Plot

Plot is the sequence of interconnected events in a story, showing how one event leads to another and explaining why these events unfold the way they do. As it said in Encyclopedia Britannica plot is "in fiction, the structure of interrelated actions, consciously selected and arranged by the author. Plot involves a considerably higher level of narrative organization than normally occurs in a story or fable."  It’s more than a simple recounting of events; it explores cause-and-effect relationships, shaping the story's progression.

Difference Between Plot and Story:

• Story: A simple series of events.

• Plot: How those events are interconnected and why they unfold in a particular way (e.g., “The king died, and the queen died of grief” vs. “The queen died and it was revealed she died of grief at the king’s death”).

Plot Structure: Two famous frameworks for understanding plot structure:

1. Freytag's Pyramid:
   
   

   • Exposition: Introduces characters, setting, and background.

   • Rising Action: Events after the inciting incident that create conflict.

   • Climax: The turning point, the moment of greatest tension.

   • Falling Action: Events following the climax leading toward resolution.

   • Dénouement: The conclusion where loose ends are tied up.

2. Booker's "Meta-Plot" (from The Seven Basic Plots):
   
   

   • Anticipation: The hero prepares for an adventure.

   • Dream: The hero overcomes minor challenges.

   • Frustration: Confrontation with the villain.

   • Nightmare: The hero faces ultimate fear.

   • Resolution: The hero triumphs.

Types of Plot (Booker's Seven Basic Plots):

1. Comedy: Series of challenges and misunderstandings, ending happily.

2. Tragedy: A hero’s downfall due to a tragic flaw or mistake, leading to an unhappy ending.

3. Rebirth: A character is freed from a dark force, often through love or sacrifice.

4. Overcoming the Monster: Hero faces a villain or evil force to protect others.

5. Rags-to-Riches: A disadvantaged character rises to success after setbacks.

6. The Quest: A hero embarks on a mission, facing challenges with the help of friends.

7. Voyage and Return: The hero journeys to an unfamiliar world, learns, and returns transformed.

The Hero's Journey (Joseph Campbell's Monomyth):

1. Ordinary World: The hero’s normal life.

2. Call to Adventure: A challenge or quest is presented.

3. Refusal of the Call: The hero initially rejects the adventure.

4. Meeting the Mentor: The hero gains guidance.

5. Crossing the Threshold: The hero leaves the known world for the unknown.

6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies: The hero faces challenges, allies are gained, and enemies encountered.

7. Approach to the Innermost Cave: The hero prepares for the greatest challenge.

8. The Ordeal: The hero faces their greatest test.

9. Reward: The hero gains a reward after surviving the ordeal.

10. The Road Back: The hero heads home, facing minor challenges.

11. Resurrection: The hero faces a final test, using all they’ve learned.

12. Return with the Elixir: The hero returns home transformed, bringing something that improves their life.

Other Plot Types:

• Mystery: A crime, often a murder, is solved, often with clues revealed gradually.

• Bildungsroman: A coming-of-age story focusing on the protagonist’s growth and maturity.

Criticism of Plot Categorization: While these archetypal structures are useful, some critics argue that they oversimplify literature. Complex, modern works often defy these categories, as seen in nonlinear narratives and unconventional story structures.

Used works: https://www.britannica.com/art/plot

https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/plot#:~:text=Plot%20is%20the%20sequence%20of,between%20the%20events%20that%20occur.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plot_(narrative) 

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