Creative Writing

• Plot


  Chain of cohesive related events given in a narrative that entails its proper sequence
• In literature, a plot refers to the sequence of interconnected events that unfold within a story. It serves as the framework for the narrative, revealing the cause-and-effect relationships between these events.

  
• Key points about plot


  • Definition: A plot encompasses the "what happens" in a story, going beyond a mere chronological sequence of events. It involves structuring the events to create conflict, raise dramatic questions, and engage the reader. The plot's arc typically includes a beginning, middle, and end, leading to a climax and resolution.
  • Example: Consider Charles Dickens's classic work, A Christmas Carol. The protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge, is introduced as a miserly character who lacks generosity, especially during Christmas. Conflict arises when three spirits visit Scrooge, helping him understand the reasons behind his behavior. The climax occurs as Scrooge's bleak future is revealed, prompting him to change his ways. The resolution lies in Scrooge's transformed attitude and behavior.
  • Common Plot Types: Tragedy, Comedy, Journey of the Hero, Rebirth, Rags-to-Riches
• Exposition


  The part of a story that sets the stage for the drama to follow. It serves as the foundation by introducing essential elements to the reader.
• Exposition


  • Purpose and Importance: Exposition provides background information that allows readers to understand the context and characters. It introduces theme, setting, characters, and circumstances.
  • Methods of Conveying Exposition: Description of setting, dialogue/conversation among characters, character's thoughts and observations, point of view, flashback, narrator's direct description, secondary sources, overheard conversations or arguments, emotional state of characters, character's response to events or plot points.
• Rising Action


  The section of the plot where tension grows due to the central conflict's successive developments. It occurs after the exposition and before the climax.
• Rising Action


  • Inciting Incident or Complication: The rising action begins with an inciting incident or complication that creates a problem or conflict for the characters, setting off a series of significant events.
  • Length: The rising action is typically the longest part of the story.
  • Building Tension: The rising action builds tension and suspense.
• Climax


  The central turning point in a story. It's the moment when everything comes to a head, and the stakes are at their highest.
• Climax


  • Height of Action: It represents the height of the story's action.
  • Answering Questions: The climax often answers the story's biggest question.
  • Resolution: While it feels like the climax could be the resolution, the story usually continues. The climax marks the beginning of the falling action, which unwinds the tension and leads to the plot's resolution.
• Falling Action


  The section where the central conflict begins to resolve. During this phase, the tension stemming from the story's conflict decreases, and the narrative moves toward its conclusion.
• Falling Action


  • Begins with the Climax: The falling action starts right after the climax.
  • Winding Down Tension: After building up the central conflict during the rising action, the falling action allows characters to relax a bit.
  • Introduction of New Conflict: While de-escalating the existing conflict is a primary purpose, plot twists or new conflicts can also emerge during the falling action.
• Resolution


  The conclusion of the story's plot. It's where any unanswered questions are answered, or "loose ends are tied."
• Resolution


  • Timing: The resolution occurs after the falling action and is typically where the story ends.
  • Conflict Resolution: During this phase, conflicts are resolved, and tension is released.
  • Emotional Satisfaction: Often, there's a catharsis—an emotional release—that brings satisfaction to the reader.
  • Answering Questions: Questions and mysteries raised during the story are typically answered and explained during the resolution.
• Overcoming the Monster


  A classic narrative framework where the main character sets out to defeat an opposing force, which threatens them and/or their home.
• Overcoming the Monster


  • Imperfect Hero: The story centers around a hero who is flawed or inexperienced but must rise to the challenge.
  • Seemingly Unconquerable Foe: The antagonist can take various forms, such as a literal monster, a powerful villain, or an internal struggle.
  • Growth and Preparation: The hero grows in strength, acquires skills, and gathers resources to face the threat.
  • Confrontation and Victory: Eventually, the hero confronts the monster or adversary. Through courage, wit, and determination, they overcome the odds and emerge victorious.
• Rags-to-Riches


  A captivating narrative structure where the main character acquires valuable power, wealth and/or partner, then loses everything, but in the end, gets everything back after becoming a better person.
• Rags-to-Riches


