Plot and Structure

Plot refers to: the actions or incidents occurring in a story (usually in chronological order, but not always).

Without plot, we do not have a story. A plot is a plan or groundwork of human motivations, with the actions resulting from believable and realistic human responses. In simple terms, plot deals with CAUSE and EFFECT.

E.M. Forester:
“The king died, and then the queen died.”

To have a good plot, a sequence of events must include motivation which is based on reaction to action.

“The king died, and then the queen died of grief.”

Events and time in a story are not important in and of themselves but because one thing happens because of another thing (i.e. cause and effect).

Conflict is the essential element of plot because this is where human responses are brought out to their highest degree.
Once two (or more) forces are in opposition, there is doubt about the outcome, thus producing tension and suspense as well.

Plot Structure: The arrangement and placement of materials within a narrative or drama.

Plot: Describes the conflicts in a story or narrative.

Structure deals with the way a work is laid out and given form to bring out the conflict.

Categories of Plot Structure:

Exposition
Rising Action/Complication
Crisis or turning point
Climax
Denouement/falling action/resolution