How to Create a Plot Diagram to Outline the Plot Structure

Having thousands of ideas and captivating mental images isn't enough to craft a compelling story. Even creative writing benefits from structure, though this might seem contradictory at first glance.

So you have a brilliant idea – but how do you transform it into an emotionally resonant narrative that captivates readers? Should you dive straight into writing, or is there a preparatory step worth taking? This is where plot diagrams become invaluable tools in your storytelling arsenal.

A plot diagram helps you visualize and follow your story arc, creating a compelling narrative with a strong, cohesive plot. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn what a plot diagram is, explore essential plot elements, discover various story structure templates, and master the process of creating your own plot diagram to enhance your writing.

What Is a Plot Diagram?

A plot diagram is a visual representation of a story, including its structure and integral components that help both writers and readers comprehend the narrative arc. Simply put, it allows you to navigate and track the main events within your story, providing a roadmap for your creative journey.

It can be difficult to differentiate between plot and story. While this topic remains debatable among literary scholars, there's a straightforward way to understand the distinction: the story (the what) encompasses the main actions, while the plot (the how) provides logical connections between these actions.

How Plot Diagrams Work

At its core, a plot diagram serves as the backbone of your story. It outlines critical details of your literary work, including:

• Main characters and their development paths
• Necessary context for the narrative
• Setting and world-building elements
• Decisive turning points and conflicts

A plot diagram typically appears as a linear graphic that illustrates the narrative arc of your story's progression. A detailed plot structure diagram becomes an invaluable tool for both writers and readers since it visualizes the main story elements.

This graphic organizer is irreplaceable for remembering how your story progresses throughout the writing process. The basic structure of a plot diagram is divided into three major segments: beginning, middle, and end. Within these segments, the main story elements are distributed: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

Key Elements of Plot Diagrams

Creating a story map is vital to help writers and students understand the entire narrative, keeping readers engaged with a quality story structure. As mentioned earlier, the main plot of every story arc includes exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Let's break down each plot element in detail.

1. Exposition

Exposition is the starting point of the linear diagram, which presents the general story arc. In this part, the author provides all necessary information to understand the central conflict.

The introductory details provided in the exposition usually include:

• Names and preliminary characteristics of main and supporting characters
• Temporal and geographical setting
• General mood and tone of the story
• Relevant background information
• Initial relationships between characters

Writers and students learn to include time and place descriptions to ground readers in the story world. Effective exposition creates a foundation that supports the entire narrative structure without overwhelming readers with excessive detail.

2. Conflict (Inciting Incident)

Conflict is the plot element that introduces the primary issue that will drive story development. Here, an event occurs that leads to inevitable conflict. Based on the type of story, it can also be called an inciting incident or an inciting moment since it establishes something the main character must achieve.

In most story structures, the main conflict constitutes the focal point, something the protagonist must resolve or an obstacle they must overcome. This conflict typically falls into one of several categories:

• Character vs. Self
• Character vs. Character
• Character vs. Society
• Character vs. Nature
• Character vs. Technology
• Character vs. Supernatural
• Character vs. Fate

Both Exposition and Conflict comprise the "beginning" section of the plot diagram.

3. Rising Action

The rising action is usually the most extended part of the narrative arc. This is where the story intensifies as the main character attempts to resolve the central conflict, setting the stage for exciting events in the climax.

Rising action adds complexity to the character's journey, providing depth to the story. Not everything in this section needs to connect directly to the main problem.

In this phase, writers can:

• Explore thematic elements
• Resolve and establish subplots
• Provide additional character development
• Introduce complications and obstacles
• Build tension systematically

The rising action is crucial for foreshadowing future events and developing character arcs, creating a rich tapestry that draws readers deeper into the narrative.

4. Climax (Turning Point)

The rising action leads to the culmination part, called the climax or turning point. This is the plot structure element with the highest tension—the moment everything has been building toward.

