Expert: Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations II
19.Slaying of a kinsman unrecognized
Description
Elements
·The Slayer
·The Unrecognized Victim
Summary
The Slayer kills (or nearly kills or harms) the Unrecognized Victim, who is actually a relative or friend of the Slayer. Thus a seemingly justified act suddenly becomes unjustified.
Variants
A
·Being upon the point of slaying a daughter unknowingly by command of a divinity or an oracle
·Being upon the point of slaying a daughter unknowingly through political necessity
·Being upon the point of slaying a daughter unknowingly through a rivalry in love
·Being upon the point of slaying a daughter unknowingly through hatred of the lover of the unrecognized daughter
B
·Being upon the point of slaying a son unknowingly
·Being upon the point of slaying a son unknowingly, strengthened by Machiavellian instigations
C
·A sister, upon the point of slaying a brother, unknowingly, through professional duty
D
·Slaying of a mother unrecognized
E
·Slaying of a father unknowingly, through Machiavellian advice
·Slaying of a father unknowingly
·Insulting of a father unknowingly
·Being on the point of slaying of a father unknowingly
F
·A grandfather slain unknowingly, in vengeance and through instigation
·A grandfather slain involuntarily
·A father-in-law killed involuntarily
G
·Involuntary killing of a loved woman
·Being on the point of killing a lover, unrecognized
·Failure to rescue an unrecognized son
Dissertation
It is easy to justify the punishment of someone who appears to have done something wrong, but what is often missed is perhaps incorrect evidence or extenuating circumstances. This is one of the dilemmas of capital punishment - that the person killed may later be found to be innocent, when there is no route for redress or reversal of the punishment.
When a hero in a story goes to kill a person, the story may well have built up a good justification for that act and as readers we tacitly support the hero's action. When, however, we realize that the victim is a kinsman, then social rules take over and we cry out for the hero to stop! This inner conflict is the stuff of great stories and we get carried along by the excitement.
Further tension may be added to the story when the Victim knows about the relationship and may be desperately trying to communicate this to the Slayer.
A similar pattern occurs with accidental killing or harm of a loved one, whether by sword or car, and we may feel great sympathy for the anguish of the unintending killer.
'Slaying of a kinsman unrecognized' is the 19th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
20.Self-sacrificing for an ideal
Description
Elements
·The Hero
·The Ideal
·The Creditor or the Person or Thing Sacrificed
Summary
The Hero gives up something for the sake of an Ideal.
Variants
A
·Sacrifice of life for the sake of one's word
·Life sacrificed for the benefit of one's own people
·Life sacrificed in filial piety
·Life sacrificed for the sake of one's faith
B
·Life sacrificed for the sake of one's faith
·Both love and life sacrificed to a cause
·Love sacrificed to interests of state
C
·Sacrifice of well-being to duty
D
·The ideal of "honor" sacrificed to the ideal of "faith"
Dissertation
Putting oneself in harm's way for the sake of ideals is, for some, quite stupid, whilst for many it demonstrates admirably high personal integrity.
It may be questioned whether such self-sacrifice is done for internal reasons of faith or for the external acclaim that will be gained. Martyrdom in some societies is considered a great honor for the family (as well as promising heavenly delights to the martyr).
Most of us, however, would think twice before sacrificing ourselves, as the instinct for self-preservation takes priority over the cognitive choice of sacrifice. This makes stories of sacrifice either moving or terrifying, depending on the action involved. Either way, the emotional stimulation makes it an effective story element.
Sacrifice need not involve giving of one's life. All it really means is giving up something that you would rather not give up. Often it involves a dilemma, where one desired thing is given up in favor of something even more desired.
'Self-sacrificing for an ideal' is the 20th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
21.Self-sacrifice for kindred
Description
Elements
·The Hero
·The Kinsman
·The Creditor or Person or Thing Sacrificed
Summary
The Hero gives up something in order to help a relative or friend.
Variants
A
·Life sacrificed for that of a relative or loved one
·Life sacrificed for the happiness of a relative or loved one
B
·Ambition sacrificed for the happiness of a parent
·Ambition sacrificed for the life of a parent
C
·Love sacrificed for the sake of a parent's life、
·Love sacrificed for the happiness of one's child
·Love sacrificed for the happiness of a loved one
D
·Life and honor sacrificed for the life of a parent or loved one
·Modesty sacrificed for the life of a relative or a loved one
Dissertation
Self-sacrifice for a kinsman is similar to self-sacrificing for an ideal, in that the ideal here is that one should put one's kin above many others things. Many cultures have this rule, that family comes before many things, even the law, and that one should perjure oneself or worse if this is what is required to support one's kith and kin.
Seeing others in a story obeying our own social rules makes us identify more strongly with them. Stories of sacrifice for kin thus are often heart-warming and affirming.
'Self-sacrifice for kindred' is the 21st of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
22.All sacrificed for a passion
Description
Elements
·The Lover
·The Object of the fatal passion
·The Person or Thing sacrificed
Summary
The Lover is impassioned by the Object to the point where they give up the Person or Thing, perhaps unwisely, blinded as they are their passion.
Variants
A
·Religious vows of chastity broken for a passion
·A vow of purity broken
·A future ruined by a passion
·Power ruined by passion
·Ruin of mind, health and life
·Ruin of fortunes, lives and honors
B
·Temptations destroying the sense of duty, of pity, etc.
C
·Destruction of honor, fortune and life by erotic vice
·Destruction of honor, fortune and life by any other vice
Dissertation
It is said that love is blind, and this situation illustrates just how far people will go to pursue that which they truly desire.
As with other forms of sacrifice, the tension in this is derived partly from the social horror at the act and partly in the sympathy for the person, in this case the sympathy being directed in the same way as when a person has gone mad (or maybe those who suffer as a result). We may also see potential in ourselves for such an act, perhaps increasing the tension of a secret fear.
'All sacrificed for a passion' is the 22nd of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
23.Necessity of sacrificing loved ones
Description
Elements
·The Hero
·The Beloved Victim
·The Necessity for the sacrifice
Summary
The Hero is forced to sacrifice the Beloved Victim, based on the Necessity.
