A plot is the events that occur within the story they work on the principle of cause and effect. This occurs which results in that so this is the result. These plots could be very simple like a fairy tale, or very complicated like the magic induced sufi lore.
The most common one used is the Freytag Pyramid. Aristotle has given six elements of a plot which we normally use in theater. In 1863 Gustav Freytag a German writer created a model based on it.
There is the exposition which introduces the characters, particularly the protagonist, and the connect between the characters, to certain extent their goals and motivation is also discussed. Then is there is the trigger event that works as a catalyst for a conflict, there are events that are kicked into motion this keeps building the story, and exposes options for resolution. The goal gets clear to the protagonist, and overcome smaller obstacles to deal with the primary one. this is called rising in action. Then comes the climax which is the highest point of the story. The protagonist makes a single big decision that defines the entire outcome of the story. It is this point where the protagonist and the antagonists are acting to win the trophy decisions taken define the integrity and the quality of the characters. The fatal flaws emerge if the protagonist is able to overcome it then we have a winner if not we have a tragedy. Aftermath of the climax is the cooling or the falling action phase, which lead the events to an ending. The problem that set the action in motion is resolved. The outcome depends on the side that the protagonist has put himself or herself on. we then come to the resolution, protagonist and antagonist resolve their conflict, the future of the characters is hinted at.
The other commonly used one is the ABCDE technique where look at action the scene is set with an event that launches a series of events which makes up the story. This should debut as early in the novel as possible. Then the background or the context has to be built. This is the space where your story is set, it ideally should follow the action. Then comes the conflict the trigger that kicks our protagonist to action. Now this should be compelling and be something that the character cannot live without. It should present choices, that are difficult to make and temptations to be over come. Then comes the actual bulk this the journey of our protagonist from the point A to point B we look at events that connive to assist or deter the journey. Ideally these should escalate steadily bringing the protagonist closer to resolution. This is called the development of the plot. Then comes the point where the protagonist has to resolve the conflict, this is the state after the crisis and the conflict. It is also called the denouement and is the final release of dramatic tension, this is the point where the main character has changed and changed the world in a way… the way in which the change happens, it is also the end.
Both these techniques do demonstrate a partiality towards Joseph Campbell’s hero’s cycle. And more conducive to writing quests.
At the end of this we had our exercise… a visit to the hospital.
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