  • Initial Wretchedness at Home and the Call: The story begins with the protagonist living in oppressive conditions, and they receive a call to action to escape their wretched life.
  • Out Into the World, Initial Success: The hero sets out on their journey, and things seem to improve at first, with minor victories occurring.
  • The Central Crisis: The pivotal "oh crap" moment arrives, and the small victories crumble, and the protagonist hits rock bottom.
  • Independence and the Final Ordeal: The hero relies solely on their wits and strength, climbing back up and facing a final confrontation.
  • Final Union, Completion, and Fulfillment: The protagonist claims wealth, status, a companion, and often a kingdom as a reward for their victory.
• The Quest


  A captivating narrative structure where the main character and companion set out on a journey to get something of importance and/or go somewhere special, facing obstacles and temptation that try to deter them from their goal.
• The Quest


  • Initial Call to Adventure: The protagonist receives a summons or discovers a quest that requires them to leave their ordinary life behind.
  • The Journey and Trials: The hero embarks on an adventurous journey, encountering obstacles, allies, and adversaries, facing trials, tests, and temptations.
  • Companions and Allies: The quest often involves a group of main characters rather than a lone protagonist, with companions supporting the hero.
  • Obstacles and Rests: Obstacles arise, testing the hero's resolve, but periods of rest allow the party to recover and strategize.
  • Arrival and Frustration: The heroes approach their goal, but the final task remains unfulfilled, leading to frustration.
  • Final Ordeals and Triumph: The climax arrives, with a series of final tests or trials, but success leads to victory and the quest's purpose being fulfilled.
  • Return and Transformation: Having overcome the challenges, the hero returns home, transformed by the journey.
• Voyage and Return


  1. Anticipation Stage and "Fall" into the Other World

  2. Initial Fascination or Dream Stage

  3. Frustration Stage

  4. Nightmare and Escape

  5. Return and Transformation
• Quest archetype


  • It mirrors our own yearning for adventure, growth, and discovery
• Tragedy


  1. Anticipation Stage

  2. Dream Stage

  3. Frustration Stage

  4. Nightmare Stage

  5. Destruction or Death Wish Stage
• Tragic plots


  • Shakespeare's plays like Macbeth and Hamlet
  • Films about organized crime such as Goodfellas, Scarface, and The Departed
• Comedy


  1. Initial Setup

  2. Obstacles and Misunderstandings

  3. Peak of Chaos

  4. Resolution and Clarity
• Comedy plots


  • Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream
  • Romantic comedy films
  • Sitcoms
• Comedy


  • Confusion and resolution lie at the heart of this plot type
• Rebirth


  1. Initial Situation

  2. Initial Success and Illusion

  3. Return of the Threat

  4. Descent into Darkness

  5. Miraculous Redemption

  6. Transformation and Renewal
• Rebirth stories


  • "A Christmas Carol": Ebenezer Scrooge's redemption
  • "How the Grinch Stole Christmas": The Grinch's transformation
• Rebirth plots


  • They remind us that change and redemption are possible—even for those who have strayed into darkness
• Action


  Revolves around the physical movement of characters within the narrative, propelling the plot forward and revealing essential information about the characters
• Summary


  Provides a concise and objective restatement of the main ideas or events within a larger text, serving purposes like transition, recap, and compression
• Dialogue


  Brings characters to life through spoken words, revealing their personalities, advancing the plot, establishing relationships, and creating tension
• Feelings/Thoughts


  Focuses on portraying a character's emotions, inner monologue, and mental states, creating depth and relatability
• Background


  Provides the contextual foundation for the story, describing the setting, world-building, and character history
• Action


  In the context of fiction writing, action is a fundamental narrative mode that propels stories forward through dynamic movement and physical events
• Exposition


  In the context of fiction writing, exposition is a crucial narrative mode that provides essential background information to readers
• Common Sources of Exposition


  • Description of Setting
  • Dialogue/Conversation Among Characters
  • Character's Thoughts and Observations
  • Flashbacks
  • Narrator's Direct Description
  • Secondary Sources (Letters, Diaries)
  • Overheard Conversations or Arguments
  • Emotional State of Characters
• Description


  In the context of fiction writing, description is a fundamental narrative mode that enriches your story by vividly portraying the world within it
• Dialogue


  In the context of fiction writing, dialogue is a fundamental narrative mode that brings characters to life through spoken words
• Summary


  In the context of fiction writing, summary is one of the essential narrative modes