Talky-Bits: The Plot Diamond
After a long hiatus for the holidays, we are back with one last (?) post on plotting.
Welcome to Talky-Bits Tuesday!
What is that?
For now, we envision it as a forum for a discussion of anything and everything about writing. From strengths to weaknesses to everything in between. We'll introduce a topic for discussion, but there are no hard and fast rules. If the discussion moves on from the topic, that's fine as well.
Today's topic: Plotting: The Plot Diamond
The Diamond is a plotting structure related to the 3-Act Structure, utilized by author Zoe Marriott. The link to her original post about this can be found here. I recommend reading her original blog post because I'm really just skimming the surface here.
The plot diamond in all its glory.
1) At the top of the diamond, we have the First Plot Event. This is what gets the story started; what takes your character out of a normal life into whatever adventure awaits them.
2) Character Takes Action to Change Course of Plot is the second facet of the diamond. This is a tricky one: it could be a number of situations, could mean success or failure for the hero, but they actually do something to affect what's happening. Zoe Marriott gives the example of Lord of the Rings. At this point, Frodo agrees to take the One Ring to Mordor.
3) Major Diaster or Setback is the third facet of the diamond. The events triggered by the hero's choices and actions reach critical mass. Events might be going well for them, or they might not. But at this point, disaster strikes. Characters might see it coming or they might not, but they are powerless to prevent it from happening.
4) The Plateau of Awfulness. Just what it sounds like. Things go from bad to worse.
5) Last Plot Point. The diamond comes full circle... or diamond... or something. Anyway. This is the point where you cash in all the promises you made to the reader earlier in your novel and all the threads start coming together so that the hero can save the day.
Be sure to also read Zoe's follow-up post about fleshing out the plot diamond.
Welcome to Talky-Bits Tuesday!
What is that?
For now, we envision it as a forum for a discussion of anything and everything about writing. From strengths to weaknesses to everything in between. We'll introduce a topic for discussion, but there are no hard and fast rules. If the discussion moves on from the topic, that's fine as well.
Today's topic: Plotting: The Plot Diamond
The Diamond is a plotting structure related to the 3-Act Structure, utilized by author Zoe Marriott. The link to her original post about this can be found here. I recommend reading her original blog post because I'm really just skimming the surface here.
The plot diamond in all its glory.
1) At the top of the diamond, we have the First Plot Event. This is what gets the story started; what takes your character out of a normal life into whatever adventure awaits them.
2) Character Takes Action to Change Course of Plot is the second facet of the diamond. This is a tricky one: it could be a number of situations, could mean success or failure for the hero, but they actually do something to affect what's happening. Zoe Marriott gives the example of Lord of the Rings. At this point, Frodo agrees to take the One Ring to Mordor.
3) Major Diaster or Setback is the third facet of the diamond. The events triggered by the hero's choices and actions reach critical mass. Events might be going well for them, or they might not. But at this point, disaster strikes. Characters might see it coming or they might not, but they are powerless to prevent it from happening.
4) The Plateau of Awfulness. Just what it sounds like. Things go from bad to worse.
5) Last Plot Point. The diamond comes full circle... or diamond... or something. Anyway. This is the point where you cash in all the promises you made to the reader earlier in your novel and all the threads start coming together so that the hero can save the day.
Be sure to also read Zoe's follow-up post about fleshing out the plot diamond.