Plot Simplicity

Posted on 24 November 2009

So, couple of my recent posts have been lamenting the lack of “day-to-day” interactions that are fairly telling of characters and happen whether we want them to or not, be it members of our family, birthdays, etc.  So, what better thing than to defend and profess some feelings on the exact reason they aren’t around?  Capital!

So yeah, plot simplicity.  If it doesn’t develop a character in a meaningful way, or in some way progress the plot, you don’t need it.  At least, that is the “rule of thumb.”  Personally, I don’t agree with that as I feel the pacing of the plot is also a valuable tool.  Regardless, when plotting in general, you don’t put in a scene that doesn’t serve a specific purpose.

So, yeah, character’s birthday or family: does it serve a purpose?  Thing is, it can!  And, oh yeah, my entire grouse that the only time we see this is when it’s super plot critical.  Well, yeah, I didn’t say it has to be that critical to still be included.

In general, though, things to think about when plotting and trying to get pacing right.  1) Do you need to have a scene transitioning between to major plot points (travel scene, time passes scene, etc).  2) If you don’t, then only put one in if you absolutely must foreshadow or develop the plot and/or characters for another scene later on.  3) If you do, make sure that it is doing what 2) said to do.  A scene of just relating the facts of travel is painful (I know, I’ve written a few).  Find someway to show how to travel is affecting the people, or switch PoVs completely and show us something important going on somewhere else in the meantime.  Then come back, make a realistic yet still offhand comment about why the travel was not especially meaningful, and, in the immortal words of Monty Python, get on with it!

(BTW, this is more me screaming at myself than anything, so pay no mind if not needed )