Variants
A
·Necessity for sacrificing a daughter in the public interest
·Duty of sacrificing a daughter in fulfilment of a vow to a god
·Duty of sacrificing benefactors or loved ones to one's faith
B
·Duty of sacrificing one's child, unknown to others, under the pressure of necessity
·Duty of sacrificing, unknown to others, one's father, under the pressure of necessity
·Duty of sacrificing, unknown to others, one's husband, under the pressure of necessity
C
·Duty of sacrificing a son-in-law for the public good
·Duty of sacrificing a son-in-law for the sake of reputation
·Duty of contending with a brother-in-law for the public good
D
·Duty of contending with a friend
Dissertation
The traditional hero is typically driven by a sense of duty, and often to some higher principle even than their kin relationships. Whilst being horrified at the act, we nevertheless may feel a certain admiration for the hero for sticking to ideals even beyond family ties. The hero does not do this lightly and we feel the anguish of having to make such a decision.
Of course we also feel deep sympathy for the person sacrificed and hope that they understand the higher cause rather than simply feeling betrayed.
'Necessity of sacrificing loved ones' is the 23rd of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
24.Rivalry of superior and inferior
Description
Elements
·The Superior Rival
·The Inferior Rival
·The Object of Rivalry
Summary
The Superior Rival is set against an Inferior Rival, both vying for the Object of Rivalry.
Variants
A
·Rivalry of a mortal and an immortal
·Rivalry of two divinities of unequal power
·Rivalry of a magician and an ordinary man
·Rivalry of conqueror and conquered
·Rivalry of victor and vanquished
·Rivalry of a master and a banished man
·Rivalry of suzerain king and vassal king
·Rivalry of a king and a noble
·Rivalry of a powerful person and an upstart
·Rivalry of rich and poor
·Rivalry of an honored man and a suspected one
·Rivalry of two who are almost equal
·Rivalry of equals, one of whom has in the past been guilty of adultery
·Rivalry of a man who is loved and one who has not the right to love
·Rivalry of the two successive husbands of a divorcee
B
·Rivalry of a sorceress and an ordinary woman
·Rivalry of a victor and a prisoner
·Rivalry of a queen and a subject
·Rivalry of a queen and a slave
·Rivalry of a lady and a servant
·Rivalry of a lady and a woman of humbler position
·Rivalry of two who are almost equals, complicated by the abandonment of one
·Rivalry between a memory and an ideal (that of a superior woman) and a vassal of her own
·Rivalry of mortal and immortal
C
·Double rivalry (A vs B vs C vs D)
D
·Rivalry of two immortals
·Rivalry of two mortals
·Rivalry of two lawful wives
Dissertation
Rivalry is a rich general theme and many different sub-situations of rivals in different contexts can be found, as indicated above. In our own lives, also, we often find rivals, ranging from those who would seek promotion against us at work to rivals for the affection of third another.
Rivalry can include elements of both envy and jealousy, which can both spill over from simple competitive respect to dislike and hatred of enemies.
When one person is superior in some way to another, then they may seem to have the upper hand and are bound to win. However the inferior rival can employ other means. If the inferior rival is bad, they may use evil subterfuge, for example discrediting or poisoning the superior rival. Where the inferior rival is good, then they may win support from others or perhaps see through the evil ways of the superior rival.
Where the object of rivalry is another person, this person is given significant power, which they can respect or abuse according to their will. They thus join in the story and may be a major character. A typical pattern is where they add their power to the inferior person, thus counterbalancing the power of the superior person. It is also easy for triangular games to ensue.
'Rivalry of superior and inferior' is the 24th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
25.Adultery
Description
Elements
·A Deceived Spouse
·Two Adulterers
Summary
The Deceived Spouse is cuckolded by Two Adulterers, one the partner of the Deceived Spouse.
Variants
A
·A mistress betrayed for a young woman
·A mistress betrayed for a young wife
·A mistress betrayed for a girl
B
·A wife betrayed for a slave, who does not love in return
·A wife betrayed for debauchery
·A wife betrayed for a married woman
·A wife betrayed with the intention of bigamy
·A wife betrayed for a young girl, who does not love in return
·A wife envied by a young girl who is in love with her husband
·A wife betrayed by a courtesan
·Rivalry between a wife who is antipathetic and a mistress who is congenial
·Rivalry between a generous wife and an impassioned girl
C
·An antagonistic husband sacrificed for a congenial lover
·A husband, believed to be lost, forgotten for a rival
·A commonplace husband, sacrificed for a sympathetic lover
·A good husband betrayed for an inferior rival
·A good husband betrayed for a grotesque rival
·A good husband betrayed for an odious rival
·A good husband betrayed for a commonplace rival, by a perverse wife
·A good husband betrayed for a rival less handsome, but useful
D
·Vengeance of a deceived husband
·Jealousy sacrificed for the sake of a cause
E
·A husband persecuted by a rejected rival
Dissertation
Adultery, whilst often considered a shameful social crime, is hardest of all for the cuckolded person whose trust in the adulterer is betrayed. They must not only suffer the agonies of betrayal, but must also face others who may point and laugh behind their backs or offer pitying sympathies.
The response of a person thus betrayed can be harsh, as they seek retributive justice, and their anger can lead to vengeance against the offending adulterers (one, other or both, depending on how the betrayed person attributes blame).
'Adultery' is the 25th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
26.Crimes of love
Description
Elements
·The Lover
·The Beloved
Summary
The Lover loves the Beloved, but this love is illicit in some way, breaking social codes.
Variants
A
·A mother in love with her son
·A daughter in love with her father
·Violation of a daughter by a father
B
·A woman enamored of her stepson
·A woman and her stepson enamored of each other
·A woman being the mistress, at the same time, of a father and son, both of whom accept the situation
C
·A man becomes the lover of his sister-in-law
·A man becomes enamored of his sister-in-law
·A brother and sister in love with each other
D
·A man enamored of another man, who yields
E
·A woman enamored of a bull
Dissertation
There are a number of sexual relationships which are social taboos in many societies, including paedophilia, incest, homosexuality and bestiality.
Whilst the motives for such acts may range from pure love to depravity, they are nevertheless likely to receive rough justice if discovered, and are hence often covered up. This may require the collaboration of kin who may be disgusted at the relationship, but yet play along out of loyalty and hope that the person involved will somehow come to their senses.
Crimes of love such as these tend to appear largely in adult stories, reflecting real social codes. Readers may be horrified and fascinated, perhaps at seeing the 'other side of life' and maybe in vicarious pleasure at seeing their own repressions being acted out. They may also have sympathy for others involved.
'Crimes of love' is the 26th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
27.Discovery of the dishonor of a loved one
Description
Elements
·The Dishonorer
·The Guilty One
Summary
The Guilty One brings shame on their kin by a dishonorable act. They are discovered by the Dishonorer.
