Plot: Difference between revisions

The quality of a [['''Plot]]''' is often judged by how convincing that connection is established along the criteria of

Failure to meet those criteria results in a [[Plot Hole]]. If the first criterion is repeatedly violated, we have a [[Random Events Plot]], the second criterion is not met if someone acts [[Out of Character]], and a consistent failure to meet the third is called an [[Idiot Plot]]. [[Deus Ex Machina]] is a desperate [['''Plot]]'''-advancing technique that does not quite link events in a story in a convincing manner but at least keeps it going.

[[Plots]] are usually driven by [[Conflict]], which has a strong tendency to make stuff happen. According to [[Aristotle]], [['''Plot]]''', together with [[Characters]] and [[Spectacle]], is one of the six items present in any story. The [[Premise]] is often a laconic version of the core aspects of the main plot.

A [[Plot Point]] is an important event or state of affairs that the viewer or reader is required to be aware of in order to follow the [['''Plot]]'''. An object or character whose only purpose is to drive the [['''Plot]]''' (i. e. provide the connecting element between events) is called a [[Plot Device]]. Similarly, a [[Plot Coupon]] is an object that acts as a key to advance or resolve a [['''Plot]]'''. In contrast to the [[Plot Device]], it is actively and purposefully used (and often also sought out in the first place) by the characters to reach a goal, while a [[Plot Device]] doesn't necessarily require a character's volition to advance the [['''Plot]]'''. See also [[MacGuffin]] and [[Magnetic Plot Device]].

A popular definition of how a [['''Plot]]''' as a whole should progress within the "running time" of a work is the succession of [[Act Break|five acts]]: ''[[exposition]]'', ''[[Rising Action]]'', ''[[The Climax|climax]]'', ''falling action'' and ''resolution''. However, a work of fiction can contain more than one [['''Plot]]'''. This is called subplots or [[Plot Threads]].

In some formats, the [['''Plot]]''' can take a back seat to other aspects that are deemed more important. For these cases see [[No Plot, No Problem]], [[Plot What Plot]] and [[Excuse Plot]]. Also bear in mind the [[Sliding Scale of Plot Versus Characters]], for when character development overtakes the overall plot.

''Please note: As one of the major [[Super-Trope|Super Tropes]], the concept of [['''Plot]]''' is [[Omnipresent Trope|omnipresent]]. There's no need to list [['''Plot]]''' as a [[Trope]] on any work's page or to list works here.''