“What is Plot?” may be reading this heading make you think “Obviously I know what a plot is, Miss! What’s so special that you wrote a damn blog on it.” But trust me you will not regret reading it if you are a beginner writer.
See, for common people, the definition of a story plot is just so simple and known as “it’s the most noticed thing in novels and movies,” several good audiences watch movies or read novels just for the plot of a story.
And the fact is that for any writer or director the “plot” is more than just knowing, it’s about UNDERSTANDING the plot of a story (What & why) from every perspective to use or make it clearly and perfectly in their stories.
My Experience With “Story Plotting” Concept
When I started writing, it was just for fun but I have this insane issue with me that even if I start something for fun I try my best to make it perfect and completely impressive from tip to bottom. At first, when I started researching my short story I was like “Yeah I really know about the plotting thing” and then when it came to writing I was buzzing my head onto the wall. Because I had no idea what’s the difference between plot and story and I found plotting is harder than planning a damn story.
After reading tons of blogs on story plotting and sniffing a boatload of YouTube videos I finally understand fully the purpose and existence of the “Plot in a Story.” So, now all I’ve to say is that I struggle so you don’t have to. This blog will tell you A to Z about plotting of the story so that you will write a great story with breathtaking ebbs and flows in plotting.
What is the Plot of a Story? Common People vs Writers
For most readers and moviegoers, the plot is like a skeleton that holds the entire story together. It’s the sequence of events that makes them gasp, cry, laugh, or sit on the edge of their seats. To common people, the plot is simple: What happened?
But if you’re a writer, it’s a whole other level of chaos. For us, the plot isn’t just what happens—it’s why it happens, how it happens, and how it connects everything. It’s the difference between saying, “A hero defeats a villain” versus weaving a character’s journey that explores the hero’s failures, motivations, and triumphs while keeping your readers biting their nails.
The Purpose of the Story Plot –
A well-crafted plot of a story isn’t just about action and events. It’s about evoking emotions, keeping the pacing tight, and making every single thing count. In simpler terms, the plot is the roadmap of your story. Without it, you’re either lost in a maze of ideas or, worse, boring your readers into putting your book down. (A fate worse than bad reviews, trust me!)
The Definition Of “Plot”
If you’re a definition person then here is the clear-cut definition of Wikipedia of “Plot”
“In a literary work, film, or other narrative, the plot is the sequence of events in which each event affects the next one through the principle of cause and effect. The causal events of a plot can be thought of as a series of events linked by the connector “and so”.”
The Core Elements of a Story Plot
Here’s the juicy part: every story plot, no matter how big or small, revolves around these core elements. Although plots are not something the “step-by-step guide” type of thing these few elements are must-have fundamentals in any story. You need to master these if you want to create a story that sticks with readers:
Exposition (The Setup):
This is where you introduce your world, your characters, and your why should I care? In simple, The beginning of a story. You’re giving the readers a cosy chair to sit in before the emotional rollercoaster kicks off their butt : ) This step might look easier but it is the most crucial and yep kind of hard part of the story because you’ve to be so careful about what you going to expose or whatnot.
Rising Action (The Build-Up):
Now, you start throwing pebbles in the pond. This part actually comes after the inciting incident of a story where your story conflicts, tension, mysteries, and tiny breadcrumbs that make your readers scream, “What’s next?” Pretty much it’s like a raise on your story graph from where your story will take a hike. There is no hard and fast rule to tell you how you going to carve it, it is more likely just you and your pen thing.
Climax in the Plot of a Story (The Big Bang):
The dramatic peak! This is where everything explodes—secrets are revealed (complete or half-hidden, depending on the story), characters (especially your main character) make huge decisions, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. If this part doesn’t leave your readers’ jaws on the floor, revisit it! As with the first step, writing the climax of your story also takes guts and brain because that is the most pivotal scene of your story. Also, there are many types of climaxes you can choose to intrigue your story more like multiple climaxes, mini-climaxes or even a mid-point climax, but remember that your plot structure may not allow you to use every type of climax with different story structures like the Fichtean Curve or the Five-act structure.
Falling Action (The Aftermath):
After the storm, this is where you tie up loose ends, solve lingering questions, and prepare for the conclusion. The best example of this plotting step is in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, the falling action occurs after the climactic battle at Hogwarts, where Harry defeats Voldemort:
- The immediate danger is over, and Voldemort is dead. The chaos of the battle starts to subside.
