Deeply pre-produced fantasy plot problems
by Attila
(Budapest, Hungary)
Greetings! :)
I have a fantasy setting in mind. The world itself is more or less done (meaning there are religions, families, legends, even a different calendar system borrowed from Daniel Keys Moran), but I have some problems regarding the plot itself.
What I think about:
Two young nobles go to the king for advice, but there will be a civil war on the way (and the families of these characters are on the opposing sides). Meanwhile there will be a necromancer conspiracy (not connected to the civil war), but I have sorted this line out somehow.
My problem:
I have different "milestones" which I cannot connect easily.
1. milestone (1st line)
The nobles meet at a ceremony
2. milestone
They start the journey to the king because someone lit the castle on fire after the ceremony
3. milestone (2nd line)
A monster-hunter gets an assignment to find a great bunch of soul stones (basic of magic)
4. milestone (3rd line)
An assassin is assigned to kill a mistress (one of the main characters)
5. milestone (1st line)
The Assassin and the Monster hunter duel, assassin runs away.
and so on...
When I make an attempt to connect them, the "connectors" are either too long or oversaturated with sub-plots.
What do you suggest?
Answer: It sounds as though you have three separate tales running parallel (and occasionally intertwined) in the story world, each of which has its own protagonist:
1. The noble.
2. The Monster-Hunter
3. The Assassin
Here's what I suggest. Get yourself three different colours of index cards. Put each event in the story on a separate card. Use a different colour for each tale/protagonist. Make sure each tale has a complete dramatic arc, composed of at least four events:
1. Inciting event
2. Complication
3. Crisis
4. Resolution
Once you have all three tales worked out separately, then weave them together into one chronological sequence of events. Regarding scenes where the tales merge, remember that several events can occur in a single scene (including events from different dramatic arcs).
- Home
- Plot Questions
- Deeply pre-produced fantasy plot problems
Search this site...
|
||
| site search by freefind |
100% Human Generated Content!
All
articles on this website were written by a human being -- one possessed of flaws and limitations, but also with a personal perspective and a desire to help fellow
writers. No article on this site was written by or with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI).
Popular Articles
Mini-Course
Never be stuck for a great story idea again! This online mini-course will show you how to create simple ideas for original characters and build a plot around each character that contains the essential elements needed for a compelling story.
Recent Postings
-
Trauma And Superpowers: How Do They Connect?
Question: I'm currently writing a story where MC1 can control darkness, MC2 can control plants, and MC3 can control machines. I want them to experience -
Using the actual names of people and places in memoir...
Question: I am writing a memoir of my years as a teacher. If I want to use real names, what is the protocol/requirement for getting permission? (Changing -
How to Write a Thriller
See how to write a thriller story -- the essential traits and plot structure.
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I
can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful.
You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and
with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write
these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero