Rule 2.

Rule #2 of Storytelling (still in pondering status):

The main character is the theme of the show.

(Captain/Title character/Chosen One/Barkeeper etc.)

Examples:

(Keep in mind that I don’t watch a lot of TV anymore; it’s mostly limited to Joss Whedon and the Cartoon Network to be truthful)

Mal Reynolds is the captain; everything that happens to him relates to living according to his own code; the theme of the show is what happens when you live according to your own code.

Picard is the captain; everything that happens to him is about the fine differences between what is right and what is the rule/law; the theme of the show is what happens when you make those choices.

Buffy is the chosen one; everything that happens to her relates to “growing up”; the theme of the show is “growing up.”

Samurai Jack is the hero; everything that happens to him relates to the things he honors; the theme of the show is honor.

Exceptions:

Multiple main characters:

Powerpuff Girls: How to be a girl (some satire and other jazz)

Dual main characters:

Star Trek TOS: Kirk and Spoc: Impulse vs. Logic

The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy: Simplicity vs. Sophistication (satire and farce)

Reversing:

Who’s the main character of Friends? The theme of the show is friendship and relationships. Who does everyone else in the show

relate to (except Phoebe, mostly)? Ross. Ross is the main

character of Friends.

Anyway, just playing around.

(Rule #1: If you reveal the plan, something will go wrong. Only when you skip past the plan in the story does the plan go according to plan.)