Story: Plot Structure and typologies

Forster's distinction between story (chronology → just sequence of events) and plot (causality)

Plot structures:

• Distinction between single-plot narratives and multi-plot narratives

• Distinction between main plot and subplot(s)

• Narratives can be tightly plotted (one event triggers next) or episodic

• Open structure (open ending) vs. closed structure (closure&resolution)

Plot typologies

• Attempt of literary scholars to identify influential plot structures whose patterin has remained stable

• Examples:

  • Quest narratives

  • Courtship/Marriage ploz

  • Coming of age narrative / Initation plot

Analyzing plot

• How does plot unfold? Linear, tightly plotted or episodic?

• What is relationship between main plot and subplot?

• Does plot of narrative follow a well-known pattern?