To Inspire, To Create: Plot Development
By David Akseizer
Stack of Books
Howdy legend fans. I have great news! The Legend of Pearl Cave is off to the printers. Be on the look out for Figlo Press’ blockbuster marketing campaign starring yours truly (wink). We’re in the process of releasing exciting news updates along with amazing discounts off the purchase price for you and all your friends.
Last time, we discussed the importance of creating a beginning, middle, and end. Whether you’re focusing on building arcs in a single chapter or the grand arc relating to the book as a whole, the tips I shared should help keep readers engaged and turning pages. Hopefully you’ve applied my brief and crucial advice to your writing with positive end results.
Lesson 5: Plot Development
The main plot is the core of your story; the essential drive for the main character, also known as the protagonist. In addition to the main plot, a writer can also choose to add sub-plots to the storyline.
For example: In The Legend of Pearl Cave, the main character, Samuel Waters, is challenged with saving an underwater kingdom from an evil ruler and his ruthless army. The main plot is for Samuel to overcome this challenge by finding courage from within. The stories sub plots include a love interest, a tragedy, and a quest.
Typically the main plot follows a specific pattern. I develop the main plot by determining the goal of the protagonist. Then I ask myself what obstacle or set of obstacles are in the way of achieving the main goal. In the end, the goal is either achieved or not achieved, possibly because you’re ambitious and have a sequel in mind.
Lastly, all of the characters I’ve developed in The Legend of Pearl Cave are there to support the main plot. These characters help Samuel achieve his goal or work against Samuel and prevent him from achieving his goal. All supporting characters should effect the outcome of the main plot in some way, shape or form. Characters that have nothing to do with the main plot should not be included in the novel. Writers should also exclude wasteful dialogue, unnecessary scenery, and other non-essentials that have nothing to do with supporting the main plot.
Tune in next time when I’ll discuss plot twists. I’ll provide you with some interesting tidbits.
If you have any questions, please visit www.davidakseizer.com and shoot me an email. You can also follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/akseizer and send me a message. Until then!