Angelica Hart and Zi
February 16th, 2011, 04:17 AM
First, Distract Target (Plot)
The plot of a story or novel is the framework, a rational series of event, the why and how come of those events, which draw the reader into the characters' lives, and helps the reader understand the motivation and choices the character makes. If the story submits, The dog croaked. That is not a plot. The dog croaked because Jim poisoned him. Is a plot. This presents questions that need answers and is the beginning of structuring your plotline. Other elements are added to this framework to create the tale. Whereas sometimes the plot emerges from the interaction of characters, other stories, like murder mysteries, benefit from an obvious plot.
A: Obvious? Like in that Stetson you're wearing?
Z: I have an idea for a Western. I like getting into character.
A: One, (Holds up a finger) We don't write Westerns. Two, (Another finger joins the first) we already addressed characterization. Three, (You guessed it, the third finger arrives) We're writing about plots.
Z: So, then why would I wear this hat?
A: Cause you're a clown?
Z: Not today, that hat's for tomorrow.
A: (Looks confused) Huh?
Z: Aren't we supposed to be discussing plot.
A: (Still looking confused) Suuurrreee...as we were stating....
One way to organize a plot is to arrange it in five parts:
Exposition
You need to set a tone for the story, immediately, so the reader knows what to expect. Will the story be humorous, thrilling, romantic, gruesome, etc. You need to give the reader background, setting, and something about the main character(s). This information allows readers to understand what the story is going to be about. And, for course, this all happens in the opening.
The protagonist is introduced
The protagonist has a strong goal to achieve or is facing a conflict
Additional characters can be brought in initially or later, but all characters must contribute to the story
Complication
A story can't exist without complications. It is the rising action that creates the tension, pacing and struggles of the characters.
The protagonists sets off on a journey to solve his problem
Often the antagonist either is the problem or complicates the problem
Secondary characters either aid the protagonist or cause further conflict
Climax
This is frequently the shortest but most exciting part of the story, when the characters' quandaries come to a head. Equate the story to a mountain the reader has been climbing, one hand and foothold at a time, the climax is the summit. This is when swords are drawn, the princess is rescued, the treasure is found. Some call it the turning point in the story, the crisis, and also where the villain is usually defeated.
The story reaches a high point
Often events force the protagonist into a hopeless situation and there appears no way out
This is the point in the story where the character’s life changes forever
Anti-climax
Immediately after the climax, the story's action begins to fall
Protagonist catches their breath, their deed is done, their quest fulfilled
Everything starts to come together, mostly all questions are answered
Reader slides down the mountain toward the ending
Resolution
In the resolution, all the loose ends need to be tied and knotted into satisfactory bows
This is the conclusion, the summary of all the events
The happily ever after or the cliff hanger for a sequel or the not so happily ever after but this is all folks!
This is not mandatory but if you'd wish to do a homework assignment: Figure out the following for your story:
What is the conflict of my story?
What is preventing the protagonist from overcoming the conflict?
Why does the antagonist want to prevent the protagonist from overcoming the conflict?
Is the secondary character helping the protagonist or making things worse? Explain.
If you have any questions or wish to send us your assignment, write us at angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com with lesson three in the subject line.
Until next time, keep writing!
Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ SNAKE DANCE ~ CHASING YESTERDAY
www.champagnebooks.com (http://www.champagnebooks.com/)
THE FABLE OF SIN-SIN CINDERELLA
angelicahartandzi.com
The plot of a story or novel is the framework, a rational series of event, the why and how come of those events, which draw the reader into the characters' lives, and helps the reader understand the motivation and choices the character makes. If the story submits, The dog croaked. That is not a plot. The dog croaked because Jim poisoned him. Is a plot. This presents questions that need answers and is the beginning of structuring your plotline. Other elements are added to this framework to create the tale. Whereas sometimes the plot emerges from the interaction of characters, other stories, like murder mysteries, benefit from an obvious plot.
A: Obvious? Like in that Stetson you're wearing?
Z: I have an idea for a Western. I like getting into character.
A: One, (Holds up a finger) We don't write Westerns. Two, (Another finger joins the first) we already addressed characterization. Three, (You guessed it, the third finger arrives) We're writing about plots.
Z: So, then why would I wear this hat?
A: Cause you're a clown?
Z: Not today, that hat's for tomorrow.
A: (Looks confused) Huh?
Z: Aren't we supposed to be discussing plot.
A: (Still looking confused) Suuurrreee...as we were stating....
One way to organize a plot is to arrange it in five parts:
Exposition
You need to set a tone for the story, immediately, so the reader knows what to expect. Will the story be humorous, thrilling, romantic, gruesome, etc. You need to give the reader background, setting, and something about the main character(s). This information allows readers to understand what the story is going to be about. And, for course, this all happens in the opening.
The protagonist is introduced
The protagonist has a strong goal to achieve or is facing a conflict
Additional characters can be brought in initially or later, but all characters must contribute to the story
Complication
A story can't exist without complications. It is the rising action that creates the tension, pacing and struggles of the characters.
The protagonists sets off on a journey to solve his problem
Often the antagonist either is the problem or complicates the problem
Secondary characters either aid the protagonist or cause further conflict
Climax
This is frequently the shortest but most exciting part of the story, when the characters' quandaries come to a head. Equate the story to a mountain the reader has been climbing, one hand and foothold at a time, the climax is the summit. This is when swords are drawn, the princess is rescued, the treasure is found. Some call it the turning point in the story, the crisis, and also where the villain is usually defeated.
The story reaches a high point
Often events force the protagonist into a hopeless situation and there appears no way out
This is the point in the story where the character’s life changes forever
Anti-climax
Immediately after the climax, the story's action begins to fall
Protagonist catches their breath, their deed is done, their quest fulfilled
Everything starts to come together, mostly all questions are answered
Reader slides down the mountain toward the ending
Resolution
In the resolution, all the loose ends need to be tied and knotted into satisfactory bows
This is the conclusion, the summary of all the events
The happily ever after or the cliff hanger for a sequel or the not so happily ever after but this is all folks!
This is not mandatory but if you'd wish to do a homework assignment: Figure out the following for your story:
What is the conflict of my story?
What is preventing the protagonist from overcoming the conflict?
Why does the antagonist want to prevent the protagonist from overcoming the conflict?
Is the secondary character helping the protagonist or making things worse? Explain.
If you have any questions or wish to send us your assignment, write us at angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com with lesson three in the subject line.
Until next time, keep writing!
Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ SNAKE DANCE ~ CHASING YESTERDAY
www.champagnebooks.com (http://www.champagnebooks.com/)
THE FABLE OF SIN-SIN CINDERELLA
angelicahartandzi.com