So, what is plot?

Miriam-Webster says plot is “the plan or main story”. But what does that mean for writers? Well, in literary terms, I’d say that plot is the meat of the story. It’s the blueprint for how you want things to play out and the order in which things will happen. Creating a plot is absolutely essential to writing a story.

What do you need for plot?

There are three things needed at minimum for a plot: a beginning, middle, and end. First, you need a solid beginning. Tell the reader what is happening. Set the story up, introduce the main character, and tell your readers why they should keep turning the page.

Second, you need a solid middle. This is going to be the part of the story where the hero goes on the journey, the couple starts to fall in love, the detective investigates, etc. This is where the bulk of the story takes place. Here, we create the tension. We want the audience to be sitting on the edge of their seat, waiting for the big moment.

Third, you need a strong ending. This is the part where the big moment happens and the story comes to a head, and then resolves. Here, we’ll see the big battle, the falling out, the danger. But we will also then see the resolution. We’ll get to see the hero win the battle, the lovers reconcile, the killer caught, etc. You want this part to leave the reader feeling like all the loose ends are tied up and the story ended well.

What else is needed for a good plot?

Having a strong beginning, middle, and end is the biggest thing needed for a successful plot. Start strong, stay strong, and finish strong! But what else? Clear plot points that move the story forward are extremely important too. These plot points are what keep things moving and keep the reader interested. They drive the story by adding action, information, and tension. Beyond having clear plot points, adding in interesting details between plot points also helps to add intrigue.

Every story has a plot, well it should anyway. Having a good plot is what will set your story apart though. Give your characters depth, give your story intrigue, and make sure you have a strong plot to help the story move along and feel satisfying for your readers.

What are your struggles when coming up with a good plot?