The mystery of plotting


This is the line with which event in a story happens. It refers to the way the author makes event happen in his story. The action element in
fiction is the arrangement of events that make up a story.
In present time, the best sellers are divided into two broad format.

Timely stories: These are plots taken from tomorrow’s headline. They include events that concern modern happenings. This events might
include near-future problems. They are written with a view of providing alternative solutions to this problems or an alternative which, though,
might not be satisfactory but is popularly accepted. They use things that are recent, thereby causing realism to be felt in their story.
Universal stories: These deal with Universal theme of human heart and mind that are always and will be of interest. They are concerned with romance and of survival. Some go as far as changing belief systems and making us have a rethink about life.
An example of such is The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield.

Plot can be structured in the following ways.
Internal plot: This is the thought plot. It is seen through the Point of view from which the story is
being told. This deals the POV’s emotion. How it changes. The internal plot is essential in making a
believable Character. You can’t present a character who cannot think, who is seen only
performing but does not detest things, does not like things, does not have quirks etc.

Emotional plot: This refers to the tie between few people in the story. It deals with conflict of desire
between two characters. It also deal with their ability to agree on something or the rate at which
they agree. And if they disagree always, there must be a place the disagreement either help
them or mar them. Also, if they always agree on issues/things, then their agreement must cause
trouble for them or help them out of dire situation.

Thematic plot: This is when the story revolves around the theme that is to be taught. Here you
change events to suite what you are teaching.
You have to make sure the events of your plots are acceptable by your readers. As that might
cause your novel to be thrown aside for no reason.

External plot: This revolves around the storyline itself. It gives you ample opportunities to show
events without just telling us what happened in the story. It is typically based on visuals, physical
actions or what happens.

Exercise 3
Infuse the four plots structure into your story.
Preferably, write it out on a note.

Word! Noted.