Variants
A
·Discovery of a parent's shame
·Discovery of a child's dishonor
·Discovery of a sibling's shame or dishonor
B
·Discovery of dishonor in the family of one's fiancee
·Discovery that one's wife has been violated before marriage
·Discovery that one's wife has been violated since the marriage
·Discovery that one's spouse has previously committed a fault
·Discovery that one's spouse has formerly been a prostitute
·Discovery of dishonor on the part of a lover
·Discovery that one's mistress, formerly a prostitute, has returned to her former life
·Discovery that one's lover is of bad character
·Discovery that one's spouse is of bad character
·Discovery that one's lover is specifically weakened
C
·Discovery that one's son is an assassin
D
·Duty of punishing a traitorous relative
·Duty of punishing a son condemned under a law which the father has made
·Duty of punishing a son believed to be guilty
·Duty of sacrificing, to fulfil a vow of tyrranicide, a father until then unknown
·Duty of punishing a wrongdoing relative
·Duty of punishing one's mother to avenge one's father
Dissertation
Honor and duty are close bedfellows and people who uphold them are held in high esteem within many societies and bring reflected glory on all who know them, especially their families.
In the reverse, those who break social rules bring dishonor to their kin. This can create a significant dilemma for their relatives or friends: should the guilty party be exposed? Should they be protected? Should they be punished by the family? In stories of dishonor we often empathize with the family, although if the guilty party is attractive (for example a young tearaway) we may associate with them also and perhaps think about our more wicked side.
'Discovery of the dishonor of a loved one' is the 27th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
28.Obstacles to love
Description
Elements
·Two Lovers
·An Obstacle
Summary
Two Lovers want to be together, but they are prevented from doing so by some difficult Obstacle.
Variants
A
·Marriage prevented by inequality of rank
·Inequality of fortune an impediment to marriage
B
·Marriage prevented by enemies and contingent obstacles
C
·Marriage forbidden on account of the young woman's previous betrothal to another
·Marriage forbidden on account of the young woman's previous betrothal to another, complicated by an imaginary marriage of the beloved object
D
·Free union impeded by the opposition of relatives
·Family affection disturbed by the parents-in-law
E
·Free union impeded by the incompatibility of temper of the lovers
Dissertation
In some societies, marriage is not just two people moving in with one another -- it is a joining of entire families. Thus when a richer person marries a poorer person, then the poorer family may be delighted by the kudos gained, whilst the richer family look on in distain and whisper about 'gold-diggers'.
Union across boundaries often creates tension, whether it is inter-national, inter-racial, inter-religion, inter-class or other combination where people on either side of the divide who are associated with one of the lovers.
Readers of such stories may well sympathize with the lovers, although they may also nod wisely at the ignored pleading of the kin. Perhaps also they will wonder what it would be like to be marry outside of their normal social boundaries.
In practice, cross-boundary unions often fail as much due to the ingrained values of the lovers as external influences. The deep love does not last and the relationship will be gradually affected by underlying differences of opinion.
'Obstacles to love' is the 28th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
29.An enemy loved
Description
Elements
·The Beloved Enemy
·The Lover
·The Hater
Summary
The Lover loves the Beloved Enemy. The Hater hates the Lover for this betrayal.
Variants
A
·The loved one hated by kinsmen of the lover
·The lover pursued by the brothers of his beloved
·The lover hated by the family of his beloved
·The lover is a son of a man hated by the kinsmen of his beloved
·The lover is an enemy of the party of the woman who loves him
B
·The lover is the slayer of the father of his beloved
·The beloved is the slayer of the father of her lover
·The beloved is the slayer of the brother of her lover
·The beloved is the slayer of the husband of the woman who loves him, but who has previously sworn to avenge that husband
·The beloved is a slayer of a kinsman of the woman who loves him
·The beloved is the daughter of the slayer of her lover's father
Dissertation
We cannot always choose who we love and even those against whom we fight or those who have done us a terrible wrong can become unbelievably attractive for us.
One cause of this is that we often find powerful people attractive, perhaps because they remind us of our fathers or perhaps because we would like to be powerful too, and so seek to associate with them, even when they have done us a deep wrong. This also harks to childhood, where we may have sought to gain the love of a stern father or perhaps offered love as a succour against his terrible power.
This deep association with childhood emotions makes such situations touch unknown chords in us that lets such story elements move us in unexpected ways.
The Hater in this situation has a difficult dilemma. They are supposed to be on the same side as the Lover, yet the Lover is not acting as if they are on the same side. Is the Lover an enemy or a friend? It can be rather unclear as the Lover sympathizes with the Enemy and possibly the Enemy's cause.
'An enemy loved' is the 29th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
30.Ambition
Description
Elements
·An Ambitious Person
·A Thing Coveted
·An Adversary
Summary
The Ambitious person Covets a Thing, however that ambition is guarded against by an Adversary.
Variants
A
·Ambition watched and guarded against by a kinsman or patriot friend
·Ambition watched and guarded against by a brother
·Ambition watched and guarded against by a relative or person under no obligation
·Ambition watched and guarded against by partisans
B
·Rebellious ambition
C
·Ambition and covetousness heaping crime upon crime
·Parricidal ambition
Dissertation
Ambition can be a force for good, helping a person succeed in life. It can also be a blind tunnel through which the ambitious person sees only that which they covet. When ambition is unhealthy, others may stand in the way, guarding the ambitious person from harm as much as guarding the coveted thing from the ambitious person.
Thus in a story, the hero may be the ambitious person or perhaps the guard.
By definition, if the thing coveted was easy to get, then ambition would have no point. Ambition thus contains the tension of wanting but not getting. It provides a motivator for action.
Wanting something that you cannot get harks to early desire, thereby triggering deep and inexplicable feelings in the reader. The source of that desire may be variable. Simply the fact of not being able to achieve something can stimulate desire for it as our sense of control is threatened.
31.Conflict with a god
Description
Elements
·An Immortal
·A Mortal
Summary
The Mortal challenges the Immortal. There are consequences.
Variants
A
·Struggle against a deity
·Strife with believers in a god
B
·Controversy with a deity
·Punishment for contempt of a god
·Punishment for pride before a god
·Presumptuous rivalry with a god
·Impudent rivalry with a deity
Dissertation
Fighting against a god does not seem like a very good idea, yet this very principle of the inevitability of failure gives the notion a heroic edge, showing the mortal who comes into conflict as being heroically brave (or perhaps mortally stupid).
Nevertheless, if you take the god's view into account, the whole thing can take a different shape. Assuming a pantheon of gods, each may have very different reactions to challenge from a mortal. Some may be angry and smite the mortal sorely. Others may be merely amused or deeply impressed at the bravery shown.
