The plot of a movie, television show, or book is the sequence of events that drives the story forward. It is the causal relationship between the events that makes a plot. The plot can be simple or complex, but it should always be engaging and keep the reader or viewer interested.
There are many different types of plots, but some of the most common include:
- Hero's journey: This is a classic plot structure that follows the protagonist as they go on a quest to achieve a goal. Along the way, they face challenges and obstacles, but they eventually overcome them and succeed.
- Coming-of-age: This type of plot follows the protagonist as they grow and learn about themselves and the world around them. They often face challenges and setbacks, but they eventually emerge from the experience wiser and more mature.
- Mystery: This type of plot follows the protagonist as they investigate a crime or solve a puzzle. They must use their skills and intelligence to uncover the truth and bring the villain to justice.
- Romance: This type of plot follows the protagonist as they fall in love and navigate the challenges of a romantic relationship. They must overcome obstacles and learn to trust each other in order to find true love.
- Science fiction: This type of plot explores the possibilities of the future or other worlds. It often features futuristic technology and advanced alien civilizations.
- Fantasy: This type of plot takes place in a fictional world with its own unique magic system and rules. It often features fantastical creatures and supernatural events.
No matter what type of plot it is, a good plot should always be engaging and keep the reader or viewer interested. It should also have a clear beginning, middle, and end. The beginning of the plot introduces the characters and setting, the middle of the plot builds suspense and conflict, and the end of the plot resolves the conflict and provides a satisfying conclusion.
Here are some examples of plots from popular movies, television shows, and books:
- Movie: In the movie "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," the protagonist, Frodo Baggins, must embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring, an evil artifact created by the Dark Lord Sauron. Along the way, he is joined by a fellowship of companions who help him to face the challenges and dangers that lie ahead.
Television show: In the television show "Game of Thrones," multiple plotlines follow the various characters as they vie for control of the Seven Kingdom of Westeros. The show features complex characters, political intrigue, and epic battles. - Book: In the book "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the protagonist, Harry Potter, discovers that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At Hogwarts, he learns about magic and makes new friends. He must also face the evil Lord Voldemort, who is trying to steal the Sorcerer's Stone and regain his power.
These are just a few examples of the many different plot types that can be found in movies, television shows, and books. A good plot is essential to any good story, and it is what keeps us engaged and wanting more.
How A Plot Can Develop
Authors and screenwriters develop plots in a variety of ways, but there are some common steps involved.
- Come up with an idea. The first step is to come up with an idea for a story. This could be anything from a simple concept to a fully developed plot. Once the author or screenwriter has an idea, they can start to develop it further.
- Develop the characters. The next step is to develop the characters in the story. Who are the main characters? What are their motivations and goals? What are their strengths and weaknesses? The author or screenwriter needs to create characters that the reader or viewer can care about and relate to.
- Create a conflict. Every story needs a conflict. This is what drives the plot forward and keeps the reader or viewer engaged. The conflict can be internal (within the character) or external (between the character and the outside world).
- Develop the plot structure. Once the author or screenwriter has developed the characters and conflict, they need to start to develop the plot structure. This is how the events of the story will unfold. The plot structure should be engaging and keep the reader or viewer guessing.
Write the story. Once the author or screenwriter has developed the plot structure, they can start to write the story. This is where they will bring all of the elements of the story together to create a cohesive narrative.
Here are some tips for developing plots:
- Start with a strong concept. The concept of your story is what will hook readers or viewers from the start. Make sure it is something original and interesting.
- Create complex characters. Readers and viewers want to care about the characters in a story. Make your characters relatable and have them face difficult choices.
- Raise the stakes. The higher the stakes are in a story, the more invested readers and viewers will be. Make sure your characters have something important to lose.
- Keep the plot moving. Don't bog down your story with too much exposition or unnecessary subplots. Keep the plot moving forward and keep readers and viewers guessing.
- End with a satisfying conclusion. The ending of your story should be both surprising and satisfying. Make sure it ties up all of the loose ends and leaves readers and viewers with something to think about.
Developing plots can be a challenging process, but it is essential for writing a good story. By following the tips above, authors and screenwriters can develop plots that will keep readers and viewers engaged and entertained.