How to Analyze a Story 101
I've been shipping Reylo for two years now (and always will be), but I still like to read about other theories just to put things in perspective.
After countless of fan theories, metas and theories later, I am still on this ship. 100%. Why?
Because it is (one of the) only theories around which contributes to a better understanding of the story, and provides a comprehensive analysis to support it. An analysis of a complex saga like Star Wars should require basic knowledge of literary elements*. Because, well, that’s how they are put together in the first place, anyways.
I’m open to other theories and opinions, as long as they seem credible. So, next time you want to convince me that:
“ Rey is related to Ben, Rey is a Skywalker, Snoke is not dead, Snoke trolled Kylo, Snoke was force-projecting himself, why the dark side will win, why the light side will win, why X will die or why X will live”, feel free to use the following guide and questions ((specially “characterization”)) before jumping into a conclusion:
Setting is a description of where and when the story takes place.
How is the setting created? Consider geography, weather, time of day, social conditions, etc.
What role does setting play in the story? Is it an important part of the plot or theme? Or is it just a backdrop against which the action takes place?
Study the time period which is also part of the setting.
When was the story written?
Does it take place in the present, the past, or the future?
How does the time period affect the language, atmosphere or social circumstances of the short story?
Characterization deals with how the characters in the story are described.
Who is the main character?
Are the main character(s) and other characters described through dialogue – by the way they speak (dialect or slang for instance)?
Has the characters been described by physical appearance, thoughts and feelings, and interaction (the way they act towards others)?
Are they static/flat characters who do not change?
Are they dynamic/round characters who DO change?
What type of characters are they?
What qualities stand out?
Are the characters believable?
The plot is the main sequence of events that make up the story. The plot is usually centered around one’s experience or significant moment.
What is the most important event?
How is the plot structured? Is it linear, chronological or does it move around?
Conflict or tension is usually the heart of the short story and is related to the main character(s). In a story there is usually one main struggle.
How would you describe the main conflict?
Is it an internal conflict within the character(s)?
Is it an external conflict caused by the surroundings or environment the main character(s) finds himself/herself/themselves in?
The climax is the point of greatest tension or intensity in the story. It can also be the turning point where events take a major turn as the story races towards its conclusion.
Is there a turning point in the story?
When does the climax take place?
The theme is the main idea, lesson or message in the short story. It is usually an abstract idea about the human condition, society or life.
How is the theme expressed?
Are any elements repeated that may suggest a theme?
Is there more than one theme?
The style has to do with the vocabulary, use of imagery, tone or feeling of the story. It has to do with the producers attitude towards the subject. In some stories the tone can be ironic, humorous, cold or dramatic.
Is it full of figurative language?
What images does JJ/Rian use?
Do they use a lot of symbolism? Metaphors etc.
Please do not forget that there is more to the story then just the movies - there are a bunch of other canon stuff out there.
* I’m not saying you have to be a literary expert, but it is important in order to discover essential and subtle features or meaning in storytelling.