Ohler's Story Map

The generic story map has changed the way I look at any given story. Whether it be a movie, novel, song or poem, I am looking to see if it fits this generic structure. I've found myself often hoping that a story doesn't follow it, that it is completely unique. I often question how accurate a generic story map can be. If a story can mean different things to different people, how can there be one definitive climax? Even from a simple analysis of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone it was evident that different people viewed different events as being the most significant. While I often question the story maps usefulness, I see its importance as well. It gives the author a method of keeping the story flowing in a forward motion, and allows the audience to keep track of the story's progression. I wonder if an author intentionally writes to fit this guideline, or if it naturally succumbs to its form. It makes me wonder how many critically acclaimed stories do not follow this trend compared to the ones that do; whether it is more beneficial to follow the standard or to forge a unique path. I suppose only writing more will show which writing style I am better suited for.

(Story map courtosy of http://s.spachman.tripod.com/Narrative/storymap.htm )