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ariainstars · 1 year ago

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What Makes a Story Satisfying?

This is of course only my own point of view, but it’s an idea that came to me recently. Like: why are some stories so satisfying that we love to read, hear or watch them over and over, and others aren’t?

A good, if not perfect way to make a story satisfying is a plot twist. In order to work, it must fulfil these prerequisites:

happen towards the end of the story

be wholly surprising, even better if “magical” (supernatural)

be connected with love / affection

lead to happiness / fulfilment

Good examples

In Beauty and the Beast, the magical moment takes place because Belle is wholly unaware of the nature of the spell that is being lifted. She is stunned and in awe when everything changes, and so are we.

In Snow White, the dwarfs and the prince do not know that the heroine is not dead but under a spell. Much of the happiness of the finale comes from the fact that her reawakening is a total, wondrous surprise for everybody involved.

In Cinderella, nobody was expecting that the heroine would have the second glass slipper at hand which would identify her as the right girl.

In The Little Mermaid, we do not expect that Ariel’s father will relent at last, much less that he has the power to give her a human form.

In Moon Knight, in Episode 4 Marc finds his alter ego Steven, and despite their earlier bickering they form a strong bond and, in the last two episodes, resolve Marc’s internal trauma together.

In the first classic Star Wars film, Han Solo comes back at the last moment to save his friend Luke. In The Empire Strikes Back, Leia can feel where Luke is so that they can rescue him. In Return of the Jedi, Darth Vader unexpectedly chooses to save his son in the end at the cost of his own life.

In The Last Jedi, Kylo / Ben kills Snoke in the throne room scene instead of Rey. This leads to a dramatic scene in which both young people fight the Imperial Guards together, effectively showing that together, Light Side and Dark Side are invincible.

The first season of The Mandalorian ends with the redemption of Greef Karga, the shady leader of the bounty hunter’s guild, after the mysterious child has healed his deadly wound with the aid of the Force.

The Book of Boba Fett ends with Mando’s unexpected rescue through Grogu, who stops the rancor’s aggression by influencing his mind through the Force.

I am also a huge fan of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, among other things because its episodes kept surprising the viewer with unexpected, often sudden plot turns. Other Star Trek shows are much more predictable, which is why I usually can’t enjoy them.

The Netflix show Sex Education has some surprising developments and some satisfying ones, but I can’t think of a single one that is both.

The novel (and musical) The Phantom of the Opera ends with the bad guy / protagonist unexpectedly having compassion with the heroine and letting her go after she showed compassion to him in the first place, something he had never known before.

Bad examples

The awakening of Sleeping Beauty is not a surprise for the characters, again leaving the story without the surprise effect.

One of the reasons why I am not a big fan of the Star Wars prequel trilogy is its lack of surprises.

In The Phantom Menace we learn that the handmaiden Padmé is in truth the Queen Amidala of Naboo, but this is not a supernatural turn of events. Qui Gon is killed by Maul, without an explanation except for what we can make of it: young Anakin will be trained by the less experienced and mature Obi-Wan. This is never said anywhere however.

Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith (although I find the latter a small masterpiece) also do not offer real surprises. As fans of the saga, we knew what would happen - Anakin would sire children, then turn to the Dark Side and Palpatine would take over the power over the galaxy.

Rogue One also does not offer any development or plot turn which we would not have already known or expected, and the end is depressing.

In The Clone Wars, the only unexpected development is Ahsoka leaving the Jedi temple; which is only sad and further emphasizes the moral decline of the Jedi Order.

In Ahsoka, Sabine does manage to master the Force in the end, but it leads to an open end.

Ben Solo’s ultimate redemption in The Rise of Skywalker, the only positive aspect to this atrocious movie, is not a plot twist. It happens step by step, not suddenly, and all except but the most dense of viewers already knew or highly suspected that it would happen.

In the tv show Obi-Wan Kenobi, we have Reva’s final decision to not hurt Luke after all: but since this comes out of nowhere, it falls flat.

