A complete guide to plot driven stories

Plot-driven stories are a rollercoaster ride of action, twists, and turns, all fuelled by external forces of antagonism. If heart-pounding excitement and the thrill of the unknown set your pulse racing, then plot-driven stories might be your literary playground.

What are plot-driven stories?

Plot-driven stories prioritise events and action over character development. They revolve around external conflicts and are often packed with exciting, fast-paced sequences that move the story forward. The characters in these stories are typically reactive, responding to the situations and conflicts that arise.

These types of stories often find a home in genres like comics, action movies, mystery tales, horror, and thrillers, where the focus is on the unfolding events rather than the character's internal world.

Choosing the right story

The first rule of writing is to follow your heart, or at least your creative instincts. If you find yourself naturally drawn to tales of adventure, mystery, and suspense, plot-driven stories might be your calling.

Remember, writing a book is a journey filled with ups and downs. You must be passionate about your story to keep the creative spark alive throughout the process. If external forces of antagonism get your creative juices flowing, you're on the right track.

Crafting the plot

A plot-driven story requires meticulous planning and a well-thought-out storyline. The key elements include:

1. Engaging Hook: Start with a bang! An intriguing opening will immediately grab your readers' attention.
2. Rising Action: Build tension and suspense with a series of escalating events and conflicts.
3. Climax: The turning point where the tension reaches its peak. This is where your protagonist faces their greatest challenge.
4. Falling Action: The aftermath of the climax, leading towards the resolution.
5. Resolution: Tying up loose ends and providing a satisfying conclusion.

Remember, pacing is crucial in plot-driven stories. Keeping the story moving without losing momentum is the name of the game.

Creating memorable characters

Though plot takes centre stage, don't neglect your characters. While they might not undergo significant internal growth, they should still be engaging and fit within the framework of your story.

Create relatable and compelling characters, even if their actions within the plot primarily define them. They should be unique enough to stand out and resonate with readers.

Unleashing the power of plot-driven storytelling

Plot-driven stories are a thrilling adventure into the world of action, intrigue, and suspense. They appeal to readers who love a good twist and turn and provide a fast-paced and exciting reading experience. If you have a passion for crafting tales driven by external forces, plot-driven stories might be your forte.

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References

1. Coyne, Shawn. 2015. The Story Grid. New York, NY: Black Irish Entertainment.

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