Plot: Difference between revisions
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A plot may include one or more ''subplots'' that deal with [[minor character]]s, which are distinguished from the ''main plot'' that deals with the protagonist. In another scheme, the main plot is called the ''A-Plot'', while there is another plot within the same story, called the ''B-Plot''. The A and B plots are independent but temporally and/or spacially interwoven. | A plot may include one or more ''subplots'' that deal with [[minor character]]s, which are distinguished from the ''main plot'' that deals with the protagonist. In another scheme, the main plot is called the ''A-Plot'', while there is another plot within the same story, called the ''B-Plot''. The A and B plots are independent but temporally and/or spacially interwoven. | ||
== | == Plot devices == | ||
A [[plot device]] is a technique [[author]]s use to affect or advance the plot. Examples of plot devices are the "[[cliffhanger]]" or "[[deus ex machina]]". | A [[plot device]] is a technique [[author]]s use to affect or advance the plot. Examples of plot devices are the "[[cliffhanger]]" or "[[deus ex machina]]". |
Latest revision as of 21:04, 15 December 2021
A plot is the sequence of events in a story, usually a series of intervening events that show cause and effect. Plots are essential to narrative works of art such as literature, theater, film, and comics.
A classic plot, e.g. in a theater play or film, presents the set-up, progression, and resolution of a conflict between a protagonist and an antagonist.
A plot may include one or more subplots that deal with minor characters, which are distinguished from the main plot that deals with the protagonist. In another scheme, the main plot is called the A-Plot, while there is another plot within the same story, called the B-Plot. The A and B plots are independent but temporally and/or spacially interwoven.
Plot devices
A plot device is a technique authors use to affect or advance the plot. Examples of plot devices are the "cliffhanger" or "deus ex machina".
36 Dramatic Situations
Georges Polti outlines that there are only 36 possible dramatic situations. That also stories can be broken down to these plots. The key point here is that real difference is in the details of the story based variations on these plots.
- Supplication - Persecutor, Suppliant, a Power in Authority
- Deliverance - Unfortunates, Threatener, Rescuer
- Revenge - Avenger, Criminal
- Vengeance by Family upon Family - Avenging Kinsman, Guilty Kinsman, Relative
- Pursuit - Fugitive from Punishment, Pursuer
- Victim of Cruelty or Misfortune - Unfortunates, Master or Unlucky Person
- Disaster - Vanquished Power, Victorious Power or Messenger
- Revolt - Tyrant, Conspirator(s)
- Daring Enterprise - Bold Leader, Goal, Adversary
- Abduction - Abductor, Abducted, Guardian
- Enigma - Interrogator, Seeker, Problem
- Obtaining - Two or more Opposing Parties, Object, maybe an Arbitrator
- Familial Hatred - Two Family Members who hate each other
- Familial Rivalry - Preferred Kinsman, Rejected Kinsman, Object
- Murderous Adultery - Two Adulterers, the Betrayed
- Madness - Madman, Victim
- Fatal Imprudence - Imprudent person, Victim or lost object
- Involuntary Crimes of Love - Lover, Beloved, Revealer
- Kinsman Kills Unrecognised Kinsman - Killer, Unrecognised Victim, Revealer
- Self Sacrifice for an Ideal - Hero, Ideal, Person or Thing Sacrificed
- Self Sacrifice for Kindred - Hero, Kinsman, Person or Thing Sacrificed
- All Sacrificed for Passion - Lover, Object of Passion, Person or Thing Sacrificed
- Sacrifice of Loved Ones - Hero, Beloved Victim, Need for Sacrifice
- Rivalry Between Superior and Inferior - Superior, Inferior, Object
- Adultery - Deceived Spouse, Two Adulterers
- Crimes of Love - Lover, Beloved, theme of Dissolution
- Discovery of Dishonor of a Loved One - Discoverer, Guilty One
- Obstacles to Love - Two Lovers, Obstacle
- An Enemy Loved - Beloved Enemy, Lover, Hater
- Ambition - An Ambitious Person, Coveted Thing, Adversary
- Conflict with a God - Mortal, Immortal
- Mistaken Jealousy - Jealous One, Object of Jealousy, Supposed Accomplice, Author of Mistake
- Faulty Judgment - Mistaken One, Victim of Mistake, Author of Mistake, Guilty Person
- Remorse - Culprit, Victim, Interrogator
- Recovery of a Lost One - Seeker, One Found
- Loss of Loved Ones - Kinsman Slain, Kinsman Witness, Executioner
See also
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