Plotters vs. Pantsers - pt 1
Who is a Plotter?
Plotters are writers who plan out their stories before they write them. Plotters plan each scene or beat, and like to know where their story is going in advance. Famous Plotters include J.K. Rowling, John Grisham, and James Patterson.
Plotters might use an outline or a beat sheet (made famous in the Save the Cat series(. Beats are any event that moves the story forward. Moving the narrative ahead is the important element of a beat. A beat sheet outlines the beats in a story, Aside from Blake Snyder’s 'Save the Cat!' Beat System…
The Empire (Darth Vader) attacks the Rebels and boards the “blockade runner”.
Princess Leia hides the Death Star plans in R2-D2.
C-3PO and R2-D2 leave the “blockage runner” in an escape pod with the Death Star plans.
…Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey is also a structure for organizing beats, as is Syd Fields’ Three-Act-Structure.
The Hero’s Journey in Star Wars, Episode 4:
The Ordinary World
Luke lives on Tatooine but doesn't like it. Thinks about leaving when he sees overhead the battle between the “blockage Runner” and the Star Destroyer.
The Call to Adventure
After buying C3PO and R2D2 from the Jawas, Luke discovers that the R2 droid contains the Death Star plans (and an image of Princess Leia!) Obi-Wan Kenobi advises Luke to learn the ways of the Force.
The Refusal of the Call
Luke, overwhelmed by the possible changes in his life, refuses to leave Tatooine.
Meeting the Mentor
Although Luke has already met Obi-Wan, the mentoring only begins after Luke finds his home burning and his aunt and uncle murdered, and leaves Tatooine with Han and Obi Wan.
PLUS:
The Hero’s Journey has 8 more sections from “Crossing the Threshold” to “Returning With the Elixir”
What’s a Beat?
It’s a single item in s bulleted list of an important moment that drives the plot. Multiple beats make up a beat sheet, with lesser beats under more important beats. It’s more structural or conceptual than an outline. It’s the skeleton of your story, according to Steve Harper at Film Courage.
According to Rita Melkonian at Quill & Steel.com, typical beats include:
Opening: A brief overview the protagonist's life before the story starts.
Catalyst: The incident that changes the protagonist's world.
Debate: The protagonist doubts (or hesitates to take action.)
Midpoint: The point where stakes are raised.
Dark Night of the Soul: The protagonist’s lowest point before the final attempt to succeed.
Climax: The showdown where the story's main conflict is resolved.
She provides this example of beats from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone:
Opening image: Harry lives a miserable life with the Dursleys under the stairs.
Catalyst: Hagrid tells Harry he’s a wizard.
Break into Act 2: Harry boards the Hogwarts Express and enters the magical world.
Midpoint: He uncovers the mystery of the Philosopher’s Stone.
Dark night of the soul: He realizes he’ll have to face the danger without help.
Finale: Harry faces Voldemort and protects the Stone.
What’s an outline, then?
An outline usually details action scene-by-scene (detailing who, what, and where). You’ll find more detail in the outline than the beat sheet about the character, the location, and maybe even why the character is doing what they are doing. Again, Steve Harper says he thinks it’s easier to keep the story moving forward if all the “architecture” is worked out in advance. Which is why Plotters plot.
Confused about beats? Rita suggests starting small and expanding the beats as needed.
NEXT: Pantsers.
