Plot, the perpetual need to overthink it, and some simple ways to get a handle on the plot monster

"Contrary to many general-purpose dictionaries, a plot is not the main story of a work. A plot is the series of events providing conflict within a story. The search for a murderer is a plot. Surviving a natural disaster is a plot. A plot can be summarized without specific names or settings. (Do not argue with teachers about this… plot is whatever they want it to be!)

The plot is sometimes called the “spine” of a story. The plot is the action, while the story is the emotions associated with the action. Yes, a plot can be caused by the emotions of characters, but the action is apart from the story. Plots are the results of choices made by the characters: the characters take action (or don’t) and events happen as a result.

Aristotle set the “rules” for modern plots: there is a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning is short, the ending shorter, and the middle is where most of the plot twists reside. If you write 100 pages, it might take 30 to introduce the characters and plot, 50 for the twists, and 20 for the ending. The beginning ends with the introduction of the primary plotline. The middle ends with a climactic showdown.

Many writers “plot” their plots, like a timeline. It helps to see where choices are made and actions taken, so you can pace the story. Pacing is important because most stories accelerate in action as they progress. While the beginning events might last days, the end usually occurs in hours."  Tameri guide for writers article

The most important thing to take from this is that "story is the emotions associated with the [plot] action." But all the rest of the above is great stuff to tattoo on the backs of your hands. 

As I have a terrible tendency to get all confused about plot (overcomplicating things, as is my wont) this quote particularly resonated with me.  There are many excellent points on story structure (including a nifty chart you can cadge for your own use).  Something I found particularly useful, though, was this handy rule of thumb for discerning plot:

"It should be possible to state a plot in one or two sentences. If a plot requires more than two dozen words to describe, it is too complex. The primary plot is simple; the story is complex. The more provocative, unusual, and thoughtful a plot, the more likely a reader or audience is to want to know the complete story. Shakespeare’s plots are simple, but the plays have wonderful depth. Tom Clancy spy novels are long and complex, but the plots are easy to state. Think about your favorite stories and how simple the primary plots are." 

Comments

[charles gramlich]

I think I make too close a connection between the plot and the twists within the plot

[pjd]

A creative writing teacher I had in college described it as plot versus episode.

The plot of The Odyssey is "Odysseus returns home from war." Everything that happens within that is episode.

My favorite plot distillation I've seen (I can't remember where) is for Huck Finn: "Goes rafting. Goes home."

I'm not sure how useful this distinction is versus academic, but it does help to focus if you go spiraling out of control. I guess.