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Classical Storytelling and Contemporary Screenwriting: Aristotle and the Modern Scriptwriter
Since we first arrived on the planet, we’ve been telling each other stories, whether of that morning’s great saber-tooth tiger hunt or the latest installment of the Star Wars saga. And throughout our history, despite differences of geography or culture, we’ve been telling those stories in essentially the same way. Why?
Because there is a RIGHT way to tell a story, one built into our very DNA.
In his seminal work Poetics, Aristotle identified the patterns and recurring elements that existed in the successful dramas of his time as he explored precisely why we tell stories, what makes a good one, and how to best tell them.
In Classical Storytelling and Contemporary Screenwriting, Brian Price examines Aristotle’s conclusions in an entertaining and accessible way and then applies those guiding principles to the most modern of storytelling mediums, going from idea to story to structure to outline to final pages and beyond, covering every relevant screenwriting topic along the way.
The result is a fresh new approach to the craft of screenwriting—one that’s only been around a scant 2,500 years or so—ideal for students and aspiring screenwriters who want a comprehensive step-by-step guide to writing a successful screenplay the way the pros do it.
Because there is a RIGHT way to tell a story, one built into our very DNA.
In his seminal work Poetics, Aristotle identified the patterns and recurring elements that existed in the successful dramas of his time as he explored precisely why we tell stories, what makes a good one, and how to best tell them.
In Classical Storytelling and Contemporary Screenwriting, Brian Price examines Aristotle’s conclusions in an entertaining and accessible way and then applies those guiding principles to the most modern of storytelling mediums, going from idea to story to structure to outline to final pages and beyond, covering every relevant screenwriting topic along the way.
The result is a fresh new approach to the craft of screenwriting—one that’s only been around a scant 2,500 years or so—ideal for students and aspiring screenwriters who want a comprehensive step-by-step guide to writing a successful screenplay the way the pros do it.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2017
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113 people want to read
About the author
Brian Price
1 book2 followersBrian Price is an award-winning screenwriter who has worked with major studios, television networks, and independent film producers from around the world. As an instructor, he has taught screenwriting at Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Brooks Institute, among others, and is a proud member of the prestigious UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television screenwriting faculty.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 11, 2021
A snappy, funny, excellent read and resource for screenwriters and, in general, story-tellers. Using Aristotle as a guide (I had forgotten about the brilliance of "Poetics"!), he synthesizes the most important points in how they relate to the screen. Personally, though, I found all the tips great for writing any sort of fiction: short story, novel, etc. He mentions that you also read Poetics but I wouldn't - I found the analysis he provides much easier to digest.
Price has a great writer's voice that pulls you through what could otherwise be an onerous task - no, not writing a screenplay, but figuring out where to start. And he guides you all the way to the finish line, and even beyond it (because, let's be honest, we all though we'd be done when we finished that screenplay. Ha!), without losing that sense of humor, and that edge of expertise. His list of resources in the appendix is also great for extension reading/viewing.
From reading the title, you wouldn't pick this book as your "screenwriter's Bible," necessarily, but you should. It makes the whole process fun, relies on the time-told expertise of Aristotle, and is modern and economically well-written.
Price has a great writer's voice that pulls you through what could otherwise be an onerous task - no, not writing a screenplay, but figuring out where to start. And he guides you all the way to the finish line, and even beyond it (because, let's be honest, we all though we'd be done when we finished that screenplay. Ha!), without losing that sense of humor, and that edge of expertise. His list of resources in the appendix is also great for extension reading/viewing.
From reading the title, you wouldn't pick this book as your "screenwriter's Bible," necessarily, but you should. It makes the whole process fun, relies on the time-told expertise of Aristotle, and is modern and economically well-written.
August 31, 2025
Read most — skipped the section on writing/format, skimmed the end chapters.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews