Day 5: The Plan
DAY FIVE: THE PLAN
Earlier we discussed how characters have holes that only needs can fill. Before a character can see their need, they have to yearn after a want, which takes them on a bumpy ride to nowhere. But they want it, so they go after it. Here’s where they make a plan which has some ups and downs.
The Plan Plot Point: Strategy and Pursuit
The Plan plot point is where characters strategize and take decisive action towards achieving their Want, embarking on a journey that is littered with obstacles, challenges and conflict. This stage transitions the narrative from setup to action, demonstrating the characters' commitment to their goals despite the obstacles ahead.
Buffy wants to fit in and do well in school. To that end, she tries hanging out with Cordelia, the popular chick, who directs her to the library for a textbook.
In Scandal, Olivia Pope plans to represent Sully Sinclair, the man who walked into her office just before closing time with blood on his hands. Even after her team votes down the idea, Olivia vetoes their no-vote because she trusts her gut. The gut is that irrational place of want that exists within all of us.
The planning scene is typically brief. Sometimes the character doesn’t even voice the plan, they just start down the path. But you, as their creator, needs to know the plan.
What is it? What are the steps they need to take to be successful in grasping their need?
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry's initial plan involves integrating into the wizarding world. Later, it includes uncovering the mysteries of the Sorcerer's Stone.
For Katniss in The Hunger Games, her plan is to take her sister's place, and then survive the Hunger Games. To do this, she'll need to leverage her hunting skills, form alliances, and navigate the deadly dynamics of the arena.
Steps to Craft The Plan in Your Novel:
1. Define the Want
You already did this yesterday. Ideally, you wrote a scene that clearly articulates what your protagonist wants. This desire should be strong enough to propel them into action and sustain their journey through the narrative.
2. Formulate the Plan
Based on the protagonist's want, devise a plan that outlines how they intend to achieve their goal. This plan should be plausible within the story's context but not without its risks and uncertainties. You need to write this down even if your character doesn't voice this on the page.
3. Consider the Challenges
No plan goes off without a hitch. So, be sure to write down what could possibly get into their way of achieving the plan as you set them on the path. None of these obstacles need to appear at this point in the novel, but you could use this list to foreshadow what may be about to happen.
4. Foreshadow the Need
While the protagonist pursues their want, subtly hint at their deeper need. This foreshadowing enriches the narrative, setting the stage for the protagonist's eventual realization and transformation.
By meticulously developing and outlining The Plan plot point, you not only propel your story forward but also provide a framework for your protagonist's growth. It's through the pursuit of their want, with all its inherent ups and downs, that the seeds of their deeper need are sown, paving the way for a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.