#plot driven fiction

[thesecretherstory0]

i loveee character-driven stories, what’s the plot??? doesn’t matter, give me 5 pages of a character’s internal conflicts, describe their emotional state and tell me about their feelings in details, also 20 pages of the characters relationship with each other, a chapter of the character’s backstory, tell me how they think, tell me their opinions and how they live and why the preferred lifestyle

[not-poignant]

Hi!

Do you write stories for your characters or characters for your stories?

Thank you!

Sending good vibes your way 💛

Hi anon,

I've always been a character driven writer. And even if I have the seed of a plot (like, one sentence), nothing happens until I have the characters to participate in that plot and drive it forward.

There are authors who are plot forward, I am absolutely character forward. A lot of my stories are more character studies than anything. And the genre most of my stuff falls into is 'psychological (insert conventional genre here)' (psychological romance, psychological fantasy etc.) because it focuses so heavily on deep psychological issues etc. within the characters and prioritises that above everything else.

I do like interesting plots, but for me personally, I prefer when most of that is created by the characters themselves. I feel like this is also pretty obvious in my stories! If you know what to look for, the characters themselves are constantly generating the plot/s we read, through their responses to events outside of their control, and to each other through their own actions. A lot of my stories could not exist without the characters creating them through determination, stupidity, fear, strength etc.

[holfelderwrites124]

Rejection!

Got a rejection from a leetle publisher for Finding Home. They liked my writing style and scene descriptions but couldn't identify a plot. Huh. I mean, fair? It's a slowish burn romanceish style creature that focuses more on character development.

This is a repeated problem of mine. My stories have character driven "plots" which means there's not as much of a defined Plot going on.

Anybody have tips tricks and hints for ... like...character driven plots?

[prophetmutual]

Does anyone else kind of hate the way storygraph forces you to format reviews or is that just me?

[taletuner]

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie's debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, published in 1920, is a masterpiece that introduced readers to the world of Hercule Poirot, one of the most iconic detectives in literature. Set in an English country house during World War I, the novel offers all the elements that would later become hallmarks of Christie's style: a closed circle of suspects, a baffling murder, and an ingenious resolution.

The story revolves around the murder of Emily Inglethorp, the wealthy matriarch of Styles Court. She is found poisoned in her bedroom, and the circumstances are as puzzling as they are sinister. With a house full of potential suspects—each with their own motives and secrets—Poirot, a retired Belgian detective and refugee, is called upon to solve the case. The story is narrated by Arthur Hastings, a character who often accompanies Poirot in later adventures, and his perspective adds a layer of accessibility to Poirot’s more esoteric methods.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its intricate plotting. Christie meticulously lays out clues and red herrings, inviting readers to piece together the mystery alongside Poirot. The use of the classic "locked-room" trope is handled with precision, creating a sense of claustrophobia and tension that propels the narrative forward. Every detail, from the timing of events to the seemingly inconsequential actions of the characters, plays a crucial role in the unraveling of the mystery.

Poirot himself is a compelling figure, with his meticulous attention to detail, logical reasoning, and somewhat eccentric personality. His methodical approach contrasts sharply with the chaos of the crime, and his ultimate revelation of the murderer is as satisfying as it is surprising. Christie expertly uses Poirot's foreignness—both as a Belgian and as an outsider to the English upper class—to highlight different cultural perspectives, which adds depth to his character and the story.

The novel also offers a fascinating glimpse into post-war England, capturing the social dynamics and tensions of the time. The characters are well-drawn, each with their own distinct personalities and hidden depths, which makes the unraveling of their secrets all the more engaging. The setting of Styles Court, with its grandeur and decay, serves as the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery.

If there is a critique to be made, it might be that the novel's pacing can feel slow at times, particularly in the detailed exposition of the suspects' alibis and motives. However, this deliberate pacing also allows Christie to build suspense and carefully layer the complexity of the plot.

In conclusion, The Mysterious Affair at Styles is a brilliant debut that not only introduces one of literature's greatest detectives but also establishes Agatha Christie as a master of the mystery genre. The novel's clever plotting, memorable characters, and satisfying conclusion make it a must-read for any fan of detective fiction.

Click here for full story

[alienheartattack]

I've really revolutionized my reading habits by sticking to the following rules:

If a new book has over a 4.5 rating on Goodreads, it's probably bad.

If Booktok is going insane over it, it's probably bad.

