How to Create a Plot Diagram

Plotting a story can be a challenge for any writer. It’s easy to get lost without a roadmap, and that’s where a plot diagram comes in handy. By visualizing your story's structure, you can ensure a compelling progression that helps your characters grow and keeps readers engaged.

In this guide, we’ll define what a plot diagram is, outline its components, and explain how to create one to guide you on your writing journey.

What is a Plot Diagram?

A plot diagram is a visual representation of a story’s structure. It’s often shaped like a pyramid or triangle and helps writers see the progression of events at a glance. Plot diagrams typically include key elements like exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Acting as a map, it allows writers to chart out the journey of their characters and keep the story focused.

Plot isn’t just a series of events; it’s the purposeful sequence that shapes the character’s journey and growth. Using a plot diagram can help you create an emotionally resonant narrative that grips your readers’ hearts.

Why Use a Plot Diagram?

Creating a plot diagram allows you to see the "big picture" of your story. It keeps your story organized, ensures a smooth progression, and helps you avoid common pitfalls, like getting stuck in the “saggy middle” or losing track of your narrative arc. Having a plot diagram also allows for flexibility—if something doesn’t feel right, you can rearrange elements on the diagram before diving into the drafting process.

Key Elements of a Plot Diagram

To create a strong plot, consider using the following key story beats:

1. Opening
   Introduce the reader to your story world. Here, you set the stage by giving readers a glimpse of the setting, mood, and main characters. A strong opening invites readers in and promises the adventure ahead.

2. Inciting Moment
   This is the trigger event that sets your story in motion. It should happen early to capture attention. The inciting moment introduces the main conflict or problem, launching the story toward its central struggle.

3. Rising Action
   The rising action builds tension and develops the conflict, as your protagonist encounters obstacles. These moments should increase in intensity, gradually raising the stakes. Think of it as the journey before the summit—the twists, turns, and hurdles that challenge the main character.

4. Midpoint
   Positioned halfway through the story, the midpoint often adds a twist or revelation that changes the stakes. This turning point reignites momentum, pushing the protagonist toward a greater sense of urgency.

5. Climax
   The climax is the story's peak—the highest point of tension and emotion. Here, the protagonist confronts their greatest challenge and either succeeds or fails. This pivotal moment leaves a lasting impact and sets the stage for resolution.

6. Falling Action
   Following the climax, the falling action reveals the consequences of the protagonist’s choices and actions. Loose ends begin to wrap up, leading to a resolution of the conflict.

7. Resolution
   Often called the denouement, the resolution ties up remaining plot threads and gives readers a satisfying conclusion. It should leave readers with a sense of closure or reflection.

Example Plot Diagram: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

To illustrate these elements, let’s look at The Handmaid’s Tale and how it follows a classic plot structure:

• Opening: We meet Offred and learn about the dystopian society of Gilead, where women like her are forced to bear children for powerful families. This introduction gives us a strong sense of the oppressive setting and Offred’s role within it.

• Inciting Moment: Offred is assigned to a new family, which initiates her central conflict: surviving and resisting the regime that controls her.

• Rising Action: Offred’s interactions with the Commander become more personal, and she’s invited to secret meetings, intensifying her internal conflict and raising the stakes for her safety.

• Midpoint: Offred becomes more involved with Nick, adding complexity to her situation. She begins to glimpse a possible escape, introducing a new layer of tension and motivation.

• Climax: Offred is forced to attend a public execution and begins to witness the brutal reality of Gilead. This climax confronts her with the harsh consequences of the society around her.

• Falling Action: Offred learns her friend Ofglen has committed suicide, and Serena Joy discovers Offred’s interactions with the Commander, leading her to punish Offred.

• Resolution: Offred’s fate is ambiguous as she’s taken away by men claiming to be part of the resistance. The story’s conclusion is left open, with a final revelation in the form of a historical note.

Steps to Create Your Own Plot Diagram

Creating a plot diagram can be simple and effective. Here’s how to get started:

1. Select a Story Idea
   Begin with a story idea or character. This will give you a direction for your diagram. You can create diagrams for multiple ideas if you have several stories in mind.

2. Draw a Basic Diagram
   On paper or digitally, draw a line that represents your story’s progression. Label key points along the line for each plot element (opening, inciting moment, rising action, etc.).

3. Label the Plot Beats
   Add markers for the beats mentioned above. These points will guide you in placing important events in the story. For instance, the climax should be placed near the peak of the diagram, representing the highest tension.

4. Fill in Blanks
   For each beat, brainstorm events or actions. Keep your notes brief—each point on the diagram should be a snapshot of the moment, not an exhaustive description. Focus on capturing the essence of each scene or turning point.

5. Play and Experiment
   A plot diagram is flexible. Move elements around and test different ideas. Add new layers by considering your character’s goals, conflicts, and the emotional stakes of each scene. The more you refine it, the clearer your story will become.

6. Begin Writing
   Once your diagram feels right, start writing! Use it as a map to guide you, but remain open to changes as your story develops.

Other Types of Plot Diagrams

There are various plot diagrams suited to different story types:

• Three-Act Structure: Divide the story into three acts—setup, confrontation, and resolution. Each act covers specific beats, with 25% for Act 1, 50% for Act 2, and 25% for Act 3.

• Hero’s Journey: A circular plot structure, often used in fantasy and myth, that charts the protagonist’s journey of transformation and growth. Joseph Campbell’s model includes stages like the “call to adventure” and the “return with wisdom.”

• Storyboards: Useful for visualizing story flow, storyboards are a grid of boxes representing scenes or beats. Each box serves as a visual cue, helping you organize the narrative.

Why Use a Plot Diagram?

Using a plot diagram is like having a blueprint for your story. It makes the writing process smoother, allowing you to make adjustments without rewriting whole chapters. A plot diagram helps you visualize your character’s journey, providing clarity and direction.

Creating a plot diagram can make tackling a story feel more manageable and creative. With this approach, you can see the larger structure, experiment freely, and ensure your story stays focused. Whether you’re crafting a complex novel or a short story, a plot diagram is an invaluable tool that gives you control over the flow and impact of your narrative.

As Barbara Kingsolver once said:

“The plot is the architecture of your novel. You wouldn’t build a house without a plan. If I wrote without a plot, it would just be a pile of bricks.”

Use this visual guide to support your writing journey, helping you build a story that’s both well-structured and engaging. A plot diagram is your story’s foundation, helping you transform your ideas into a cohesive, compelling narrative.