The turning point in the story can be achieved in several ways:

• The protagonist resolves the main conflict
• The main character overcomes the primary obstacle
• A significant revelation changes everything
• A decisive battle or confrontation occurs
• A critical choice must be made

Importantly, the resolution at the climax might not favor the protagonist. Sacrifices may be necessary, and some characters might perish to maintain high stakes. Subplots and secondary character arcs typically reach resolution alongside the main issue.

The turning point usually appears as the peak of Freytag's pyramid in a visual plot diagram.

5. Falling Action

While rising action is typically the longest part of the act structure, falling action is a much shorter phase. However, the length can vary significantly between stories, depending on what needs to be addressed after the climax.

The falling action is where you provide the emotional and practical closure that leads to a satisfying conclusion. During this phase, characters adjust to the new reality created by the climax's events, dealing with the aftermath and consequences of the turning point.

Elements often addressed in falling action include:

• Consequences of the climactic decisions
• Emotional processing of events
• Tying up loose ends
• Revealing final twists
• Setting up the resolution

6. Resolution

Resolution is the final part of the plot diagram that leaves the most lasting impression on readers. It might not always deliver a "happy ending"—it could leave readers with questions or even feelings of confusion or frustration, depending on the writer's intent.

The resolution ties all story elements and plotlines into the narrative's conclusion. The goal is to ensure your story reaches its final points, leaving no unintentional loose ends or plot holes. A well-crafted resolution provides satisfying closure while honoring the story's themes and character journeys.

Visual Representation of a Basic Plot Diagram

The basic plot diagram resembles a mountain or pyramid, with:

• Exposition at the lower left
• Rising Action climbing upward
• Climax at the peak
• Falling Action descending
• Resolution at the lower right

This visual tool helps writers maintain balance and proper pacing throughout their narrative.

Why Should You Create a Plot Diagram?

Creating a plot diagram fulfills numerous purposes for both writers and students. There's a reason it's often included in English language arts classes as a fundamental literary analysis tool.

Plot Diagrams for English Language Arts Students

For students, a plot diagram is one of the most effective tools for learning about plot structure and improving analytical skills, creative and critical thinking, and comprehension of written works. By developing this additional understanding, students can better analyze narratives and engage more deeply by applying their knowledge.

These skills allow students to:

• Compare different literary works
• Make predictions about story development
• Identify patterns across different texts
• Improve their own writing by understanding structural elements
• Outline ideas in a logical flow
• Create short stories with proper narrative structure

Why Do Writers Use Plot Diagrams?

Professional writers benefit significantly from plot diagrams as well. If you want to create an engaging piece that meets readers' expectations while staying focused on your creative vision, this graphic organizer can be invaluable.

Writer's block can happen to anyone. When you feel stuck, unsure of the next step in your narrative, a plot diagram helps you get back on track. An outlined plot structure serves as a reminder of what you're trying to create and provides a roadmap when you feel lost.

The quality of your final plot is another compelling reason to construct a plot diagram. You might create incredible characters who exist in an engaging setting, but without a coherent plot to bind everything together, the story cannot flourish. Writers must track all main plotlines and subplots, character journeys, interconnections, and setting elements, completing the story without loose ends. A plot diagram is an indispensable tool for constructing a quality narrative.

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Story Structure Templates and Types

While Freytag's pyramid remains the most popular structure for plot diagrams, several other options can help outline your story's key features. Let's explore various structures that can enhance your creative process.

Freytag's Pyramid

This is the classic five-part structure represented as a pyramid:

• Exposition
• Rising Action
• Climax
• Falling Action
• Resolution

This structure works well for traditional narratives with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Three-Act Structure

Everyone knows stories have a beginning, middle, and end. The three-act structure builds on this foundation to create a linear plot diagram.

This diagram typically features multiple turning points rather than just one main peak as in Freytag's pyramid. It reflects how the story progresses based on action distribution:

• Act 1: 25% of the story (Setup)
• Act 2: 50% of the story (Confrontation)
• Act 3: 25% of the story (Resolution)

This structure is particularly popular in screenwriting and contemporary novels.