The Mandalorian season 2 leaves a bitter aftertaste: Luke coming to Mando’s and his friend’s rescue is cool to look at, but it leads to the worst end possible - he separates Mando from Grogu, when the show made it clear from the very first episodes that these two belong together.

And now we come to the really boring part.

The Star Wars sequels, Loki, The Bad Batch, Ahsoka… all these stories offer no twist and no resolution. They introduce characters which we get attached to, and then don’t seem to know how to finish their arc.

Which leads me, in turn, to interpret why most of the latest Disney Star Wars stories suck.

They lead to no end.

There may be some surprise here and there, but it doesn’t have that twist that leaves you with that “Wow” feeling. The heroes are not saved by magic and love and they don’t find fulfilment. All these stories want is for us to continue watching, hoping that some further development will finally give the characters we have grown to love closure.

The problem is that - we don’t live forever, dear Disney studios. Neither do you.

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violetjedisylveon · 2 years ago

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Stories From A Stranger

Summary: Ahsoka's about to put her flirting skills to the test when she meets with the sailor who spotted her, luckily she learned more from Obi-Wan than Anakin and even more luckily, Kaeden is a gay panic mess.

Word count: 2.1k

Warnings: mentions of death and violence, but tame otherwise.

A/N: How was everyone's Mermay? Who's excited for pride month?! I have some gay mermaidness for ya! And I got diagnosed with Autism🎉

Kaesoka Mer AU link here. Ahsoka's Sea Cave here.

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Kaeden followed the waiter to a secluded table in a dark corner of the restaurant. It was illuminated mostly by the small decorative lights hung around. That table in particular had a jellyfish light over it, the tentacles hung down in a curtain of light.

Sitting underneath the light, with purples and blues shining on her skin, was a Togruta woman.

She had the typical dark orange skin, and her white lekku were stripped with dark blue, she had creamy white patterns on her cheeks and forehead. She was beautiful.

Her blue eyes sparkled as she looked over at Kaeden.

"Thank you." She nodded to the waiter.

"Please, take a seat." She gestured to the seat across from her.

Awkwardly, Kaeden sat and crossed her arms. The Togruta rested her chin on her hands.

"I'm Ashla, what are you called?" Ashla asked, tilting her head in a feline manner.

"Kaeden." She said.

She really hoped she didn't actually sound as awkward as she thought.

"That's a lovely name." Her voice was so smooth.

"You think so? Th-thank you." Kaeden said.

"What do you like here?" Ahsla asked her after a moment of silence.

"Huh? Oh, well they have good fish, Selda is a really good cook and he taught the other chefs, I mostly eat ration packs since I don't have time with work, ya'know?" Kaeden said.

That piqued her interest.

"And where do you work?" She asked.

"I'm a sea farmer. And a waiter when the docks are closed like today." Kaeden answered.

"So you work with sailors? I bet you've heard lots of stories." Ashla stated.

"I've heard quite a few." Kaeden admitted.

"But they aren't anything special, you've probably heard some variation of them if you travel." She added.

"I like hearing different versions of the same story, it gives one insight into the culture and traditions of one group of people compared to another. Quite fascinating on a large scale." Ashla said.

"I'd never thought of it like that."

"Not many do." Ashla laughed.

Kaeden awkwardly laughed along. She really hoped the waiter would come back to take their order soon or she was going to die from embarrassment.

When the waiter did return to take their order, Kaeden politely declined. She had food at home and didn't want to waste money eating out. The docks could be closed for weeks, she needed that money to fall back on for various payments.

Surprisingly, Ashla refused to let her do so.

"No, go ahead, it's my treat." She said with an innocent, pretty smile.

Kaeden couldn't say no and ordered an oyster soup, it was a simple meal that wouldn't cost too much, but was something she did like, and Selda's oyster soup was simple and comforting, it tasted a lot like how her mother made it, she had taught him. Ashla took her suggestion about the fish and ordered a devil fish.

Ashla made more small talk, it wasn't really small talk but that's the only word Kaeden had to describe the questions and conversations they had while they waited.

She frequently found herself lost in Ashla's blue eyes, they were like deep ocean waters on a clear day, inviting her to jump into their cool depths.

