Tag Archives: plot

Beware the Jabberwock, my son!

One of the annoying aspects of writing for a government is that usually there are plots, but no characters, main or otherwise. In fact, there are often no subjects in the sentences. Things happen, events unfold spontaneously. Objects are acted upon by mysterious forces, perhaps deployed by black helicopters. The passive voice is used excessively. […]

Which is more important to you: plot or character?

I can barely separate and prioritize plot/character when I write, as they are so closely intertwined in fiction. Nevertheless, I consider the prime purpose of writing fiction to be storytelling, so “plot” gets the nod, followed by character and then setting, also vitally important to fiction. By definition, a piece of fiction (novel or short […]

Plot vs. Character: Save the eggs; torch my metaphor

“If your story was a house on fire, what would you run in and save?” Brad Bird ~ Writer/Director (Ratatouille, The Incredibles, Mission Impossible – Ghost Patrol) Plot vs. Character? No doubt in my mind, I’d save the characters.  Here’s why:  character drives plot.  The “stuff” of story, the desire that drives choices and actions […]