- Harry, Ron, and Hermione walk through the wreckage of the castle, witnessing the aftermath of the war—fallen friends, grieving survivors, and the destruction around them.
- Harry takes the Elder Wand and chooses to repair his own wand rather than keep the powerful one, symbolizing the resolution of his journey and his rejection of absolute power.
This section prepares readers for the book’s resolution, wrapping up the storylines and hinting at the rebuilding of the wizarding world. It ties up loose ends and reflects on the cost of victory while setting the stage for the hopeful epilogue.
Resolution (The End):
And finally, this is your story’s mic-drop moment, the end of your story. Whether it’s a happy ending or a bittersweet farewell, this is where you leave your readers with something to remember. Well, you might be thinking “Ahh finally!” but hold on ending is not as easy to write as you think. In fact, your one mistake can totally ruin your entire story now at this step – all the effort, brain, research, and logic you put into all those procedures above could be ruined just because you haven’t shaped your resolution carefully.
Why Writers Struggle with Plot of a Story? (And How To Fix It)
Let me tell you, plotting your story isn’t some magical gift you’re born with—it’s a skill you learn, so it’s fine if you feel nervous or struggle with it. Most writers (yes, even the greatest) struggle with story plotting at first because it’s a juggling act, and pretty much it’s an entire story you have. You’re balancing characters’ goods and flaws, conflicts, pacing, and story themes, all while trying not to drop the ball.
How to Write a Good Story Plot – The Plotting Tips
Here’s how you can stop losing your mind and start owning the plot game:
- Start with a Simple Outline:
Don’t overcomplicate it at first. Start with a beginning, middle, and end. Then build layers from there. - Ask ‘Why’ for Every Scene:
If a scene doesn’t answer a “Why,” it probably doesn’t belong in your story. Why is this event happening? Why is it important to your character’s arc? Everything that’s happening is because of a reason, if there is no reason the detail is useless to be there. - Focus on Conflict:
No conflict? No story. Your plot thrives on obstacles. Keep throwing problems at your characters and watch your plot thrive. First, make troubles and then resolve them, not the other way around. - Keep It Flexible:
Plots change, and that’s okay. Let your characters and themes guide you if things start to shift.
How to Manage the Subplot and Main Plot of a Story?
Balancing the story subplot and main plot of a story is essential for creating depth, complexity, and emotional impact. Here’s how you can effectively manage both:
Create a Relationship Between the Main Plot & Subplot
- Main Plot: This is the central story arc that drives the narrative. It revolves around the protagonist’s main goal, conflict, and resolution.
- Subplot: This is a secondary story arc that supports, contrasts, or complements the main plot. It often involves side characters, relationships, or internal conflicts.
2. Ensure the Subplot Enhances the Main Plot
Your main plot should never fade with your subplots. A subplot should only serve a purpose, such as:
- Reinforcing the theme – e.g., a love story subplot in a war novel that highlights the cost of war.
- Developing characters – e.g., a friendship subplot that challenges the protagonist’s beliefs.
- Adding tension or relief – e.g., a humorous subplot in a thriller to balance intensity.
3. Weave the Subplot Naturally Into the Story
- Introduce the subplot organically rather than in a forced way.
- Use overlapping characters, settings, or conflicts to integrate it into the main narrative.
- Example: If your main plot of a story is about a detective solving a murder case, the subplot could be about his strained relationship with his daughter, which affects his work.
4. Maintain a Proper Balance
- The main plot should take precedence, but the subplot should appear at key moments.
- Use story beats to structure when and how often the subplot appears.
- Example: If your novel has 30 chapters, ensure the subplot appears at least 5–7 times in meaningful ways.
5. Use the Subplot for Character Development
- A subplot is a great use to develop your characters. It often showcases a different side of the protagonist or other characters.
- Example: In Harry Potter, the main plot is about defeating Voldemort, but the subplot of friendships, Quidditch, and romance helps deepen character growth.
Make Plotting Your Story’s Superpower
If you’ve made it this far, congrats! You’re officially armed with the basics of plotting. Remember, a great plot doesn’t have to be overly complex or filled with twists—it just needs to connect with your audience on an emotional level as well as pacing. Whether you’re writing a simple romance or a mind-bending thriller, the plot is your secret weapon to hook your readers and keep them coming back for more.
Now, grab your notebook (or laptop), and start writing the plot of your dreams! Or nightmares. Whatever floats your storytelling boat. But don’t give up!