Plot 1: Mechanics functions as an intensive course experience, compressed into a short duration: a single full day in New York City, two days via Zoom platform, or a three-week online format. The program accommodates all writing experience levels. View the complete syllabus details provided below.
If you already possess strong foundational knowledge of plot construction, you may proceed directly to Plot 2. Should you feel uncertain about your readiness, starting with Plot 1 offers valuable reinforcement of essential concepts, even if some material appears familiar.
Plot represents the deliberate art of drawing audiences in and then delivering an escalating sequence of events that culminates in an unforgettable conclusion. Readers and audiences consistently crave strong plots, yet most writers find plot construction challenging.
Whether creating fiction, nonfiction, or screenplay material, this course teaches the craft of building narrative momentum that maintains reader engagement from opening through conclusion.
Plot 1 covers essential plotting mechanics that form the foundation for storytelling: desire as the driving force, the fundamental beginning, middle, and end structure, cause and effect relationships, and how character decisions shape the unfolding narrative trajectory.
Plot 2 addresses the sophisticated techniques necessary for expert-level plotting: methods for implementing dramatic reversals, building intrigue, creating surprise moments, and most importantly, sustaining audience fascination until the final dramatic moment.
Course Notes:
- This workshop applies across all narrative genres that incorporate storytelling elements, including nonfiction work.
- If you feel confident with fundamental plotting concepts, you may go straight to Plot 2. If uncertain, start with Plot 1; it will be beneficial even if some content represents review material.
This course offers comprehensive coverage of fundamental plotting mechanics applicable to all narrative genres. Included components are:
- Instructional lectures
- Practical writing exercises
Course Structure
- Week 1
- The Search for Treasure: Plot overview and definition; plot categorization, including simple, complex, character-driven, and plot-driven varieties; premise establishment; desire components encompassing goals, deeper motivations, external barriers, and internal obstacles.
- Week 2
- Structure and Steps: Organizational frameworks for simple and complex narratives; story sectioning approaches; positive and negative turning points; cause and effect relationships.
- Week 3
- Adding Depth: How character choices drive narrative change; thematic elements; secondary storylines; interlocking plot strands; narrative viewpoint selection.
- Each week includes an analysis of exemplary narratives and detailed documentation of plot development from initial concept through completion.
Note: Individual class content may vary.
About the Program
- Online offerings connect international students with Gotham, which is recognized as New York City's most prominent writing school.
- Online courses operate asynchronously rather than in live time. Students participate whenever convenient, but coursework advances weekly with specific weekly benchmarks.
- Online writing courses are available from anywhere with internet access. The majority of participants are U.S.-based, though the school enrolls students from nearly every nation.
- Technical support is available throughout the program.
- Beyond scheduling and location convenience, students retain complete records of all class content for future reference and printing. All materials are presented as text and images rather than video.
