{"id":2801,"date":"2023-03-11T16:57:02","date_gmt":"2023-03-11T16:57:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/?page_id=2801"},"modified":"2024-05-09T00:21:20","modified_gmt":"2024-05-09T00:21:20","slug":"plot","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/plot\/","title":{"rendered":"Plot: A Writer\u2019s Meat and Potatoes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"when-do-writers-use-irony-c439c963-4154-4dcf-990c-b8d58c054616\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Plot\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:#dae6f0\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><mark style=\"background-color:#dae6f0\" class=\"has-inline-color\">What is Plot?<\/mark><\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plot is the sequence of events that moves a story forward through rising <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/action\/\">action<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/climax\/\">climax<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a>. It builds suspense, creates tension, contributes to character development, and most importantly, provides structure to the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/narrative\/\">narrative<\/a>. Plot typically involves a series of conflicts and complications that the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/protagonist\/\">protagonist<\/a> must overcome to reach a <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a>.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #d60466;color:#d60466\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #d60466;color:#d60466\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/plot\/#What_is_Plot\" title=\"What is Plot?\">What is Plot?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/plot\/#When_do_writers_use_Plot\" title=\"When do writers use Plot?\">When do writers use Plot?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/plot\/#How_to_Establish_Plot\" title=\"How to Establish Plot\">How to Establish Plot<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/plot\/#What_are_the_Key_Elements_of_Plot\" title=\"What are the Key Elements of Plot\">What are the Key Elements of Plot<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/plot\/#Adding_to_the_Punch_%F0%9F%A7%B8\" title=\"Adding to the Punch . . . \ud83e\uddf8\">Adding to the Punch . . . \ud83e\uddf8<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/plot\/#Plot_in_Modern_Film_%F0%9F%8E%A5\" title=\"Plot in Modern Film \ud83c\udfa5\">Plot in Modern Film \ud83c\udfa5<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/plot\/#How_is_Plot_Different_from_Story_%F0%9F%91%A5\" title=\"How is Plot Different from Story? \ud83d\udc65 \">How is Plot Different from Story? \ud83d\udc65 <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/plot\/#FAQ_%F0%9F%A4%94\" title=\"FAQ \ud83e\udd14\">FAQ \ud83e\udd14<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-inline-notice uagb-inline_notice__align-left uagb-block-53e642d9 o-typing-delay-100ms\"><button class=\"uagb-notice-close-button\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close\"><\/button><h4 class=\"uagb-notice-title\">How to pronounce Plot?<\/h4><div class=\"uagb-notice-text\">Plot is pronounced as \u201c<strong>pl\u00e4t<\/strong>\u201d from the Old English \u201c<em>plot,<\/em>\u201d of which there is no known origin.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"when-do-writers-use-irony-c439c963-4154-4dcf-990c-b8d58c054616\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_do_writers_use_Plot\"><\/span><span class=\"highlight\"><mark style=\"background-color:#dae6f0\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><span class=\"highlight\"><mark style=\"background-color:#dae6f0\" class=\"has-inline-color\">When do writers use Plot?<\/mark><\/span><\/mark><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plot is something that writers really have no choice in using, if they\u2019re writing a story that is. Plot is necessary to move the story forward as it is quite literally t<strong>he driving force of a <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/narrative\/\">narrative<\/a><\/strong>. Without a plot, a story progresses without structure, purpose, or ending.<br><br>The plot of a story <strong>consists of a series of events and challenges that the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/protagonist\/\">protagonist<\/a> must overcome to reach the end, or <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a><\/strong>, of the plot. This sequence of events is known as the rising <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/action\/\">action<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/climax\/\">climax<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a>. Sometimes, however, a plot does not end in <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a> but in a rather open-ended fashion where not all of a reader\u2019s questions are answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"how-to-use-irony-1a2ff452-3b69-4e43-998f-8272a34a6d9d\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Establish_Plot\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:#e9f5e0\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><mark style=\"background-color:#e9f5e0\" class=\"has-inline-color\">How to Establish Plot<\/mark><\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve compiled a useful list of how to establish plot and achieve <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list \" id=\"ub_styled_list-94eb4dac-0277-49e3-a9db-54e175692957\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-7f9f26b8-c9ea-4651-8a47-9399fd0446ff\">E<strong>stablish a clear goal<\/strong>: Before you begin writing, decide on a clear goal of what you want to achieve and what the purpose of your plot is. This will help you create a focused, engaging story.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-a6206f88-067a-4a8e-8b31-27126ba9f4dd\"><strong>Introduce characters and <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/setting\/\">setting<\/a><\/strong>: Establish the characters and <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/setting\/\">setting<\/a> of your story early on. This encourages readers to become invested in the story and helps them to understand the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/context\/\">context<\/a> of the plot.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-884778f0-bbe6-4938-ad3b-be8823c58357\"><strong>Establish a <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a><\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">Conflict<\/a> is essential to any plot. It creates tension, suspense, and gives the story a sense of purpose.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-b7801e3f-1785-465f-a0bb-1dc028360d36\"><strong>Build up to a <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/climax\/\">climax<\/a><\/strong>: As the story progresses, <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a> should become more intense and the stakes higher. This will lead to a dramatic <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/climax\/\">climax<\/a> with readers left on the edge of their seats.