In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through the conventions of the status genre. I'm also going to show you how these conventions show up in the movie The Devil Wears Prada. Here's a preview of what's included:
[01:45] Status stories center around the protagonist’s inner need for respect that manifests as a specific desire to achieve or accomplish something in the external world.
[02:55] Readers of status stories want to feel hopeful that the protagonist will succeed. They want to read about someone who works hard to improve their situation–and they want to feel a sense of triumph when that person succeeds.
[05:15] 1- The protagonist wants to gain respect, but what they need is self-esteem.
[06:05] 2- The antagonist opposes the protagonist and threatens their position.
[07:00] 3- There is a clear (and specific) definition of what it means to be successful.
[08:15] 4- The setting is public; people will witness the protagonist's success or failure.
[09:10] 5- At least one social problem or moral challenge for the protagonist to face.
[10:05] 6- At least one foil character who demonstrates a different path to success.
[10:40] 7- At least one mentor figure who guides the protagonist, for better or for worse.
[11:35] 8- At least one shapeshifter character who hinders the protagonist’s progress.
[12:15] 9- The protagonist must overcome an inner obstacle related to success.
[13:25] 10- The ending of a status story is usually bittersweet.
[14:30] Key points and episode recap.
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