Plot Basics

[Tigger]

Ok, welcome to Plot Basics. Well, actually just plot writing in general, but oh well. Umm, the title should be self-explainatory, but if not, then you will be learning how to write a hard-core plot pretty much. (that is, if people still say hard-core?? -doesn't think that they do-)

Ok, for starters, if you could tell me the definition of the word 'plot'.

You can use dictionary.com if you like, or a real dictionary, or where ever it is that you get the definition.

[/size]

[Princess Gemini]

• Also called storyline. the plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story.

[/li][/ul]

[Tigger]

xD Excellente' Do you know the basic diagram to help you write a story/plot?

[/size]

[Princess Gemini]

The basic diagram? I probably know what it is, but I'm not familiar with the term. Could you describe it a little? If I know what it is I will let you know.

[Tigger]

Ok, it's called a Plot Diagram. Hince the name, it's kind of helps you with writing a plot. There is the introductory, rising action, climax, falling action and conclusion. The Introductory, is kinda self explainatory. It kinda gives a general setting, character and a sort of start to the idea of the plot. It could also include foreshadowing (where the author gives hints or clues to things that will come later in the story), or other things. Or it could start off with the main character, and then having a flash back, which is your plot idea.

The rising action, builds suspence. It kinda builds up to the climax, which is obviously the most suspenceful, or most exciting part of the whole plot. (though you probably already knew that) Anyways, the rising action can include anything you want it to, really. The climax, is obviously, the point of most excitment/suspence. It is usually something that is the big turning point in the plot, or where the big thing, or idea, of the plot occurs.

The falling action is pretty much building up to the end, so you kinda bring it slowly back down hill, unless you plan on having a sequel. The falling action can also include any number of things, or whatever you want, it really doesn't matter. But it has to kinda conclude the climax, so kinda wrapping it up at a slower pace. The falling action can be between really long, or super short, or not at all, really it's up to the writer. The conclusion, of course, is the end of the story. There doesn't always have to be a conclusion, however. You could just end it, right after the climax, and let the reader guess, or imagine what might happen next. It sorta leaves room for freedom of the participants choice of what they think should/could happen next. This is also an excellent way to end a plot, that for a known fact, will have a sequel.

Well.. that was kinda a lot. But most of it, you probably already knew. Haha, I'm a freshman in highschool, and just learned all that. (actually, the idea for this section of the site was inspired by what my teacher was teaching me.. [haha]) Anyways, for plots on role playing sites, not all of the above is nessicary. All you really need is sorta a real general idea of the basic plot, but not so much detail. It's always interesting to watch and see how the participants of the plot think it should go, and how they portray the cannon characters. At least in my opinion. It really is up to the writer on how they want it to go.

If I lost you, or confused you, please say so, and ask lots of questions. I love to answer questions. xD

[/size]

[Princess Gemini]

Ok, thanks. I learned all that my freshman year as well, but I kinda forgot some of it since I didn't do anything with that my sophomore year, and I forgot some of it over the past two years. Ok, so what do you need me to do now?

[Tigger]

Ok.. if you could write something, involving the introductory phrase. It can be about anything you want it to be, and kinda simple also. Just, I dunno, write about anything. Oh and your first test will be on Friday, this upcoming week. If you won't be here, please let me know. And please don't use this topic for referance during the test. (haha, it'll be so easy, that you really shouldn't have to)

[/size]

[Princess Gemini]

Ok. And my first test...*gulps with anxiety*
I'll be here, but WE will also be going into MM for some more cleanup on Friday. But I'll be able to spare a few minutes to do my test.

And what do you mean by introductory phrase? Like, a starting sentence/paragraph or whatever for a plot? Sorry if that seems stupid, today is one of my off days...

[Tigger]

That's ok. I mean, kinda an introduction to a plot. It could be short, or really long. Heh, and it can just kinda give a general idea for a plot. Refer back to here to see what I mean. (sorreh, I can't think of how to describe it right now.) Orrr... you could read this plot to get an idea. (see the background information, that's what I mean..)

[/size]

[Princess Gemini]

Alright, thanks for clearing that up. Ok, here goes nothing:

Long ago, when the world was young, a single soul was born. Some say she came from the flames, other say she came from the waves, others say she came from the earth herself. Nobody is sure exactly where she came from, only that she is the mother of all living things. A single equine, with a pelt as white as snow. Her name is not certain, though she is now called Mother Earth. The mother of all things, the sea which so gracefully hits against the shores, or so violently rocks the ships. Everything that grows, whether it be big or small. Some say she had feathered wings, while others say she bore only a gold horn on her crown. Others say she was a shape shifter, taking form of anything she desired. Days turned into years, years turned into decades, and decades turned into millenniums. She was lost to the world by this time. Nobody knew where she had gone, but the world had gone into utter chaos without their mother. Killing, fighting, and just plain cruelty became a day to day routine for most equines. there are few that are still loyal to her, the others believe she abandoned them. But several questions remain now, where did she go? Why would she leave her children to suffer all alone? Was she even still alive? A colt was born, he bore her mark, with a gold horn to match and feathered wings. Orphaned at birth he survived against all odds, he was to be the father of all things. It was his duty to find Mother Earth and bring her back, wherever she may be. But the question that remains is this, will he succeed? you will be the judge of that.

how is that? Its kind of a whole plot, only shorter than I normally write for whole plots.

[Tigger]

Awesome xD Actually, that is a very nice starting for a plot. It's brief, which leaves room for changes and things, and it has a very appealing nature. Though, you could go into a bit more detail in the middle, there. But all in all, that was very excellent. -wants to role play in that plot now- xD Ok... now, do you have questions? And if not, you can critque your own writing. It helps you to improve a lot when you judge your own work. Usually when I read over things once or twice, I can see it how other people are probably seeing it. And then I usually always go back and fix things.

[/size]

[Princess Gemini]

Thanks, I'm glad you like it. I got the idea for this plot based off of a few plots i had seen before, but this was entirely my idea and creativity. I see what you mean about needing more detail in the middle of the plot. I usually don't critic my won work, but I think I'll start doing that.

So, what do you need me to do now?

[Tigger]

Ok, are you familiar with Frontpage? I know, it's kinda random. Though, by looking at your site, I'm pretty sure you know about, and are good at, using HTML coding. But aside from that. Ok, now if you could write a rising action for the introduction you just posted. Just kinda cover the basic stuff that leads up to the climax, or really big turning point of the plot.

[/size]

[Princess Gemini]

I've never heard the term, but I probably am. Is that what frontpage is? Just HTML and coding? Cause then I am kind of familiar with it. I am kind of self taught when it comes to HTML. I just studied codes on other sites I have been staff on until I learned what the code was and how to edit it and whatnot.

Ok, I'll work on the rising action in a bit. I'll let you know once its posted.

[Tigger]

Alright, thank-you again for entering the contest xD -sighs- that'd be kinda funny if you were the only person to enter, so you are the default winner.. well, it'd be sorta funny. Anyway... I shall eagerly await your reply

[/size]