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-2e57d294-0838-4a9f-a3a1-62fc13a5881e\"><strong>Resolve the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a><\/strong>: Once the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/climax\/\">climax<\/a> has been reached, the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a> should be resolved. This can be done in a variety of ways. You may choose a happy ending or a tragic one. You may even decide on an open ending, or denouement, but more on that later.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-3021ab4b-620f-48e3-b01b-1e174ef7d0ba\"><strong>Tie up loose ends<\/strong>: Make sure to tie up any loose ends. This will help readers feel satisfied and give them a sense of closure.<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"types-of-irony-296c6fdb-7d6b-4658-8ae0-80f9b3b3f938\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_Key_Elements_of_Plot\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:#e0daf0\" class=\"has-inline-color\">What are the Key Elements of Plot<\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned earlier, there are a few key elements the plot consists of. Most will agree there are five key elements of the plot. However, some argue there are six, and depending on who you ask, not everyone will agree on what these elements are called or the order they should follow. To be fair, this is most likely due to an attempt to modernize how current writers address and work with plot.<br><br>For the sake of <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/argument\/\">argument<\/a>, we will address all existing elements of plot and note where inconsistencies lie. While these do not necessarily need to be addressed in this order (as you\u2019ll see when we dive into plot devices) it is generally a good idea to address them as needed. Now, review the main elements of a good plot.<br><\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list \" id=\"ub_styled_list-a176e4cb-dc97-480f-9f37-e7158db04d2e\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-2cc2d4fd-a866-4879-9291-3223eb3cc5da\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/exposition\/\">Exposition<\/a> <\/strong>\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/exposition\/\">Exposition<\/a> refers to the introduction of the story, its <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/setting\/\">setting<\/a>, and the characters.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-e25359b2-cb33-43d0-b799-1b689137ab45\"><strong>Inciting Incident<\/strong> \u2013 One of the more recent additions to plot, this term refers to an event that occurs near the beginning of the story, and in relation to the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/protagonist\/\">protagonist<\/a>, which triggers a change in plot and sets the story moving in a different direction.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-9d22a630-285f-4305-99a1-d1292a33ca75\"><strong>Rising <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/action\/\">Action<\/a> <\/strong>(also referred to as <strong>Progressive Complications<\/strong>) \u2013 This is the central <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a> between one or more characters and the series of events leading up to the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/climax\/\">climax<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-0aec6940-47e9-477e-85eb-8097eac238d7\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/dilemma\/\">Dilemma<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Another new addition to the elements of plot, <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/dilemma\/\">dilemma<\/a> refers to a problem or <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a> that cannot be resolved without creating another problem or <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-d148a670-204a-4bbf-84cb-6d58aef5195d\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/climax\/\">Climax<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 The <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/climax\/\">climax<\/a> occurs at the peak of a story but also, at a point when there does not appear to be a clear <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a> to the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-0c0c4e6f-5b37-4fc5-96fa-d50ac01a2e8b\"><strong>Falling <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/action\/\">Action<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Curiously enough, some modern lists of plot elements do not even mention falling <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/action\/\">action<\/a> and have instead replaced this element with the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/dilemma\/\">dilemma<\/a><\/strong>. Most likely this has something to do with the current trend of leaving stories unresolved, or open-ended. Regardless, falling <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/action\/\">action<\/a><strong> traditionally refers to a story\u2019s progression toward conclusion while there still appears to be no clear <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a> to the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a> as the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/action\/\">action<\/a> seems to slow in pace.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-d30fac87-71f9-41c5-ab78-af97ee2bd711\"><strong>Denouement<\/strong> \u2013 The denouement is a story\u2019s conclusion. Typically, the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a> is resolved at this point and all loose ends have been tied up. However, this is not always the case. Some writers choose to leave some questions unresolved and the story open-ended.<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Adding_to_the_Punch_%F0%9F%A7%B8\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:#fddcdc\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><mark style=\"background-color:#fddcdc\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Adding to the Punch . . . <\/mark>\ud83e\uddf8<\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While there are currently six main elements of plot, writers often incorporate various plot devices. Just as plot adds structure to a story, these devices work with the main plot to build tension and excitement and keep <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/literature\/the-reader\/\">the reader<\/a> engaged.<br><br><strong>In Media Res <\/strong>\u2013 Latin for \u201cin the middle of things,\u201d this is the practice of beginning a story in the middle <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/action\/\">action<\/a> that is often crucial to the story and main plotline through a series of related events. Not really sure what this means? Both <strong><em>The Iliad<\/em><\/strong> and the film <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/movies\/gladiator\/\">Gladiator<\/a><\/em><\/strong> begin <em>in media res<\/em>.