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1 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Must Reading For All Serious Writers (And Readers!) Aug 05, 2005
This book should be the basic textbook in all literature/journalism/drama programs and appreciation courses, both for the reader/viewer and the writer. Ms. Clay's revolutionary insights into what makes a story interesting and memorable encompass all formats and genres, leaving nothing to chance. And even if the reader does not have a grounding in science (like this reviewer), the logic of Clay's arguments is inescapable. Meticulously researched, with example after example from both drama and literature, this book is not a one-time read; new insights and "aha's" arrive with each rereading. A note of caution: this might seem like a "small" book, but Clay has packed an immense amount into each page. I found it helpful not to try to analyze what I was reading, but rather to allow it to wash over me and let osmosis begin absorbing the deeper meanings into my psyche. It must have worked: after reading Vector Theory the first time, I was able easily to understand why two novels and one movie were not satisfying experiences - which in itself brought me satisfaction of a sort. And I have a deeper understanding now of the interconnectedness of all life's events to bring to my own work. Kudos to Cynthia Clay for bringing what is, for most of us, intrinsic knowledge into the light of day. This is one book you'll never be sorry you read!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 A Lot to Think About Jul 01, 2005
Vector Theory applied to literature provides an important tool for analyzing plots and characters. One question that I have always wondered about is whether a person's character has to change dramatically by the end of the story. Clay makes a convincing argument that small changes are also possible and equally significant. According to vector theory, when two objects collide or even touch, they do not continue forward on their original courses but are deflected. These deflections can seem to be very minor, but can have major effects. People who believe that everything happens in life has a reason, or that everyone we meet will be a teacher or a student, believe the same thing. Clay analysis is trenchant and accurate. Anyone interested in literature will come away with new insights. Well done.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Vectors - an important concept Jun 10, 2005
I gave this book 4 stars rather than 5 because it has one major lack: it doesn't give any instructions for using vector theory as a tool for planning a novel, or any instructions for graphically representing the vectors at work in a novel.
That aside, this book changed my way of thinking about character interaction. Strict mythic Campbellian how-to-write theories such as _The Writer's Journey_, as well as the more complex and flexible system Dramatica, stipulate that every book must have an antagonist and a protagonist. But some writers (especially women, it seems) have difficulty with this because they have more than one protagonist, or no antagonist, or several primary characters who are neither all positive nor all negative but all trying to accomplish their own goals which are indirectly opposed rather than directly opposed like a protagonist's and antagonist's goals. If your story, rather than being a black vs white war like the game of chess, is more like several factions stumbling over each other like the game of Chinese Checkers, then this is the book for you.
But, be warned, if you don't already know from physics class about vectors and elastic vs. inelastic collisions, this book won't explain it to you.
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