In fiction, the plot is a sequence of interrelated events arranged to form a logical pattern and achieve an intended effect.[1] Along with character, setting, theme, and style, plot is considered one of the fundamental components of fiction.[2] Aristotle wrote in Poetics that mythos (plot) is the most important element of storytelling.
Plot structure[]
Plot is often designed with a narrative structure, storyline or story arc, that includes exposition, conflict, rising action and climax, followed by a falling action and a dénouement. The term storyline also refers to the plot or subplot of a story.
Freytag's pyramid
Conflict[]
Conflict is actual or perceived opposition of needs, values and interests. A conflict may be internal (within oneself) or external (between two or more individuals). It may also be both internal and external.
Rising action[]
The rising action in a work of fiction builds suspense and leads to the climax.
Climax[]
The high point, a moment most intense, a turning point, a major culmination of events.
Falling action[]
The falling action is the part of a story following the climax and shows the effects of the climax. It leads up to the dénouement (or catastrophe).[3]
Dénouement (Resolution)[]
Etymologically, the French word dénouement is derived from the Old French word denoer, "to untie", and from nodus, Latin for "knot". In fiction, a dénouement consists of a series of events that follow the climax, and thus serves as the conclusion of the story. Conflicts are resolved, creating normality for the characters and a sense of catharsis, or release of tension and anxiety, for the reader. Simply put, dénouement is the unraveling or untying of the complexities of a plot.
Plot devices[]
A plot device is a literary technique used by authors to create a desired effect in storytelling.
Plot outlines[]
A plot outline is a prose telling of a story to be turned into a screenplay. Sometimes called a one page (one page synopsis, about 1 - 3 pages). It is generally longer and more detailed than a standard synopsis (1 - 2 paragraphs), but shorter and less detailed than a treatment or a step outline. There are different ways to do these outlines and they vary in length.
In comics, an outline—often pluralised as outlines--refers to a stage in the development where the story has been broken down very loosely in a style similar to storyboarding in film development.
The pencils will be very loose (i.e., the sketch rough), the main aim being to lay out the flow of panels across a page, ensure the story successfully builds suspense and to work out points of view, camera angles and character positions within panels. This can also be referred to as a plot outline or a layout.
Notes[]
References[]
- Obstfeld, Raymond (2002). Fiction First Aid: Instant Remedies for Novels, Stories and Scripts. Cincinnati, OH: Writer's Digest Books. ISBN 158297117x.
- Polking, K (1990). Writing A to Z. Cincinnati, OH: Writer's Digest Books. ISBN 0898794358.
See also[]
- Dramatic structure
- Narrative
- Narrative structure
- Plot hole
- Storyline
- Subplot
- The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations, which is Georges Polti's categorization of every dramatic situation that might occur in a story or performance.
External links[]
- What Exactly is a Plot? This is a simple, easy to grasp explanation.
- On Plot, a guide for constructing plots.
- 20 Basic Plots from the Tennessee Screenwriting Association.