[enchantingepics]

Story Prompt 103

There stood a figure shrouded in darkness. Their desire for power and domination eclipsed any semblance of virtue or morality. They had watched as the so-called heroes paraded through, their lust for glory blinding them to the consequences of their actions.

"You!" the figure's voice echoed through the desolate landscape, cutting through the silence like a knife. "You heroes, with your hollow promises of justice and righteousness. You label anyone who dares to oppose you as villains, but I am more than just an obstacle in your path. I am your ultimate challenge, your final test."

The heroes, caught off guard by the figure's bold proclamation, exchanged wary glances amongst themselves. One of them stepped forward, their voice filled with defiance. "You think you can defeat us? You're nothing but a twisted version of what a hero should be."

The figure chuckled darkly, the sound sending shivers down the spines of those gathered. "Oh, but I am so much more than that. I am the embodiment of your darkest fears, the culmination of your own hubris. And unlike your childish games, in this battle, I will emerge victorious."

With a menacing grin, the figure extended a hand, summoning forth shadows that twisted and writhed at their command. The heroes braced themselves, knowing that this confrontation would be unlike any they had faced before.

As the battle ensued, each clash of steel and surge of power only served to fuel the figure's determination. They fought with a ferocity born from years of resentment and bitterness, their every move calculated to outwit and overpower their adversaries.

"You may have bested others before me," the figure taunted, their voice dripping with contempt, "but you will find that I am not so easily defeated."

[lexiconne]

Writing is making a super cool character with personalized weapons and an edgy attitude and a reputation for being a highly effective killer and then remembering your storytelling is heavily character-driven and you haven't had him actually fight anything 60k words in, just have an emotional and moral conflict bc he has a pathetic crush on someone

He can kill you I promise. No. Wait. No he's not just a poor little meow meow. This is a serious book. Come ba-

[blueheartbookclub]

"The Mysteries of Gloria: A Review of G. Frederic Turner's Captivating Tale"

G. Frederic Turner's Gloria is a literary masterpiece that mesmerizes readers with its intricate plot, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. Set against the backdrop of a small New England town, Turner weaves a tale of mystery, intrigue, and hidden secrets that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

At the heart of Gloria lies the enigmatic character after whom the novel is named. Gloria is a woman shrouded in mystery, her past veiled in secrecy and her motives unclear. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into Gloria's world, where nothing is as it seems and every revelation only deepens the intrigue surrounding her. Turner masterfully explores the complexities of human nature through Gloria's character, leaving readers questioning the nature of truth, identity, and the masks we wear to conceal our innermost selves.

One of the most striking aspects of Gloria is Turner's skillful storytelling and evocative prose. His vivid descriptions of the New England landscape and its inhabitants create a rich tapestry of imagery that transports readers to the heart of the story. From the quaint charm of the town square to the eerie atmosphere of the surrounding forests, Turner's writing immerses readers in a world filled with beauty, danger, and uncertainty.

Moreover, Gloria is populated by a cast of characters as complex and multifaceted as the town itself. From the enigmatic Gloria to the town's quirky residents, each character is rendered with depth and nuance, their motivations and desires driving the narrative forward. Turner deftly explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption through the interactions of these characters, weaving a web of relationships that adds depth and complexity to the story.

As the plot unfolds, Turner masterfully builds suspense, leading readers on a journey of discovery as they uncover the secrets hidden beneath the surface of Gloria's seemingly idyllic existence. With each twist and turn, the tension mounts, culminating in a gripping climax that leaves readers breathless and eager for more.

In conclusion, Gloria is a literary tour de force that captivates readers with its compelling narrative, intriguing characters, and atmospheric setting. G. Frederic Turner's masterful storytelling transports readers to a world filled with mystery and suspense, where nothing is as it seems and every revelation only deepens the intrigue. With its blend of suspense, romance, and psychological depth, Gloria is a must-read for anyone seeking an unforgettable literary experience.

G. Frederic Turner's Gloria is available in Amazon in paperback 18.99$ and hardcover24.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 432

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[chamerionwrites]

"Fanfic readers care about accurate characterization above all" arguably two of the most popular and prevalent things you will find in fandom are (1) wildly popular but thinly supported fanon warping and supplanting folks' interpretation of what actually happened in the text and (2) wildly popular Any Two Guys romances which read precisely the same no matter what fandom you're in or which characters are involved. I am not saying there aren't also plenty of fanfics with exquisitely observed characterization, but lmfao. Be serious.

