on plot and structure

On Plot and Structure

Brandon Patterson

Overview Plot

Definitions, quotes, etc. LOCK Method

Structure Three Act Structure Transitions

Books Used as Examples

Definitions Story: a series of events recorded in their chronological

order

Plot: a series of events deliberately arranged so as to reveal their dramatic, thematic, and emotional significance

Structure: the relationship or organization of the component parts

“Plot is about elements, whereas Structure is about timing” --James Scott Bell

Quotes about Plot Alfred Hitchcock once said that a good

story was life, with all the dull parts taken out.

Only trouble is interesting Once you have your character, ask this

question: what is the worst thing that could happen to this person?

Four Questions Readers Ask (Consciously or not…) What’s this story about? Is anything happening? Why should I keep reading? Why should I care?

Inverted CheckmarkConflict: Simba is Mufasa’s son and heir to the throne. But Scar wants to be king.

Attacked by Hyenas

Mufasa comes

Scar kills Mufasa

Simba flees

Simba nearly dies

Found by Timon and Pumpa

Nala finds Simba, he refuses to return

Rafiki reminds him of his destiny

Scar has an army of hyenas

Simba is joined by friends and family

Crisis: Simba confesses he killed Mufasa

Simba learns the truth, defeats Scar, and becomes king.

LOCK Method Lead Objective Confrontation Knockout

Lead A strong plot starts with an interesting

Lead character. Someone we want to watch for the

duration of the novel

Objective Our lead character must have a want. A

desire. It can be to get something. Or to get

AWAY from something. Must be ESSENTIAL to the well-being of

the lead. If not achieved, it will be life-changing for the lead

Confrontation Opposition from characters and outside

forces Make readers fret about the lead,

keeping them emotionally attached to the story

Knockout

$$$ The big payoff $$$

Exercise Think of one of your favorite novels (or movie)

and analyze it using the LOCK system. Use these questions to help you: What is it about the Lead character that captures

you? What is it the Lead is trying to obtain or get away

from? When did the story kick into “high gear”? What was the main opposition to the Lead’s

objective? How did the ending make you feel? Why did it work?

Alternate Exercise Write a quick plot for your current idea.

Use four lines, one line for each step of LOCK.

My Lead is a __________. Her objective is to __________. She is confronted by ________ who

oppose(s) her because _____________. The ending will be a knockout when

______.

PART 2:STRUCTURE

Three Act Structure Beginning Middle End

The Beginning Present the story world Establish the tone Compel the reader to continue Introduce the opposition

Middle Deepen character relationships Keep us caring what happens Set up final battle

Ends Tie up all loose ends Give feeling of resonance

Initiating Incident Start with character in the ordinary

world The disturbance The “new” status quo

Transitions- Doorway #1 Takes the reader from Beginning to

Middle A doorway of no-return

Transitions- Doorway #2 Takes reader from the Middle to End Sets up the final battle

Exercise 2 Analyze some novels or movies with a view

toward understanding their three-act structure. Specifically note: When is there a disturbance to the Lead’s ordinary

routine? What happens early on? At what point is the Lead thrust into the conflict?

At what point can he not return to normal? When is there a major clue, crisis or setback that

makes the climax inevitable? If you’re bored, ask yourself why. Look to see if

the LOCK elements or three-act structure is weak.

Extras- List of Plot Patterns The Quest Revenge Love Adventure The Chase

One Against One Apart Power Allegory

Extras- List of Conflicts

Man against man Man against

nature Man against

society

The heart in conflict with itself —Faulkner

Man against machine

Man against God Man against

himself

Extras- Alternate Plot Ideas In Medias Ras Literary Fiction

References Plot and Structure- James Scott Bell How to Write a Damn Good Novel-

James N. Frey Writing Fiction—a Guide to Narrative

Craft- Janet Burroway & Elizabeth Stuckey-French

Questions?

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