The consequences for the Mortal may vary significantly, from death to gaining of a sought-after treasure.
Stories thus use conflict against overwhelming odds as a stage for demonstrating courage or foolhardiness (and sometimes both). As with David and Goliath, the superior power may be overcome. The hero may also be defeated but live to tell the tale, perhaps wiser from the experience.
'Conflict with a god' is the 31st of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
32.Mistaken jealousy
Description
Elements
·The Jealous
·The Object of whose possessions he is jealous
·The Supposed Accomplice
·The Cause or the Author of the mistake
Summary
The Jealous person, through some Cause or Author, appears to becomes jealous of some Object. There may also be a Supposed Accomplice.
Variants
A
·The mistake originates in the suspicious mind of the jealous one
·Mistaken jealousy aroused by a fatal chance
·Mistaken jealousy of a love which is purely platonic
·Baseless jealousy aroused by malicious rumors
B
·Jealousy suggested by a traitor who is moved by hatred
·Jealousy suggested by a traitor who is moved by self-interest
·Jealousy suggested by a traitor who is moved by jealousy and self-interest
C
·Reciprocal jealousy suggested to husband and wife by a rival
·Jealousy suggested to the husband by a dismissed suitor
·Jealousy suggested to the husband by a woman who is in love with him
·Jealousy suggested to the wife by a scorned rival
·Jealousy suggested to a happy lover by the deceived husband
Dissertation
Mistakes of judgement are one of the patterns that occur in stories that echo our daily lives. When we make assumptions and miss important facts, we can easily make decisions that turn out to be tragically wrong.
We can easily become jealous, which makes this a trigger that others can set off in us when they seek to manipulate us for other ends.
Seeing these mistakes played out in stories both horrifies us as we see injustice done and perhaps makes us feel guilt for the wrongs we have done. It also reminds us to take care before jumping to decisions.
Note that defensive jealousy and desiring envy are often confused, with the 'jealousy' being used to mean the 'envy'. This has fallen into common parlance but needs careful differentiation.
'Mistaken jealousy' is the 32nd of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
33.Erroneous judgment
Description
Elements
·The Mistaken One
·The Victim of the mistake
·The Cause or Author of the mistake
·The Guilty Person
Summary
The Mistaken One makes some judgment about or is suspicious about the Victim, instead of the Guilty Person. This is due to some Cause or is caused by the Author of the mistake.
Variants
A
·Suspicion where faith is necessary
·False suspicion
·False suspicions aroused by the misunderstood attitude of a loved one
·False suspicions aroused by indifference
B
·False suspicions drawn upon oneself to save a friend
·False suspicions fall upon the innocent
·False suspicions fall upon the innocent spouse of the guilty one
·False suspicions fall upon an innocent but guilty-intentioned
·False suspicions fall upon an innocent who believes themselves guilty
·A witness to a crime, in the interests of loved one, lets accusation fall upon the innocent
C
·The accusation is allowed to fall upon an enemy
·The error is provoked by the enemy
·The mistake is directed against the victim by her brother
D
·False suspicion thrown by the real culprit upon one of his enemies
·False suspicion thrown by the real culprit upon the second victim against which he has plotted from the beginning
·False suspicion thrown upon a rival
·False suspicion thrown upon an innocent because he has refused to be an accomplice
·False suspicion thrown by a deserted mistress upon a lover who left her because he would not deceive her husband
·Struggle to rehabilitate oneself and to avenge a judicial error purposely caused
Dissertation
We have a need to explain that which is happened and so will attribute cause or otherwise try to find the guilty person. In our hurry to do so, it is very easy to mistakenly suspect or accuse the wrong person.
In stories false suspicion or accusation is a common theme and many detective stories include the theme of suspecting the wrong person. For the viewer who associates with the falsely accused person, it can be a nail-biting time until the relief of being cleared of all guilt.
'Erroneous judgment' is the 33rd of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
34.Remorse
Description
Elements
·The Culprit
·The Victim or Sin
·The Interrogator
Summary
The Culprit has done wrong to a Victim or committed another Sin. The Interrogator gets an admission of guilt.
Variants
A
·Remorse for an unknown crime
·Remorse for a parricide
·Remorse for an assassination
·Remorse for the murder of husband or wife
B
·Remorse for a fault of love
·Remorse for an adultery
Dissertation
When we have done something that we believe to be wrong, then we feel a sense of guilt and remorse. The remorse can come when we realize after having committed the sin that it was wrong. We may also know that it is wrong when we do it, but are not struck by remorse until we reflect upon what we have done.
Remorse is caused when we compare our actions with our values, resulting in the confusion of cognitive dissonance and subsequent regret. In watching stories about regret we rail at the wrong-doing but sympathize with the remorse. We may thus cast ourselves as judge or priest as we grant absolution for the earlier crime.
'Remorse' is the 34th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
35.Description
Elements
·The Seeker
·The One Found
Summary
The Seeker looks for and finds the One Found
Variants
A
·recovery of a lost one
Dissertation
Although this is a relatively short description, recovery is a common theme. In life, people go missing most often through voluntary means, leaving of their own accord. 'Lost', here, often means that the seeker has lost the person who is missing, as the missing person may be quite happy. It also happens that the missing person is themselves lost, such as a child who is separated from its mother or adventurers lost in the wilderness.
Stories do cover voluntary loss, but make use of the more involuntary situation of capture and kidnap, where a person is taken against their will and usually against the law. Such situations make for classic conflict with the abductors, rescue and escape.
Loss and recovery is a deep theme in psychoanalysis, where the child separating from its mother can be a traumatic experience. Splitting is also relevant, where we separate out good and bad objects.
'Recovery of a lost one' is the 35th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
36.Loss of loved ones
Description
Elements
·A Kinsman Slain
·A Kinsman Spectator
·An Executioner
Summary
The Kinsman Spectator sees the Kinsman Slain being killed by the Executioner.
Variants
A
·Witnessing the slaying of kinsmen while powerless to prevent it
·Helping to bring misfortune upon one's people through professional secrecy
B
·Divining the death of a loved one
C
·Learning of the death of a kinsman or ally
D
·Relapse into primitive baseness, through despair on learning of the death of a loved one
Dissertation
'Loss of loved ones' is the 36th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
Although this has been taken as definitive by some and Polti initially said there was 'exactly 36 dramatic situations ... and therein we have all the savour of existence', he later admitted that there could be more or less than this (it all depends on your criteria for division). He also said that these aligned with 36 basic emotions, although he did not list these (and has been criticized for this).
