Developing Plot. W3b and W3c

Transcription

1 Developing Plot W3b and W3c

2 The Target W3b I can consistently and effectively use 3 of the following 5 techniques to develop plot: Dialogue Pacing Variety Description Reflection Multiple Plot Lines (multiple conflicts) W3c Use flashbacks, multiple points of view, or section titles to sequence events and build tone.

3 Dialogue What is it? Speech between characters. Why use it? Dialogue can reveal character thoughts and build relationships between characters. How do I use it? 1. Choose a part of the story where you have two characters interacting. 2. Put yourself in the characters shoes; what would you say if you were in the same situation? 3. Use language natural to the characters (slang, dialect, nicknames, etc.) 4. Use unique dialogue tags. *See appendix.

4 Dialogue Example Yoda was waiting for me on the steps, holding the lunch his mother packed for him in an insulated bag. His energy drinks were in the cooler that he was sitting on. He looked up from his comic book. Thought you might have left the country. You heard? I asked. Everybody heard, moron. He picked up the cooler and followed me down the walk. They heard that you went on a rampage and attacked Bethany Milbury. That you got hauled away in handcuffs again. That Bethany almost died. It wasn t like that at all. It was an accident. But I don t want to talk about it. Did you punch Chip in the mouth? I m going to punch you in the mouth if you don t shut up. All right, all right. God, you re so touchy. There s the truck. Anderson, Laurie (2007). Twisted. New York, NY: Speak.

5 Pacing Variety What is it? Varying the amount of time devoted to each story element. Why use it? Pacing variety prevents reader boredom and gives more detail where most needed. How do I use it? 1. Identify the most important aspects of the story [on the outline] these will move at a slower pace through more description and step-by-step actions. 2. Identify the least important aspects of the story these will move at a faster pace through less description and summaries of actions.

6 Pacing Variety Example Tell-Tale Heart 10% of the story is the establishment of the conflicts (narrator s disease and hatred for the eye) 15% of the story in rising action before the night of the murder 39% of the story is rising action the night of the murder 5% of the story is the first climax, the murder 21% of the story is rising action to the confession 1% is the final climax, the confession

7 Description What is it? Imagery and sensory language. Why use it? It paints the picture for the reader for how characters appear, what the setting is like, and how the action occurs. How do I use it? 1. Identify the powerful or important events/moments of your story. 2. Use strong verbs, figurative language (metaphor, simile, alliteration, etc.), and sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) to describe the moment.

8 Description Example So far, I had not opened my eyes. I felt that I lay upon my back, unbound. I reached out my hand, and it fell heavily upon something damp and hard. There I suffered it to remain for many minutes, while I strove to imagine where and what I could be. I longed, yet dared not to employ my vision. I dreaded the first glance at objects around me. It was not that I feared to look upon things horrible, but that I grew aghast lest there should be nothing to see. At length, with a wild desperation at heart, I quickly unclosed my eyes. My worst thoughts, then, were confirmed. The blackness of eternal night encompassed me. I struggled for breath. The intensity of the darkness seemed to oppress and stifle me. The atmosphere was intolerably close. I still lay quietly, and made effort to exercise my reason... Moreover, my dungeon, as well as all the condemned cells at Toledo, had stone floors, and light was not altogether excluded. Poe, Edgar Allan (1842). The pit and the pendulum.

9 Reflection What is it? A character or narrator reflecting back on the importance of events after the fact. Why use it? Reflection can help the reader see what events are important and can show character emotion and thought. How do I use it? 1. Identify important moments. 2. Write 1-2 sentences before the moment hinting at the importance of the event.

10 Reflection Example You should have seen how wisely I proceeded -- with what caution -- with what foresight, with what dissimulation, I went to work! I was never kinder to the old man than during the whole week before I killed him. If still you think me mad, you will think so no longer when I describe the wise precautions I took for the concealment of the body. The night waned, and I worked hastily, but in silence. Poe, Edgar Allan (1843). The tell-tale heart.

11 Multiple Plot Lines What is it? Multiple conflicts (sometimes with the same characters, sometimes with different characters) lead to multiple climaxes. Why use it? Multiple plot lines can add depth to your story and better reflect real life, where our problems rarely exist independently. How do I use it? 1. Decide whether you want to follow just one character s conflicts or multiple characters conflicts. 2. Create a diagram with 2 columns, 1 per conflict. 3. Chart out conflicts through rising action, noting where events will overlap and how they fit together on the time-line of the story.

12 Multiple Plot Lines Example The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Frodo must destroy the ring Aragorn must reclaim his rightful throne The entire fellowship must destroy Sauron s forces.

13 The Target W3c I can consistently and effectively use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole and built toward a particular tone and outcome: Flashbacks Multiple points of view Section titles

14 Flashback What is it? The narrator jumps back in time to tell about events that impact the current story. Why use it? Flashbacks allow for better character development; we learn about the characters not only in the current story, but also how they behaved in their past. How do I use it? 1. Give your character a back story. 2. Choose a moment from the back story that connects to the current story this will be your flashback. 3. Show the separation between the flashback and the current story through text formatting (italics, different fonts, borders, etc.). 4. Use transitions to smooth the entrance and exit.

15 Flashback Example Transformers: Dark of the Moon Flashbacks to the crash of the Prime shuttle during the Space Race develop the back story about the secret technology which the Decepticons seek.

16 Multiple Points of View What is it? Narration switches between several characters. Why use it? This technique can give many perspectives on one key conflict an accurate link to real life. How do I use it? 1. Identify which characters will tell the story. 2. Identify which sections of the story will be most powerfully told by which characters.

17 Multiple Points of View Example (Don t laugh ) Twilight Saga Final book includes part of the story told from Jacob, part from Bella Unpublished Edward version Jodi Picoult novels are always told from many different characters points of view

18 Section (Chapter) Titles What is it? Thematic titles that introduce sections of the work. Why use it? Titles can clue readers in to what is about to happen and make connections between events clearer; they can also help clarify shifts in point of view. How do I use it? 1. Identify clear sections in your work (what are the breaking points?). 2. Brainstorm short phrases which capture the mood or purpose of each section.