A good personal story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start by setting the scene, like where and when the story takes place. In the middle, there should be some sort of conflict or challenge. For example, in a story about running a marathon, the challenge could be hitting the wall at mile 20. And finally, there should be a resolution. Maybe you pushed through and finished the marathon despite the pain.
A good story often has a theme that runs through it. It could be about love, friendship, or the struggle for justice. The way the story is told, the narrative voice, also matters. A unique narrative voice can make the story stand out. For example, if it's told from the perspective of a child, it can bring a sense of innocence and naivete to the story. And of course, there should be some sort of emotional payoff at the end, whether it's a happy ending or a bittersweet one.
Success is a key element. For example, a woman achieving a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean is the main positive outcome in these stories. Another element is the support she gets, like from her family, doctors, or midwives. For instance, if a doctor closely monitors the progress during labor and gives confidence to the mother, it's a great part of the story. Also, the mother's own determination and preparation play a role. If she does exercises, follows a proper diet, and educates herself about VBAC, that makes for a good VBAC story.
Characters, plot and setting are key elements. Characters should be relatable or at least interesting. The plot should have conflict, like a hero fighting against a villain. In 'The Hunger Games', Katniss has to fight against the Capitol. The setting can create the mood. A spooky old mansion in a horror story sets a scary mood.
A positive attitude towards the future is an element. In a good breakup story, the two people may be sad at first but then they look forward to new opportunities. For instance, a couple breaks up and then both go on to pursue their dreams that they might have put on hold during the relationship. They realize that the breakup is a new start in a way, not just an end.
Vision is a key element. In good leadership stories, leaders like Elon Musk have a grand vision for their companies, whether it's colonizing Mars with SpaceX or revolutionizing transportation with Tesla. This vision gives direction to the entire organization.
Good superhero stories have a few important elements. Firstly, there's character growth. The superhero should evolve over the course of the story, learning from their experiences. Then there's the conflict. It's not just about physical battles but also internal struggles. For example, the hero might have to decide between saving a loved one or the entire city. And the story should have a bit of mystery too, like the origin of some ancient power that the hero discovers.
One important element is a well - developed world. It should be rich in detail, with unique cultures, landscapes, and histories. For example, in 'The Elder Scrolls' series, the world of Tamriel has a vast array of different races, each with their own beliefs and ways of life. Another element is engaging characters. Protagonists that players can relate to or find interesting, like Cloud in 'Final Fantasy VII' who has a complex backstory. Also, a good rpg story often has a clear and compelling main quest, as well as interesting side quests that add depth to the overall narrative.
One element is the passing down of values. For example, a family that values hard work might inherit a business and continue to uphold that work ethic. Another element is the transfer of skills, like in a family of artisans. Also, there is often an emotional connection, such as a sense of pride in carrying on a family name or tradition.