Plot is more than a sequence of facts; it’s the cause-and-effect relationship between the characters. What’s more, plot is the why, how, and how many of those facts are connected. The word plot is derived from the Old French word complot, meaning “secret plan, conspiracy, or scheme.” Since ancient times, plot has played a crucial role in storytelling. In fact, Greek philosopher Aristotle noted that the plot is the “soul of the tragedy.”
Character
When you write a novel, your characters drive the plot. The character is the psychological need or moral void that motivates the plot. Characters’ reactions to a situation or event develop their character in the audience’s eyes. While the two elements are interrelated, some writers may feel as though they must choose one over the other. Here are a few ways that plot and character are interrelated. These elements are equally important.
Characters begin as seemingly normal people. As the story progresses, they begin to reveal their unique personality traits and hidden abilities. They may experience conflict, and battle internal and external demons. Characters also learn about themselves, their world, and their own mortality. They may also develop special powers or abilities. This type of plot can be very interesting, and readers will be captivated by it.
Setting
The setting of a piece of fiction is the environment in which the characters live. The setting can be physical, social, or cultural. It can also reflect the mood of the story. The setting can be an important aspect of a story, because it allows the reader to imagine the scene and judge the tone. The setting can also be important for the plot, because it can add information to the plot or reveal the character’s personality.
The setting of a story is a central element of the story. Typically, the setting is introduced during the exposition phase at the beginning of the text. As the plot progresses, the setting will often change. The setting may be new, or the author may decide to further develop an existing setting. Setting can be as general as a planet, or it can be as specific as a street or a house. Other elements of setting can include era, date, and season.
In short, the setting is the environment that the characters live in. In literature, the setting of a story can help or hinder the characters’ goals. For example, a character may be a character who is isolated in a remote area. Similarly, the setting of a horror story may be set in an isolated place where the characters cannot reach.
Conflict
The protagonist of a story must face a conflict in order to achieve his or her goals. The protagonist’s journey will often begin at a point of no return and the protagonist will take tentative steps to accomplish his or her goal. These steps are often hampered by inner demons, lack of knowledge, and skill. As a result, the protagonist may be unable to take effective action once the central conflict kicks in.
Another common type of conflict in a plot is character vs. technology. In this case, the protagonist is in direct opposition to a technology or social norm. This conflict can be fueled by the protagonist’s need to survive, a moral sense, love, or a desire to gain freedom.
The central conflict in a plot will be the struggle between two forces that drive the plot forward. The conflict should involve both external and internal forces. The conflict generated by these forces must be believable and realistic in order to draw the reader in and keep them invested. Moreover, this conflict must be related to the primary character’s internal conflict.
A story needs conflict in order to create suspense. Without conflict, the characters would continue to live their lives the way they always have.
Reversal of situation
The reversal of situation plot is a powerful device to raise the dramatic tension in a story. It occurs when a main character’s attempt to overcome a crisis fails and the situation gets worse. This can be accomplished in a number of ways. The main character may have a personal crisis or may be faced with a secret threat.
Reversal of situation plots usually take place at a midpoint or climax in the story. The reversal should affect the immediate situation and not be too telegraphed. In order to work effectively, reversals should be surprising and unexpected. You can experiment with the intensity and timing of reversals to determine which ones work best in a story.
Reversal of situation plots are complex. The most effective plots have two components: the peripeteia and the anagnorisis. Aristotle defined peripeteia as the reversal of situation. The peripeteia must happen against expectations and must be a necessary outcome of the preceding actions.
