Fiction Lesson:
PLOT
"So then a thing happens..." This mindset defines what readers and writers traditionally consider to be a "plot" and the backbone of a successful narrative. This Lesson does not dispute such a reading. A well-written plot, the motion of events in a story which facilitate the actions and growth of characters, often draws less attention than well-written characters. Readers will quickly connect with those they sympathize with or find interesting, and they distance themselves from those who do not. In that way, successful characters, though tricky in their own right, can be easier to compose. Plots, however, can move invisibly, under the surface, and so require a close, scrutinizing eye. This Lesson, composed of four Parts, aims to turn both a writer's and reader's eye towards the creation of successful plots, both linear and nonlinear, traditional and nontraditional. ​Various illuminating excerpts from craft books will augment lectures, discussions, and activities. This Lesson is suitable for writers of all levels and in all stages of narrative development.
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Note: Each lesson can be taught as part of a larger cohesive lecture, emphasizing greater inter-part connections, or individually with greater detail and more time for questions and activities.
PART 1:
PoV - The Narrative's Camera
Part 1 explores point-of-view (PoV) and how each choice of PoV available to an author contains different strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. Traditional PoVs include first and third person, past and present tense, though other, less-conventional, PoVs are also explored to provide a fuller perspective on the capabilities of each. Examples of several types of PoV are discussed. The selection of a PoV is one of an author's most significant, far-reaching choices. Therefore, this Part examines the repercussions of such a choice very closely.
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Activities include: PoV shifting, sharing,
PART 2:
Unter-Quest & Uber-Quest
Part 2 explores characters mesh into plots and how their personal perspectives, histories, and goals can complicate and deepen a narrative. Part 2 explores several famous examples of how characters, their traits and desires, can alter the plots they are a part of. The concept of Uber-Quests and Unter-Quests is introduced to explore this important intersection of character and plot. Uber-Quests occur "aboveground." Meaning, the progression of individual plot-points. Unter-Quests occur "belowground." Meaning, the internal or personal quests of characters to grow and develop beyond the immediate goings-ons of the plot. As Part 1 already demonstrated, PoV is an integral part of writing plot. And our characters often serve as a narrative's source of PoVs.
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Activities include: Tree of Traits
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Note: The Tree of Traits, Part 1 of the Character Lesson, also referenced Uber and Unter-Quests.
PART 3:
Buying Milk Shouldn't Be Hard
Part 3 explores a hypothetical narrative scenario in which a character must buy a gallon of milk from a local store. On the surface, this plot should be both straightforward and not especially interesting. However, in this discussion-heavy Part, we will examine how any plot can be made exciting and engaging with the skillful application of pacing, twists and turns, and interesting character beats. This example will demonstrate the anatomy of a successful, if basic, plot. More nontraditional plot structures will also be examined. Crucially, the concepts of Secrets and Gold Coins will be raised and elaborated upon in great detail.
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Activities include: Expand on the plot & Something Else
PART 4:
Action and Excitement
Part 4 investigates line-level writing of action: Violent and nonviolent, physical and nonphysical. Skillful writing of action helps move the narrative, and also the reader, from plot-point to plot-point in a way that is both smooth and builds excitement for the reader. Excerpts of novels will be read and discussed to examine various successful forms of action prose. Special attention will be paid to imagery, pacing, and evocative word choice.
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Activities include: Hypothetical situations & discussion
