Noticing Newbies

Hey Brian,

I'm new here, too, but here's some thoughts on plotting for you. Stephen Cannell, famous as a creator of TV series like the Rockford Files, said that every great movie, book, or play that has stood the test time uses a three-act structure. The best description I know of that structure is attributed to Billy Wilder: in act one, you put your protagonist up a tree. In act two, you set the tree on fire. In act three, you get him down.

Another film maker with insights we can learn from is Hitchcock. He said that the audience cares about the characters and the plot is there to give the characters something to care about. So having strong characters is a pre-requisite for plot.

Finally, what holds readers' attention and keeps the pages turning? Well, your characters have to want something--they need goals. It has to matter whether or not the characters achieve their goals--those are the stakes. Finally, there have to be obstacles to achieving the goals. Ramping up the stakes and the obstacles builds tension. Using the three act structure gives a natural way to construct a plot.

Look at a simple movie--say "Finding Nemo." Identify the goals, stakes, and obstacles. Identify the breaks between acts one, two, and three. You'll be amazed at how helpful that can be.

Well, that's my $0.02 worth. If you have something you'd like me to read, please drop me a note.

Nathan