Andrew Stanton, the writer and director of films like Finding Nemo, gives a true and insightful lesson into his understanding of storytelling at this TED talk. Here are just some of his quotes:

“Storytelling is joke telling. It’s knowing that everything you’re saying from the first sentence to the last is leading to a singular goal. And ideally confirming some truth that deepens our understanding of who we are as human beings.”

“Make the audience put things together. Don’t give them four, but give them 2+2.”

“Change is fundamental in story. When things are static, the story dies, because life is never story.”

“Drama is anticipation mingled with uncertainty.”

So without further do, take twenty minutes and listen to his talk. It’s pure gold in my opinion.