5 Plots Of Story
What is the Plot of a Story?
A 5-Part Story Structure For Beginners. One of the first things we are taught in the 1st grade is how to write a good story. It makes sense because our lives are made up of stories. Each of us has a unique tale. Every day is a story with a plot, characters, and a beginning, a middle, and an end. So, why not tell a good story with a great structure?
- Ideally your readers think for days about your theme. They may remember the plot, but they should chew on the theme. Digging Deeper: 7 Plot Types. While stories seem limitless, most plots fall into these categories: 1. Adventure: A person goes to new places, tries new things, and faces myrid obstacles.
- 2 Responses to “1,462 Basic Plot Types” Mac wheeler on December 21, 2018 5:40 pm. I found that list interestingthen I began to see how many were just categories of a plot. Most interesting to me, there were no subcategories of a very common plotComedy. Off the top of my head I came up with six that were missing.
- Introduction or Exposition. The introduction is where the basic characters and plot elements such.
- A plot is a series of events that take place in a story. Often a plot determines the entire organization of the story. There are usually five parts to any plot: the introduction, the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and the aftermath.
If you are currently wondering, “WHAT IS A PLOT OF A STORY?” we’ve got the answer!
Last updated on June 28, 2019.
Plot as a literary term is defined as the structure of events that make up the movements of a story through time; characters and settings are organized in a logical pattern of cause-and-effect. A plot can be simple or complex in structure. A complex plot with many interrelated elements is sometimes called an imbroglio. Plot is also sometimes referred to as a storyline.
Five essential elements of plot explained:
1. Exposition/Introduction: In the exposition stage of the plot of a story, the setting and characters (especially the main character, known as the protagonist) are introduced, as well as the main problem, conflict or goal of the story.
2. Rising Action: The rising action stage involves an inciting incident. The inciting incident pushes the plot into motion, events begin to build, the protagonist takes action, and the storyline becomes more complex. During this phase, there is often a sense of tension.
3. Climax: The climax is the turning point in the plot of a story. It involves a “climax” (hence the name) – the central struggle. The protagonist faces the main challenge which will eventually lead to the outcome or goal of the story. Typically, this is the most emotional part of the storyline and it often involves the most action.
4. Falling Action: During this stage, the action winds down, loose ends get tied up, events are resolved and we learn the results of the protagonists’ actions.
5. Denoument/Conclusion: In the denoument stage, the goal is resolved and the conflict ends (could be positive, negative or neutral). This is the end of the story.
Plot Elements Of A Story
Without plot, there is no story.
In a story, something has to happen; otherwise, it’s not a story. The plot of a story includes the events of the story and conveys the key themes, messages, and meaning of the narrative. It’s what gives a story its energy and emotion. A good plot engages readers so they want to know what will happen next.
Did you like this article? Then you might also like “8 Essential Elements of a Story Explained” which covers Setting, Character, Story Plot, Conflict, Theme, Point-of-View, Tone, and Style. Or, check out this perfectly printable PDF of the 8 elements of a story. You might also like 10 Steps to an A+ Essay.
Writers Write is a writing resource. In this post, our guest blogger shares a 5-part story structure for beginners.
Guest Post
A 5-Part Story Structure For Beginners
One of the first things we are taught in the 1st grade is how to write a good story. It makes sense because our lives are made up of stories. Each of us has a unique tale. Every day is a story with a plot, characters, and a beginning, a middle, and an end. So, why not tell a good story with a great structure?
Many would support the idea that a good story ought to have these three main parts. Those who agree are professional writers, movie directors, and professors. Without these three fundamental divisions, any given story would appear jumbled. It causes the reader to give up on engaging with the author’s thoughts.
1. Introduction
The beginning of a story is where the author introduces the five important questions: WHO, WHAT, WHY, WHEN and WHERE. They familiarise the reader with the characters, the plot, and the time zone. They give a general idea of what the reader has to expect from the narrative.
In this first part, also called the exposition, the author creates a bond with the main character. It is possible to reveal the character’s aim and ensure a ‘hook’. That means to provide an incentive and a reason for the reader to continue pursuing the story.
2. Doorway No. 1
Good narrative structures also contain a delicate shift, or, as some call it a ‘doorway’. It is the section where the author puts the character into a complicated situation and forces him or her into an irreversible circumstance. This is the part of the story where the action starts to brew. The main character may end up in a difficult position and he or she develops the story goal here. This is the best time to hook the reader into your plot.
3. Middle
The first part (or introduction) serves as a section where everything is set up. The second part of the story is where the story line develops and becomes complicated. We call it the “middle”. More intricate layers of the characters become clear. Secret intentions and relationships start to surface. Needless to say, as conflict ensues, tension adds to the story.
It is a good trick to keep the reader on edge. The author also has the option to weave in subplots to add to the main plot. The middle is the part where the story starts to move towards the climax. That’s the segment of a narrative, also referred to as the development, that gives the reader the sense of the inevitable conclusion.
4. Doorway No.2
As the level of conflict builds throughout the story, doorway No.2 opens. The writer can make use of it to thrust the main character into a final conflict. Let’s call it the pinnacle of the narrative. This climactic moment is where a major blow or crisis usually occurs, which later sets up a potential final solution.
What Is The Plot Of A Story
5. End
The end or the denouement is the climax of the story. This is the part where everything comes together and starts making sense – in case it didn’t make sense before. This is the section where the author writes about the final confrontation and the inevitable aftermath.
A good story should not have any loose ends. The denouement is the perfect place to answer all unanswered questions. Respond to inquiries that may have appeared throughout the story.
The ending can also include poetic justice or an element of sacrifice. It depends on the theme and subject matter the author chooses to write about. This elevates the already scandalous atmosphere that reader has been sucked into.
We have an innate desire for happy endings. Often times, writers choose to provide the readers with what they know the public will generally like. Yet, the story can also end on a negative or ambiguous note. This in turn leaves the reader wondering and perhaps feeling a bit dazed.
The Last Word
It doesn’t matter what type of story you choose to write. The most important thing to remember is to start at the beginning, continue in the middle, and finish at the end. And like a good recipe, every story should contain a little bit of spice, whether it’s love and romance, or revenge and power.
We hope this story structure for beginners helps you write your book.
by Laura Carter. Laura is a former educator who is now an academic writing and higher education blogger. Laura’s passion is great fiction and short story writing. Follow her on Twitter.
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