It’s all about how you get from one point to another. The shape of the subjects move the narrative. The subject’s actions flow naturally from their characteristics. Put them in a surprising setting that conflicts with their nature, and you have a story. See also, the rising action, the contrast, recurrent flashback loops (narrative that continually pulls parts of its past into its current action), the multiplicity that is direct (not an ambiguous wash-out, but clear, specific and concrete), sense of movement and expansion. What connections do you see between the technical craft of painting and writing?