How to Create a Plot for a Good Story

A successful story is a story with a well developed plot. I found that a way of creating a well developed plot is to follow what I call the Four Stages Of Creative Composition. The Four Stages Of Creative Composition are (1)Introduction (2) Development (3)Climax (4)Conclusion.

Four Stage Of Creative Composition
(1) Introduction
In the introduction stage of a story the protagonist and the problem or situation that he/she must face are introduced in the first 3 chapters of a book. This is done to captivate the reader's attention and getting him/her interested in wanting to know what the out come will be. To illustrates this let us use the well known novel "The Wizard Of Oz".

Example: In "The Wizard of Oz" the protagonist Dorothy is immediately introduced. Within the first three chapters the plot begins when Dorothy's house lands on the witch of east and acquires the witch's shoes. The Wicked Witch of the West vows that she will get ruby slippers from the girl. Dorothy wanting to return home learns that she must travel to the Emerald City and seek help from the Wizard.

Immediately the reader is taken from the real world to a magical, fanciful land. The reader also learns immediately what the plot and of the story will be. Right away the reader is hooked and wants to find out how the story develops.

(2) Development
In the development stage the various events that are related to the main plot occur and new characters are introduced.

Example: In the "The Wizard Of Oz" the plot begins to develop as Dorothy follows the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. Along the way she meets the supporting characters of the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman, and the Lion. They each want something from the Wizard. As they travel they are faced with challenges in the magical land and periodically attacked by the Wicked Witch, attempting to take the ruby slippers from Dorothy.

(3) Climax
The climax stage occurs when plots thicken, meaning when the plot becomes more focused on the problem or situation. Then a conflict or fight that will settle the problem will occur.

Example: When Dorothy meets the Wizard she learns from him that she and her friends must bring him Wicked Witch of the West's broomstick before he can grant them their wishes. She and her friends set out to the witch's castle. Dorothy is captured by the witch, and her friends try to save her. When the witch sets the scarecrow on fire Dorothy accidentally throws water on her when trying to put the fire out. The Wicked Witch then melts away. Thus ending the conflict and allowing Dorothy to get the broomstick.

(4) Conclusion
In the conclusion the plot comes to an end. All problems and situations are resolved.

Example: In the end to conclude "The Wizard Of Oz" the land of Oz is freed from the wicked witch of the west and Dorothy and her friends get their wishes granted.

When creating a plot keep in mind the Four Stages Of Composition. Come up with your story idea. Write the title of each stage on an individual sheet of paper. Briefly write an explanation for each stage on each sheet of paper. Then on each paper use what you have written to organize your plot. After the basic plot is created, begin to come up with ideas to build around the plot to form the story.

So when preparing to write a story always bare in mind the Four Stage Of Composition 1) Introduction 2) Development 3) Climax 4) Conclusion. Use the as guidelines to developing a plot. Doing so can keep the writer more focused. As a result your creative writing skills improve.