by Elton Gahr

Created on: May 19, 2009

With a strong idea and a strong character, it is often possible to create a story in which the plot takes a distant third. This is because often as writers we misunderstand the structure and use of the plot. It is often confused with character or ideas and little more is done with it.

The first step in creating stronger plots is to understand what they are. It is often said that there are only seven basic plots and that all stories are variations on these. This may or may not be completely true but knowing these seven strengthens your ability to create a plot and often helps you recognize the weaknesses.

These basic plots are, man vs. nature, man vs. man, man vs. the environment, man vs. machines/technology, man vs. the supernatural and man vs. self. These focus on the basic conflict of the story as the plot and though they don't tell you what will happen in your story looking over the list can help you understand where you want to focus the plot of your story.

Next of value to consider is the act structure of your story. The typical plot uses the three act structure. There are variations on this theme but at its base the three act structure is introduction, core and climax.

The introduction act in the three act structure will be approximately the first 25 percent of the story. This is where all the main characters are introduced as well as the core conflict. This act typically ends with the hero failing or things getting worse for the hero. If you are using the three act structure consciously then at this point it should appear that the protagonist cannot succeed.

The second act begins with things getting worse for the character. This should continue through much of this section of the book. This is where you have most of your character growth. The second act typically ends with the reversal. This is the point at which the character finally finds a way out of the troubles.

Act three is the final twenty five percent of the story. This is where you have the final confrontation of the protagonist and antagonist. If you combine this with the understanding of the 7 basic plots you can see how much variation this allows. This confrontation could be man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. supernatural or any of the others. What is key here is that the character overcomes through some type of personal revelation or growth and the character solves the problem himself.

Whether you write out ever plot point before you begin your story or allow it to flow out of your subconscious the better you understand the basics of plot and structure the stronger your stories will be, so learn to see how those who tell stories you love structure and plot their books. You may be surprised how often they are following these basic ideas.

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