As an unabashed writer, reader, and enjoyer of fanfic, 50K-note Tumblr posts about how gr8 fanfic is are almost universally insufferable

[nataliesbookshelf]

Characters vs Plot: What Inspires You First?

There are a lot of pieces to a story that make a novel unique and driven. Now, although stories have a “format” that most writers follow, such as the plotline that has a triangle where it starts with an exposition, moving to the climax, and then the resolution. But most of the time—especially nowadays—a story doesn’t just stop at one book; it can go from a duology to over a dozen! Thus, the plot…

[larimarathenium]

Kindred -- Octavia Butler, adapted by Damian Duffy and John Jennings

Content warning: Attempted Sexual Assault

A woman is dragged back and forth in time through the near death experiences of an ancestor.

Hardcover is $12.04 on Amazon (256 pages). Also available as a paperback and ebook. This is based on a full book!

Heavy, but fascinating all the same! I felt a little voyeuristic, at times, as a white person looking in on the slave narrative, but at the same time this is a story that deserves to be told. This is also a story where you sort of root for the villain-- you want him to make the right choices and change for the better, but time and time again he makes the exact wrong choice. That could be frustrating, but it tied in very well, I think. Though I don't like the art style very much (it felt a little muddy), the usage of color was phenomenal.

Creativity: ★ Characters: ⯨ Plot: ★ Genre Consistency: ★ Would I Read It Again?: ⯨

Final evaluation: ★★★☆☆

A woman is called back through time to come to the rescue of her ancestor, a white slaveowner before the Civil War. When he fears death, she is pulled backwards in time, and when she fears death, she moves forward once again. She and her husband are called into the past at varying times, and watch the young man develop into a better man than his father, but a worse man than he could be, discussing the beatings, separation, and rape that Black families would undergo.

[gjackscreates]

Lightseekers by Femi Kayode | Book Review| 1.0⭐😣| challenging - dark - slow-paced| Book Quote: 'Surely people can't believe so much nonsense without at least trying to know where it's coming from?' Folake asks with exasperation. 'People are generally more likely to go with popular opinion than dissent. It's not unique to Okriki, I answer drily. Chika kisses his teeth with irritation. 'But this town takes the cake. Everyone's on edge. Always ready to believe the worst of each other.' Book Review: I would not fully categorize this book as a crime/mystery. Mystery gives the impression that something is being turned over and investigated but Lightseekers felt like a DOA case for 80% of this book. Phil is actively going around looking for answers, yes. But every road block imaginable gets in his way. At a certain point I felt he was sent there on a fools errand when the person who hired him shows up, set on his own plan to deal with those involved with his son's death by taking matter's into his own hands.

[firstoccupier]

Lost: Promising Start, Disappointing Journey

Series Review: Lost “Lost” is an ambitious series that originally captivated audiences with its intriguing premise of survivors stranded on a mysterious island. The show starts strong with compelling storytelling and an ensemble cast, drawing viewers into the lives and backstories of the characters. However, as the series progresses, it becomes increasingly convoluted and difficult to follow,…

[shesamreads]

If Ali Hazelwood has no fans, then I am dead.

Two Can Play was short and quick and everything I wanted out of this story. Just two people pining for each other, figuring it out, and boning a million times.

[iforimaginary]

After going absolutely awol for months I am back with some hastily written poetry…

Life’s been hectic- studying at two of the best colleges in the country simultaneously has certainly come with a pretty packed schedule; but as it happens there is a flash fiction competition taking place with a vaguely spooky theme for the upcoming Halloween season!

The guidelines stated that it had to be poetry or prose in under 200 words, so please enjoy this collaborative creation :))

Some Slight Context:

The title Crystallised Lovers is lifted from Stendhal’s philosophical texts, in which he details that the first stage of falling in love or developing a crush is ‘crystallisation’- a process during which according to him the object of one’s longing becomes idealised in the pursuers mind due to their infatuation.

A massive inspiration for this piece was Porphyria’s Lover (as I’m sure is quite evident). Me and Em were both quite fascinated with the idea of approaching the open ended horror prompt from the angle of obsessive or destructive love and ended up landing on the following plot line:

A tragic tale of a queer victorian man unravels as he believes that by killing his gay lover he’d rid himself of the homosexual desires his partner evokes in him, but despite the lover passing the man still sees the traces of the deceased in his current wife; ultimately meaning the murder was entirely fruitless.