Symmetry Versus Balance in Storytelling

A great storyteller knows the difference between symmetry and balance. Do you?

It’s that gardening time of year. Well, it would be for me if it would ever stop raining. Seriously, I’m starting to grow mold in my crevices, it’s just that never-ending. Sorry for the visual.

Anyway, eventually the sun will come out, and I will finally slap on my gardening gloves and dig around in the dirt. Lots of people create gorgeous green spaces, and even those who don’t frequently admire gardens, but it seems that garden lovers fall into one of two camps . . .

Those who love symmetrically aligned gardens—and those who don’t. Which one are you?

Personally I like things a little off kilter. A squiggly line here, a surprising patch of color there. Too much symmetry feels constrictive and chafing. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like a garden to be balanced. Don’t be misled . . . there is a difference.

“Don't confuse symmetry with balance.” 
― Tom Robbins

And that, my friends, is how great stories are constructed as well. Think about one of your all-time favorite books. The storyline may not be perfectly symmetrical, but it will be balanced.

Here’s what I mean . . .

A story might start out with intense action, the kind that leaves you breathless and on the edge of your seat. But if the author kept that symmetry throughout the whole book, you’d keel over by chapter five. Too much of a good thing is just too much.

That’s where balance comes in. Suspenseful scenes need to be balanced out with light-hearted sections. Great passages of description must be sprinkled in with those containing action. Balance is key.

Which is a great life lesson, is it not? Too much of anything, going to the gym, hanging out with friends, working or playing is a bad idea.

Now then . . . off to have a discussion with God about all this rain. It’s way past time to balance this sogginess out with some sunshine