Story vs Script
Though a script and a story may be based on the same incident, they are distinct from one another. A script is the written text of a play, film, or broadcast, providing a detailed explanation of the characters and each scene. Movies and TV series are made from scripts, which are in turn based on stories. A story is an account of imaginary or real events, with a plot, characters, and chapters, found in novels, short stories, and narratives.
Key Takeaways
- A script is the written text of a play, film, or broadcast, with detailed descriptions of characters and scenes.
- A story is an account of imaginary or real events, with a plot, characters, and chapters, found in novels, short stories, and narratives.
- Scripts are inspired by stories and provide more explicit details, while stories leave more to the reader’s imagination.
What is a Script?
A script is defined as the written text of a play, film, or broadcast, providing a detailed account of each character. It allows actors to comprehend the nature of their characters, their likes and dislikes, and their personalities. A script is written in dialogue form and is in the present tense. It contains various scenes, with each scene’s climate well described. The actor’s performance, lines, and movements are all explained clearly. Unlike in a story, where much is left to the reader’s imagination, a script leaves little room for imagination.
What is a Story?
A story, unlike a script, is an account of imaginary or real events. Examples include novels and short stories, which have specific elements such as plot, subplots, and chapters. Through each chapter, the writer slowly develops the story. While both scripts and stories have characters, their nature is not as explicitly explained in stories as it is in scripts. As a story progresses, the reader becomes more aware of each character. In this sense, a story is a journey where the reader unravels new information about the characters and the plot. A story is written in prose, with occasional dialogues to make it more interesting. Additionally, a story is left to the imagination and interpretation of the reader.
Difference between Story and Script
- Definitions: A script is the written text of a play, film, or broadcast, while a story is an account of imaginary or real events.
- Connection: A script is inspired by a story.
- Character Details: In a script, character details are provided in a profile, while in a story, the reader must unravel these details.
- Scenes vs Chapters: A script contains scenes, while a story contains chapters.
- Imagination: A script allows for little imagination, while a story leaves much to the reader’s imagination.
- Form: A script is in dialogue form, while a story is in prose form.
- Time: A script is in the present tense, while a story is not.
