A New Angle on Narrative Momentum
A few days ago, author Gail Gauthier raised the topic of “momentum” as it applies to narrative on her Facebook page. In physics, an object’s momentum is defined as its mass times its velocity. Velocity, in turn, is defined as distance traveled over time.
During the discussion, I realized that all those physics concepts can be metaphorically applied to narrative.
During the discussion, I realized that all those physics concepts can be metaphorically applied to narrative.
- “Distance” is a measure of change in a particular direction. Not just random activity or events, but action along a particular vector, usually defined by characters’ desires and plans.
- “Time” relates to narratives in two ways: the passage of time experienced by the characters and, probably more important, that experienced by readers.
- “Mass” is a good equivalent for the significance of events, determined mostly by the stakes for the main characters.
2 comments:
My limited knowledge of physics comes from having married into an engineering family. I knew two generations of them, and after a couple of decades with these people, I began to see engineering connections all around me.
Those folks might actually be right about how the world works. Scary, isn't it?
Post a Comment