logo

44 pages 1 hour read

Robert McKee

Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting

Robert McKeeNonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 1997

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Robert McKee

Story

Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 1997
Book Details
Pages

442

Format

Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1990s

Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Story by Robert McKee is a comprehensive guide to screenwriting that emphasizes the importance of mastering fundamental storytelling techniques. McKee explores the relationship between story structure, plot, and character, and introduces the three main types of story plots: archplot, miniplot, and antiplot. The text also examines creative limitations, setting, conflict, subtext, exposition, dialogue, and other challenges faced by writers, offering practical solutions and insights for creating engaging, empathetic narratives across various genres and mediums.

Informative

Challenging

Inspirational

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.5

19,412 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Robert McKee's Story is widely praised for its comprehensive insights into the craft of screenwriting, offering valuable tools for both novices and seasoned writers. Critics highlight its depth and clarity, though some find its dense prose challenging. It excels in demystifying structure and character development, but its academic tone may not suit all readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Story?

Readers passionate about screenwriting, storytelling, and film will enjoy Story by Robert McKee. Comparable to Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder and On Writing by Stephen King, this book appeals to those eager to understand the craft of narrative and structure, offering deep insights into the art of story development.

4.5

19,412 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

442

Format

Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1990s

Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.