Alternate Plot Structures
This lesson is talking about the different ways that you can change up the typical plot structure you learned about in the previous lesson. Remember from the last lesson that these are the elements of plot structure:
Exposition: This is the background information that you need to know. It sets the scene for the story.
Rising Action: This is when tension starts to rise and the story really gets going.
Climax: This is a turning point in the story. There is a culmination of all of the tension and some decision must be made.
Falling Action: The story is starting to wind down and the characters deal with the fall out of the climax.
Resolution: This is where everything comes to a close and the loose ends are usually tied up.
Exposition: This is the background information that you need to know. It sets the scene for the story.
Rising Action: This is when tension starts to rise and the story really gets going.
Climax: This is a turning point in the story. There is a culmination of all of the tension and some decision must be made.
Falling Action: The story is starting to wind down and the characters deal with the fall out of the climax.
Resolution: This is where everything comes to a close and the loose ends are usually tied up.
Engaging readers with multiple plot structures
There are many techniques that authors use to engage readers. The ones we study in this lesson are:
1. parallel plots
2. episodic plots
3. in medias res
4. flash-forwards and flashbacks
5. dream sequences
When you are doing the assignment at the end of the lesson, I suggest you use numbers four and five as they are the simplest to incorporate.
We will look at a diagram for each techniques and I will provide an example for each one.
1. parallel plots
2. episodic plots
3. in medias res
4. flash-forwards and flashbacks
5. dream sequences
When you are doing the assignment at the end of the lesson, I suggest you use numbers four and five as they are the simplest to incorporate.
We will look at a diagram for each techniques and I will provide an example for each one.
Parallel plots
https://ingridsnotes.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/parallel-structure.jpg
The above diagram shows parallel plot structure. This structure follows different characters through their own stories but their experiences are related and eventually converge. Think of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. Another example is in The Lion King where you know what is going on with Simba but you are also aware of Scar's actions in the pride-lands. During the scene to the right, you are again reminded of both plots. Soon, the two will converge again in the resolution.
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Episodic Plots
http://www2.nkfust.edu.tw/~emchen/CLit/episodic_plot.gif
Episodic plots are like episodes in a TV series. There is a mini story or "episode" every chapter in the book.
In Medias Res
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2x9IetzRZ8I/STUxoZ_CbZI/AAAAAAAAAIE/Fz_qzytgzk4/s320/InMediasRes.png
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When an author uses this technique they are starting in the middle of the story. Usually this is a set up for a flashback to be used. A good example is the movie Forrest Gump. In that movie we start in the middle of his chronological story and then he begins to tell his story from the very beginning.
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Flash-forwards and flashbacks
These are the two techniques with which you are probably most familiar. You see these techniques implemented in movies and TV shows frequently. Flash-forward typically begins a story and then the reader gets to go back and see how the character got to that point. Flash-forward can also be utilized when the author wants to have the character have a glimpse into their future. Flashback is the opposite of a flash-forward. This is when the author breaks the narrative, goes back, and explains further detail. Usually, this follows starting in the middle of the story. To the right is an example of a flashback when the food critic in Ratatouille flashes back to when he was a child.
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Dream Sequence
Dream sequences are when an author breaks the narrative and has a scene where the audience or readers get to see what the character is dreaming. These dream sequences show even more about the character.
ASsessment - WHat do i turn in?
You are going to choose one of the fairy tales provided in the lesson. One is Rapunzel and one is Hansel and Gretel. You will choose two techniques from above and use them to rewrite part or all of the story you choose. Make sure you remember to include a paragraph describing the techniques you picked and how you incorporated them into your rewrite.