Evidence and Story Angle
Before you tell the story, lock down what you actually know. Sort facts from smart guesses from guesses. Think AS your character — only what they could see, think, care about, not know. Then pick one strong story angle.
For each of these three lenses, write down what you know — and label every line as FACT, SMART GUESS, or GUESS. This is the most important habit in the whole project.
The three labels
| Label | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| FACT | We know this. | "The object is made of clay." |
| SMART GUESS | We think this because we have a reason. | "I think it was used daily because it is simple and strong." |
| GUESS | Maybe, but we do not have enough reason. | "It was used in a secret ceremony." |
AObject
What can I literally see or verify? Examples: materials, wear, size, data, labels, etc.
BContext
What was happening then? Examples: Conflict, trade, politics, religion, work, migration, etc.
CPerson — think AS your character
Do NOT invent everything. Use what you know from the object, the museum information, your notes (use only FACTS or SMART GUESSES).
| SEE | THINK |
|---|---|
| Only what your character can really see. Do NOT imagine things you cannot see. Show what + where + detail. | What does your person think and WHY? You must give a reason. |
| CARE | NOT KNOW |
|---|---|
| Why it matters. What happens if it is not there anymore? Why is this important for your person? | What can your person NOT know? They are not omniscient. They are inside their time. |
Worked example
"I am a temple worker. I see a clay lamp on the temple wall. It is dark and has burn marks. I think it is used every day because it has many burn marks. I care about this because I need it to see at night. If I don't have it, I cannot do my work. I do not know who made it because I was not there."
A story angle is the main idea of your story. It shows what your historical figure faced, wanted, feared, chose, or changed.
ABrainstorm story angles
- Take post-its.
- Write one story idea per post-it. Each idea must be one sentence.
- Try to make at least 5 ideas.
- Use the templates below as inspiration. Share your angle.
| Type | Sentence template |
|---|---|
| The pressure | [Name] feels pressure to… because… |
| The dilemma | [Name] must choose between… and… |
| The turning point | "Everything changes when [Name]…" |
| The hidden conflict | [Name] seems to…, but actually… |
| The object story | "This object matters because it helps [Name]…" |
Examples · A soldier → must choose between obeying orders and protecting a civilian. A merchant → risks his reputation when a trade deal goes wrong.
BChoose your best story angle
Pick the story angle that scores best on these four questions:
- Is it connected to our object?
- Is it based on evidence or smart inference?
- Does it show a clear pressure, dilemma, or change?
- Does it help us understand this person's historical perspective?
CWrite down your story angle
A good story angle is not just: "This happened."
A good story angle shows: "This person faced a difficult situation, and their choice helps us understand their world."