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drpaladin

drpaladin 111,070
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Advance is a positive movement. 

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Bill W

Bill W 62,432
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"Advance" originates from the Mid-13th century Middle English avauncen   ( meaning to further or improve), derived from Old French avancier (12 century).  The root is Vulgar Latin $abanteāre, formed from Late Latin abante ("from before"), combining ab ("from") + ante ("before," "in front of").  Originally spelled avaunce, the letter 'd' was added to the English word in the 16th century, likely in a mistaken attempt to align it with a Latin ad- prefix (re-latinizing).  

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the word advance (in its verb form) was first used in English during the Middle English period (1150-1500), with the earliest evidence dating to before 1250 in the text Ancrene Riwle.  Early forms often lacked the 'd', appearing as avaunt or avaunce.  The noun "advance" has its earliest evidence from before 1400, appearing in the writings of poet and historian Robert Mannyng.  The related adjective advanced is recorded from the 1530s.

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Bill W

Bill W 62,432
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The concept of "advance" in storytelling is crucial for maintaining momentum, preventing stagnation, and ensuring the plot moves forward through pivotal narrative reversals or actions. It acts as a counterweight to scene expansion (description/emotion), shifting the narrative from a current state to a new one, keeping the audience engaged.  

Key Aspects of Advancing in Storytelling:  
Driving Plot Progression: Advance ensures the narrative moves from one point to another, often via dramatic turning points, reversing a character's fortunes (e.g., from positive to negative). Without it, stories feel "pointless" or stagnant.  
Balancing "Advance" vs. "Expand": While "expand" slows down to add texture and emotion, "advance" acts as a gear shift to move the story forward. A compelling narrative often alternates between expanding (deepening a scene) and advancing (moving the action).  
The 8 Points of Progress: According to Dramatica Theory, progress is measured through key elements: defining a goal (e.g., stopping a murderer), identifying requirements to achieve it, and managing consequences.  
Structuring Action: Advancement uses a sequence of events—often marked by words like "then" or "next"—to maintain a logical order that prevents audience confusion.  
Triggering Actionable Engagement: In business or strategic storytelling, "advancing" is used to move people to action, transforming a brand or persuading an audience by taking them on a journey rather than just presenting facts.  

Effective storytelling uses advance to create tension and release it, ensuring the story moves toward a specific goal rather than meandering. 
Edited by Bill W
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