Dan Harmon’s Story Circle

Dan knows what’s up when it comes to writing. Dan Harmon’s story circle has worked wonders for many things that you know and love. Breaking Bad, Rick and Morty, its versatility is endless. I’ve said it before sometimes I find story structures constricting, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t study them and have an understanding of what makes them tick.

Dan Harmon’s story circle, I’ll say this a thousand times there’s nothing new under the sun; his structure’s just an update of the Hero’s journey with fewer elixirs and abyss. His circle is very applicable to shows and comics, but it can work for short stories and novels. There are 8 parts on this journey.

1) A character is in a zone of comfort

Where familiarity is established and people that the main character interacts with are introduced. It’s the status quo. And no, it’s not their morning routine and that they like bagels with poppy seeds and lukewarm coffee at half past ten, no, it’s setting up the environment as it relates to their internal conflict. Deep down, they want something because of who they are and the life they have led. So, set up those things, then that leads to their desire.

2) They desire something

They desire something but their current fears stop them from getting it. They don’t want to go against the grain, they want to stay in…