Because each level "falls" under the one above it, we can create a "3-D" representation of the thematic chart that illustrates its nested nature:

The Dramatica Structural Model

This projection gives a good feel for how Classes, Types, Variations, and Elements relate to one another. We start at the top by loosely classifying our story's problem, and then subdivide each Class into Types. Each Type is refined into Variations and then defined in terms of its basic Elements. Remember, our purpose here is only to identify the components of theme. Later in The Art Of Storytelling we will illustrate how to build and develop your story's theme.