THE LEAN STORY CANVAS

Our Lean Story Canvas draws on the world’s most enduring and successful story patterns. You can use these building blocks to evolve your story as your idea and audience grows.

The 9 story building blocks

Everyday Hero
1. Everyday Hero
Everyday Hero

The group or individual to be inspired to do things differently. We need to be interested in what happens to them. How are the heroes relatable?

2. Ordinary World
Ordinary World

The everyday world, which is increasingly frustrating for our heroes to live in. We need to feel their frustration. Why would we want to see this world changed too?

Ordinary World
Compelling Villain
3. Compelling Villain
Compelling Villain

An attention grabbing manifestation of the selfish behaviour that stands in the way of change. We want to see it defeated. Why is the villain compelling?

4. Call to Adventure
Call to Adventure

The trigger for change, which could be the pull of inspiration or the push of necessity. We care about what sparks others to act. What compels the heroes?

Call to Adventure
Crossing the Threshold
5. Crossing the Threshold
Crossing the Threshold

The start of doing something different. We want to see what commitment looks like. What is the first step on the journey of change?

6. Allies & Gifts
Allies & Gifts

The people and help that is needed for change to happen. We judge the likelihood of success by the company the heroes keep. What friends do the heroes need?

7. Mentor

The giver of wisdom and support from someone that has been on the journey. We believe their presence will help the heroes fulfil their destiny. How does the mentor help?

Allies & Gifts
Three Challenges
8. Three Challenges
Three Challenges

Three difficult but confidence-building hurdles to be overcome. We know change is hard and we learn from experiences. What challenges do the heroes face?

9. Better World
Better World

The positive change to the heroes and the difference they have made. We need to see inner-growth as well as a better world. Why is the journey worthwhile?

Better World

FAST-TRACK YOUR STORY CREATION PROCESS

The Lean Story Canvas is just the tip of the story iceberg. Stronger Story School contains all of our knowledge and practical tools. Sign-up today to develop your story-making and story-telling confidence to achieve fairer change, faster.

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