Lecture #2: Plot Part 1 — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

Brandon Sanderson2 minutes read

Sci-fi/fantasy writing emphasizes plot, characters, and setting, with Mistborn combining a unique plot idea with magical elements and character development. Authors must skillfully execute ideas to engage readers, making and fulfilling promises through storytelling to create compelling narratives.

Insights

  • Sci-fi/fantasy writing often starts with plot, character, or setting as key elements shaping stories.
  • Mistborn's unique plot was inspired by a Dark Lord's success, blending fantasy heist and magic elements to create a fresh narrative.

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  • What elements are crucial in sci-fi/fantasy writing?

    Plot, character, setting are essential in writing.

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Summary

00:00

Crafting Sci-Fi/Fantasy Stories: Plot, Character, Setting

  • Sci-fi/fantasy writing often begins with plot, character, or setting, with stories being composed of these elements.
  • Mistborn was inspired by the idea of a Dark Lord succeeding, leading to a unique plot idea.
  • The concept of a fantasy heist with magical characters was developed separately.
  • The mist and cathedral visuals were combined with character development to create setting details.
  • Three magic systems in Mistborn were initially designed for separate stories before being combined.
  • Ideas are collected in notebooks or computer files, with novels growing from the combination of multiple ideas.
  • Authors must skillfully execute ideas, as demonstrated by Jim Butcher's successful fusion of disparate concepts in Codex Alera.
  • Setting is considered the least important element in sci-fi/fantasy writing, with characters and plot taking precedence.
  • Stories make promises to readers, including tone promises that set the mood for the narrative.
  • The cold open technique, exemplified by Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, is used to establish the tone and theme of a story.

14:58

"Story Promises: Action, Adventure, and Intrigue"

  • The cold open in a story sets the tone and promise for the audience, often involving action and adventure.
  • Prologues in fantasy are popular as they convey a promise of action and adventure, unlike starting with a kid on a farm.
  • Star Wars exemplifies starting with action and adventure before transitioning to a character like Luke on a farm.
  • Pixar uses color palettes to set the tone in their movies, showcasing how colors can influence storytelling.
  • Promises in storytelling are crucial, focusing on tone, character arc, and plot to engage the audience.
  • Character arc promises show how a character will change, while plot promises outline the main story progression.
  • Balancing predictability in storytelling involves giving subtle inversions to promises to keep the audience engaged.
  • Inversions like having a female Gandalf character in Eye of the World can add intrigue and freshness to familiar tropes.

28:58

Crafting Engaging Stories with Progress

  • Mistborn is a heist story with unique elements like different magical talents and a master-apprentice plot.
  • Terry Rossio, screenwriter of Pirates of the Caribbean, talks about the "strange attractor" concept in storytelling.
  • Mistborn is a blend of a heist movie in a fantasy world and My Fair Lady, creating a fresh and intriguing narrative.
  • Iconic characters like James Bond or Sherlock Holmes do not require character arcs and can be enjoyed for other reasons.
  • Different promises in stories work based on individual tastes and experiences, influenced by the reader's preferences.
  • Progress in a story is crucial, as it keeps readers engaged and leads them towards the payoff at the end.
  • Progress is about creating an illusion of steady advancement towards an exciting goal, controlled entirely by the author.
  • The sensation of progress is vital in making stories engaging and compelling for readers, regardless of the genre.
  • Authors have complete control over the pace and progression of their stories, shaping the reader's experience.
  • Creating a sense of progress towards a captivating goal is key to crafting a page-turner, irrespective of the genre or plot elements.

43:55

"Engaging storytelling: promises, progress, and plot"

  • Story arc and umbrella plot can be different; consider why readers are engaged and what questions need answering.
  • Multiple questions can drive a story, especially in longer works.
  • Identify the type of plot to create compelling story and character arcs.
  • Example using Star Wars: umbrella plot of destroying the empire, character arc of Luke trusting the force, secondary character arc of Han becoming less of a jerk.
  • Progress in a story should align with promises made to readers.
  • Example from Oathbringer where a diversion led to a boring sequence due to a broken promise.
  • Proper promises and progress are crucial for engaging storytelling.
  • Changing promises can significantly impact reader engagement.
  • Every scene in a story should advance key plot points.
  • Different plot archetypes can guide progress in various types of stories.

58:48

Nested Plots and Payoff in Storytelling

  • Plotting in writing is compared to nesting plots in code, with umbrella plots and mini plots being common structures.
  • In storytelling, mini plots with their own problems are introduced, leading to a visualized plot structure that tends to work effectively.
  • Payoff in a story involves fulfilling promises made at the beginning, with a classic archetype involving a progression from promise to failure to eventual success.
  • A twist in storytelling can involve a plot expansion, where the outcome exceeds the initial promise, providing readers with more than expected.
  • Substitution plot twists can be risky but effective if done well, involving convincing readers they want something different before delivering an unexpected outcome.
  • The importance of ensuring that the payoff in a story aligns with the progress made throughout the narrative, ideally providing both what was promised initially and something extra.
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