Aristotle for Novelists

Good morning,

In my recent interview with Douglas Vigliotti, author of Aristotle for Novelists, he shared a perspective that's reshaping how I think about storytelling:

The Core Principle: Believability Trumps Everything 

"If you don't believe it, no matter what you do, it's not going to be a successful story." - Douglas Vigliotti

Aristotle himself reinforced this in Poetics: "A likely impossibility is always preferable to an unconvincing possibility."

Let's break down why this matters:

1. Character Truth

• Actions must align with established traits

• Internal logic must remain consistent

• Character growth needs clear causation

2. Plot Development

• Events should happen because of, not just after, previous events

• Avoid solutions appearing from outside the story

• Build consequences from established elements

3. Reader Connection

• Audiences disconnect from unbelievable character shifts

• Even fantastical elements need emotional truth

• Believability keeps readers turning pages

The game-changing insight: Success in storytelling isn't about being outlandish or unexpected - it's about maintaining belief throughout your narrative.

Two questions Vigliotti suggests asking while writing:

• Do I believe this?

• Do I want more of it?

Quick application: Before writing your next scene, check if your character's actions truly align with their established nature.

Would they really do this, or are you forcing the plot?

- Brock Swinson

P.S. Here’s my full audio interview Douglas Vigliotti.

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