Last week in my fiction class I learned a new x-point plot outline.
The one I already knew was this 7-pointer: A character (#1) in a place (#2) has a problem (#3). The character tries (#4) to solve the problem, complications (#5) ensue, and the character succeeds or fails (#6), which leads to a resolution (#7).
This new one is a 5-pointer, and is quite similar, but different enough to be worth mentioning: A character has a problem (#1). This problem evokes a need (#2). This need causes the character to take action (#3). In the course of this action, the character comes to a realization (#4). This realization leads to a resolution (#5).
I kinda like them both, so I just decided to combine them into my 10-pointer (plus I added #7): A character (#1) in a place (#2) has a problem (#3). This problem evokes a need (#4). This need causes the character to take action (#5). Complications (#6) ensue. The character makes a choice. (#7) The character succeeds or fails (#8) and comes to a realization (#9), which leads to a resolution (#10).
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