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Dan Harmon Story Circle: A Simplified 8-Step Guide to Storytelling
Michael Adams
Storytelling is an art as old as time, and like any art, it’s built on a basis of structure. Whether you’re weaving a tale for a novel, writing the next great screenplay, or even plotting out a blog post, having a clear framework can guide you in a better way.
One of the most effective storytelling structures you can use today is the Dan Harmon Story Circle. If you haven’t heard of it yet, then you’re missing out on something that can help you a lot.
The Dan Harmon Story Circle has been useful for countless writers, helping them shape stories that not only engage but also relate deeply with their audience. So, what is it, and how can you apply it to your writing? Let’s explore it in detail!
Why Story Structuring Is Important?
It’s like trying to build a house without a blueprint—chaotic, right? Similarly, writing a story without a solid structure can lead to a disjointed, aimless story that fails to capture the audience’s attention.
A well-structured story is like a well-built house: it has a strong foundation, it stands tall, and it provides a comfortable space for the reader to immerse themselves in. If you find it hard to establish a good foundation, do not worry because Dan Harmon Story Circle can help you out. It’s a framework that provides a clear path for your story while keeping your story’s natural flow from the first page till the last.
It can help writers across all mediums, such as novelists, screenwriters, and even bloggers. Its simplicity and effectiveness have made it a go-to structure for professionals in the field. Once you start using this structure, you’ll find that your storytelling becomes more cohesive, engaging, and impactful.
Who Introduced this Story Circle?
It was introduced by Dan Harmon, a creative mind that emerged in the mid-1990s and gave us popular TV shows like “Community” and co-creator of “Rick and Morty.” Harmon developed this story model as a simplified version of Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey,” aiming to create a storytelling structure that could be applied universally across different types of stories.
Basically, his aim was to plot and write all of his screenplays without getting bogged down or facing a creative block. What he understood from Hero’s Journey was that a hero goes on an adventure, faces challenges, and returns transformed. He believed that all stories could follow this pattern. Harmon wanted to make this idea more practical and easier for screenwriters, so he developed his own version. This is how Dan Harmon’s Story Circle was made. Now, this version helps countless writers structure their stories in a clear and effective way.
How was Dan Harmon’s Story Circle Introduced to the world?
Here’s what they do to introduce this model to authors around the globe:
Purpose of the Story Circle
Every storytelling guide is written with the purpose of teaching people how to start and what to write in between, and it takes it to the end, where readers love to refer it to others. Harmon was inspired by Campbell’s Hero with a Thousand Faces and the monomyth structure known as the Hero’s Journey.
He found that while the Hero’s Journey was effective, it was also complex and could be challenging to apply consistently in writing, especially in episodic television. To address this, he wrote The Hero’s Journey in a more accessible and practical format—the Story Circle.
Here’s a quick overview of this story circle:
- You – A character is introduced to their ordinary world
- Need – But they want something that drives them to action
- Go – They enter a strange or problematic situation
- Search – They encounter challenges and obstacles
- Find – They find what they are looking for, but it’s not what they expected
- Take – After facing challenges, they pay a heavy price for it
- Return – They return to their ordinary world
- Change – Things that they have learned from their journey
Application and Popularization
Harmon began applying the story circle structure to the episodes of “Community” and later “Rick and Morty.” He discussed this structure openly in interviews, blogs, and on his website, “Channel 101,” where he shared insights on storytelling and writing. His approach was praised for its clarity and effectiveness, especially in crafting narratives that resonate emotionally with audiences.
Influence in Writing
As “Community” and “Rick and Morty” gained popularity, so did this Story Circle. Writers and storytellers from various mediums began adopting it as a go-to method for structuring stories, both in television and beyond. Harmon’s easy breakdown of storytelling progression made it a favorite guide among writers who needed a reliable framework for creating engaging and cohesive stories.
Why Choose Harmon Story Circle Over Other Storytelling Structures?
Because it’s simple and effective, it is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible to writers of all skill levels. Despite its simplicity, it is incredibly powerful, with a natural flow and a strong narrative arc.
This model emphasizes character transformation more, which sets it apart from other structures. While many storytelling frameworks focus heavily on the plot, they place the protagonist’s internal journey at the forefront, ensuring that the story is driven by meaningful character development.
This change not only makes the narrative more emotionally resonant but also allows for more complex, multi-dimensional characters. The protagonist’s evolution is central to the story, making it relatable and impactful, which is particularly beneficial for writers looking to create deep, character-driven narratives.
Professional book writing services frequently use this story circle as a map for their work. By adhering to this structure, they can craft stories that are not only engaging but also deeply satisfying for the reader.
