Think: A good plot has a basic structure. We're going to use Freytag's Pyramid as the one to discuss. In it, there are six basic plot points. Note: Some places will say there are five plot structures and some will say seven.

First is the exposition. This is the portion of the book that sets the backstory. Then, there is the inciting incident. This is the beginning of all the action and is typically one dramatic event. Following the inciting incident is the rising action. This is the bulk of the book, usually, and contains all the action that leads to the climax, or the ultimate goal. The rising action portion often contains one or more sub plots.

At the climax, the event, or set of events, that is the fulfillment of the rising action after which is the falling action, or the portion where all of the conflict begins to resolve. Finally, there is resolution. This is where all the loose ends are dealt with (unless you have a cliffhanger).

Exercise: Take the basic plot outline from yesterday and section it off into these six plot points. If you're missing one, fill in some items that flesh things out.

For example, take a look at loose plot of The Lord of the Rings (the entire three movie arc). You can clearly see how the bulk of the story is in the rising action.

Exposition: Bilbo Baggins disappears at his birthday party and it is found that he has left all his possessions to Frodo.

Inciting incident: Gandalf arrives and sets Frodo on his question. Frodo and his friends set off on their adventure.

Rising action: All the story that happens while Frodo and his companions experience until they reach the volcano.

Climax: Frodo pushed Golem, who has the ring, into the volcano to destroy the ring and killing Golem.

Falling action: Their escape and return to Middle Earth.

Resolution: Everyone returns home to the Shire. Frodo eventually leaves Middle-Earth giving Sam a book, which details their adventures.

Here is an image to help you visualize what's going on. It is taken from https://jdspero.wordpress.com/tag/freytags-pyramid/

Helpful Tools:

An Online Resource Guide to Freytag's Pyramid: https://www.quickbase.com/articles/an-online-resource-guide-to-freytags-pyramid

The Fellowship of the Ring (plot structure): https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/book-storystructure/fellowship-of-the-ring/

Learning Freytag's Pyramid: 5 Cool Examples of How to Use It in Marketing: https://www.clearvoice.com/blog/what-is-freytags-pyramid-dramatic-structure/

45 Professional Plot Diagram Templates (Plot Pyramid): http://templatelab.com/plot-diagram-templates/#Types_of_plot_diagram_templates

Note: Links posted in comments below. You can copy and paste them into a browser if you are on a computer.

Share:

Write up to 1,000 words that more deeply (but not entirely) describes the main idea of your plot (similar to the examples above). Share a link to your writing below and take the time to read what others have posted. Give your fellow writers some love! (But don't steal!)