1 The characteristics of stories
In this section you will learn about the main characteristics of stories, their effects and value for leadership practice.
To begin with, stories have two defining features:
A plot, featuring a beginning, middle and ending
The beginning of a story introduces the basic premise of what follows and the main character(s) involved. The middle represents the heart of the action and plotline. The ending, also known as a coda, offers a resolution that usually provides some kind of moral lesson.
A cast of recognisable living characters
Stories contain people or entities you can point to and identify, as opposed to being about people in general. Characters add depth and richness to a story and provide a point of identification.