What Is A Plot? – A Writer’s Resource

Many writers struggle with plotting. In this post, What Is A Plot?, we define a plot and tell you how to use it in a story.

What Is A Plot?

A plot is a series of events that make up a story. Plots have beginnings, middles, and endings. The first quarter of your book is the beginning, the second and third quarters are the middle, and the last quarter is the ending. In an 80 000-word novel, this generally means that your beginning is 20 000 words, the middle is 40 000 words, and your ending is 20 000 words.

At Writers Write, we agree that a story’s plot contains the elements defined by Freytag, but we have refined our definition.

So, according to Writers Write, what are the basics of a plot?

Remember, a story idea is not a plot. Plotting involves conflict caused by a protagonist and an antagonist who have two opposing concrete story goals. It is built on an inciting moment that has life-changing consequences.

A plot must be populated by believable characters to create empathy in readers. Readers want riveting stories where these characters go from negative beginnings, complicated middles, to generally positive endings.

A plot normally has one or two sub-plots to support the story structure. It also has a theme that ties the story together.

The Writers Write Definition Of A Plot

In our post on The 4 Main Characters As Literary Devices, we define a plot using the four main characters and other story elements.

This Is Our Plot Formula

“You have a plot when:

1. An action (inciting moment) somewhere (setting),
2. Taken by somebody (your antagonist),
3. Has a negative impact on somebody else (your protagonist).
4. This creates a problem
5. That your protagonist must solve (story goal) by acting,
6. Which leads to confrontations with the antagonist and other characters (conflict in scenes and sequels).
7. This goes on for approximately 60-80 scenes and sequels.
8. Your protagonist is supported (can be a sub-plot) by somebody (confidant),
9. And made aware of their weaknesses (sub-plot) by somebody else (love interest)
10. Until they achieve, or fail to achieve, the story goal. (ending)”

Points 1-4: The beginning (the first quarter)
Points 5-9: The middle (the second and third quarters)
Point 10: The ending (the last quarter)

7 Important Points To Remember

1. Plotting involves a protagonist with a worthy story goal. This story goal is created by an inciting moment that impacts the protagonist’s life negatively.
2. Conflict is created when a capable antagonist is introduced to stop the protagonist from achieving the goal.
3. This story goal must be strong enough to sustain the length a novel. We want to root for characters who need to fight (for this goal) and who have something to lose if they don’t.
4. Remove unnecessary backstory. Readers do not want a detailed biography of your character. You can add this as you get into the main part of the story. For the most part, readers do not enjoy unnecessary prologues and flashbacks.
5. The story must make sense. Sometimes it helps to write the ending first. This allows you to only include things that need to be in the story. A good idea can turn into an unnecessary obstacle course if the author does not know where the story is headed.
6. Use setting to move your plot forward. Use your setting to reveal something that was previously hidden, create an outside threat, show changes in an environment, or move your character out of their comfort zone into an alien environment.
7. Once you have your story, there are many ways to outline a novel. Use the one that suits you best.

The Last Word

Use our plot formula. Understanding what a plot is can help you turn a simple idea into an unputdownable story. A strong plot gives your characters purpose, creates meaningful conflict, and keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. When you learn how plot works, you have a formula for writing novels that resonate with readers.

by Amanda Patterson
© Amanda Patterson

If you liked this blogger’s writing, read her latest posts:

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