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On Plot and Structure
Brandon Patterson
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Overview Plot
Definitions, quotes, etc. LOCK Method
Structure Three Act Structure Transitions
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Books Used as Examples
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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
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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?
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Four Questions Readers Ask (Consciously or not…) What’s this story about? Is anything happening? Why should I keep reading? Why should I care?
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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.
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LOCK Method Lead Objective Confrontation Knockout
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Lead A strong plot starts with an interesting
Lead character. Someone we want to watch for the
duration of the novel
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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
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Confrontation Opposition from characters and outside
forces Make readers fret about the lead,
keeping them emotionally attached to the story
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Knockout
$$$ The big payoff $$$
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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?
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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
______.
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PART 2:STRUCTURE
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Three Act Structure Beginning Middle End
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The Beginning Present the story world Establish the tone Compel the reader to continue Introduce the opposition
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Middle Deepen character relationships Keep us caring what happens Set up final battle
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Ends Tie up all loose ends Give feeling of resonance
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Initiating Incident Start with character in the ordinary
world The disturbance The “new” status quo
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Transitions- Doorway #1 Takes the reader from Beginning to
Middle A doorway of no-return
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Transitions- Doorway #2 Takes reader from the Middle to End Sets up the final battle
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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.
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Extras- List of Plot Patterns The Quest Revenge Love Adventure The Chase
One Against One Apart Power Allegory
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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
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Extras- Alternate Plot Ideas In Medias Ras Literary Fiction
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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
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Questions?
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終わりOwari