In a recent LinkedIn post, Lee McCabe delves into the art of storytelling, using Quentin Tarantino’s iconic film “Pulp Fiction” as a prime example of how unconventional narrative structure can enhance a story. McCabe, a figure associated with Claymore Partners, emphasizes that while many creators opt for chronological order out of a perceived need to build audience trust, genius often lies in disrupting this convention.
McCabe highlights the deliberate structural choices in “Pulp Fiction,” noting:
“He took a fairly simple story, chopped it into pieces, threw the pieces on the floor, then somehow made it better.”
This approach, according to McCabe, can initially appear chaotic but ultimately serves a higher narrative purpose. He draws a parallel between artistic disruption and skilled craftsmanship, stating:
“That is the annoying thing about genius. Sometimes it looks like vandalism until you realise the vandal knew exactly where every brick belonged.”
The Power of Disrupted Sequence
The core of McCabe’s analysis revolves around the impact of sequence on narrative effectiveness. He contrasts the chronological simplicity of the events in “Pulp Fiction” – a hit, a date, a robbery – with the film’s non-linear presentation. McCabe argues that this deliberate jumbling of events is precisely what makes the film brilliant.
He points out the surprising narrative devices employed, such as the ending appearing as the middle and plotlines vanishing and reappearing unexpectedly. “The diner robbery opens the film, disappears for two hours, then comes back like it had just popped out for cigarettes,” McCabe observes, illustrating how this non-traditional order can paradoxically make the story more engaging and impactful.
Analysis vs. Taste in Modern Storytelling
McCabe also touches upon the role of modern AI tools in deconstructing narratives. While acknowledging the utility of AI in analyzing structure, dialogue, and themes, he cautions against equating analytical capability with artistic judgment or emotional resonance. “Because analysis is not taste,” he writes, “A machine can tell you how the trick works. It still cannot tell you why it made you grin like an idiot the first time you saw Samuel L. Jackson open his mouth.”
For McCabe, the true magic lies not just in the facts or the information presented, but in the artful control of revelation. He suggests that effective storytelling hinges on strategic decisions about what to reveal, when to reveal it, and what to hold back to maintain audience engagement. “Most stories are not made better by adding more information. They are made better by knowing what to reveal, when to reveal it, and what to leave hanging long enough for people to care,” he posits.
The Middle as the Nexus of Interest
Ultimately, McCabe steers clear of drawing direct business analogies, explicitly stating his intention is not to find “tortured business lessons” or apply the film’s structure to financial concepts. Instead, he offers a broader reflection on narrative craft.
His concluding thought emphasizes the inherent interest found in the middle of a story, suggesting that this is often where the most compelling developments occur. As McCabe puts it:
“Just a reminder that the middle is usually where the interesting stuff happens.”
McCabe’s post serves as a compelling reminder from a business perspective that the way a story is told—its sequence and structure—can be as crucial as the story itself in captivating an audience.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Lee McCabe on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on June 19, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →