devices > Discovery

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Discovery occurs when a character finds or realizes something that was previously unknown.

As a result of this discovery, the story may change mildly or dramatically.

Example

A woman discovers that her apparently-saintly husband has been cheating on her.

The hero discovers a cache of weapons that can be used against the villain.

A person remembers something important, forgotten from childhood.

Discussion

Discovery allows for changes and extensions to a story and thereby keeps the excitement going and enables unexpected surprises to be introduced.

The point of discovery is one of high emotional arousal as the character has an 'aha' or 'oho' moment. If we are empathetic with them, then we also will vicariously share in the excitement.

Discovery is also known as Anagnorisis.