The Principle of Minimal Contradiction: Memorability and Storytelling

There is a trait shared by all of the stories that I mentioned, and it contributes to their success – they all achieve memorability by including what I call a “minimally contradictory element” (or, “MCE”.) A minimally contradictory element is something that diverges from what is expected but which seems obvious after you see it.

Literary Theory, Written by: Cameron, AnalysisCameron SummersOctober 23, 2019Minimal Contradiction, Donkey Cabbages, George Lucas, Star Wars, Krull, China Miéville, aesthetics, Literary Theory Comment