Plot integrates dramatic action, a character’s emotional development, and thematic significance in a story.
To further break down plot:
PLOT is a series of
scenes
deliberately arranged by
cause and effect
to create
dramatic action
filled with
conflict, tension, suspense, and/or curiosity
to further the
character’s emotional development
and provide
thematic significance
What does that mean?
A. Scenes
Plot is a series of scenes that show outward action. Scenes are in the now, the physical, moment-by-moment. Action is a scene marker, as is dialogue. Think of each scene as a little story plot of its own.
B. Cause and Effect
Plot is a series of scenes deliberately arranged by cause and effect. Cause and effect means that each scene comes directly from the preceding scene. One scene causes the next, creating a satisfying story for audiences because each scene is organic. From the seeds you plant in the first scene, the next scene emerges.
C. Dramatic Action
Plot is a series of scenes deliberately arranged by cause and effect to create dramatic action. Dramatic action means that the scenes played out moment-by-moment through action and dialogue include tension.
D. Conflict, Tension, Suspense, and/or Curiosity
Plot is a series of scenes deliberately arranged by cause and effect to create dramatic action filled with conflict, tension, and suspense. Story is conflict shown in scene. Conflict, tension, and suspense force the audience members to the edge of their seats. Conflict, tension, and suspense are built through setbacks, not through good news.
E. Character’s Emotional Development
Plot is a series of scenes deliberately arranged by cause and effect to create dramatic action filled with conflict, tension, and suspense to further the character’s emotional development. Authors’ and screenwriters’ develop story plots around the characters. More than anything else, an audience and readers identify most with the character. Characters in a story show the story through their reactions and emotions to the dramatic action.
We connect to one another through emotion. A character able to “show” an emotional response to the conflict and action engages the reader, while a character who merely “tells” how she feels about what happened is boring and often unbelievable. A character’s action or behavioral response to conflict, during the event itself and later, in relating the conflict, is most compelling to an audience. Your audience needs to understand and care about your characters who represent the heart of your story. Emotional meaning always comes from your characters.
F. Thematic Significance
Plot is a series of scenes deliberately arranged by cause and effect to create dramatic action filled with conflict, tension, and suspense to further the character’s emotional development and create thematic significance. Thematic significance ties your entire story together. It is the main thrust of your story and what you hope to prove through your presentation. The theme is the why: what you want your audience to take away after having read your story. The deeper meaning of the story becomes the thematic significance.
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