The Eight-Step Structure
Here’s a detailed clarification of each step:
Step # 1 – You (Establishing the Character)
The first step is all about establishing your protagonist. This is where you introduce your main character and give the audience a sneak peek into their everyday life. Here, you have to create a strong foundation for your story by making the protagonist relatable.
This is just like you are introducing a friend to someone new. You want to make a good first impression, right? The same goes for your character. The more relatable and likable they are, the more invested your audience will be in their journey. This is the time to highlight the character’s strengths, weaknesses, and motivations; it will be the backstage work for the adventure to come.
When writers begin working on a new project, they often spend a significant amount of time on this step. Why? A well-established protagonist is the key to a successful story.Ebook writing services understand this and work closely with authors to create characters that readers will root for from the very beginning.
After introducing the protagonist, you’re also setting up the world they inhabit. The “You” step of this story circle is all about grounding the story in a reality that feels authentic, even if it’s a fantasy world. By doing so, you make it easier for readers to suspend their disbelief and immerse themselves in the story.
Step # 2 – Need (The Character’s Desire)
Now that you’ve introduced your character and established their ordinary world, it’s time to introduce their desire or need. This is the driving force behind your story—the reason your character will start on their journey. In this step of Harmon’s story circle, you’re setting the plot in motion by giving your character a goal to strive for.
But this need isn’t just about what the character wants on a surface level. It’s also about what they need on a deeper, more emotional level. Maybe your protagonist wants to find a lost treasure, but what they really need is to prove their worth. Or perhaps they’re seeking revenge, but what they truly need is closure.
This step is necessary because it provides the motivation for the character’s actions throughout the story. Without a clear need or desire, your story will lack direction and purpose. The characters’ needs are what propel them forward, driving the narrative and keeping the audience engaged.
Writers often emphasize the importance of this step, knowing that a strong desire is what keeps readers turning the pages. Whether it’s a quest for love, power, redemption, or something else entirely, the character’s need is what makes the story compelling.
In the context of the creation of the Story Circle, the “Need” step is where the story begins to take shape. It’s the catalyst that sets the protagonist on their journey, pushing them out of their comfort zone and into the unknown. This step is all about creating tension and anticipation, making the audience eager to see how the character’s journey will unfold.
Step # 3 – Go (The Journey Begins)
Once the protagonist’s need or desire has been established, it’s time for them to take action. In this step of the story circle, Dan Harmon, the protagonist, leaves their ordinary world and starts on their journey. This is the point in the story where the action really begins, and the character starts to pursue their goal in earnest.
The “Go” step is all about movement and momentum. The main character is no longer just thinking about what they want—they’re actively taking steps to achieve it. This journey can be physical, as in a quest or adventure, or it can be more internal, as the character confronts their fears, doubts, or insecurities.
But remember, the journey doesn’t have to be a literal one. It could be an emotional or psychological journey as well. The important thing is that your character is moving forward, taking steps to fulfill their need or desire. In this part of the Dan Harmon Story Circle, energy and pace are more important, drawing the attention of the reader further.
Bookquill and other book-writing companies know how crucial this step is. They understand that the journey is what keeps readers engaged and invested in the story. Whether it’s a literal journey across a dangerous landscape or an internal struggle with fear and doubt, this is where your story starts to take shape. The “Go” step in the Story Circle Dan Harmon developed is all about action, pushing the protagonist out of their comfort zone and into the unknown.
At this stage, Authors often focus on building tension and anticipation. The protagonist is venturing into new territory, facing challenges they’ve never encountered before. This is where the stakes start to rise, making the reader eager to see how the journey will unfold.
Step # 4 – Search (The Trials and Tribulations)
No good story is complete without conflict, and that’s exactly what this step in the Dan Harmon Story Circle is all about. In this part of the Story Circle, your protagonist encounters challenges, obstacles, and adversaries that stand in the way of their goal. These trials test the character’s resolve, pushing them to their limits and forcing them to grow.
The “Search” step of Dan Harmon’s Story Circle is where the character’s mettle is truly tested. They face the challenges that will shape their journey and ultimately lead to their transformation. The trials can be physical, emotional, or psychological, but they must be significant enough to challenge the protagonist and make them question their ability to succeed.
This is the phase of the character’s growth and development. As they face these obstacles, they learn more about themselves, their strengths, and their weaknesses. They may even start to question their original goal or desire and start to doubt or figure out things about the conflict.
Professional book writers often spend a lot of time on this step, crafting challenges that are not only engaging but also meaningful. The trials the protagonist faces should be closely tied to their need or desire, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and insecurities.
