Crafting a Compelling Plot Arc
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Aspiring writers, we all know that crafting an intriguing plot arc is imperative for a successful novel. But what exactly is a plot arc? How do you ensure that your plot arc is executed to its full potential to leave a lasting emotional impact on your readers? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about crafting an appealing plot arc for your novel, including the essential ingredients, character and action beats, common mistakes, and genre-specific expectations.
What Is a Plot Arc?
First, let's define what a plot arc is. Put simply, it's the structure of the narrative that guides the reader through the story. Every story has a beginning, middle, and end, and the plot arc is the vehicle that drives it from point A to point B, ideally via a sense of cause and effect logic.
Now let's delve into the essential ingredients of a compelling plot arc. It starts with an inciting incident that sets the story in motion, taking the character from their normal to an abnormal. This is followed by rising action that builds up the tension and conflict, as the protagonist decides to go on the journey. There is usually character growth or a big twist around the midpoint. The story climax is the peak of the action, followed by falling action that solves the conflict, and finally, the resolution that ties up any loose ends.
Making Readers Care About Your Plot Arc
Next, it's essential to examine how to execute a plot arc for maximum emotional impact. One key element is to ensure that each pivotal point in the story aligns with the correct emotional beat. The reader should experience a range of emotions throughout the narrative, from excitement and anticipation to fear and sadness, and this is best done by sketching out the character’s own emotional journey by using the tool of interiority. Storytelling is not just about a plot arc, but a character arc as well.
It's also crucial to ensure that character and action beats are interwoven into the plot arc, in addition to secondary character action and a subplot or several. Character beats help to develop the character's personalities and motivations, while action beats keep the plot moving forward and bring the story to life. It's crucial to strike a balance between the two to keep the reader engaged.
Not Every Plot Arc Fits Every Category
Now let's talk about genre-specific expectations. Every genre has different expectations for the plot arc. For example, romance novels typically follow a familiar plot arc structure, while mystery and thriller novels have a more complex structure with multiple plotlines and twists, including alternative chronologies and even the use of multiple point of view. It's essential to understand the genre you're writing in and tailor your plot arc accordingly to the desires of your target audience.
Mistakes Writers Make with Plot Arc
Finally, we must acknowledge common mistakes writers make with their plot arcs. One common mistake is not providing enough backstory information or character development to support the plot arc. Another is not allowing the reader enough time to experience the emotional beats fully. There should be a balance of action and information, with pacing moving neither too slowly nor too quickly. It's crucial to avoid these mistakes to ensure that your plot arc is as impactful as possible.
In conclusion, crafting an appealing plot arc is a key ingredient in writing a successful novel. By understanding the essential ingredients, executing emotional beats, including character and action beats, recognizing genre-specific expectations, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your plot arc is impactful and engaging. Remember, writing is a craft that takes time and effort, but with these tips and tricks, you'll be on your way to a beautifully articulated plot arc.
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