A plot is a cause-and-effect chain of relationships that unify the actions, behaviors, and events in a story. McKee describes plot as the “writer’s choice of events and their design in time” (McKee, 1997, p. 43). He adds that plot provides an “internally consistent, interrelated pattern of events that move through time to shape and design the story”. These plot structures include (McKee, 1997, p. 43):

  • Archplot: The archplot is the traditional plot structure for film and novels and uses causality, linear time, single protagonist, and consistent reality
  • Multiplot: The multiplot weaves together multiple stories and protagonists
  • Miniplot: The miniplot is open ended and has multiple protagonists
  • Antiplot: The antiplot uses coincidence, nonlinear time, and inconsistent realities
  • Nonplot: The nonplot is a slice-of-life work  that don’t require the same degree of continuity as traditional archplot with its causality, linear time, and consistent reality

The paradox between the linear nature of narratives and the non-linear nature of transmedia narratives makes the selection of the plot structure both challenging and extremely important. While the traditional archplot/Freytag structure is the more difficult form to adapt to transmedia narratives, it is also the structure that historically has been the most commercially successful way to tell stories.

“The ‘Hollywood’ model of storytelling is successful because it’s the most engaging and the problem with more ‘arty’ stories is that while they may be intellectually rewarding they often lack the emotional satisfaction of the archplot/Freytag model,” Pratten said (Pratten, Transmedia Narratives – Storyworld Model, 2011).  

The plot spans the entire length of the story and is typically divided into three to four acts (for full-length feature films and television dramas) or parts (for novels). The generic plot consists of (Field, 2005, pp. 142-159):

  • Act 1 (Part 1): Typically Act 1 comprises the first 20 to 25 percent of the story (Brooks, 2011, p. 146) and introduces the story’s setting and protagonist. Contained within Act 1 are the following plot points:
    • Setup: The setup opens the story, sets the “hook” for the audience, establishes the story’s setting and protagonist, identifies what is at stake, and foreshadows (but does not introduce) the antagonistic forces.
    • Inciting Incident: The inciting incident is an event that radically upsets the balance of forces in the protagonist’s life, arousing his/her conscious and unconscious desires and fears.
    • Plot Point 1: At plot point 1 the protagonist makes a decision in order to restore life’s balance. This decision launches him/her on a path that will define the protagonist’s journey and the challenges that lay ahead.
  • Act 2 (Parts 2 & 3): Together Parts 2 and 3 typically form Act 2, which comprises about 60 percent of the story. Act 2 involves the complicating and antagonistic factors affecting the protagonist. Plot points in Act 2 are:
    • Pinch Point 1: The first full appearance of the story’s antagonist occurs at pinch point 1, providing the audience a view of the antagonist in its purest, most dangerous, and most intimidating form.
    • Midpoint: At the midpoint a reversal of fortune or major revelation changes the direction of the story arc.
    • Pinch Point 2 – The audience is reminded of the story’s central conflict at pinch point 2. This pinch point is often linked to pinch point 1.
    • Plot Point 2: At plot point 2 the protagonist experiences a dramatic reversal, decides enough is enough, and finally resolves to face the antagonist. This may also be a low point for the protagonist from which he/she must bounce back from in order to overcome the obstacles that remain.
  • Act 3 (Part 4): The final confrontation between protagonist and antagonist occurs in Act 3 (Part 4). This act is also where the story’s issues are resolves and loose ends tied up.
    • Showdown: In the showdown the Protagonist confronts the Main Problem of the story and either overcomes it or comes to a tragic end.
    • Resolution: The resolution resolves any remaining issues in the story.
    • Denouement: The denouement is the story’s epilogue and ties up the loose ends, giving the audience closure.

The selection of a plot type can have a significant impact on the overall design of a transmedia narrative. The Multiplot (which weaves together multiple stories and protagonists), the Miniplot (with its open ending and multiple protagonists), the Antiplot (with its use of coincidence, nonlinear time, and inconsistent realities), and the Nonplot (which is a slice-of-life work and not a story) don’t require the same degree of continuity required of the traditional Archplot with its causality, linear time, and consistent reality.