<br><br><strong>The Hero\u2019s Journey<\/strong> \u2013 Popularized by Joseph Campbell, the hero\u2019s journey has become the cornerstone of plot, particularly in <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/epic\/\">epic<\/a> literature. Also called a monolith, it can actually become quite complex but it always follows the structural foundation:<br><\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list \" id=\"ub_styled_list-ccd2e097-e052-41d8-8d3f-b71c6bf613b2\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-09498fdd-8326-4fda-a632-db1e526a9c36\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/hero\/\">hero<\/a> ventures from the common, everyday world into an unknown region filled with supernatural elements.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-e8745aa5-b0fe-431d-968e-b777bc23d8c1\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/hero\/\">hero<\/a> encounters fantastic forces in this foreign realm.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-758869fe-0c7a-47ee-8322-8404b61648e3\">In this new world, the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/hero\/\">hero<\/a> achieves a decisive victory of some sort.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-073203fa-90a1-417c-89f7-caba1ac65f7f\">In the end, the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/hero\/\">hero<\/a> returns home, changed for the better by their experiences.<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/deus-ex-machina\/\">Deus Ex Machina<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 The term referring to the sudden and surprising <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a> of an ostensibly unsolvable problem. An example of <em>dues ex machina<\/em> occurs in H.G. Wells\u2019 <strong><em>War of the Worlds<\/em><\/strong> when it seems like the Martians will succeed at conquering humanity but then they are suddenly and inexplicably killed by bacteria.<br><br><strong>Catastrophe and Eucatastrophe<\/strong> \u2013 Both are common in tragedies and comedies of old. Think of <strong><em>The Iliad<\/em><\/strong>, <strong><em>The Odyssey<\/em><\/strong>, <strong><em>The Aeneid<\/em><\/strong>, almost any <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/epic\/\">epic<\/a> poem.<br><\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list \" id=\"ub_styled_list-41575ec9-4f61-42df-acb3-97edd054cb54\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-a3169561-1b7e-4381-9dd0-0bda1777169a\">Catastrophes do not necessarily refer to disaster. In comedies, such as those written by Shakespeare, catastrophes often result in happy endings, but in the ancient tragedies, they often meant the ultimate end or death of a character.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-21e907bc-d086-4908-af1c-135f8a00cb04\">Euchatastrophes refer to unexpected, seemingly implausible happy endings. An example of eucatastrophe occurs in J.R.R. Tolkien\u2019s <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/literature\/the-return-of-the-king\/\">The Return of the King<\/a><\/em><\/strong> when Gollum appears and bites the ring off Frodo\u2019s finger just when he appears to be lost to darkness forever.<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Subplot<\/strong> \u2013 A subplot is a secondary plot that unfolds within the main plot. Subplots may involve main characters, side characters, or any combination of the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Plot <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/literature\/holes\/\">Holes<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Plot <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/literature\/holes\/\">holes<\/a> occur when an inconsistency in the main plot is made obvious that defies the story\u2019s main logic. Most often, these plot <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/literature\/holes\/\">holes<\/a> remain unresolved and seem to serve little purpose other than to annoy <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/literature\/the-reader\/\">the reader<\/a>. One such example occurs in Raymond Chandler\u2019s <strong><em>The Big Sleep<\/em><\/strong>. Chandler never reveals who killed the chauffeur and when asked about it years later, he replied, \u201cDamned if I know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Plot Twists<\/strong> \u2013 A plot twist is a dramatic change from the established plot and chain of events. Plot twists usually change the trajectory of the established plotline. They are typically rooted in logic and while they change the outcome, unlike plot <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/literature\/holes\/\">holes<\/a>, plot twists make sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plot_in_Modern_Film_%F0%9F%8E%A5\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:#e1e4f9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><mark style=\"background-color:#e1e4f9\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Plot in Modern Film<\/mark> \ud83c\udfa5<\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In lieu of creating another list of examples for plot in film, this offers movie <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/montage\/\">montage<\/a> of sorts while demonstrating through example various aspects of plot.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"5 Examples of Plot Devices in Modern Film\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rWg3jzYdACU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_Plot_Different_from_Story_%F0%9F%91%A5\"><\/span><span class=\"highlight\"><mark style=\"background-color:#f7eff9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><span class=\"highlight\"><mark style=\"background-color:#f7eff9\" class=\"has-inline-color\">How is Plot Different from Story?<\/mark><\/span> \ud83d\udc65 <\/mark><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list \" id=\"ub_styled_list-70fd6c75-389f-427b-8b0e-c0c01796739c\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"\" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-f8ab1764-9b4f-4a60-b422-b898c257035b\"><\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p>A <strong>story is the account of people, places, and events told for entertainment or educational purposes<\/strong>. The account may involve real or fictional characters, events, and places, or any combination of the three. Story is different from plot in that the <strong><em>plot is part of a story <\/em><\/strong>and is what <strong><em>moves it forward<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_%F0%9F%A4%94\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:#f5eca0\" class=\"has-inline-color\">FAQ \ud83e\udd14<\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1708133655333\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"highlight\"><mark style=\"color:#f09e54\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What is a plot in literature?