Five-Act Structure

When developing his pyramid, Freytag was actually adapting the five-act structure commonly used in classical drama. It's similar to the more commonly used three-act structure but with additional refinements.

This plot beats structure was developed to create more diverse publishing strategies. Audiences became more captivated since there was no guarantee of a happy ending, leading to greater engagement with stories and characters.

The structure became even more popular after editors started using it to analyze Shakespeare's plays. Today, it's also widely used in television series.

The five-act structure includes:

• Introduction: Includes both exposition and conflict (inciting incident)
• Rising action: Shows progression toward the climax
• Climax: The turning point that changes the story's trajectory
• Falling action: The series of actions leading to a conclusion
• Catastrophe/Denouement: The final story point that ties all storylines together

Fichtean Curve

The Fichtean curve is another plot diagram option with a distinctive shape. This graphic organizer resembles a sequence of waves followed by a falling line, similar to a fish's fin.

This plot diagram is commonly used for stories with rapid pacing, such as murder mysteries, detective stories, and thrillers.

The structure includes:

• Inciting incident: The action that starts the story
• Rising action: Presented as a series of crises, each with increasing intensity
• Climax: The major turning point
• Falling action: The resolution of tension

The Hero's Journey

The hero's journey pattern was discovered by American mythologist Joseph Campbell. While studying mythology across different cultures, he developed this monomyth to reflect how stories are told across cultural boundaries.

With the growing popularity of films and TV series, this pattern has become increasingly influential. It's typically drawn as a circle, reflecting how the protagonist travels from a familiar setting to an unknown world, experiencing growth and transformation before returning to the known world.

The hero's journey includes:

• The Call to Adventure: An action, object, or event that prompts the hero to begin their quest
• Meeting a Mentor: Encountering a higher figure, often magical or supernatural, who aids in starting the quest
• Crossing the Threshold: The point of transition between the known and unknown worlds
• Challenges and Temptations: The hero faces obstacles, enemies, and tests that threaten to derail the quest
• Revelation/Abyss: The hero experiences a revelation or symbolic death and rebirth
• Transformation: After the revelation, the protagonist develops new character traits or abilities
• Return: The hero returns to the familiar setting with new knowledge that changes their world

Non-linear Plot Structure

Short stories are often easier to plot in a linear fashion. However, for complex narratives with multiple timelines, perspectives, or non-chronological elements, a linear plot diagram may be insufficient.

Non-linear structures are limited only by the writer's imagination. Though more challenging to illustrate, they can sometimes better capture a story's complexity than linear options.

Examples of non-linear structures include:

• Parallel narratives
• Frame stories
• Flashback-heavy narratives
• Circular storylines
• Mosaic or fragmented narratives

Storyboards

This graphic organizer differs significantly from traditional plot diagrams. Rather than using a single chart with labeled sections for exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, storyboards take a more visual approach.

Storyboards are widely used in the film industry to represent scenes but can also be applied to written works. The process involves creating a series of boxes on paper or in software, each representing a story beat or chapter.

Each box contains a drawing or visualization that provides a visual reference when writing. This approach can be particularly useful for visual thinkers and writers who need to “see” their story unfold.

How to Create Your Own Plot Diagram: A Step-by-Step Guide

By now, you should be familiar with plot elements and diagram types, as well as common story structures. You have everything needed to create a captivating plot that will engage readers.

This section will walk you through creating a plot diagram based on Freytag's pyramid, though the principles apply to any structure. While this classic approach uses a triangle shape and was created by German novelist Gustav Freytag, you can adapt the process to other formats.

Remember that every story and writing process differs. Feel free to adjust these steps to create a plot diagram that suits your specific needs.

Step 1: Choose a Story Idea

Deciding what to write about may be the most challenging part of the process—apart from the writing itself. Selecting an idea worth hours of work from the many possibilities in your mind can be daunting. However, this is also the most creative stage, where you can rely entirely on your imagination and explore unlimited possibilities.

