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Lecture #3: Plot Part 2 — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

Brandon Sanderson・54 minutes read

The class delves into constructing plots, distinguishing between discovery and outline writers and emphasizing the importance of outlining methods. Different plot archetypes like heist and mystery are explored to understand their appeal, helping writers create engaging narratives that resonate with audiences.

Insights

  • Outlining methods are discussed, emphasizing the importance of structuring narrative elements like character arcs, setting details, and plot progression to create a coherent story.
  • Analyzing different plot archetypes, such as heist and mystery, reveals the significance of maintaining suspense, delivering satisfying resolutions, and incorporating elements like hypercompetence to engage readers effectively.

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Recent questions

  • What is the appeal of heist plots?

    The appeal of heist plots lies in the thrill of success, hypercompetent characters, puzzle-solving, and rebellion against the norm. People enjoy seeing characters succeed at impossible tasks, creating satisfaction and excitement.

  • How can writers create successful heist plots?

    To create successful heist plots, writers must maintain relevance and significance to earlier story elements for a fulfilling resolution. Understanding the progression from outlining the problem to overcoming obstacles builds tension and anticipation.

  • What is the key to engaging murder mysteries?

    The key to engaging murder mysteries is the implicit promise that the detective will outsmart the villain. Readers enjoy solving puzzles and figuring out what happened, making witty and likable detectives essential.

  • Why are romance plots appealing?

    Romance plots offer wish fulfillment and relatability, adding a human element to stories. The anticipation of how characters will come together creates excitement and emotional investment for readers.

  • How can writers balance multiple plotlines effectively?

    Writers can balance multiple plotlines by duplicating the same plot with different outcomes or focusing on one aspect at a time. Breaking the story into sections with mini heists or different elements can also lengthen the narrative effectively.

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Summary

00:00

Effective Plot Construction Techniques for Writers

  • The class will focus on plot for the second week, followed by a Q&A session for addressing plot-related questions the following week.
  • Mary Robinette will join the class during the week of the 18th to discuss short stories.
  • The session delves into constructing a plot, outlining the components necessary for a plot to function effectively.
  • The distinction between discovery writers and outline writers is highlighted, emphasizing the varying approaches to upfront and back-end work.
  • Discovery writers often defer planning to revisions, while outline writers prioritize upfront planning for a cleaner first draft.
  • Outlining is not mandatory for writing a story, but it can aid in structuring the narrative and reducing cognitive load during writing.
  • Outlining methods are discussed, with the speaker sharing their personal approach involving character, setting, and plot headings.
  • The character section of the outline includes character arcs and descriptions for main and side characters.
  • The setting section covers elements like magic, technology, world-building, physical setting, and cultural setting.
  • Plot construction involves identifying promises, progress, and payoff, with the speaker using Mistborn as an example of incorporating multiple plot archetypes like heist, master-apprentice, information, and relationship subplots.

15:33

Heist plots: Thrilling success through clever twists.

  • In a heist plot like Oceans 11, a team is gathered, including a newbie, and the problem is explained with cinematic flair, presenting seemingly insurmountable challenges.
  • The team then breaks down the problem into manageable parts, with the newbie following along to gather necessary components for the big solution.
  • A key element of the heist is the intentional omission of a crucial piece of information, creating suspense and a sense of impending failure.
  • However, at the end, it is revealed that the missing piece was known to the team all along, adding a surprising twist to the successful heist.
  • In contrast, The Italian Job plot introduces multiple problems and solutions, but at the end, unexpected new problems arise, requiring quick thinking and adaptation.
  • The heist genre is appealing due to the thrill of success, hypercompetent characters, the puzzle-solving aspect, and the feeling of rebellion or going against the norm.
  • People enjoy seeing characters succeed at seemingly impossible tasks, creating a sense of satisfaction and excitement.
  • To create a successful heist plot, it is essential to maintain relevance and significance to the elements introduced earlier in the story, ensuring a fulfilling resolution for the reader.
  • Analyzing the appeal of heist plots can help writers understand why they are engaging and how to incorporate essential elements like hypercompetence into their own stories.
  • By breaking down plot archetypes and applying genre trappings, storytellers can create unique and compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
  • Understanding the progression of a heist plot, from outlining the problem to overcoming obstacles and achieving success, can help writers build tension and anticipation leading up to the climax of the story.

29:04

"Thrilling Mysteries and Engaging Romance Plots"

  • Enjoyment of murder mysteries stems from the implicit promise that the detective will outsmart the villain.
  • The appeal of mysteries lies in the desire to solve puzzles and figure out what happened.
  • Unsatisfying mysteries often result from misleading clues that prevent readers from solving the crime.
  • Witty and likable detectives are key in detective-driven murder mysteries.
  • Misdirection in mysteries adds excitement as readers uncover unexpected twists.
  • Mysteries are characterized by an information plot where characters gradually gather crucial information.
  • Romance plots offer wish fulfillment and relatability, providing a human element to stories.
  • The anticipation of how two characters will come together in a romance plot adds excitement.
  • Relationship plots, whether in buddy cop movies or romances, follow similar plot structures.
  • Developing a detailed outline involves identifying desired outcomes, progress steps, and scene sequences for each plot archetype.

43:25

Crafting Engaging Plots for Successful Novels

  • For a novel, it's recommended to have at least one plot archetype, one character arc, and one subplot archetype like a relationship or master-apprentice dynamic.
  • In "Skyward," the plot archetype used was "boy-finds-a-dragon-egg," but adapted to "girl-finds-a-spaceship."
  • The main plot involved a kid finding something cool, keeping it secret, and working on it.
  • Secondary relationship and tertiary character arcs were also present in the story.
  • "Way of Kings" is more complex with multiple plot elements due to extensive world-building.
  • A relatable plot archetype is crucial in "Way of Kings" to anchor the various complex plots.
  • Pitching a story involves highlighting a unique aspect to draw interest, but execution and character arcs are what truly make a book successful.
  • Balancing multiple plotlines in a story can involve duplicating the same plot but with different outcomes or focusing on one aspect at a time.
  • To lengthen a story, breaking it into sections with mini heists or focusing on different elements can be effective.
  • Ensuring all plot elements remain engaging throughout a novel can be challenging, requiring strategic planning and weaving of different storylines.

56:34

The Hero's Journey in Storytelling

  • The Hero’s Journey, exemplified by Star Wars, follows a character like Luke through various stages:
  • Luke initially resists the call to adventure, preferring to stay home, but circumstances force him into the unknown world.
  • Throughout the journey, the character faces trials and tribulations, often guided by a mentor.
  • The character descends into the underworld, facing their lowest point before experiencing a moment of apotheosis and atonement.
  • The character undergoes a transformation, learns new skills, makes decisions, and obtains the elixir.
  • Returning home changed, the character brings the elixir back to the people, no longer the same person who left.
  • The Hero’s Journey can be a useful tool for envisioning character arcs and structuring stories.
  • The Three Act format divides a story into three acts with key transition points, emphasizing character development and rising action.
  • The "yes, but/no, and" method in discovery writing involves continually escalating problems for the character to maintain tension and stakes.
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