Plot
A good plot gives your story direction, creates consequences and keeps the reader wanting to know what happens next.
Something has to happen
Plot is what continues or changes things. One event causing a domino effect and before long everyone's having a considerably worse day than they expected.
A secret
Plots don't always mean plotting.
Jane Eyre
Charlotte BrontëRochester's hidden marriage changes Jane's understanding of him and completely alters what she can do next.
The Secret History
Donna TarttA group of students share a terrible secret, and keeping it becomes every bit as important as what originally happened.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Mark HaddonChristopher begins by investigating a dead dog and uncovers something much closer to home.
Secrets, deceptions, choices, protecting, hiding.
A decision
Most decisions lead to consequences, some unexpected..
Macbeth
William ShakespeareMacbeth decides that waiting for the crown is taking far too long. Things deteriorate from there.
The Lord of the Rings
J. R. R. TolkienFrodo agrees to carry the Ring away from the Shire. One decision creates an entire journey.
Anna Karenina
Leo TolstoyAnna chooses a relationship that puts her in conflict with her marriage, society and eventually herself.
Plots show us doors and windows we can't resist looking through.
It rained on the train Sarah almost missed.
She woke up at the end of the line.
What did she say?