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/mark><\/span><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A plot is the sequence of events that make up a story in a <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/narrative\/\">narrative<\/a> work, whether it&#8217;s a <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/novel\/\">novel<\/a>, short story, play, or film. It involves the main events of the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/narrative\/\">narrative<\/a>, structured and linked together through cause and effect, typically leading to a <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/climax\/\">climax<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1708133887639\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong><span class=\"highlight\"><mark style=\"color:#f09e54\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong><strong><strong>How does a plot differ from a story?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/mark><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A plot differs from a story in its focus on structure and causality. While a story is a <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/narrative\/\">narrative<\/a> of events in the order they happen, a plot is the arrangement of those events in a way that makes sense narratively, emphasizing the relationship between actions and consequences, and often includes a <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a> that drives the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/narrative\/\">narrative<\/a> towards a <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/climax\/\">climax<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1708133843387\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong><span class=\"highlight\"><mark style=\"color:#f09e54\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What are the key components of a plot?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/mark><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The key components of a plot typically include the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/exposition\/\">exposition<\/a> (introduction of <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/setting\/\">setting<\/a>, characters, and background information), rising <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/action\/\">action<\/a> (events that build up the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a>), <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/climax\/\">climax<\/a> (the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/turning-point\/\">turning point<\/a> with the highest tension), falling <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/action\/\">action<\/a> (events after the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/climax\/\">climax<\/a> leading to the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a>), and <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a> (conclusion of the story where conflicts are resolved).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1708133896872\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong><strong><span class=\"highlight\"><mark class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><font color=\"#f09e54\"><strong><strong>Why is plot important in literature?<\/strong><\/strong><\/font><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/mark><\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Plot is important in literature because it provides a framework for the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/narrative\/\">narrative<\/a>, guiding <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/literature\/the-reader\/\">the reader<\/a> through the story. It creates tension and interest, making the story engaging. A well-constructed plot ensures that the story has a purpose and direction, leading to a satisfying conclusion that resonates with <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/literature\/the-reader\/\">the reader<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1708170257104\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong><strong><span class=\"highlight\"><mark class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><font color=\"#f09e54\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>How can I identify the plot of a literary work?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/font><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/mark><\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>To identify the plot of a literary work, focus on the main events that drive the story forward, especially those that involve the central <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/conflict\/\">conflict<\/a> or problem the characters must navigate. Look for the structure within the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/narrative\/\">narrative<\/a>, paying attention to how the events are arranged and how they build upon each other from the introduction to the <a href=\"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/resolution\/\">resolution<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is Plot? Plot is the sequence of events that moves a story forward through rising action, climax, and resolution. It builds suspense, creates tension, contributes to character development, and most importantly, provides structure to the narrative. Plot typically involves a series of conflicts and complications that the protagonist must overcome to reach a resolution. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7623,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/plot.png","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/plot.png",2245,1587,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/plot-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/plot-300x212.png",300,212,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/plot-768x543.png",768,543,true],"large":["https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/plot-1024x724.png",1024,724,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/plot-1536x1086.png",1536,1086,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/plot-2048x1448.png",2048,1448,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":false,"author_link":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/author\/digant\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"What is Plot? Plot is the sequence of events that moves a story forward through rising action, climax, and resolution. It builds suspense, creates tension, contributes to character development, and most importantly, provides structure to the narrative. Plot typically involves a series of conflicts and complications that the protagonist must overcome to reach a resolution.&hellip;","mfb_rest_fields":["featured_image_src","uagb_featured_image_src","uagb_author_info","uagb_comment_info","uagb_excerpt"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2801"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2801"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2801\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14650,"href":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2801\/revisions\/14650"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7623"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2801"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/litdevices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2801"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}