Description
Elements
·The Slayer
·The Unrecognized Victim
Summary
The Slayer kills (or nearly kills or harms) the Unrecognized Victim, who is actually a relative or friend of the Slayer. Thus a seemingly justified act suddenly becomes unjustified.
Variants
A
·Being upon the point of slaying a daughter unknowingly by command of a divinity or an oracle
·Being upon the point of slaying a daughter unknowingly through political necessity
·Being upon the point of slaying a daughter unknowingly through a rivalry in love
·Being upon the point of slaying a daughter unknowingly through hatred of the lover of the unrecognized daughter
B
·Being upon the point of slaying a son unknowingly
·Being upon the point of slaying a son unknowingly, strengthened by Machiavellian instigations
C
·A sister, upon the point of slaying a brother, unknowingly, through professional duty
D
·Slaying of a mother unrecognized
E
·Slaying of a father unknowingly, through Machiavellian advice
·Slaying of a father unknowingly
·Insulting of a father unknowingly
·Being on the point of slaying of a father unknowingly
F
·A grandfather slain unknowingly, in vengeance and through instigation
·A grandfather slain involuntarily
·A father-in-law killed involuntarily
G
·Involuntary killing of a loved woman
·Being on the point of killing a lover, unrecognized
·Failure to rescue an unrecognized son
Dissertation
It is easy to justify the punishment of someone who appears to have done something wrong, but what is often missed is perhaps incorrect evidence or extenuating circumstances. This is one of the dilemmas of capital punishment - that the person killed may later be found to be innocent, when there is no route for redress or reversal of the punishment.
When a hero in a story goes to kill a person, the story may well have built up a good justification for that act and as readers we tacitly support the hero's action. When, however, we realize that the victim is a kinsman, then social rules take over and we cry out for the hero to stop! This inner conflict is the stuff of great stories and we get carried along by the excitement.
Further tension may be added to the story when the Victim knows about the relationship and may be desperately trying to communicate this to the Slayer.
A similar pattern occurs with accidental killing or harm of a loved one, whether by sword or car, and we may feel great sympathy for the anguish of the unintending killer.
'Slaying of a kinsman unrecognized' is the 19th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
20.Self-sacrificing for an ideal
Description
Elements
·The Hero
·The Ideal
·The Creditor or the Person or Thing Sacrificed
Summary
The Hero gives up something for the sake of an Ideal.
Variants
A
·Sacrifice of life for the sake of one's word
·Life sacrificed for the benefit of one's own people
·Life sacrificed in filial piety
·Life sacrificed for the sake of one's faith
B
·Life sacrificed for the sake of one's faith
·Both love and life sacrificed to a cause
·Love sacrificed to interests of state
C
·Sacrifice of well-being to duty
D
·The ideal of "honor" sacrificed to the ideal of "faith"
Dissertation
Putting oneself in harm's way for the sake of ideals is, for some, quite stupid, whilst for many it demonstrates admirably high personal integrity.
It may be questioned whether such self-sacrifice is done for internal reasons of faith or for the external acclaim that will be gained. Martyrdom in some societies is considered a great honor for the family (as well as promising heavenly delights to the martyr).
Most of us, however, would think twice before sacrificing ourselves, as the instinct for self-preservation takes priority over the cognitive choice of sacrifice. This makes stories of sacrifice either moving or terrifying, depending on the action involved. Either way, the emotional stimulation makes it an effective story element.
Sacrifice need not involve giving of one's life. All it really means is giving up something that you would rather not give up. Often it involves a dilemma, where one desired thing is given up in favor of something even more desired.
'Self-sacrificing for an ideal' is the 20th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
21.Self-sacrifice for kindred
Description
Elements
·The Hero
·The Kinsman
·The Creditor or Person or Thing Sacrificed
Summary
The Hero gives up something in order to help a relative or friend.
Variants
A
·Life sacrificed for that of a relative or loved one
·Life sacrificed for the happiness of a relative or loved one
B
·Ambition sacrificed for the happiness of a parent
·Ambition sacrificed for the life of a parent
C
·Love sacrificed for the sake of a parent's life、
·Love sacrificed for the happiness of one's child
·Love sacrificed for the happiness of a loved one
D
·Life and honor sacrificed for the life of a parent or loved one
·Modesty sacrificed for the life of a relative or a loved one
Dissertation
Self-sacrifice for a kinsman is similar to self-sacrificing for an ideal, in that the ideal here is that one should put one's kin above many others things. Many cultures have this rule, that family comes before many things, even the law, and that one should perjure oneself or worse if this is what is required to support one's kith and kin.
Seeing others in a story obeying our own social rules makes us identify more strongly with them. Stories of sacrifice for kin thus are often heart-warming and affirming.
'Self-sacrifice for kindred' is the 21st of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
22.All sacrificed for a passion
Description
Elements
·The Lover
·The Object of the fatal passion
·The Person or Thing sacrificed
Summary
The Lover is impassioned by the Object to the point where they give up the Person or Thing, perhaps unwisely, blinded as they are their passion.
Variants
A
·Religious vows of chastity broken for a passion
·A vow of purity broken
·A future ruined by a passion
·Power ruined by passion
·Ruin of mind, health and life
·Ruin of fortunes, lives and honors
B
·Temptations destroying the sense of duty, of pity, etc.
C
·Destruction of honor, fortune and life by erotic vice
·Destruction of honor, fortune and life by any other vice
Dissertation
It is said that love is blind, and this situation illustrates just how far people will go to pursue that which they truly desire.
As with other forms of sacrifice, the tension in this is derived partly from the social horror at the act and partly in the sympathy for the person, in this case the sympathy being directed in the same way as when a person has gone mad (or maybe those who suffer as a result). We may also see potential in ourselves for such an act, perhaps increasing the tension of a secret fear.
'All sacrificed for a passion' is the 22nd of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
23.Necessity of sacrificing loved ones
Description
Elements
·The Hero
·The Beloved Victim
·The Necessity for the sacrifice
Summary
The Hero is forced to sacrifice the Beloved Victim, based on the Necessity.
Variants
A
·Necessity for sacrificing a daughter in the public interest
·Duty of sacrificing a daughter in fulfilment of a vow to a god
·Duty of sacrificing benefactors or loved ones to one's faith
B
·Duty of sacrificing one's child, unknown to others, under the pressure of necessity
·Duty of sacrificing, unknown to others, one's father, under the pressure of necessity
·Duty of sacrificing, unknown to others, one's husband, under the pressure of necessity
C
·Duty of sacrificing a son-in-law for the public good
·Duty of sacrificing a son-in-law for the sake of reputation
·Duty of contending with a brother-in-law for the public good
D
·Duty of contending with a friend
Dissertation
The traditional hero is typically driven by a sense of duty, and often to some higher principle even than their kin relationships. Whilst being horrified at the act, we nevertheless may feel a certain admiration for the hero for sticking to ideals even beyond family ties. The hero does not do this lightly and we feel the anguish of having to make such a decision.
Of course we also feel deep sympathy for the person sacrificed and hope that they understand the higher cause rather than simply feeling betrayed.
'Necessity of sacrificing loved ones' is the 23rd of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
24.Rivalry of superior and inferior
Description
Elements
·The Superior Rival
·The Inferior Rival
·The Object of Rivalry
Summary
The Superior Rival is set against an Inferior Rival, both vying for the Object of Rivalry.
Variants
A
·Rivalry of a mortal and an immortal
·Rivalry of two divinities of unequal power
·Rivalry of a magician and an ordinary man
·Rivalry of conqueror and conquered
·Rivalry of victor and vanquished
·Rivalry of a master and a banished man
·Rivalry of suzerain king and vassal king
·Rivalry of a king and a noble
·Rivalry of a powerful person and an upstart
·Rivalry of rich and poor
·Rivalry of an honored man and a suspected one
·Rivalry of two who are almost equal
·Rivalry of equals, one of whom has in the past been guilty of adultery
·Rivalry of a man who is loved and one who has not the right to love
·Rivalry of the two successive husbands of a divorcee
B
·Rivalry of a sorceress and an ordinary woman
·Rivalry of a victor and a prisoner
·Rivalry of a queen and a subject
·Rivalry of a queen and a slave
·Rivalry of a lady and a servant
·Rivalry of a lady and a woman of humbler position
·Rivalry of two who are almost equals, complicated by the abandonment of one
·Rivalry between a memory and an ideal (that of a superior woman) and a vassal of her own
·Rivalry of mortal and immortal
C
·Double rivalry (A vs B vs C vs D)
D
·Rivalry of two immortals
·Rivalry of two mortals
·Rivalry of two lawful wives
Dissertation
Rivalry is a rich general theme and many different sub-situations of rivals in different contexts can be found, as indicated above. In our own lives, also, we often find rivals, ranging from those who would seek promotion against us at work to rivals for the affection of third another.
Rivalry can include elements of both envy and jealousy, which can both spill over from simple competitive respect to dislike and hatred of enemies.
When one person is superior in some way to another, then they may seem to have the upper hand and are bound to win. However the inferior rival can employ other means. If the inferior rival is bad, they may use evil subterfuge, for example discrediting or poisoning the superior rival. Where the inferior rival is good, then they may win support from others or perhaps see through the evil ways of the superior rival.
Where the object of rivalry is another person, this person is given significant power, which they can respect or abuse according to their will. They thus join in the story and may be a major character. A typical pattern is where they add their power to the inferior person, thus counterbalancing the power of the superior person. It is also easy for triangular games to ensue.
'Rivalry of superior and inferior' is the 24th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
25.Adultery
Description
Elements
·A Deceived Spouse
·Two Adulterers
Summary
The Deceived Spouse is cuckolded by Two Adulterers, one the partner of the Deceived Spouse.
Variants
A
·A mistress betrayed for a young woman
·A mistress betrayed for a young wife
·A mistress betrayed for a girl
B
·A wife betrayed for a slave, who does not love in return
·A wife betrayed for debauchery
·A wife betrayed for a married woman
·A wife betrayed with the intention of bigamy
·A wife betrayed for a young girl, who does not love in return
·A wife envied by a young girl who is in love with her husband
·A wife betrayed by a courtesan
·Rivalry between a wife who is antipathetic and a mistress who is congenial
·Rivalry between a generous wife and an impassioned girl
C
·An antagonistic husband sacrificed for a congenial lover
·A husband, believed to be lost, forgotten for a rival
·A commonplace husband, sacrificed for a sympathetic lover
·A good husband betrayed for an inferior rival
·A good husband betrayed for a grotesque rival
·A good husband betrayed for an odious rival
·A good husband betrayed for a commonplace rival, by a perverse wife
·A good husband betrayed for a rival less handsome, but useful
D
·Vengeance of a deceived husband
·Jealousy sacrificed for the sake of a cause
E
·A husband persecuted by a rejected rival
Dissertation
Adultery, whilst often considered a shameful social crime, is hardest of all for the cuckolded person whose trust in the adulterer is betrayed. They must not only suffer the agonies of betrayal, but must also face others who may point and laugh behind their backs or offer pitying sympathies.
The response of a person thus betrayed can be harsh, as they seek retributive justice, and their anger can lead to vengeance against the offending adulterers (one, other or both, depending on how the betrayed person attributes blame).
'Adultery' is the 25th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
26.Crimes of love
Description
Elements
·The Lover
·The Beloved
Summary
The Lover loves the Beloved, but this love is illicit in some way, breaking social codes.
Variants
A
·A mother in love with her son
·A daughter in love with her father
·Violation of a daughter by a father
B
·A woman enamored of her stepson
·A woman and her stepson enamored of each other
·A woman being the mistress, at the same time, of a father and son, both of whom accept the situation
C
·A man becomes the lover of his sister-in-law
·A man becomes enamored of his sister-in-law
·A brother and sister in love with each other
D
·A man enamored of another man, who yields
E
·A woman enamored of a bull
Dissertation
There are a number of sexual relationships which are social taboos in many societies, including paedophilia, incest, homosexuality and bestiality.
Whilst the motives for such acts may range from pure love to depravity, they are nevertheless likely to receive rough justice if discovered, and are hence often covered up. This may require the collaboration of kin who may be disgusted at the relationship, but yet play along out of loyalty and hope that the person involved will somehow come to their senses.
Crimes of love such as these tend to appear largely in adult stories, reflecting real social codes. Readers may be horrified and fascinated, perhaps at seeing the 'other side of life' and maybe in vicarious pleasure at seeing their own repressions being acted out. They may also have sympathy for others involved.
'Crimes of love' is the 26th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
27.Discovery of the dishonor of a loved one
Description
Elements
·The Dishonorer
·The Guilty One
Summary
The Guilty One brings shame on their kin by a dishonorable act. They are discovered by the Dishonorer.
