The Obstacle That Makes the Plot

No directions have ever been written for manufacturing a plot; the man who invents a recipe will make his fortune. But a clear understanding of the nature of the plot, in general, will aid the young writer and suggest a beginning.

One, a simple definition, is this: "A narrative in which an obstacle is interposed to interrupt the free action of the chief character or characters of the story, and thus to complicate matters, is said to have plot." If the obstacle is successfully overcome the story ends happily; if not, it is a tragedy. For instance: a boy is sent for the mail. A mere account of his journey would be simple narration. Interpose an obstacle and the action takes on the form of a struggle, combat or chase. The scene may be laid in New England or in Kansas, in Montana or California; the obstacle may be a snow storm or a prairie fire, a band of Indians or a wild animal which impedes his progress. Imagine a matter of great importance connected with the mail on that particular day, and "suspense" is added; set a time limit for the boy's return and the climax is further heightened.

Sometimes the obstacle appears as a matter of principle, sometimes as human frailty or ignorance, sometimes as an enemy plotting against the hero. But it is this obstacle, this predicament, and the struggle of the two opposing forces which makes the situation called a plot.

In love-stories the purpose is generally to win the love of a woman. Sometimes to overcome her woman's reason and persuade her to follow her heart. Other plots, a la Bernard Shaw, picture the woman in pursuit of man, striving to win first his notice and next his love. A situation involving danger and rapid decision frequently precipitates matters.

Another common form of plot is that in which a character is cured of a fault. The list of human frailties is by no means exhausted, and the amateur writer could try his ingenuity on this sort of plot. We all have wishes, hopes, ambitions; these constitute the purpose. We all meet with delay, disappointment, defeat—the "obstacle." In imagination we conquer them all triumphantly, and behold the plot with the happy ending.

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