In the Story Circle Dan Harmon created, the “Search” step is where the story’s drama and tension come to the forefront. The protagonist is tested in ways they never expected, and the outcome of these trials will determine the course of the rest of the story. This is where the reader is fully invested, eager to see how the protagonist will overcome the obstacles in their path.
Step # 5 – Find (The Revelation)
After facing numerous challenges and trials, the protagonist finally reaches a point of revelation or discovery. But this discovery often comes with a twist: what they find isn’t exactly what they expected, or it comes with unforeseen consequences.
The story takes a significant turn here. The character may have achieved their goal, but they realize that it’s not the end of their journey. This revelation forces them to confront a deeper truth or make a difficult decision. It’s a moment of clarity that changes the course of the story and sets the stage for the final act.
Their actual growth and transformation begin to form. They’ve found what they were looking for, but it’s not what they expected. This realization forces them to reevaluate their goals, desires, and motivations, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and their journey.
Services for book writing can help you in this section. They often focus on making this revelation as impactful as possible. It’s a turning point in the story, where the character’s journey takes on new meaning.
In this part of the book, the story reaches its climax. The protagonist finds what they are looking for, but the journey is far from over. This revelation sets the stage for the final challenge, leading to the story’s resolution and the protagonist’s ultimate transformation.
Step # 6 – Take (The Ultimate Challenge)
The protagonist faces their greatest challenge. This is the moment of truth, where everything they’ve learned and experienced throughout their journey is put to the test. It’s the final obstacle that stands between the character and their ultimate goal.
They must confront their deepest fears, doubts, or insecurities. They may have to make a difficult choice, sacrifice something important, or face an adversary that seems insurmountable. The risks are at their highest, and the outcome of this challenge will determine how the story will end.
Now, the character’s transformation is fully shown. They’ve come a long way from where they started, and this challenge forces them to put everything they’ve learned into action. It’s a moment of high tension and drama, where the reader is on the edge of their seat, eager to see how they will overcome the odds.
It often takes a significant amount of time to write this part of the story, ensuring that the final challenge is both compelling and satisfying.
In the story circle, Dan Harmon created the “Take” step, which is the story’s climax. The protagonist faces their greatest challenge, and the outcome will determine their fate. This is where the story’s tension reaches its peak, leading to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion.
Step # 7- Return (The Journey Home)
After facing their ultimate challenge, the protagonist returns to their ordinary world. But they’re not the same person they were at the beginning of the story. They come back changed, carrying with them the lessons they have learned and the growth they have experienced.
The protagonist may return to their original world, but they see it with new eyes. They have been transformed by their journey, and this change is reflected in their actions, decisions, and outlook on life. The story comes full circle in terms of morality.
This can be a stage of resolution and closure. But why is it called the stage of resolution and closure? This step brings the story to a close, leaving the reader with a sense of satisfaction and closure. It provides a sense of closure for both the protagonist and the reader. The journey is complete, and the protagonist has returned home, but they’re not the same person they were when they started. This transformation is what gives the story its emotional impact and resonance.
The authors make this step as satisfying as possible. The story’s themes and messages are fully uncovered, leaving the reader with a sense of completion and fulfillment. In the Dan Harmon Story, the Circle developed as the final chapter of the protagonist’s journey. They have returned to the way they were used to, returning to their ordinary world with new knowledge, insight, and understanding. This step brings the story to a close, leaving the reader with a sense of satisfaction and closure.
Step # 8- Change (The Transformation)
This is the climax of their journey, where the lessons they have learned and the growth they have experienced come to the forefront. The protagonist is no longer the same person they were at the beginning of the story—they have been fundamentally changed by their experiences, but now they are in the previous position.
This transformation can be internal, external, or both. It’s the moment where the protagonist’s growth is fully realized, and they emerge as a new, stronger, and wiser version of themselves. It’s what gives the story its emotional impact and resonance. The character’s transformation is what makes the journey worthwhile, leaving the reader with a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. It’s the final piece of the puzzle, bringing the story to a powerful and meaningful conclusion.
This is a meaningful conclusion that also tells the audience that, no matter how well-hidden the actions or intentions of villains may be, they will eventually be exposed and will face the consequences of the harm they have caused to others.
Ending Note
The Dan Harmon Story Circle is more than just a storytelling structure—it’s an idea that can help you create stories that are engaging, impactful, and resonant. By following the eight steps of the Story Circle, you can ensure that your narrative has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a satisfying resolution that leaves a lasting impact on your audience.
Whether you’re a professional writer, a novice, or somewhere in between, this Story Circle can be a roadmap for you in crafting compelling stories. By applying this structure to your writing, you can create narratives that are not only engaging but also deeply satisfying for your readers. So, the next time you sit down to write, consider using the Dan Harmon Story Circle as your guide.
