This is Story Fanatic, a collection of articles covering story structure and analysis for
creative writers. Published weekly.
A series of articles covering the very meaningful connection between the order in which things happen and the shifts in dramatic focus they force. More than simply "what happens next" or a "progressive series of complications", the plot of a complete story steers the character and thematic elements within towards the Author's intended message. To understand plot is to understand that Plot Points are much more than page markers, they are essential in conveying the purpose of a story.
As formulaic as they may seem, plot points are intimately tied to the meaning of a complete story. More than simply a way to hit beats that should happen at page 30 or page 90, these events or decisions energize the problems that sit at the heart of a story’s internal structure. Without them, there would be no movement and no meaningful path for the characters to follow in their efforts to resolve the inequities they face.
Aristotle tells us stories have a Beginning, Middle and End. Syd Field and Blake Snyder tell us the Second Act has a Midpoint effectively dividing it in two. The truth is, all of them are confusing the forests with trees. There are really four movements in every complete story, a reality based on the fact that the mind’s problem-solving process follows the same approach.
Acts exist as a way of focusing dramatic attention on the different ways characters can go about solving their problems. There is more to these general areas of story than simply dividing up a story into Beginning, Middle and End. Writers who wish to create something meaningful can start by giving purpose to the turning of an Act.
The specific order of events within a story is unique. This sequence rises up naturally from the choices an Author makes in regards to character dynamics and the ultimate message they want to communicate to their Audience. Uncovering the proper structure beneath every story is a long and arduous process that, if done correctly, can transform a single piece of narrative fiction into a timeless classic.