Throughout their conversation, Kaeden felt more and more relaxed with Ashla. She was so interesting to talk to, she took her interest in folk tales and local legends very seriously, but clearly enjoyed it and digging around in the less talked about legends. The ones the Empire wanted people to forget.

There was a mischievous hint of rebellion in Ashla's eyes when she quietly talked about those. Kaeden found it enchanting. Honestly she found everything about Ashla enchanting.

"What is your story, Kaeden?" Ashla asked.

Kaeden blinked in surprise. Her story? She hardly had one, yet Ashla was leaning forwards intently like she was the most interesting person in the world.

"Oh, it's not that interesting, pretty boring actually." Kaeden said shyly.

"I'll be the judge of that." Ashla smirked at her.

"Well, I am not sure where my parents first came from, they might have been traveling for most of their lives, but my earliest memories were on a ship, then my sister was born and they chose to settle here."

"Selda, he owns this restaurant, was an old friend of my mom's, so she figured it was a good place to settle. I grew up here, my dad was a sea farmer and my mom was a healer and gardener and a baker. She grew medical plants and stuff like that and she used to be the head baker here." Kaeden paused before telling her the rest.

It was still a painful wound, their absence was like a gaping hole.

"There was an issue with a sea serpent about 8 years ago, my parents and Selda went out to settle it. I don't know why a farmer and a gardener were asked to handle it, but they were successful, the fang is hanging here." Kaeden said.

She didn't want to spell it out, eight years and it still hurt. She'd never known why her parents had to go, just that they didn't come back. Selda never liked talking about it, whenever she asked he would just tell her the same thing, her dad was good in the water, her mom was a healer, and neither would let him go alone, nothing more. She didn't ask anymore, she knew he felt responsible for their deaths.

"Your parents never came back." Ashla said softly.

Kaeden shook her head.

"So I got a job working on the sea farms, when the Empire rolled in I just kept doing it. There's really not much to it, I'm sure you've met plenty of people like me." Kaeden shrugged it off and ended her story quickly.

Ashla gave her a slow, considering look and smiled softly at her.

"No, I don't believe I've met anyone like you before, Kaeden Larte." She said in that sweet, sing-songy voice.

Kaeden's face was as hot as the lava of the Sullust islands. She focused intently on the bowl in front of her, it was almost empty. Ashla had the dessert menu when she looked back up.

"What desserts do you like here?" Ashla asked, glancing up over the menu.

"Uh, well I really like the lava cakes, and the cupcakes, anything baked really, like I said my mom worked here and the recipes they use are hers… I can't really pick." Kaeden explained.

She let Ashla make the decision on dessert, she'd really be fine with anything. In the end, Ashla made an order for lava cakes, saying something along the lines of not having had one in a while. Kaeden had a feeling she would like these.

They chatted a bit more until the dessert arrived.

Ashla raised an eyebrow at the size of them, they were double the size of typical lava cakes. Outsiders were generally surprised at the size. Ashla smiled and chuckled.

"I think your mother had a sweet tooth." She teased lightly.

"She sure did." Kaeden nodded.

One plant her mom always grew was sugar cane, she'd never really run out.

They dug in, Ashla was pleasantly surprised by the raspberry filling with the chocolate. Raspberries were another favorite of her mother's.

She and Ashla continued their pleasant conversation as they finished up, the bill would be given to Ashla soon, she had been very insistent on paying for everything since she had invited her to share the meal. Kaeden couldn't exactly fight with her, and she didn't seem bothered by paying in the slightest.

"Do you know where I can find a decent place to stay? I'm thinking of sticking around for a while." Ashla asked her.

"There's a lot of short term apartment buildings around the port for seasonal workers. If you're looking for something more private, there's some small unused houses scattered around some are closer, some are further away from the town, there's someone who owns them and leases them out for use, that might be more your speed." Kaeden told her.

"That does sound nice." Ashla said, nodding.

Ashla was given the bill, she paid, and Kaeden gave her the address of the leasing office as they walked out together.

Kaeden didn't know why she had wanted to walk Ahsoka out, she would still have to go back in and work, but here she was, standing on the sidewalk with the Togruta.

