Lecture #3: Plot Part 2 — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

Brandon Sanderson

12 Feb 202069:53

EducationalLearning

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TLDRThe script discusses various methods and structures for plotting stories, such as plot archetypes, the Hero's Journey, and three-act structure. It emphasizes understanding why certain plots work and resonate with audiences. The presenter explains his personal outlining process, starting with the ending goal then working backwards to map progress points. He advises focusing plots around satisfying moments for the reader. The script also covers common plot elements like relationships and mysteries, and how to interweave multiple plotlines. It concludes by contrasting outlining with discovery writing, and recommends researching and trying different techniques to find what works best.

Takeaways

😀 Outlining helps offload work to the planning stage so there's less to keep in the brain while writing
😊 Identify plot archetypes that appeal to you and break them down into satisfying steps of progress
🧐 Overlap character arcs, main plots, and subplots at climax moments for powerful payoffs
🤔 Add distinctive flair to standard plots through unique settings, tech, or magic systems
👩‍🏫 Use existing plots as inspiration, not rigid templates, to allow room for creativity
📝 Start outlines with end goals for characters and plots, then build backwards to start states
🔀 Interweave subplots to avoid large gaps where characters or stories drop out
🎯 Structure plots around emotionally satisfying moments readers deeply connect with
✏️ Discovery writers can use the 'yes, but/no, and' method to continually escalate conflicts
📚 Research and experiment with different plotting methods to find what works best for you

Q & A

What are some key differences between plot archetypes and plot structures?
-Plot archetypes refer to common story patterns that elicit certain emotions in the reader, while plot structures provide more specific frameworks for structuring a story chronologically. Archetypes help identify emotional progression while structures guide the sequencing of events.
What is the purpose of creating an outline before writing a story?
-Creating an outline allows the writer to plan out major plot points, story structure, and character arcs ahead of time. This frees up mental space during the actual writing process to focus more on the details of each scene instead of trying to juggle high-level story progression.
What are some examples of plot archetypes that Brandon Sanderson used in Mistborn?
-Sanderson used a heist plot as the main archetype. He also incorporated elements of a master-apprentice plot with Vin learning allomancy from Kelsier, an information/mystery plot around the Lord Ruler's true history, and a romantic subplot between Vin and Elend.
How can you make sure plot threads don't disappear for too long in a complex story?
-Either conclude plot threads satisfyingly before jumping to another, use an overarching plot line to connect threads, or structure your story into sections focusing on different threads.
What is the purpose of identifying why readers enjoy certain types of plots?
-Understanding the appeal of different plots allows writers to lean into the most compelling emotional elements during story construction. This helps ensure a satisfying progression and payoff.
How can you create a fresh take on a common plot archetype?
-Add a distinctive flair either through an interesting magic system, unexpected character attributes, or by mashing up the archetype with trappings from other genres.
What is the advantage of planning progress before writing?
-Identifying plot milestones beforehand provides a pre-built sense of structure. This allows focusing creative energy on individual scene execution rather than constantly trying to develop overarching progression during drafting.
What are some weaknesses or limitations of the Hero's Journey structure?
-It can be too rigid or formulaic if applied without adaptation to story context. For example, insisting on divinity associations that don't fit organically.
How does the discovery writing method of 'yes, but/no, and' work?
-It constructs escalating stakes by considering the character's most reasonable action, asking if it works, and then continually introducing new obstacles. This pushes the story forward emotionally without pre-planning.
What are the key components of a three act story structure?
-A character becoming proactive, a mid-point stakes expansion, a try/fail cycle, and final success based on a last-ditch effort after all else fails in the lowest point.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Introducing the class format and timeline

The assistant Claude is introduced. The class format over upcoming weeks is outlined - this week focusing on plot, next week answering questions on plot, then discussing short stories with author Mary Robinette Kowal, followed by sessions on character, setting, and other topics.

05:05

📝 Explaining the concept of a writing outline

Sanderson clarifies that a writing outline is different from the structured outline format taught in school. To editors, an outline is just a 3-5 page story summary. Sanderson's personal outlines contain sections for character, setting and plot, with details on arcs and progress steps.

10:06

🎯 Defining plot archetypes vs structures

A plot archetype refers to the style and objective of a plot. It focuses on achieving a specific reader emotion through story progression. A plot structure provides formatting for structuring your actual story.

