As the Plot Thickens
- Juniper Creek Editing & Literary Services
- Jan 15, 2016
- 2 min read
Have you heard of the new soap opera, "As the Plot Thickens?" All the folks in the writing world are talking about it. This new hit show is filled with drama, action, mystery, and cliff-hangers. Viewers are constantly on the edge of their seat with teeth clenched, dying to know what will happen next. They simply cannot stop watching this show. Each week the pot gets stirred, thickening the plot of the story until it's one messy soup. The latest episode is called "The Four Elements of Plot."
1. Inciting Incident: Every story has a beginning. There's always something that instigates some situation or dilemma, or a backstory that explains what is going on. How have we gotten to this point? But be careful to rope the reader into the plot, drawing them in and holding their attention. If it's too cliched or predictable, you will lose them before you even begin.
2. The Complication: Ah, now they're in deep! There's always something, isn't there? Something causing trouble, some kind of conflict, that makes us wonder if it will work out. This is often called "the hook." Reel those readers in!
3. The Crisis: This is much more dire than a mere complication. Something truly serious has happened. This is the highest point of emotion in the story, or the showdown. Usually, the main character is forced to take some form of action at this point. What will they do? This is the lowest point and all seems lost.
4. Finally, a Resolution: Somehow it all works out, yet in a non-predictable way. In the end, everyone has learned a lesson and the main character has particularly experienced some level of growth or change. The readers wipe their tear-filled eyes, cheer for the hero, and celebrate that all ended well.
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