Most successful work from Unit 3

Understanding Plot structures

 “The best plot structure is undoubtedly the open-ended type.  This is because it allows the reader to fully enter the story since he or she must supply the ending.”

Each plot style is unique and has advantages and disadvantages for the type of short story that the author is writing and what message, tone, and style they want to share. Firstly, with the chronological or linear plot structure, the reader is given a full explanation of the character’s introduction, conflict and resolution after the complications. This style provides assurance for the reader by giving a final solution in the denouement. This option is good for stories who want to convey a specific message because the author is able to direct the reader to the purpose from start to finish with little assumptions. The disadvantage to this format would be that there isn’t much in-depth details or background information and the reader doesn’t have as much of a chance to ponder or reflect on the ending because it is already given.

The second plot structure that I analysed; being the parallel structure, relies on flashbacks and background information along with memories to establish significance leading up to the climax. This format is very effective if the author wants to underline importance for a certain theme or if the narrator is sharing memories like in Maternal Ties. The disadvantage to this is that the reader isn’t given details of the rising action up to the climax. Instead the reader is put into that scene in the beginning then transported back to another time period. This can also be a source of confusion for the reader because you can easily lose your sense of time in the story if the author is not precise.

Lastly, there is the open-ended plot structure ending only with the climax leaving the story as a “cliff-hanger”. This format is very effective if the author wants the reader to ponder and reflect on the ending like in The Lady or the Tiger. I find personally, that when there is no resolution or denouement, the reader must go back and analyse critical details to figure it out themselves. This is an advantage because it leaves the reader thinking. The author is forcing the reader to reflect upon the unanswered question.

Looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each plot structure, I can conclude that the open-ended format is the most effective of all three therefore I do agreed with the comment above. This option makes the reader really think instead of just being given the ending. For critical thinkers and advanced readers this is great because it allows us to look deeper into the story as well. Open-ended plots can sometimes be frustrating because there is no resolution to the conflict but then again, I like finishing a story with questions and an opportunity to really think. 

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My Plot Outline

Exposition: Paisley is introduced- teenage girl unhappy with her life. She is very smart but quiet and loves to read. She does her homework in her room and starts pondering the idea of a party that was mentioned at school but shuts it down and thinks that she isn’t’ popular or pretty enough to attend. Once she is done her homework she goes for a walk to the library to clear her head and there she reaches up for a hardcover novel on the top shelf, it slips and hits head and she blacks out.

Complications Paisley wakes up to a bunch of girls around her. The popular girls from school actually, Emily, Rachel, Katie and Maddie all crow around her and make sure she’s okay. They all walk back to Paisley’s house with her Once paisley gets home, she is very confused because in place of her small bungalow at 22 garden St. There is a huge mansion. She realizes that this is her new house and loves it! Tall ceilings, designer furniture, and huge chandeliers hand form the ceiling- she goes to bed that night very confused but happy. The next morning she sleeps in and is mad at her mom for not waking her up but her mom doesn’t care, it’s okay to be late. Her mom also tells Paisley that she can take her car to school All day at school Paisley is surprised at the change in her friends- they skip class but she doesn’t want to, they eat lunch at the popular table and invite her to the party that night.

Climax: the night of the party Paisley goes to the party with Emily Rachel and Katie and had a great time- she’s drinking and dancing and having fun. Then, she can’t find any of them- they left! She’s all alone and walks home Paisley is very upset and her parents are confused as to why she came home so early, they tell her she’s a loser and needs to live a little, she should have stayed over. Paisley has a breakdown and wishes she had her normal parents and life back and goes to bed

Dénouement: Paisley wakes up with the librarian shaking her. Paisley is released and runs homes. She sees that her parents are back in their regular home and things returned to normal.