What Is Plot Structure? – The plot of a story is what makes it interesting. And while we might not always notice, there are certain points in the story that help create and maintain the tension that keeps us interested. These points are called “plot structure.” The plot structure is the backbone of any story.

It’s what keeps a reader invested in your story and wanting to see it through to the end, it’s what keeps you watching till the end because you’re just so into this story. But do you know how to write an effective plot? Plot structure refers to the arrangement or presentation of events that make up a novel or short story.

There are several types of plots, but they can be generally categorized as follows: Act I – introduces characters and setting; establishes conflict Act II – complicates action with new obstacles Act III – brings about climax and resolution

What is plot in a story?

Plot is a literary term used to describe the events that make up a story, or the main part of a story. These events relate to each other in a pattern or a sequence. Rising action which occurs when a series of events build up to the conflict.

What are the components of a plot?

The 6 Elements of Plot – So how do you build a plot with this cause-and-effect thing? Fortunately, the answer is simple: you break plot down into its components. The components of plot are like puzzle pieces. If you want your reader to see the final picture, you need to see the shape of each component and fit them into their proper place.

Does anyone else feel like this puzzle piece is closing a hole in the universe or something? Just me? Too much Dr. Who, I guess. In The Write Structure, we talk about the six elements of plot: 1. Exposition, At the beginning of the story, the exposition establishes characters and setting. Not all your world-building happens here, but this is where you show your readers what “normal” is for your characters.

That way, readers will know what’s wrong when we hit the next step. Learn more in our full exposition guide here,2. Inciting Incident, The inciting incident is an event in a story that throws the main character into a challenging situation, upsetting the status quo and beginning the story’s movement, either in a positive way or negative.

1. This movement culminates in the climax and denouement.
2. Learn more in our full inciting incident guide here,3.
3. Rising action, or Progressive Complications,
4. This is the largest part of the story, and where most of the conflict takes place.
5. You know that quote about getting your characters up a tree, then throwing rocks at them? This is rock-throwing time.

Here’s where you raise the stakes and begin building up to the story’s climax. It’s crucial that your readers know what’s at stake here; it’s also critical that they clearly understand the conflict. Learn more our full rising action guide here,4. Dilemma (or crisis, according to Story Grid ).

1. This is the most important element, what you’ve been building toward, the moment when a character is put into a situation where they must make an impossible choice.
2. Learn more in our full dilemma guide here,5. Climax,
3. This is the big moment! The character’s choice from the dilemma drives the outcome of the conflict.

If you did it right, this is the worst (i.e. best) moment of tension in the whole story, setting your readers on edge. Learn more in our full climax guide here,6. Denouement or Resolution. Now, at the end of the story, you’re establishing “normal” all over again—but the new normal, incorporating the changes and experiences of your characters.

Your readers can sit with your characters a little in their new normal, emotionally wrapping everything up so your reader can put the book away without flipping back through the pages to see what they missed. It’s a scene-closure with enough finality to deserve those two words: The End. Learn more in our full denouement guide here,

Historical Note : One of the earliest writers to talk about this structure was Gustav Freytag, the German author who wrote in the middle of the 19th century. His basic structure became known as Freytag’s Pyramid, and he was the first to talk about many of five elements of plot we discuss above.

Who invented the plot structure in literature?

The 6 Elements of Plot – So how do you build a plot with this cause-and-effect thing? Fortunately, the answer is simple: you break plot down into its components. The components of plot are like puzzle pieces. If you want your reader to see the final picture, you need to see the shape of each component and fit them into their proper place.

Does anyone else feel like this puzzle piece is closing a hole in the universe or something? Just me? Too much Dr. Who, I guess. In The Write Structure, we talk about the six elements of plot: 1. Exposition, At the beginning of the story, the exposition establishes characters and setting. Not all your world-building happens here, but this is where you show your readers what “normal” is for your characters.

That way, readers will know what’s wrong when we hit the next step. Learn more in our full exposition guide here,2. Inciting Incident, The inciting incident is an event in a story that throws the main character into a challenging situation, upsetting the status quo and beginning the story’s movement, either in a positive way or negative.

This movement culminates in the climax and denouement. Learn more in our full inciting incident guide here,3. Rising action, or Progressive Complications, This is the largest part of the story, and where most of the conflict takes place. You know that quote about getting your characters up a tree, then throwing rocks at them? This is rock-throwing time.

Plot Structure in literature

Here’s where you raise the stakes and begin building up to the story’s climax. It’s crucial that your readers know what’s at stake here; it’s also critical that they clearly understand the conflict. Learn more our full rising action guide here,4. Dilemma (or crisis, according to Story Grid ).

1. This is the most important element, what you’ve been building toward, the moment when a character is put into a situation where they must make an impossible choice.
2. Learn more in our full dilemma guide here,5. Climax,
3. This is the big moment! The character’s choice from the dilemma drives the outcome of the conflict.

If you did it right, this is the worst (i.e. best) moment of tension in the whole story, setting your readers on edge. Learn more in our full climax guide here,6. Denouement or Resolution. Now, at the end of the story, you’re establishing “normal” all over again—but the new normal, incorporating the changes and experiences of your characters.

Your readers can sit with your characters a little in their new normal, emotionally wrapping everything up so your reader can put the book away without flipping back through the pages to see what they missed. It’s a scene-closure with enough finality to deserve those two words: The End. Learn more in our full denouement guide here,

Historical Note : One of the earliest writers to talk about this structure was Gustav Freytag, the German author who wrote in the middle of the 19th century. His basic structure became known as Freytag’s Pyramid, and he was the first to talk about many of five elements of plot we discuss above.

What is a good plot structure?

How Plot Works – Plot has a specific structure. It follows a format that sucks readers in; introduces characters, character development, and world building; and compels readers to keep reading in order to satisfy conflict and answer questions. Plot is about cause and effect, but, most importantly, plot is about choice, a character’s choice.