The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi

An in-depth look at the narrative thematics driving these two classic films.

For this, our special 64th episode, we explore the storyforms found in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Using the Dramatica theory of story as a basis for our analysis, we find two separate narratives in Empire: one that focuses on psychology as a basis for conflict, and another that takes the expected physics approach.

For Jedi, we find an usual set of narrative thematics that explains why this film stands out from the previous two in terms of shape and feel.

You can read the entire transcription of this episode here.

Show Notes & Links

• The Empire Strikes Back - Enemies and Allies Storyform


• The Empire Strikes Back - Romance Storyform


• Return of the Jedi Storyform

Narrative First theme by Alex Hull. Hear more on his Soundcloud, Operation Solace.