Structure

Plot Plot is the sequence of incidents or events through which an author constructs a story Plot is to a story as a map is to a journey. The map outlines the important stopping points along the journey. Some maps have more detail, other maps have less detail… Plot is not action, but the way the author arranges the action toward a specific end.

Structure Structure refers to the pattern an author uses in constructing and arranging the plot. Commercial fiction usually follows a conventional (and familiar) structure. Climax Complications Main Conflict Resolution Exposition Setting Initial Conflict Character

Structure For a literary writer, a complex structure is often required to convey complex meanings. Flashback (analepsis) -in media res (in the middle) Flash forward (prolepsis) -spoiler ending: why? Missing pieces (ellipsis) Stream of Consciousness Out of order chronology Changes in narration/narrator Implied details

Structure In literary fiction, the subtle exchange of words among characters can be just as significant as the more action oriented sequences (indirect characterization). “Maggie can’t appreciate these quilts!” she said. “She’d probably be backward enough to put them to everyday use.”

Conflict Structure comes out of conflict. A clash of actions, ideas, desires, or wills Person vs. Person Person vs. Self Person vs. Nature Person vs. Supernatural Person vs. Fate

Characters Protagonist Antagonist The central character in a conflict, whether sympathetic or unsympathetic. Antagonist Any force arranged against the protagonist including people, things, conventions of society, and the protagonist’s own character traits.

Suspense Suspense is the quality in a story that makes readers ask “What’s going to happen next?” or “How will this turn out?” Suspense increases when a reader’s curiosity is combined with anxiety about the fate of a likable, sympathetic character. In literary fiction the suspense often involves not so much the question what as the question why. Why is the protagonist behaving this way? How do I relate the protagonist’s behavior to universal human character?

Endings Happy Ending Unhappy Ending The protagonist solves her problem, defeats an adversary, wins her man. Unhappy Ending The protagonist does not solve his problem, defeat the adversary, or win his woman.

Justifying Unhappy Endings Many situations in real life do have unpleasant outcomes; therefore, if fiction is to reflect and illuminate life, it must acknowledge human defeats as well as triumphs. The unhappy ending may cause readers to brood over the outcome, to relive the story in their minds, and by searching out its implications to get much more meaning and significance from it. The unhappy ending is more likely to raise significant issues.

Top Five Films of All Time “Citizen Kane” – Protagonist is exposed as a ruthless, cruel, power monger whose dying words were about his childhood sled. The Godfather – the protagonist struggles the whole film to resist being dragged into the mob, only to commit an act that places him firmly in La Cosa Nostra Casablanca – The girl flies away leaving the protagonist behind. Lawrence of Arabia – The protagonist wins the battle but loses the war and dies in a motorcycle accident. Gone With The Wind – The protagonist’s husband leaves her.

Questions to ask….. What choices did the author make? Time frame POV Setting Characterization Lit. devices that contribute to the structure Based on these choices, why did the author write it this way? What can we learn?