3.8 KiB
PlotDirector Plot Lines Redesign Specification
Purpose
The primary purpose of Plot Lines within PlotDirector is not simply to visualise story structure.
The core purpose is to:
- Track narrative promises made to the reader.
- Prevent important plot threads from being forgotten.
- Ensure all major story threads receive appropriate payoff.
- Help authors identify unresolved, neglected, abandoned, or weak plot lines.
- Provide a visual representation of how the story evolves over time.
Visualisation is important, but it exists to support this objective.
Core Philosophy
A Plot Line represents:
A question, conflict, objective, mystery, relationship, or narrative promise that the reader expects to see progress and eventually receive a payoff.
If a reader would reasonably expect an answer or outcome, a Plot Line should exist.
Plot Line Types
Replace "Main Plot" with Plot Importance:
Primary
Major narrative threads driving the story. There may be multiple Primary Plot Lines.
Secondary
Supporting narrative threads.
Minor
Short-term or supporting arcs.
Plot Line Properties
Required Fields
- Plot Line Name
- Importance (Primary / Secondary / Minor)
- Scope (Book / Series / Project)
- Colour
- Description
Optional Fields
- Emerges From Plot Line
- Visible on Timeline
Plot Events
Plot events drive all structural changes.
Event Types
- Start
- Progress
- Reveal
- Twist
- Branch
- Split
- Merge
- Resolve
- Abandon
Branch
A new plot line emerges while the original continues.
Source continues. Target begins.
Split
An existing plot line ends and becomes two or more independent threads.
Source terminates. Targets begin.
Merge
Two or more plot lines combine into a single thread.
Sources terminate. Target continues.
Resolve
The plot line concludes.
Resolution without consequence should be questioned.
Timeline Rendering
- Scene columns remain the foundation.
- All plot events align to the centre of their scene.
- Use SVG overlays rather than CSS borders.
- Draw:
- Horizontal paths
- Curved merge connectors
- Curved branch connectors
- Split connectors
- Event nodes
Plot Event Symbols
- Progress: ●
- Reveal: ★
- Twist: ◆
- Branch: ╲
- Split: ╱╲
- Merge: ◎
- Resolve: ◉
- Abandon: ✕
Plot Line States
Active
- Solid line
- Full colour
Neglected
Criteria:
- No progress for configurable number of scenes (default 10)
Display:
- Dashed line
- Slight fade
- Warning indicator
Purpose:
- Highlight potentially forgotten threads.
Resolved
- Greyed out
- Reduced emphasis
Resolved Without Consequence
Allowed for:
- Red herrings
- Minor thematic threads
Display:
- Yellow tint
- Question indicator
Purpose:
- Encourage authors to verify the thread genuinely belongs.
Abandoned
- Red styling
- Cross marker
Purpose:
- Highlight potentially unsatisfactory narrative outcomes.
Story Health Analytics
Forgotten Plot Thread
Criteria:
- Active plot line
- No events for X scenes
Warning: "Potentially forgotten plot thread."
Dangling Plot Thread
Criteria:
- Unresolved at manuscript end
Warning: "Plot thread remains unresolved."
Questionable Resolution
Criteria:
- Resolved without merge
- Resolved without obvious consequence
Warning: "Verify this thread provides sufficient payoff."
Abandoned Plot Thread
Criteria:
- Explicitly abandoned
Warning: "This plot line may disappoint readers."
Dominant Plot Thread
Criteria:
- Appears in unusually high percentage of scenes
Purpose:
- Identify de facto primary plot lines.
Guiding Principle
PlotDirector should help authors answer:
- What promises have I made?
- Have I progressed them?
- Have I forgotten them?
- Have I delivered a satisfying payoff?
The visual timeline should make these answers immediately obvious.