How Eric Edson’s 'The Story Solution' will help
TL;DR
Overview: presents a character-driven blueprint built around 23 “Hero Goal Sequences” that map a protagonist’s emotional and physical transformation.
Concept: Edson’s method argues that great stories feature proactive heroes who pursue clear goals through a series of action-based and emotional steps that create momentum and engagement.
Strength: highly accessible, concrete, and practical, with clear examples and a focus on keeping protagonists active and narratives moving forward.
Weakness: the 23-step structure can feel rigid or prescriptive, especially for ensemble stories or writers working in unconventional narrative forms.
Conclusion: a strong resource for writers seeking hands-on guidance for building dynamic, goal-driven protagonists and forward-moving plots, though not ideal for writers who prefer looser or more experimental approaches.
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Eric Edson’s The Story Solution helps you progress because you:
1. Follow a hero-driven roadmap
Edson’s “Hero Goal Sequences” give you a clear structural path — 23 defined beats that move your protagonist step by step through the story. When you feel lost, these sequences show you exactly what kind of moment comes next. Having that map removes uncertainty and restores creative momentum.
2. Focus on your hero’s emotional need
Writer’s block often comes from characters who act without purpose. Edson’s emphasis on linking external goals to inner emotional needs keeps your scenes grounded in motivation. When you know what your hero truly needs, ideas for conflict and action flow naturally.
3. Connect cause-and.effect to plot progression
The Story Solution insists that each event should trigger the next through logical cause and effect. When you’re stuck, trace backward: what caused this moment, and what consequence should follow? That process generates the next beat organically instead of through guesswork.
4. Balance emotion and action
Edson shows how to keep emotional stakes alive through action, not exposition. When scenes stall, he advises finding the emotional heartbeat behind the physical events. Writing becomes easier when you align outward momentum with inner feeling — every scene then has dual purpose.
5. Turn abstract goals into clear steps
Big, undefined story ambitions can paralyze writers. Edson’s method breaks the hero’s journey into precise checkpoints — from setup to transformation — that keep you from drifting. Each goal sequence gives you a bite-sized writing task, making progress measurable and less intimidating.
6. Clarify motivation to unlock momentum
If you can’t decide what happens next, it’s often because your protagonist’s motivation is vague. Edson trains you to define both want (external objective) and need (internal drive). Once those are clear, the next action becomes obvious — and the block dissolves.
7. Use structure to regain confidence
Edson’s tone throughout the book is pragmatic and encouraging: structure isn’t a cage; it’s a safety net. When you’re unsure, returning to his sequence framework reminds you that story is a repeatable craft. That confidence alone can restart your writing flow.
Complete book review of The Story Solution
Edson’s character-driven approach to screenwriting
Eric Edson’s The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take offers a unique take on screenwriting by providing a character-driven blueprint for storytelling. Unlike many traditional screenwriting guides that focus on three-act structure or beat sheets, Edson introduces a detailed system based on the protagonist’s emotional and physical journey, making his book a useful resource for writers struggling with character motivation and engagement.
The idea behind the 23 “Hero Goal Sequences”
At the heart of The Story Solution is Edson’s concept of the “Hero Goal Sequences.” He argues that successful screenplays share a common thread: protagonists undergo a specific series of emotional and action-based changes that keep audiences invested. By breaking these transformations into 23 distinct steps, Edson provides a clear roadmap that helps writers craft compelling, dynamic characters who drive the narrative forward.
Why proactive protagonists strengthen storytelling
One of the book’s strengths is its emphasis on proactive protagonists. Edson stresses that successful heroes do not simply react to events but actively pursue their goals, making them more engaging and relatable. His focus on continuous forward momentum in storytelling ensures that scripts avoid stagnation, which is a common pitfall for many aspiring screenwriters.
A practical and accessible method for writers
Another valuable aspect of The Story Solution is its accessibility. Edson’s writing style is straightforward and practical, making his techniques easy to understand and apply. He provides numerous examples from popular films to illustrate his points, reinforcing how his 23 actions manifest in successful storytelling. This makes the book particularly useful for writers looking for tangible, actionable advice rather than abstract theory.
Potential rigidity and limits of the 23-step structure
However, some may find Edson’s method too rigid. While his 23-step approach offers valuable guidance, some writers may feel constrained by the expectation that all successful stories must follow this precise framework. Additionally, his emphasis on hero-driven narratives may not be as applicable to ensemble pieces or unconventional storytelling structures.
A must-have practical guide for building clear, goal-driven narratives
Despite these potential limitations, The Story Solution remains a valuable resource for screenwriters seeking a structured approach to character-driven storytelling. Edson’s breakdown of hero actions provides a practical guide for writers aiming to create compelling, forward-moving narratives that resonate with audiences. While it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, writers who embrace its principles will likely find their scripts gaining greater clarity, momentum, and emotional depth.
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