1. Plot, Character, and Point of View
©Mohrbacher, 2006

2. Plot

3. What is a Plot? A plot is not the same thing as a story
A plot is a chain of events, not necessarily in the order they occur
Plotting rearranges events to
show relationships between characters or events,
create tension,
arouse curiosity,
emphasize certain elements (e.g., conflicts, a theme, the setting, a character, a specific action, a message, etc.)

4. Types of Plot Development
Gradual development:
Plot has incidents and conflict, but tension and suspense are minimal, and plot does not rise to a definite or high climax.
Rising action:
Plot has definite conflict, tension, and suspense which rises to a high climax; plot ends at that point without fully resolving the outcome.
Rising and falling action:
Plot has definite conflict, tension, and suspense which rises to a climax; climax is followed by a period in which the outcome is resolved.
Parallel plot:
Two plots which have similar incidents are described simultaneously or one after the other; plots may (usually do) intersect at some point .

5. Other Plot Elements
Flashbacks. Events from the past interrupt the present.
Flashforwards. Events from the future interrupt the present.

6. Character

7. 3 General Character Types
Protagonist. The main character. Focus of action in story.
Antagonist. The other main character. The character who opposes or who is in conflict with the protagonist.
Minor character. A character who is necessary to advance the action or to populate the story, but whose role in the plot is small.

8. Other Character Types
Flat Characters. A one-track, not very complex character. Generally have one main trait or characteristic. For example, a whiner or a cheapskate.
Round Characters. Complex characters with a variety of traits.
Static Characters. Characters who change little, if at all. Things happen to these characters without causing growth or change.
Dynamic characters. A character who shows growth or change as a result of events of the plot.

9. Point of View

10. What is Point of View
It is the perspective of the person telling the story—the Narrator.
Narrator can be
The author
Any character, major or minor
More than one character
Sometimes even an animal or inanimate object

11. Variations of the Narrative Point of View
The Omniscient Narrator. All-knowing. Has access to thoughts and feelings of all characters.
The Limited Omniscient Narrator. Knows thoughts and feels of some characters.
First Person. Uses first person pronouns to tell story (I, me, my, mine, myself). Narrator can be the author or a major or minor character.
Third Person. No “I,” the storyteller or “you,” the reader.
Camera eye Narrator. Only sees what a camera would see.