Plot, also called intrigue, plot or argument, is the element that gives continuity to a story. This is because it is around him that all the events of a narrative develop.
Plot Types
The plot can be linear or non-linear.
O linear plot is one whose facts follow a chronological sequence. Thus, it is organized as follows:
- Presentation - This is where the story begins, as the reader will be introduced to the characters, as well as knowing the location and timeline of the plot.
- Complication - This part of the narrative gives rise to the development of the conflict around which the story will unfold.
- Climax - This is the most tense moment in the plot, which requires a solution or outcome.
- Outcome - Here the plot ends, with the solution to the end of the conflicts that happened throughout history.
"Quality and quantity" is a fable by Monteiro Lobato whose plot is presented in a linear fashion:
A mono started talking in a circle of sages and such nonsense said that he was kicked.
- What? he exclaimed. Are you driving me out of here? Are you denying me talent? Well, I'll prove that I'm a big shot and you're not an idiot.
He buried his hat on his head and walked to the public square where thronged a copious crowd of boobies. There he climbed on top of a kite and began to declaim.
He said nonsense like never before, nonsense of two arrobas, nonsense to hit with a stick. But as he gesticulated and bellowed furiously, the delirious people applauded him with applause and cheers – and ended up carrying him in triumph.
– See? - He muttered as he passed the wise men. Did you recognize my strength? Answer me now: what is your opinion in view of this popular victory?
One of the sages replied calmly:
The opinion of quality despises the opinion of quantity.
O non-linear plot confuses that sequence. In this case, the plot can be presented by its ending or be revealed little by little throughout the narrative.
The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas Machado de Assis is a classic example of this type of plot, as the narrative begins with the death of the protagonist.
Only after revealing the end of the plot, the narrator starts to relate his life, from childhood to adulthood. Over time, however, the reader is invited to go back to the past:
For some time I hesitated whether to open these memories at the beginning or at the end, that is, whether I should put my birth or my death first. Assuming the common usage is to start at birth, two considerations led me to adopt a different method: a first is that I'm not exactly a deceased author, but a deceased author, for whom the grave was another baby crib; the second is that the writing would thus become more gallant and younger.
how to make a plot
Now that you are familiar with linear and non-linear plots, check out a step-by-step how to make a plot below:
- choose the theme
- Choose the conflict that will be developed
- Choose the type of plot you want to use
- Choose the characters, location and timeline of the narrative
- Develop your text
Read too:
- Narrative text
- Narrative Elements
- Summary and Analysis of Posthumous Memories of Brás Cubas
Curiosity
Samba enredo is the song that samba schools choose to parade during Carnival. Its lyrics are composed according to the theme presented by each school.
Learn more at History of Samba.