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Explanation of a Simple Plot and a Random Story Generator - Succeed in Fiction Writing. Also refer to protagonist, antagonist, hero, heroine, villain, description, location, activity, conflict, success, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Simple Plot and Random Story Generator
by Ron Kurtus (revised 14 August 2007)
In a typical plot, there is the protagonist--who is the hero or heroine of the story--and the antagonist or villain. There is also often a bystander or victim of the villain.
Consider the following very simple plot:
- A person sees a villain do something bad to an innocent bystander. This is a problem, dilemma or conflict for the person.
- He or she tries to stop the villain, but the villain seems to escape. This is a point of tension, because of the possibility of failure.
- The protagonist then makes a valiant effort and catches the villain.
- The victim is grateful and rewards the protagonist.
The following story is randomly generated from a simple plot. Click the button to generate another version of the story.
There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.
Story
Introduce protagonist and setting
A long time ago in an airport, a tattooed boy named Happy was walking along, minding his own business. Happy looked and dressed like Marilyn Monroe.
Antagonist
Suddenly, he saw Bevis, who was sweaty and looked a little like Donald Duck.
Point of tension, conflict or problem
Bevis proceeded to paint a well-dressed girl's book. The girl's name was Anita.
Effort to stop antagonist
"Stop, you stupid punk!" Happy yelled out. But Bevis started to run away.
Seem to fail
Happy chased Bevis until 6 PM. Bevis could run fast and seemed to be getting away.
Happy outcome
But then in a final great effort, Happy jumped on a bicycle and surprisingly caught the scoundrel!
Anita was so happy, that she made a sandwich.
Thus ends a good story.
Application
You can use this plot technique to create your own story or make up your own plot.
Summary
Most stories have plots or summaries of what happened. You can use one plot but just change the locations, character and activities to make a different story.
See side menu for more Fiction Writing topics
Be creative
Resources
The following resources provide information on this subject:
Websites
Plot generators
Late-Night Cable-Movie Plot Generator - Randomly writes a TV Guide-type summary of a movie, along with popular actors
Jerry Bruckheimer Plot Generator - Randomly generates a moderately complex plot, including suggested actors
Books
20 Master Plots by Ronals B. Tobias, Writers Digest Books; (2003) $14.99 - Fundamental plots that recur through all fiction and how to apply them to modern stories.
Plots Unlimited: For the Writer of Novels, Short Stories, Plays, Screenplays and Television Episodes by Tom Sawyer and Arthur David Weingarten, Ashleywilde Inc; (1995) $25.00 - A compendium of story ideas that can stimulate a writer's imagination.
Top-rated
books on Fiction Writing
Mini-quiz to check your understanding
If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Fiction Writing. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.
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Simple Plot and a Random Story Generator