Variants
A
·Discovery of a parent's shame
·Discovery of a child's dishonor
·Discovery of a sibling's shame or dishonor
B
·Discovery of dishonor in the family of one's fiancee
·Discovery that one's wife has been violated before marriage
·Discovery that one's wife has been violated since the marriage
·Discovery that one's spouse has previously committed a fault
·Discovery that one's spouse has formerly been a prostitute
·Discovery of dishonor on the part of a lover
·Discovery that one's mistress, formerly a prostitute, has returned to her former life
·Discovery that one's lover is of bad character
·Discovery that one's spouse is of bad character
·Discovery that one's lover is specifically weakened
C
·Discovery that one's son is an assassin
D
·Duty of punishing a traitorous relative
·Duty of punishing a son condemned under a law which the father has made
·Duty of punishing a son believed to be guilty
·Duty of sacrificing, to fulfil a vow of tyrranicide, a father until then unknown
·Duty of punishing a wrongdoing relative
·Duty of punishing one's mother to avenge one's father
Dissertation
Honor and duty are close bedfellows and people who uphold them are held in high esteem within many societies and bring reflected glory on all who know them, especially their families.
In the reverse, those who break social rules bring dishonor to their kin. This can create a significant dilemma for their relatives or friends: should the guilty party be exposed? Should they be protected? Should they be punished by the family? In stories of dishonor we often empathize with the family, although if the guilty party is attractive (for example a young tearaway) we may associate with them also and perhaps think about our more wicked side.
'Discovery of the dishonor of a loved one' is the 27th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
28.Obstacles to love
Description
Elements
·Two Lovers
·An Obstacle
Summary
Two Lovers want to be together, but they are prevented from doing so by some difficult Obstacle.
Variants
A
·Marriage prevented by inequality of rank
·Inequality of fortune an impediment to marriage
B
·Marriage prevented by enemies and contingent obstacles
C
·Marriage forbidden on account of the young woman's previous betrothal to another
·Marriage forbidden on account of the young woman's previous betrothal to another, complicated by an imaginary marriage of the beloved object
D
·Free union impeded by the opposition of relatives
·Family affection disturbed by the parents-in-law
E
·Free union impeded by the incompatibility of temper of the lovers
Dissertation
In some societies, marriage is not just two people moving in with one another -- it is a joining of entire families. Thus when a richer person marries a poorer person, then the poorer family may be delighted by the kudos gained, whilst the richer family look on in distain and whisper about 'gold-diggers'.
Union across boundaries often creates tension, whether it is inter-national, inter-racial, inter-religion, inter-class or other combination where people on either side of the divide who are associated with one of the lovers.
Readers of such stories may well sympathize with the lovers, although they may also nod wisely at the ignored pleading of the kin. Perhaps also they will wonder what it would be like to be marry outside of their normal social boundaries.
In practice, cross-boundary unions often fail as much due to the ingrained values of the lovers as external influences. The deep love does not last and the relationship will be gradually affected by underlying differences of opinion.
'Obstacles to love' is the 28th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
29.An enemy loved
Description
Elements
·The Beloved Enemy
·The Lover
·The Hater
Summary
The Lover loves the Beloved Enemy. The Hater hates the Lover for this betrayal.
Variants
A
·The loved one hated by kinsmen of the lover
·The lover pursued by the brothers of his beloved
·The lover hated by the family of his beloved
·The lover is a son of a man hated by the kinsmen of his beloved
·The lover is an enemy of the party of the woman who loves him
B
·The lover is the slayer of the father of his beloved
·The beloved is the slayer of the father of her lover
·The beloved is the slayer of the brother of her lover
·The beloved is the slayer of the husband of the woman who loves him, but who has previously sworn to avenge that husband
·The beloved is a slayer of a kinsman of the woman who loves him
·The beloved is the daughter of the slayer of her lover's father
Dissertation
We cannot always choose who we love and even those against whom we fight or those who have done us a terrible wrong can become unbelievably attractive for us.
One cause of this is that we often find powerful people attractive, perhaps because they remind us of our fathers or perhaps because we would like to be powerful too, and so seek to associate with them, even when they have done us a deep wrong. This also harks to childhood, where we may have sought to gain the love of a stern father or perhaps offered love as a succour against his terrible power.
This deep association with childhood emotions makes such situations touch unknown chords in us that lets such story elements move us in unexpected ways.
The Hater in this situation has a difficult dilemma. They are supposed to be on the same side as the Lover, yet the Lover is not acting as if they are on the same side. Is the Lover an enemy or a friend? It can be rather unclear as the Lover sympathizes with the Enemy and possibly the Enemy's cause.
'An enemy loved' is the 29th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
30.Ambition
Description
Elements
·An Ambitious Person
·A Thing Coveted
·An Adversary
Summary
The Ambitious person Covets a Thing, however that ambition is guarded against by an Adversary.
Variants
A
·Ambition watched and guarded against by a kinsman or patriot friend
·Ambition watched and guarded against by a brother
·Ambition watched and guarded against by a relative or person under no obligation
·Ambition watched and guarded against by partisans
B
·Rebellious ambition
C
·Ambition and covetousness heaping crime upon crime
·Parricidal ambition
Dissertation
Ambition can be a force for good, helping a person succeed in life. It can also be a blind tunnel through which the ambitious person sees only that which they covet. When ambition is unhealthy, others may stand in the way, guarding the ambitious person from harm as much as guarding the coveted thing from the ambitious person.
Thus in a story, the hero may be the ambitious person or perhaps the guard.
By definition, if the thing coveted was easy to get, then ambition would have no point. Ambition thus contains the tension of wanting but not getting. It provides a motivator for action.
Wanting something that you cannot get harks to early desire, thereby triggering deep and inexplicable feelings in the reader. The source of that desire may be variable. Simply the fact of not being able to achieve something can stimulate desire for it as our sense of control is threatened.
31.Conflict with a god
Description
Elements
·An Immortal
·A Mortal
Summary
The Mortal challenges the Immortal. There are consequences.
Variants
A
·Struggle against a deity
·Strife with believers in a god
B
·Controversy with a deity
·Punishment for contempt of a god
·Punishment for pride before a god
·Presumptuous rivalry with a god
·Impudent rivalry with a deity
Dissertation
Fighting against a god does not seem like a very good idea, yet this very principle of the inevitability of failure gives the notion a heroic edge, showing the mortal who comes into conflict as being heroically brave (or perhaps mortally stupid).
Nevertheless, if you take the god's view into account, the whole thing can take a different shape. Assuming a pantheon of gods, each may have very different reactions to challenge from a mortal. Some may be angry and smite the mortal sorely. Others may be merely amused or deeply impressed at the bravery shown.
