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.
Freytag's pyramidConflict
Main article: Conflict (narrative)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
Main article: Rising actionThe 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
Main article: Falling actionThe 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 (Resolution)
Main article: DénouementEtymologically, 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
Main article: Plot deviceA plot device is a literary technique useed by authors to create a desired effect in storytelling.
Notes
- ^ Polking, 1990, p.328-9.
- ^ Obstfeld, 2002, p.1,65,115,171.
- ^ Greenville College (2006). Plot A: The Pattern of the Action
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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Categories: Fiction | Plot | Literary concepts | Narratology
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