15:06

🕵️‍♂️ Analyzing the heist plot archetype

Sanderson examines two heist plot archetypes - the 'Oceans 11' style with a surprise twist, and the 'Italian Job' style where preparations get upended, requiring improvisation using existing tools. These build anticipation through progress steps.

20:09

📐 Applying plot structures like Hero's Journey

The Hero's Journey plot structure is introduced, outlining the hero's call to adventure, initial refusal, road of trials with mentors/allies, underworld descent, atonement, climax and return home. It charts satisfying story moments but adherence can seem artificial.

25:12

🔀 Weaving multiple plot archetypes

Methods of braiding multiple plot archetypes are discussed. Shorter stories have fewer, while novels balance a central arc with subplots. Endings can intersect elements like character decision, surprise twist and climax for maximum payoff.

30:13

🕵️‍♀️ Breaking down the mystery genre

Appeal of the mystery genre is analyzed - implicit promise of a clever detective, compelling puzzle for readers to solve, appeal of witty characters. Fair clueing is vital so readers don't feel cheated by an unpredictable twist ending.

35:17

⏳ Making progress satisfying

Techniques for making plot progress feel satisfying are explored. Quantifiable steps matched to appropriate payoffs, properly positioned story beats and set-up followed by improvised solutions using existing elements can achieve this for genres like heist or mystery.

40:18

📝 Sanderson's outlining process

Sanderson's outlining process is revealed. He starts by defining the ending, then works backwards outlining progression steps of promises, clues etc. He compiles these into an unordered database, then sequences key beats into the story timeline when drafting.

45:20

🎲 Incorporating discovery writing

The discovery writing 'yes, but/no, and' method is introduced, where consequences continually escalate to raise stakes. After drafting, events can be restructured into an overarching plot. Layering progress pieces this way maintains engagement.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡plot archetype

A common, recurring plot structure that resonates with audiences, like a heist story or underdog sports story. Brandon discusses several plot archetypes in the video and how writers can use them as frameworks to plot their own stories.

💡progress

The sense of forward momentum in a story, where events build off each other to lead to a satisfying conclusion. Brandon emphasizes designing clear steps of progress tailored to the plot archetype to keep readers engaged.

💡promise

An implied contract with the reader that their time investment in the story will lead to an emotionally satisfying payoff. Crafting the right promises early on based on your plot archetype is key.

💡payoff

The emotionally satisfying conclusion that delivers on the promises made early in the story. Payoffs should align with the plot archetype's innate appeals.

💡outline

A document planning out the plot, characters, and world of a story. Brandon's outlines capture the high-level story progression so he can focus on specifics while writing.

💡strange attractor

A distinctive plot twist that differentiates your take on a common story archetype when pitching your idea. This is what makes the story feel fresh and exciting.

💡discovery writing

A style of writing where the author discovers the story as they go rather than plotting extensively upfront. Brandon mentions resources for learning this process.

💡three-act structure

A common screenwriting plot structure with three acts, two major turning points (like becoming proactive), and plot elements like mid-point twists.

💡hero's journey

A plot structure analyze by Joseph Campbell where a reluctant hero leaves home, faces tribulations, has a revelation, and returns with an "elixir" to benefit society.

💡braiding roses

A metaphor for interweaving relationship plots over time - bringing the characters closer despite early conflicts. This drives satisfying romantic arcs.

Highlights

An outline is not necessarily a numbered list, editors just want a 3-5 page story summary when asking for an 'outline'

Outline scenes you need to achieve character growth, setting establishment, and plot advancement before writing

Mix familiar plot frameworks with unique settings and characters to create something fresh yet satisfying

Hyper-competent characters, the thrill of 'getting away with it', and overcoming impossible odds make heist plots exciting

In a mystery, failing to provide enough clues for the reader to logically solve the case leads to dissatisfaction

Relationship plots share many similarities whether romantic or platonic partnerships

Unique settings are easier for readers to accept than unfamiliar plots or characters

Outline plot points from the ending to the beginning to correctly build satisfying payoffs

Overlap character arcs, subplots, and main plots at the climax for maximum impact

Discovery writers can use the 'yes, but/no, and' method to continuously escalate stakes

Trying to rigidly fit your story into a structure can result in disjointed or meaningless additions

Look to satisfy the reasons audiences love particular plot types, not just replicate surface elements

Short stories will have fewer interleaved plotlines than novels or epics

Split apart or sequence threads that risk falling from reader attention over long gaps

The Hero's Journey highlights numerous profoundly satisfying story moments

Transcripts

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