How to Write a Perfect Slice of Life

 

With my final exams over, I’ve returned to writing articles after nearly a month. During finals season, I finished Barakamon, a slice-of-life anime about calligraphy prodigy Handa Seishuu, who is begrudgingly sent to a rural island village by his father after punching an esteemed member of the calligraphy community. He begins the series as a moody, antisocial, narcissistic man, but after meeting energetic seven-year-old Naru and the other villagers on the island, he changes for the better. Unfortunately, Barakamon’s superb anime adaptation only covers about one-third of the manga, so I had to switch mediums partway through the experience. The anime was produced in 2014, so it is unlikely that the series will be renewed for a second season. Although Barakamon isn’t particularly well-known in the anime and manga communities, it is regarded highly by its dedicated fanbase. I also kept up with the anime and manga for Spy x Family, another slice-of-life series about the illustrious spy Twighlight, tasked with starting a fake family as part of an important government operation. With a professional assassin as a wife and a daughter capable of reading minds, Twilight’s operation only grows more complicated. Shenanigans quickly ensue in some of the most thrilling and emotionally moving episodes of anime I have ever watched. This article won’t contain any major spoilers for Barakamon or Spy x Family, but I can’t recommend both of them enough.

One of the most significant flaws of slice-of-life media is that its episodic nature can make it a repetitive slog. For example, Barakamon’s less highly regarded spinoff series Handa-Kun over relies on its running gag that the antisocial protagonist Handa Seishuu thinks he is alienated by everyone when he is actually revered for his remarkable talent. Every episode follows the same cliche where characters who admire Handa try to get closer to him, before being rejected in some comedic misunderstanding. Misunderstandings can be employed effectively in comedy, but in shows like Handa-Kun, these running gags kill audience retention. 

Barakamon and Spy x Family avoid this issue by skillfully implementing what I call the ideal slice-of-life formula:

    1. Each chapter starts with its main character, not necessarily the main character, given a basic plot setup. It could be an invitation to go fishing for the first time, or a PE class with the potential to go wrong. The setup clearly establishes the scope of the chapter’s narrative, as well as any conflicts to anticipate.

    2. Next, the characters spend time interacting and enjoying themselves while the conflicts develop. This is an opportunity for ample characterization and comedic moments that typically occupies most of the chapter. Unlike other genres, slice-of-life takes this time to relish the mundane parts of life, down to every inside joke, gorgeous scene, and delectable confection. In slice-of-life, happiness is more of a whimsical continuum than a fleeting appearance and good authors show this. 

    3. Then, during the climax, each chapter’s main character has a moment to shine, growing as a result of their life experiences. They may learn to value their friends more after being defended from insults, become more selfless by sacrificing themselves in the heat of the moment or decide on a life goal after seeking advice from a mentor. At the end of the day, real people grow gradually from the accumulation of these minute epiphanies. The climax is also a reminder that noteworthy moments are interspersed within the “whimsical continuum” and will continue to influence the narrative. 

    4. Finally, each character unwinds for the day. The chapter’s main character may take a moment to reflect on all that has transpired, demonstrating to the reader that the chapter’s events were consequential. Each character will continue to grow, collectively changing the series such that no chapter is the same as those that precede it. 

The formula ensures that a slice-of-life series will remain fresh in every chapter, impart the enjoyable vibes the audience comes for, and leave off with heartwarming scenes that keep them passionately returning.