Lecture Notes: Understanding Plot Structure

Introduction

• Focus on writing or identifying plot parts in narratives: short stories, plays, screenplays, memoirs, novels.
• Main focus on Freytag's Triangle.

Freytag's Triangle

• Commonly taught plot structure in literature.
• Consists of six parts:
  1. Exposition: Background knowledge necessary to understand the story.
     • Example: The Hunger Games – Introduction of Katniss Everdeen, her family, and societal context.
  2. Main Conflict: Central struggle between opposing forces.
     • Example: Katniss volunteers for her sister to fight in deadly games.
  3. Rising Action: Building suspense and tension.
     • Example: Katniss facing various challenges in the games.
  4. Climax: Resolution of the main conflict.
     • Example: Katniss and Peta's decision with poison berries.
  5. Falling Action: Reflection on the climax's repercussions.
  6. Resolution/Denouement: Outcome and character/world changes.
     • Example: Katniss becomes a media star and symbol.

Importance of Exposition

• Provides necessary background for understanding conflicts.
• Beginners often underestimate its value.

Rising Action and Climax

• Rising Action: Builds suspense and engagement.
• Climax: Resolves the main conflict, answering the central question.

Other Plot Structures

The Hero's Journey

• Developed by Joseph Campbell.
• More circular than Freytag's Triangle.
• Key elements:
  • Hero starts in a difficult situation.
  • Inciting incident pushes hero into adventure.
  • Encounters challenges and allies.
  • Faces "supreme ordeal."
  • Possible resurrection and return home.

Kishotenketsu

• Japanese structure with four stages: Ki, Sho, Ten, Ketsu.
  1. Ki: Introduction (similar to exposition).
  2. Sho: Development of the story.
  3. Ten: Twist or unexpected climax.
  4. Ketsu: Conclusion, reflecting back on events.

Episodic Plot

• Features disconnected episodes or adventures.
• Example: Gulliver's Travels
• Common in TV shows.

Conclusion

• Plot structures provide useful tools for planning narratives.
• Encourage creativity and flexibility; they are guidelines, not strict rules.
• Focus on telling a compelling story.

Additional Resources

• References to Aristotle and Edgar Allan Poe on story rules.
• Mention of non-linear storytelling in modern literature.

Encouragement

• Writers should have fun and be creative in crafting their stories.