It was sunset, the fog and gloom of the day had dissipated on the horizon, the light illuminated the clouds millions of dazzling shades. Ashla's deep orange skin glowed in the warm light. It was like she absorbed the setting sun's light into herself.

Kaeden realized she was probably staring a bit too long when Ashla raised a curious eyebrow at her. She hastily looked away.

"I enjoyed your company and your story. Would you like to talk again soon? Assuming you don't have to work." Ashla asked.

"Yes! Er, that would be nice, if you want to." Kaeden stumbled through her words and turned to the setting sun, pretending the sun was the reason for the heat in her cheeks.

Ashla just laughed, the sing-songy sound drifting through the calm air.

"I suppose I'll see you around, Kaeden Larte." Ashla said.

She held out her hand, Kaeden awkwardly shook it, it was rough and calloused but smooth at the same time. She was a mechanic.

"It was a pleasure meeting you." Ashla smiled warmly at her.

"Oh no, the pleasure was mine." Kaeden told her.

Ashla wished her well and went on her way, Kaeden stared after her, she moved so effortlessly and gracefully. She stood there, staring like an idiot until a cough caught her attention.

Miara was standing at the door with a smirk. Kaeden audibly groaned.

"So how was your date?" Miara asked shamelessly.

"It wasn't a date!" Kaeden insisted.

"Why did she ask you out for a second one then?" Miara pointed out.

At that point, Kaeden wanted to throw herself into the bay to escape her embarrassment.

XXX

Ahsoka stared out at the ocean from the porch of her temporary housing.

It was a cozy cottage far enough from the town and in an overgrown, untraveled traveled area, she would be quite safe here. Her bribing the lease office to claim this house was down for repairs and not report her residency was another layer to her protection. It was a nice little place. She rather liked it and had been entertaining the idea of building something similar on her own island.

She glanced up at the night sky full of stars, it wasn't quite the view from her island, but it was still impressive compared to other places, you could hardly see the moon with Coruscant's light pollution.

She took another sip from her drink, some food had been provided by the leasers, and she had been more than excited that there were lots of sweets. The hot chocolate was thick, rich and had a pleasant spicy kick.

A perfect comfort drink.

Her eyes were drawn towards a certain constellation, the Siren, and nearby her lover, the Mermaid. The two swam through the cosmos intertwined with each other for all eternity.

Ahsoka just loved that story, she had heard dozens of versions but everyone agreed that the two were lovers who had fought some great challenge, the challenge varied, and were hailed as heroes. When they died they were immortalized together, as they always had been.

Barriss knew a version where the siren was a healer and saved the Mermaid's life in their first meeting, leading to an uneasy alliance that blossomed into a deep relationship. That was her favorite, maybe for all the times she had listened to Barriss tell it.

Her eyes found the constellation's reflection on the sea and her thoughts returned to Kaeden.

That whole situation had just gotten a lot more complicated. Kaeden was just supposed to some sailor who had seen her that she needed to check out, she wasn't supposed to be anything else.

But she was and that complicated everything.

Ahsoka put her face in her hands, frustrated by the whole situation.

Something wasn't right about Kaeden.

Something wasn't human.

She had the slightest hint of magic to her, so incredibly subtle Ahsoka had thought she was imagining it. Yet she had been working for the Empire for years, nor had she ever noticed anything odd about herself so whatever she had or was, it wasn't enough to be important or worth acting on.

That meant, at the moment, Kaeden, and her sister, were relatively safe. Ahsoka had to maintain distance, being around Kaeden too much could have an undesired effect on the farmer. Her magic could trigger something or rub off on her.

A shame really, she really liked Kaeden. She was cute when she got flustered, and she was easy to fluster.

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Kaeden and Miara's parents died when Kaeden was 12 instead of 14 I decided, that's why it's been eight years instead of six.

The devil fish Ahsoka ate is a wolf fish but with two horns on its head so, devily.

I've got some plans for pride month that I'm really excited about and I'm also graduating which is exciting and scary but mostly scary.

I hope you all have a good day, whatever that is for you!

VJS Out!

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