The consequences for the Mortal may vary significantly, from death to gaining of a sought-after treasure.
Stories thus use conflict against overwhelming odds as a stage for demonstrating courage or foolhardiness (and sometimes both). As with David and Goliath, the superior power may be overcome. The hero may also be defeated but live to tell the tale, perhaps wiser from the experience.
'Conflict with a god' is the 31st of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
32.Mistaken jealousy
Description
Elements
·The Jealous
·The Object of whose possessions he is jealous
·The Supposed Accomplice
·The Cause or the Author of the mistake
Summary
The Jealous person, through some Cause or Author, appears to becomes jealous of some Object. There may also be a Supposed Accomplice.
Variants
A
·The mistake originates in the suspicious mind of the jealous one
·Mistaken jealousy aroused by a fatal chance
·Mistaken jealousy of a love which is purely platonic
·Baseless jealousy aroused by malicious rumors
B
·Jealousy suggested by a traitor who is moved by hatred
·Jealousy suggested by a traitor who is moved by self-interest
·Jealousy suggested by a traitor who is moved by jealousy and self-interest
C
·Reciprocal jealousy suggested to husband and wife by a rival
·Jealousy suggested to the husband by a dismissed suitor
·Jealousy suggested to the husband by a woman who is in love with him
·Jealousy suggested to the wife by a scorned rival
·Jealousy suggested to a happy lover by the deceived husband
Dissertation
Mistakes of judgement are one of the patterns that occur in stories that echo our daily lives. When we make assumptions and miss important facts, we can easily make decisions that turn out to be tragically wrong.
We can easily become jealous, which makes this a trigger that others can set off in us when they seek to manipulate us for other ends.
Seeing these mistakes played out in stories both horrifies us as we see injustice done and perhaps makes us feel guilt for the wrongs we have done. It also reminds us to take care before jumping to decisions.
Note that defensive jealousy and desiring envy are often confused, with the 'jealousy' being used to mean the 'envy'. This has fallen into common parlance but needs careful differentiation.
'Mistaken jealousy' is the 32nd of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
33.Erroneous judgment
Description
Elements
·The Mistaken One
·The Victim of the mistake
·The Cause or Author of the mistake
·The Guilty Person
Summary
The Mistaken One makes some judgment about or is suspicious about the Victim, instead of the Guilty Person. This is due to some Cause or is caused by the Author of the mistake.
Variants
A
·Suspicion where faith is necessary
·False suspicion
·False suspicions aroused by the misunderstood attitude of a loved one
·False suspicions aroused by indifference
B
·False suspicions drawn upon oneself to save a friend
·False suspicions fall upon the innocent
·False suspicions fall upon the innocent spouse of the guilty one
·False suspicions fall upon an innocent but guilty-intentioned
·False suspicions fall upon an innocent who believes themselves guilty
·A witness to a crime, in the interests of loved one, lets accusation fall upon the innocent
C
·The accusation is allowed to fall upon an enemy
·The error is provoked by the enemy
·The mistake is directed against the victim by her brother
D
·False suspicion thrown by the real culprit upon one of his enemies
·False suspicion thrown by the real culprit upon the second victim against which he has plotted from the beginning
·False suspicion thrown upon a rival
·False suspicion thrown upon an innocent because he has refused to be an accomplice
·False suspicion thrown by a deserted mistress upon a lover who left her because he would not deceive her husband
·Struggle to rehabilitate oneself and to avenge a judicial error purposely caused
Dissertation
We have a need to explain that which is happened and so will attribute cause or otherwise try to find the guilty person. In our hurry to do so, it is very easy to mistakenly suspect or accuse the wrong person.
In stories false suspicion or accusation is a common theme and many detective stories include the theme of suspecting the wrong person. For the viewer who associates with the falsely accused person, it can be a nail-biting time until the relief of being cleared of all guilt.
'Erroneous judgment' is the 33rd of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
34.Remorse
Description
Elements
·The Culprit
·The Victim or Sin
·The Interrogator
Summary
The Culprit has done wrong to a Victim or committed another Sin. The Interrogator gets an admission of guilt.
Variants
A
·Remorse for an unknown crime
·Remorse for a parricide
·Remorse for an assassination
·Remorse for the murder of husband or wife
B
·Remorse for a fault of love
·Remorse for an adultery
Dissertation
When we have done something that we believe to be wrong, then we feel a sense of guilt and remorse. The remorse can come when we realize after having committed the sin that it was wrong. We may also know that it is wrong when we do it, but are not struck by remorse until we reflect upon what we have done.
Remorse is caused when we compare our actions with our values, resulting in the confusion of cognitive dissonance and subsequent regret. In watching stories about regret we rail at the wrong-doing but sympathize with the remorse. We may thus cast ourselves as judge or priest as we grant absolution for the earlier crime.
'Remorse' is the 34th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
35.Description
Elements
·The Seeker
·The One Found
Summary
The Seeker looks for and finds the One Found
Variants
A
·recovery of a lost one
Dissertation
Although this is a relatively short description, recovery is a common theme. In life, people go missing most often through voluntary means, leaving of their own accord. 'Lost', here, often means that the seeker has lost the person who is missing, as the missing person may be quite happy. It also happens that the missing person is themselves lost, such as a child who is separated from its mother or adventurers lost in the wilderness.
Stories do cover voluntary loss, but make use of the more involuntary situation of capture and kidnap, where a person is taken against their will and usually against the law. Such situations make for classic conflict with the abductors, rescue and escape.
Loss and recovery is a deep theme in psychoanalysis, where the child separating from its mother can be a traumatic experience. Splitting is also relevant, where we separate out good and bad objects.
'Recovery of a lost one' is the 35th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
36.Loss of loved ones
Description
Elements
·A Kinsman Slain
·A Kinsman Spectator
·An Executioner
Summary
The Kinsman Spectator sees the Kinsman Slain being killed by the Executioner.
Variants
A
·Witnessing the slaying of kinsmen while powerless to prevent it
·Helping to bring misfortune upon one's people through professional secrecy
B
·Divining the death of a loved one
C
·Learning of the death of a kinsman or ally
D
·Relapse into primitive baseness, through despair on learning of the death of a loved one
Dissertation
'Loss of loved ones' is the 36th of Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations.
Although this has been taken as definitive by some and Polti initially said there was 'exactly 36 dramatic situations ... and therein we have all the savour of existence', he later admitted that there could be more or less than this (it all depends on your criteria for division). He also said that these aligned with 36 basic emotions, although he did not list these (and has been criticized for this).
