Chapter 1: Insights from Andrew Stanton

Andrew Stanton's guidance on storytelling is invaluable. After reflecting on "The Power of the Dog" and the mental effort required to engage with Jane Campion’s narrative, I was reminded of my favorite TED talk by Stanton. Renowned for his work on "Toy Story" and directing "Wall-E," Stanton's 2012 address delves into his storytelling approach.

Stanton reveals a critical insight: audiences are eager to engage with a story, but they prefer not to realize the effort involved. As storytellers, our task is to subtly encourage them to invest in the narrative.

We are naturally inclined to solve puzzles and make deductions, much like in real life. This organized lack of information draws us in. Just as we are captivated by a baby or a puppy—drawn not just by their cuteness, but by their inability to fully articulate their thoughts—we find ourselves compelled to fill in the gaps of a story.

I first grasped this storytelling device while collaborating with Bob Peterson on "Finding Nemo." We dubbed it The Unifying Theory of Two plus Two. Instead of presenting the audience with a straightforward answer (4), we offered them the pieces to figure it out themselves (2 + 2). The arrangement and timing of the information you provide are vital for capturing the audience's attention.

This concept of 2 + 2 extends beyond films; it explains why fans produce detailed recaps of their favorite TV shows and why a new true-crime podcast seems to launch every hour.

This principle is equally applicable in longform narratives. The key lies in demonstrating events rather than merely telling them, while also carefully selecting what information to withhold until it is most impactful. David Grann exemplifies this mastery. If you haven't explored his work, I highly recommend starting with his political murder-mystery collection—it’s astonishing.

The mystery genre naturally lends itself to the 2 + 2 approach, but it can be adapted to various longform stories. Not long after watching Stanton’s TED talk, I edited a profile on Dan Gable. The story was compelling, but I merely suggested a few enhancements. As I read, I noticed how the central conflict—Gable’s fight to preserve wrestling—was enriched by character development: the reasons behind his passion. The narrative presented numerous examples without overtly stating, "This is why he cares." Instead, the reader was invited to uncover that motivation, enhancing their engagement.

To apply the 2 + 2 strategy in your writing, consider focusing on your protagonist’s character development. This is an excellent starting point for experimenting with Stanton's storytelling techniques.

Too often, we hear from professors and some editors that we must simplify narratives for our audience. They urge us to connect the dots. Stanton—and I—would argue that this is misguided. We should respect our readers' intelligence and invite them to engage with the material.

After all, that’s what they genuinely desire.

The first video titled "The clues to a great story | Andrew Stanton | TED" explores Stanton's insights on crafting narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, emphasizing the importance of engaging storytelling techniques.

The second video, "PIXAR THEORY: The Real Way Everything Connects (Actually Solved)," delves into the intricate connections within Pixar films, illustrating how storytelling elements intertwine to create compelling narratives.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Challenge of Storytelling

Incorporating the principles discussed by Stanton can transform your writing approach. By allowing your audience to engage actively with your story, you not only elevate the narrative but also honor their intelligence and desire for deeper engagement.

Every week, I share valuable insights from the creative journeys of writers through my newsletter. It’s a free resource inspired by influential figures in the literary world, aimed at motivating others. Join a community of Pulitzer Prize winners, NYT best-selling authors, and countless readers who cherish my newsletter. Sign up here.