Consider various tactics for generating captivating ideas:

• Brainstorming sessions with mind maps
• "What if" scenarios
• Combining unrelated concepts
• Drawing inspiration from personal experiences
• Observing people and places
• Reading widely across genres
• Using writing prompts

At this stage, also determine what type of story you'll create—whether a short story, novel, screenplay, or another format. While your vision may evolve as you develop your plot, having an initial direction helps focus your planning.

Step 2: Outline the Story Structure

When creating a plot diagram based on Freytag's pyramid, start by taking a sheet of paper or opening charting software. Since many structures share common beginning, middle, and end sections (similar to three-act structure), consider dividing your diagram into three vertical sections.

To create the basic Freytag's pyramid:

• Draw a short horizontal line that ends almost in the middle of the first section
• From the end of the first line, draw a second line upward, ending near the border between the second and third sections
• Draw a line downward from the peak until the middle of the third section
• Add another short horizontal line at the end

The result should resemble a pyramid. If you're using a hero's journey, Fichtean Curve, or another structure, adjust your diagram accordingly—for example, using a circle for the hero's journey.

Step 3: Add Plot Beat Labels

After outlining the basic shape, add labels for all plot beats: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Ensure the lines drawn in step 2 provide enough space for all necessary labels, especially around the rising action and climax.

Place the beats as follows:

• Exposition: Above the first horizontal line
• Conflict: Above the lower part of the rising line or at the intersection between the first two lines
• Rising action: Above the higher portion of the rising line through the second section
• Climax: At the pyramid's peak where rising and falling lines connect
• Falling action: In the middle of the falling line
• Resolution: Above the final horizontal line

Step 4: Add Known Main Events

Revisit the notes from your chosen idea and connect them to your diagram. Assign key plot points to their appropriate positions in the structure.

Your initial concept likely won't include all details, and there may be gaps. The plot diagram helps tie together existing elements while highlighting where additional development is needed.

Step 5: Address Gaps and Plot Holes

Add brief descriptions of the main points identified previously. Limit each description to one concise sentence that provides essential information without overwhelming the diagram.

For more detailed notes, maintain separate documents rather than crowding the graph. This approach helps distribute actions and events appropriately throughout the storyline while ensuring your plot diagram provides sufficient context to represent the complete story.

Step 6: Develop Additional Details

Now use your plot diagram as a foundation for developing all supporting elements that will complete your story. Add information such as:

Setting: Define the where and when of your story, establishing rules that govern this world.

• Physical location
• Time period
• Cultural context
• Environmental factors
• Societal structures

Characters:

• Protagonist: The main character(s) through whose perspective readers experience the story
• Antagonist: Character(s) who oppose the protagonist's goals
• Supporting characters: Those who assist, complicate, or enrich the narrative
• Character arcs: How each major character changes throughout the story

Conflict: Clearly identify the central problem driving the action.

• External conflicts (character vs. character, nature, society, etc.)
• Internal conflicts (character vs. self)
• Stakes: What happens if the protagonist fails?

Subplots: Add secondary storylines that complement the main plot without overshadowing it.

• Character relationship development
• Secondary conflicts
• Thematic exploration
• Background stories

Themes: Determine what your story is really about on a deeper level.

• Core message or question
• Thematic elements to explore
• How themes manifest through character choices
• Resolution of thematic arcs

Allow yourself creative freedom and let characters and their decisions take the story in unexpected directions. Avoid restricting yourself to a single set of character traits, as flat characters and predictable stories rarely engage readers.

Step 7: Begin Writing

Remember that a plot diagram is simply a tool—useful and necessary, but still just a tool. Once you've completed it, the actual writing begins. Deciding when to start writing is entirely your choice. This doesn't mean endlessly contemplating ideas without action, but rather gathering your thoughts until you're ready to dive into the process.

If you discover during writing that the story should take a different direction, that's perfectly acceptable. Your plot diagram exists to guide you and help remember key details, and adjustments may benefit your story in unexpected ways.

Be flexible with your outline while still using it as a roadmap. The most successful writers often strike a balance between planning and spontaneity, allowing the story to evolve organically while maintaining structural integrity.

Advanced Techniques for Plot Diagram Creation

Once you've mastered the basics of plot diagramming, consider these advanced techniques to elevate your storytelling:

Multiple Plot Diagrams for Complex Narratives

For stories with multiple viewpoint characters or parallel plotlines, create separate plot diagrams for each narrative thread, then identify connection points. This helps ensure each storyline has a complete arc while maintaining overall cohesion.

Plot Diagram Software and Digital Tools

While paper diagrams work well, digital tools offer advantages for complex projects:

• Scrivener: Provides corkboard visualization and outline tools
• Plot Factory: Offers dedicated plot diagramming features
• Milanote: Visual organization with cards and connections
• Plottr: Timeline-based plot planning software
• Mind mapping software: Tools like MindMeister or XMind

Incorporating Character Arcs

Integrate character development with plot by mapping character arcs alongside story structure:

• Identify starting points (character flaws/needs)
• Plot transformation points that align with story beats
• Show how plot events trigger character growth
• Ensure character arcs resolve in harmony with plot resolution

Theme Mapping

Connect thematic elements to your plot structure by noting how themes develop through:

• Introduction of thematic elements in exposition
• Testing themes through conflict
• Complicating themes in rising action
• Theme culmination at climax
• Theme resolution in falling action and resolution

Emotional Intensity Tracking

Add an emotion curve to your plot diagram, indicating the emotional intensity at each plot point. This helps ensure proper pacing and emotional engagement throughout your narrative.

Common Plot Diagram Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced writers can make these common mistakes when creating plot diagrams:

Imbalanced Structure

• Too much exposition (info-dumping)
• Rushed or underdeveloped climax
• Insufficient falling action (abrupt ending)
• Overextended middle (sagging)

Disconnected Elements

• Subplots that don't connect to the main plot
• Character arcs that don't align with story events
• Thematic elements that appear without development

Predictable Plotting

• Following formulas too rigidly
• Lacking surprising elements
• Failing to subvert reader expectations

Missing Causality

• Events happening without clear cause-effect relationships
• Character decisions lacking motivation
• Plot developments feeling contrived or convenient

Using Plot Diagrams for Revision

Plot diagrams aren't just for initial planning—they're powerful revision tools:

• Create a new diagram based on your completed draft
• Compare it to your original diagram
• Identify structural weaknesses, pacing issues, or plot holes
• Revise sections that lack tension or logical progression
• Ensure all plot elements and character arcs reach satisfying conclusions

This process helps objectively evaluate your narrative structure and make targeted improvements.

Conclusion: The Power of Visual Storytelling Maps

Creating a story that captures readers' attention and leaves a lasting impression is every writer's goal. However, organizing thoughts and ideas can be challenging without the right tools.

A plot diagram is an invaluable resource that assists both in creating original works and analyzing existing media. Whether you're a student learning literary analysis, a novelist plotting your next bestseller, or a screenwriter developing a compelling script, plot diagrams provide the structural foundation upon which great stories are built.

By understanding story structure templates like Freytag's pyramid, the hero's journey, or the three-act structure, you gain insight into timeless storytelling patterns that have engaged audiences for generations. These visual storytelling maps help you create narratives with proper pacing, compelling arcs, and satisfying resolutions.

For the creative writing process, Bitrix24 offers organizational and collaboration tools that can help you manage your literary project. With its task management features, collaborative documents, and team communication capabilities, you can keep your creative process structured and productive. Additionally, Bitrix24's AI assistant can help you overcome writer's block by providing suggestions and helping you develop ideas to keep your narrative moving forward.

So grab your pen, organize your workspace in Bitrix24, and start bringing your narrative ideas to life today. Register for Bitrix24 now and unlock AI-powered productivity tools!

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