The INSTITUTIONALIZED Genre

These stories are about how a hero who is entrenched inside a certain group, institution, or establishment fits into that system—or doesn’t. The hero must decide if being part of the group is worth it, and must choose to join, leave, or destroy it. Ultimately, all the stories in this category come down to this question: Who’s crazier… me or them?

The 3 elements of an INSTITUTIONALIZED story are:

1) Every story in this category is about a group—a family, an organization, or a business that is unique.
2) The story is a choice, the ongoing conflict pitting a “Brando” or “Naif” vs. the system’s “Company Man.”
3) Finally, a sacrifice must be made and you get three endings: join, burn it down… or commit “suicide.”