Plot
Develop a concise and engaging plot with a defined beginning, middle, and end. Each event should drive the story forward
This is the sixth article in our series where we are attempting to write a short story collaborating with generative AI tools. You may wish to familiarise yourself with the narrative overview first before reading on.
We’ve covered Setting, Theme, Conflict, Points of View, Character Development for the protagonist and character development for secondary characters and now it is time to focus grander attention on the plot.
In a short story, the limited space demands that every word serves a purpose, making conciseness and focus essential. A concise plot ensures that the narrative remains on track, with each element playing a significant role in the story. This focused approach is crucial for maintaining the reader's interest, as it ensures that no part of the narrative feels superfluous or distracting. The importance of every detail in a short story cannot be overstated, as it contributes to a cohesive and engaging reading experience.
Furthermore, a clear structure, marked by a defined beginning, middle, and end, is pivotal in guiding the reader through the story. This well-defined structure aids in building suspense, developing characters, and ensuring a resolution that is both satisfying and resonant with the audience. Additionally, purposeful progression is key, where each event in the narrative propels the story forward. This progression creates a sense of momentum, keeping the reader deeply engaged and invested in the unfolding plot and the characters' journeys, ultimately leading to a more memorable and impactful reading experience.
There are, however examples of short stories that deviate from this traditional structure but still achieve critical acclaim. These stories often succeed by excelling in other aspects such as style, character depth, or thematic exploration. Some examples include:
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: This story is renowned for its shocking and unexpected ending. While it follows a linear progression, the true nature of the plot is not revealed until the very end, subverting traditional plot structures.
"Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid: This story is essentially one long sentence, a monologue of advice from a mother to her daughter. It lacks a conventional plot structure but is powerful in its exploration of themes like gender roles and cultural expectations.
"Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway: Hemingway's story is famous for its use of the iceberg theory, where the core of the story is what is not said. The narrative is minimalist, focusing on a conversation between two characters with very little action, yet it reveals deep complexities in their relationship.
"The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" by Ursula K. Le Guin: This story, more of a philosophical exploration than a traditional narrative, presents a utopian society with a dark secret. It doesn't follow a typical plot structure but rather poses ethical questions to the reader.
"Kafkaesque" stories by Franz Kafka: Kafka's stories often defy traditional plot structures, focusing instead on surreal, complex themes. His narratives, like "The Metamorphosis," may not have a clear-cut beginning, middle, and end but are critically acclaimed for their unique exploration of existential themes.
We’ve used Grok to summarise the plot points for our narrative summary, and then have used Google AI Studio and ChatGPT to provide some advice as to whether the plot point advances the story, in addition we asked our collaborative AI partners if there are some alternatives for how the plot point could play out. The answers have been summarised below
Pandi arrives at Aluva railway station with the wrong ticket
Judgement: Moves the story forward. This mistake sets the stage for the entire narrative, leading Pandi into an unplanned journey and adventure.
Alternatives I: The story could possibly start with the purchase of the ticket, or a description of Pandi remembering the purchase and recalling something that wasn’t quite right when she realises she is going to the wrong destination
Alternative II: Pandi could arrive with the correct ticket but then accidentally swap it with another passenger, leading to an unexpected journey to a different destination.
Pandi's ATM card doesn’t work at the station
Judgement: Moves the story forward. This adds to her challenges and creates tension, making her situation more precarious and engaging the reader’s empathy.
Alternative: The ATM could dispense the wrong currency, or Pandi could receive an unexpected windfall from a malfunctioning machine, adding a twist to her financial situation.
Pandi sits in the passenger waiting area, feeling worried
Judgement: Moves the story forward. This highlights her vulnerability and sets the scene for the upcoming interaction with the optometrist, which is crucial for the story's progression.
Alternative: Instead of just sitting worriedly, Pandi could start a conversation with a local, leading to a cultural exchange or a local showing her around, adding depth to her experience.
An optometrist approaches and offers help
Judgement: Moves the story forward. This encounter introduces a new character and offers a solution to Pandi's immediate problem, driving the plot.
Alternative: A group of street performers or local artists could approach Pandi, offering help in exchange for her participation in a cultural event, introducing her to local traditions.
Pandi helps out with the optometrist's clinic
Judgement: Moves the story forward. It shows Pandi's adaptable and cooperative nature and bridges the gap to the next significant plot point.
Alternative: Pandi could use her skills or hobbies to assist the clinic, such as using her photography skills to document the event, showcasing her talents and personal growth.
Pandi meets British tourists who offer her a ride
Judgement: Moves the story forward. This encounter provides a means for Pandi to continue her journey, introducing new characters and dynamics.
Alternative: Pandi could meet a group of local travelers who invite her on a traditional road trip, offering a more authentic and culturally rich experience.
Pandi falls asleep on the bus to Munnar
Judgement: Borderline unnecessary. While it shows the passage of time and Pandi's exhaustion, it doesn’t significantly advance the plot or develop her character. The utility of this plot point is to provides a definitive break in the story - a forced “middle” and sets up the next plot point.
Alternative: Instead of sleeping, Pandi could engage in a deep conversation with a fellow traveler, uncovering intriguing backstories and forging a new friendship.
Observation of teams at the tea plantation
Judgement: Moves the story forward. It sets the stage for the tea making contest and allows for cultural and character observations.
Alternative: Pandi could be mistaken for a judge or a participant in the contest, leading to humorous misunderstandings and her actively participating in the event.
An elderly person invites Pandi to make tea
Judgement: Moves the story forward. This interaction is key for character development and leads to a significant plot twist.
Alternative: The elderly person could share a secret tea recipe with Pandi, which turns out to be a family heirloom, adding a magical or mystical element to the story.
Pandi talks about her life while making tea
Judgement: Moves the story forward. It allows for character development, revealing Pandi's background and motivations.
Alternative: As Pandi talks about her life, she could discover surprising connections with the elderly person's past, adding a layer of mystery or serendipity to the plot.
Pandi and the elderly person try the tea, then move to the stage
Judgement: Moves the story forward. This builds their relationship and sets up for the revelation of the elderly person’s identity.
Alternative: The tea could have an unexpectedly profound effect on those who try it, leading to revelations or changes in character.
The tea contest begins; the elderly person is revealed as the judge
Judgement: Moves the story forward. This is a major plot twist that changes the context of Pandi’s interaction with the elderly person.
Alternative: The contest could take a twist with Pandi accidentally winning the contest, leading to humorous and unexpected fame.
Pandi receives a special prize and cash from the judge
Judgement: Moves the story forward. This act of kindness resolves the immediate financial issue Pandi faced and rewards her character growth.
Alternative: The prize could be something unconventional, like an ancient artifact or a map to a hidden place, adding an element of adventure.
Pandi is introduced to Aatma, who will drive her to Uttiramerur
Judgement: Moves the story forward. It provides a transition to the next phase of her journey and introduces a new character.
Alternative: Aatma could turn out to be someone Pandi had an unexpected connection with earlier in her journey, bringing the story full circle.
Analysis
While Grok and ChatGPT understand the original plot points establish a clear narrative of resilience and unexpected adventure, the alternatives introduce elements that could make the story more humorous, culturally rich, mysterious, or adventurous.
There are five alternatives in particular worth discussing that reveal the strengths and weaknesses of these Tool AI suggestions:
Using Personal Skills at Clinic:
This change would showcase Pandi's resourcefulness and talents, adding depth to her character. It fits well with the story's theme of adaptability and growth.
Mistaken Identity at Tea Plantation:
While humorous and engaging, this could shift the story’s tone significantly, making it more comedic or farcical. This is likely to be a good way to start the conversation between the plantation owner and Pandi.
Secret Tea Recipe:
This adds a mystical or cultural depth to the story, aligning well with themes of heritage and discovery. There may be an opportunity here for Pandi to share more details about her friend Tili. For example, on spotting some saunf ( a common Indian digestive that has a distinctive aniseed taste ) while preparing the tea may prompt Pandi to talk about her friend Tili “who always added a pinch of Anise Myrtle to her tea”.
Surprising Connections with Elderly Person:
This twist adds a layer of serendipity and mystery, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth. Perhaps an additional connection is required so that the ultimate turn of awarding Pandi a prize pays off. This connection could be as delicate as a love of Botany or deeper with a linked family history or ancestry.
Aatma’s Unexpected Connection:
This brings the story full circle, adding a satisfying resolution and sense of interconnectedness. Admittedly I cringed when seeing this suggestion. This idea bundles up this short story too neatly - a perfectly clichéd Bollywood movie plot. The “…” ending to the story is supposed to embody the “meet-cute” for Pandi and Aatma - the prelude to the next chapter in a larger tale that we will one day tell
Summary
The creation of our short story will now shift to detailed discussion of each of the 14 plot points via storyboards in an effort to “Show, Don’t Tell” our narrative. These future articles will allow us to experiment with different scene elements, clarify our storyline and ensure a coherent progression of the plot.
Thanks
We used ChatGPT, Grok, Midjourney and Magnific.AI to provide alternative perspectives to the plot for our story and investigate different plot devices.