Plot (narrative)
- For a topical guide to this subject, see Outline of fiction.
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.
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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.
Exposition
The exposition provides the background information needed to properly understand the story, such as the protagonist, the antagonist, the basic conflict, and the setting. The exposition ends with the inciting moment, which is the incident without which there would be no story. The inciting moment sets the remainder of the story in motion beginning with the second act, the rising action.
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).
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
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 useed by authors to create a desired effect in storytelling.
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.
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