Characteristics of a Successful Story

Characteristics of a Successful Story

What are the characteristics of a successful story? This question may invite a broad range of answers. As far as I am concerned, there are three main reasons why I enjoy a story. Firstly, a successful story brings me to a different life experience, and intrigues thoughts that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Secondly, it inspires me or moves me, and I can connect with the characters in the story. Finally, it is well written with beautiful words springing to life in the imagination. Let me expand more on these three points. Firstly, a successful story permits us to get out of our own skins and into others’. By immerging in a different, we can broaden our life scope, and increase our understanding towards people that we may never get acquainted with in our own lives. Furthermore, the experience can expand our sympathies and intrigue our thoughts towards various circumstances, which may even lead to some changes in our actions. For example, in “The Yellow Wallpaper”, I saw the woman who is suffering from postpartum depression deteriorating from relatively mild to completely insane. It intrigues me to think what the results would be if the woman were treated with more care and more company. The story reminds me that loneliness is so harmful to a person’s mental health. In our society, there are kids who feel unsecure and there are seniors who feel deserted. With busy schedules at hand, are we willing to spare some time to bring comfort to those who may be suffering from loneliness? Secondly, a successful story is inspiring. No matter what kind the story is, happy or sad, it’s always amazing to experience the touching moments which deliver positive messages. “Sonny’s Blues” brings some disturbing experiences to me: poverty, addiction, racial bigotry and desperation. In addition, Sonny and his dreams are totally denied by his brother. However, in the final scene of the story, when his brother learns to see Sony and his music in a...