MICE Quotient

From Guidevines

The MICE Quotient is a theory about story structure proposing all plots have (or need) four basic elements: milieu, idea, character, and event. Stories vary as focus on each of the four elements varies. A story where character dominates over the other three elements might be called a "character story" and so forth.

Milieu stories focus on the world or culture of the story. The generally start with a newcomer entering the world, through whom the reader can experience it, and ends when the newcomer leaves or the world is altered sufficiently by the events of the story to no longer be recognizable. Examples include Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland.

Idea stories focus on a concept or mystery the protagonist must solve or understand. It generally starts by raising a question, such as "Who killed this man?" or "How can we do ______?" It ends when the question is answered. Examples include most mystery stories and many Analog stories.

Character stories focus on the changes, usually internal, that a character goes through in the course of the story. It generally starts when a character decides they are unsatisfied with their current lot in life and ends when the character either acheives a new place or situation, often different from the one they set out to obtain, or they decide they have reason to be content with their orignal circumstances after all. Examples include Member of the Wedding and Disney's The Little Mermaid.

Event stories focus on a problem or set of circumstances that the protagonist must overcome to survive. It generally begins when the problem is brought to light and ends when the problem is overcome. Examples include most action and disaster films.

For example, Lord of the Rings is predominantly a Milleu story, as we explore the world of Middle Earth. However, the plot is mostly Event driven, and various characters go through Character story arcs.

The MICE Quotient is explained in detail in Orson Scott Card's book How To Write Science-Fiction and Fantasy.