Plot and Conflict Plot n n A sequence
- Slides: 15
Plot and Conflict
Plot n n A sequence of events, causally related What happens in the story
Plot Arrangement n Chronological – (ab ovo —at the beginning)— 1 st event happens first, etc n In media res – The story begins in the middle of the action n Episodic – Short plots occurring one after the other
Plot Sub-Arrangements n Flashback – Past events are experienced as a memory n Foreshadowing – Suggesting, indicating, hinting or showing what will happen later in a story n Anastrophe – Sequence of events chopped into segments and then scrambled
Plot Structure n Exposition – Background n Rising action – Complication n Climax – Moment of highest tension or indecision in primary conflict n Falling action – Resolution of the crisis; rest of action inevitable n Resolution/denouement – Tying up of loose ends
What is Conflict? A clash between opposing forces, usually forcing the main character into a dilemma.
Four Types of Conflict Man vs. Man or Individual Conflict: (1) One person in opposition with another Typically the simplest and least
Types of Conflict n (2) Man vs. Society or Social conflict: – one person vs. a larger group; – Almost always present and significant
Types of Conflict n (3) Man vs. Nature or Natural conflict – Typically, this kind of conflict involves some form of nature; – Depending on one’s perspective, it could be a conflict with God.
Types of Conflict n (4) Man vs. Self – Or internal conflict; – Generally, the most interesting and significant when it is present; – Often the person in conflict doesn’t realize it.
How Character is viewed through Conflict n Protagonist – Central character in central conflict n Antagonist – Whoever or whatever opposes the protagonist
Plot and the use of suspense n n Suspense: The intense feeling while waiting for an outcome. Suspense is closely related to the use of SURPRISE.
Surprise in Literary vs. Commercial Fiction n Planting false clues Literary Fiction n Natural and logical (intentionally leading the foreshadowing reader astray) n Broadens or n Trivial or sensational reinforces meaning n Happy ending n Tragic ending (more like real life, reveals life’s complexity)