How big should a story be? We explore the scope of storytelling and how it changes between character-focused dramas, plot-driven adventures, and everything in between. When character drama is the primary driver, can a plot become too big or too small for the characters at its center? From the intimate conflicts of Downton Abbey to the world-changing stakes of The Lord of the Rings, we discuss how to find the right scale for the story you want to tell.Bards and Balladeers Podcast - bardsandballadeerspodcast.com

Discord - https://discord.gg/QVQWczk4Fh

C.E. Linares (Cait) - linktr.ee/celinares
Ozgur K Sahin (Oz) - www.ozgurksahin.com
M.R. Moraine (Rio) - linktr.ee/mistermoraine

Maintenance can feel like it gets in the way of a story, whether it’s recovering from injuries, repairing vehicles, gathering food, maintaining a ship, or simply taking care of yourself. But these everyday necessities can also make worlds feel real, create consequences, and introduce new obstacles and opportunities. We explore how storytellers can turn maintenance from a distraction into an advantage, who does it well, and what happens when stories neglect it entirely.

Bards and Balladeers Podcast - bardsandballadeerspodcast.com

Discord - https://discord.gg/QVQWczk4Fh

C.E. Linares (Cait) - linktr.ee/celinares
Ozgur K Sahin (Oz) - www.ozgurksahin.com
M.R. Moraine (Rio) - linktr.ee/mistermoraine

Character agency can shape how we experience an entire story. Some characters are driven by their own choices and motivations, while others seem to have the story constantly happening to them. We explore the strengths and difficulties of both approaches, examples of when they work or fall flat, and characters who balance taking control with being swept up by forces beyond their control.

Bards and Balladeers Podcast - bardsandballadeerspodcast.com

Discord - https://discord.gg/QVQWczk4Fh

C.E. Linares (Cait) - linktr.ee/celinares
Ozgur K Sahin (Oz) - www.ozgurksahin.com
M.R. Moraine (Rio) - linktr.ee/mistermoraine