Pin By Heidi Apelt DeVincent On Narrative Writing Teaching Plot, Teaching Writing, Narrative

Cover 5 Common Plot Problems (and How to Fix Them) The Writer's Cookbook (1080x628)

Table of Contents

1. What is a Plot?
2. Why is it Important to Have a Good Plot?
3. How to Identify Problems with Your Plot
4. How to Fix Problems with Your Plot
5. Common Plot Problems and Their Solutions

What is a Plot?

A plot is the sequence of events that make up a story. It is the backbone of the story and gives meaning to the characters and their actions. A good plot has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and follows a logical progression of events that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The plot is made up of several elements:

• The exposition, which introduces the setting, characters, and background information.
• The rising action, which builds tension and leads up to the climax.
• The climax, which is the turning point of the story and the most intense moment.
• The falling action, which shows the aftermath of the climax and leads to the resolution.
• The resolution, which ties up loose ends and concludes the story.

Why is it Important to Have a Good Plot?

A good plot is essential for a successful story. It keeps the reader engaged and invested in the characters and their journey. A weak or confusing plot can cause readers to lose interest and abandon the story altogether.

A good plot also helps to create a sense of purpose and direction for the characters. It gives them a goal to work towards and obstacles to overcome, creating a sense of conflict that drives the story forward.

How to Identify Problems with Your Plot

Identifying problems with your plot can be challenging, but there are several signs that can indicate that something isn't working:

• If the story feels slow or dull in certain parts, it may be a sign that the pacing is off.
• If the characters feel flat or one-dimensional, it may be a sign that they need more development.
• If the story lacks tension or conflict, it may be a sign that the stakes aren't high enough.
• If the plot feels confusing or hard to follow, it may be a sign that the story structure needs work.
• If the ending feels unsatisfying or unresolved, it may be a sign that the resolution needs more work.

How to Fix Problems with Your Plot

Fixing problems with your plot can be a daunting task, but there are several strategies that can help:

• Revisit your outline or story structure to see if there are any gaps or inconsistencies.
• Consider adding or removing scenes to improve pacing or build tension.
• Develop your characters further by giving them unique personalities, backgrounds, and motivations.
• Increase the stakes by making the consequences of failure more severe or personal for the characters.
• Experiment with different endings until you find one that feels satisfying and resolves all loose ends.

Common Plot Problems and Their Solutions

Problem: The story lacks tension or conflict.

Solution: Increase the stakes by making the consequences of failure more severe or personal for the characters. Consider adding more obstacles or challenges for the characters to overcome.

Problem: The pacing feels off.

Solution: Revisit your outline or story structure to see if there are any gaps or inconsistencies. Consider adding or removing scenes to improve pacing or build tension.

Problem: The characters feel flat or one-dimensional.

Solution: Develop your characters further by giving them unique personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. Consider adding more depth to their relationships with each other.

Problem: The ending feels unsatisfying or unresolved.

Solution: Experiment with different endings until you find one that feels satisfying and resolves all loose ends. Consider tying up any remaining loose ends in a satisfying way.

Problem: The plot feels confusing or hard to follow.

Solution: Consider simplifying the story structure or adding more clarity to the exposition. Make sure the events of the story follow a logical progression and are easy for the reader to follow.

Conclusion

Identifying and fixing problems with your plot is essential for creating a successful story. By paying attention to pacing, character development, conflict, and resolution, you can create a plot that engages readers and keeps them invested in the story. Remember to experiment with different solutions until you find the one that works best for your story.