Plot is what you get when you map together all characters.
It is essentially a combination of the events taking place with the different characters in the story – and what the characters do, or what happens to them as a consequence.
A stunning plot is a great thing to have, but it alone doesn’t make a great story.
Unforgettable characters are a lot more useful, but again, an awesome character stuck in a tepid plot only makes the reader hate you more for giving someone they have come to love such a sucky life.
A good story needs a mix of both – which is easier said than done, because what makes an interesting plot and what makes a compelling character are entirely different ingredients.
Events are slaves to logic. Characters are slaves to (their) emotion.
Though both lead to the same outcome: one half of a good story, the difference between them is critical if you want to go all the way to a great story.
Should you Outline your story before you begin writing?
Outlining can be a good way to get your started on your story and give it structure. Some writers swear by it. Others find it restricting.
But the thing to remember is that an outline is only a tool. What you get out of it depends on what you use it for.
Here are some things to keep in mind about outlining your story.
Outlining is not a must. Many writers, myself included, begin by freewriting, getting into the world and flow of a story before stopping to think about structure. Sometimes, I do not outline at all, but just let the story take me where it does.
You do not have to begin with an outline. You can outline at any time. In the middle of your story. Even at the end. What matters is what you use your outline for.
You do not have to stick to your outline. It is a tool not a rule book.
Changing things in your outline, moving sections and chapters around can be a good way of checking out what work and what doesn’t before you spend hours changing what you’ve written.
What exactly goes into a story outline?
An outline simply is the sequence of events that take place in your story.
But it can be more. It can also show the links between the events, why one leads to another.
I particularly like the “beat” method of outlining – something that is used in screenwriting rather than books. But it works well to help you focus on the “why” of your story as well as the “what”.
There are many other methods out there – the “Snowflake” method, the “Bookend” method – and a Google search will tell you more.
But the common element to all outlines is this: It gives your story form, tells you that there is a sensible narrative there for you to whip into shape – and that makes for great motivation.
WRITE NOW
Make a list of the events that you see taking place in your story. One line for each should do.
Now, add a line on what it is your plan to show your reader with regard to each event. These are the various scenes in your story.
Go a step further. For each scene, add a note on the key decision or action your characters, especially your protagonist makes. You’ll soon see the skeleton of your characters’ arcs emerging.
Add indicative dialogue – what one character says to another if that is an easier or shorter way to show their reactions, the emotional element of the scene.
Now try shifting your scenes around. Look for gaps. Look for things that need explanation. Fill in these details briefly.
Using the notes you have made through the process above, make a fresh list, adding as much or as little detail as you like.
Congratulations! You have a fairly detailed outline of your story.