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What is Plot
Structure?
Plot is a sequence
of events that moves the story forward. The plot structure is
three-tier: beginning, middle, and end.
The 3 Elements of
Plot Structure
 The
beginning of the main story is pack full of information. This
is when the main and some secondary characters are introduced, the
setting, and the conflict. The goal of the introduction is to get
readers to care what happens about the protagonist and at some level
the antagonist. Don't try to fit all the information in the
beginning of the novel. You have pages and pages left to reveal
aspects of your character's personality or different story arcs.
The
middle of the novel is the largest part of the story. Some say it's
the most difficult to write because when they put pen to paper in
their mind the beginning and end were so clear. However, the middle
of the plot was a bit fuzzy and there was no specific plan for the
structure. When this occurs, just write. The middle of the story
with come together. Here are a few writing techniques to
remember:
--Continue the
character’s emotional journey.
--In the middle, there are several high and low points to build
tension.
--The sequence of
events build upon each other to create scenes.
Include a plot point. A plot point is when something that
happens that brings the story in a different direction. A plot
point keeps the reader engaged and the narrative fresh. For example,
if you are writing a romance novel, you can add a new conflict
between the main characters. Or if you are writing a suspense novel,
add a new threat.
Introduce a subplot to keep the book interesting.
The
ending reveals the story climax and ties up loose endings. At
this point, you can't introduce another conflict because the story
is winding down.
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