Sankey diagrams are a sophisticated way to visualize and understand the flow from one process, system, or set of data to another. Often used in the fields of engineering and environmental science, they are increasingly being adopted by storytellers for their ability to craft compelling narratives. As a storyteller, you can use a Sankey diagram as a visual tool to map out the progression of your story, showing how ideas and influences flow from one character to another, or how emotions and themes weave through the narrative. In this article, we’ll explore how to create a Sankey chart for storytelling and dive into the applications of this technique for crafting a smart and engaging narrative.
Understanding Sankey Charts for Storytelling
Sankey diagrams consist of stream-like arrows that represent flows from and between processes or systems. Each arrow’s width corresponds to the quantity of flow or intensity. When applying this to storytelling, we look at how ideas, themes, emotions, or characters flow through the narrative. The source could be an initial theme or character, and as the story progresses, these elements are transformed, mingled, or conveyed to other parts or characters, represented by the arrows’ path.
Creative Applications
Character Development:
Sankey diagrams can highlight how a character’s motivations change over time. By having the character at the center, you can create streams from or towards them that represent the different influences on their development. This can help you see potential blind spots or opportunities for conflict, showing how one influence can counteract another, affecting the character’s growth trajectory.
Plot Structure:
The plot of a story can be mapped on a Sankey, with the main storyline flowing from an initial event to subsequent plot points, twists, or climaxes. This visual representation allows you to recognize where the flow of the story needs adjusting. Is there a section where the flow halts? Could there be a stronger connection or transformation element introduced to boost the momentum?
Themes Evolution:
If themes are the lifeblood of your story, a Sankey chart can be a powerful tool to see how themes might evolve, converge, or diverge throughout the narrative. You can start with a central theme and see how it spreads or becomes more nuanced as the story unfolds. By visualizing this, you can ensure that thematic progression remains coherent and engaging.
Emotional Arc:
Mapping out the emotional journey of the characters or the reader can be a very compelling use of Sankey diagrams. By identifying high points of emotional intensity, connections between characters, or climactic moments, you can create a visual representation of the story’s emotional flow. This can help in ensuring that the emotional beats are balanced and impactful, strengthening the reader’s connection to the story.
Creating Your Own Sankey Chart
- Define Your Story’s Elements: Start by identifying the core elements you want to map, such as themes, characters, or plot points.
- Choose a Tool: There are numerous tools like Tableau, d3.js, or even Excel that can help you create Sankey diagrams. Choose a tool that suits your needs in terms of ease of use, complexity, and aesthetics.
- Organize Your Elements: Arrange these elements in a way that visually makes sense and matches your story’s flow. Remember, the structure of the Sankey diagram should support the narrative you are trying to tell.
- Connect with Arrows: Use the tool’s connectors to create your streams or arrows. The visual effect of linking ideas or emotions is crucial for storytelling. Ensure that the connections are clear and visually compelling.
- Refine and Iterate: Don’t be afraid to refine your Sankey diagram. The goal is to use it as a guide to refine the narrative’s structure. The tool can also help you discover plot holes or overly convoluted pathways that can be simplified without losing the richness of the story.
By creatively applying Sankey diagrams to your storytelling process, you can gain a unique perspective that enhances the flow, coherence, and impact of your narrative. This tool, originally designed for the visualization of complex data, becomes a powerful device for crafting clever storytelling, allowing you to see the connections, transformations, and impacts of your story elements in a new and insightful way.
SankeyMaster
SankeyMaster is your go-to tool for creating complex Sankey charts . Easily enter data and create Sankey charts that accurately reveal intricate data relationships.
