1. Structure

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.”

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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?

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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?