Writing: Plot and Setting

it is the main thing of a story or what the main character is trying to do in the book

The theme of a novel is its main ideas. For instance, a main theme of the novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain is whether racism is correct or not.

A theme is the central idea of the story that is inferred by the reader from details in the story. An example is humility can raise people to greatness.


The 'theme' is often used to describe a topical issue that runs through the story, for example, fatherhood, unrequited love, racism. It can also be more subtle which colors the plot, sets the tone, and gives the story context. For example; water, the sky, sex, and can often be found in the story's imagery and metaphors.

Yes, a plot complication can often make the conflict worse by adding additional obstacles or challenges for the protagonist to overcome. This can increase tension and raise the stakes of the conflict, making the resolution more satisfying for the audience.

Mystery and suspense stories share similar elements such as building tension and revealing clues, but they may differ in how they focus on the resolution of a puzzle in mysteries and the anticipation of imminent danger in suspense stories. Both genres aim to engage readers through uncertainty and intrigue, but the pacing and emphasis on different aspects of storytelling can vary.

Sequence refers to the chronological order of events in a story, while plot refers to the series of events that make up the storyline. In a story, the plot is driven by the sequence of events that occur, with each event leading to the next to create a cohesive narrative. The sequence of events helps to structure the plot by providing a clear timeline and flow of action for the story.

There are as many resolutions as there are authors - every story ends uniquely. You might have a "happy" ending, where everyone ends up succeeding (except for the villain, of course) or a "sad" ending where they fail. You might have a scary ending or a surprise twist or even a cliffhanger ending. It just depends on the author and their unique story.

A crisis in a plot is simply when something goes majorly wrong for the main characters in the plot. (most of the time) or when something happens that shouldn't have happened

There is usually a resolution soon after. an example of a crisis in a plot is maybe when someone walked in on someone robbing somewhere and is then taken hostage because of what they have seen.

A crisis in a plot is simply when something goes majorly wrong for the main characters in the plot. (most of the time) or when something happens that shouldn't have happened

There is usually a resolution soon after. an example of a crisis in a plot is maybe when someone walked in on someone robbing somewhere and is then taken hostage because of what they have seen.

Many different types of confrontations may develop the plot of the story, however, if you are inexperienced as a writer then you may want to go with protagonist and antagonist, give the main character of your story someone who contradicts him in most if not every way. Try to have their conflict put more meaning and interest into your story. However if you are more experienced you could go with anything else, a protagonist vs. another protagonist, you could switch off to man vs. and go with man vs. nature (The character has a confrontation with nature and has to overcome it) man vs self (The character comes to some sort of self realization or has a revelation of some kind and has to battle it out with himself). Basically i could go on forever with this and I'm just trying to make the point that there are many, many possibilities for a way that you could get a confrontation to develop a story, you just need to find one that suits you.

Yes, it does. Every story has to have a setting, whether it be a blank void, a dream state, or another world. The setting is where the story takes place and the characters interact and conflict rises. Therefore, it is an essential part of the story, and without it the story would be nothing.

Wow ... if you can't tell the difference between one story and another, I'm not sure I can explain it. The plot is different. The characters are different. The setting and mood is different. The atmosphere and moral is different. They're just different.

When a setting affects a story, it means that the time, place, and social context in which the story takes place influences the plot, characters, and themes. The setting can create atmosphere, provide cultural context, and impact the characters' actions and decisions. It plays a crucial role in shaping the overall narrative and helping to immerse the reader or viewer in the story world.

Feeling energized in social settings may suggest that you are extroverted or enjoy interacting with others. It could also mean that you find social interactions stimulating and rewarding, leading to a boost in your energy levels. Overall, feeling energized in social settings is often a positive sign of social engagement and connection.

Horror is SUPPOSED to be horrific - if the movie or story is NOT horrific and surprising to the audience, you have not made a 'horror' movie.

I read a lot, and used to read horror as a kid. My favorite horror writer would have to be H.P. Lovecraft. He might be a little on the wordy side - but he could always deliver the surprise and horror, unlike many modern writers.

A nut-job running around with an axe or chainsaw just doesn't do it for me. That's just some psychotic criminal with inventive weapon choices. But - a creature able to drive someone slowly insane just because that person has seen some carved images that aren't quite 'right' ... that's creepy and open for a LOT of interesting things to happen before the insane character meets whatever end is coming.

Here is a link to show you what elements are part of setting -- everything else is not!

Setting can enhance the plot by creating atmosphere and mood, influencing character behavior, and providing context for the story. A well-developed setting can also add tension, reveal information, and drive the narrative forward. Additionally, the setting can serve as a reflection of the characters' internal struggles and external conflicts, adding depth to the story.

A plot twist is a change in the expected direction or outcome of the plot of afilm, television series, video game, novel, comic or other fictional work. It is a common practice in narration used to keep the interest of an audience, usually surprising them with a revelation. Some "twists" are foreshadowed and can thus be predicted by many viewers/readers, whereas others are a complete shock.

Certainly - please provide the plot elements you would like me to order.

Themes are often interconnected with the plot, but they are usually more abstract and universal concepts that the plot serves to explore. The plot is the sequence of events that unfold in a story, while themes are the underlying messages or insights that the story conveys about life, society, or human nature. While the plot may help to illustrate the theme, the theme itself is a broader idea that emerges from the events of the story.

The climax is the turning point or most intense moment in a story, while the setting is the time and place where the story takes place. The climax is the peak of the story's tension or conflict, while the setting establishes the backdrop and environment for the events to unfold.

The city bus stop was as crowded as ever, but today the woman felt completely isolated.

No, a narrative does not always have to have a conflict. While conflict is a common element in storytelling that creates tension and keeps the audience engaged, some narratives may focus on other aspects such as character development, setting, or mood without a central conflict.

An inciting incident, or compelling event, is an action that occurs early in a story or novel and initiates the state of conflict that will last for most of the work. The inciting incident puts pressure on the protagonist to take action, and also drives the plot forward. For example, the inciting incident in The Lord of the Flies occurs when Jack and a few of his friends split from the rest of the "tribe" and create their own separate group. This act erodes the veneer of civilization, represented by Ralph, and eventually leads to most of the boys turning against the notion of an orderly society.

There are multiple ways. One way is to use clues in the story, especially foreshadowing, to determine the possible outcomes, then use logic reasoning to find the best one.

Another way is to just read the book and find out for yourself!

Characters are the most likely element to be found in a story, as they drive the plot forward through their actions and interactions with each other. They are essential for creating conflict, resolution, and emotional engagement for the reader.