Unraveling a Functional Plot: Three Steps to Master Your Story's Objective Throughline

Navigating the narrative labyrinth and unearthing the core of conflict

In storytelling, the Objective Story Throughline, often referred to as the plot, is essential in crafting a compelling narrative. It serves as the backbone, guiding the story's direction and maintaining its structure. To illustrate this concept, we will analyze the film The Descendants, directed by Alexander Payne and featuring George Clooney. This example will demonstrate how even amidst intricate emotional and relationship dynamics, a well-defined objective storyline is crucial in providing balance and coherence to the overall narrative.

Step 1: Spot the Initial Inequity – The Catalyst of Conflict

Every gripping story begins with an inequity, a disturbance that throws the world off balance. Think of it as the narrative earthquake that shakes up the status quo--and think of it as the earthquake that affects everyone in the story. In The Descendants, this inequity is not the tragic accident that leaves Clooney’s wife in a coma. While many express their concerns with her well-being, the one thing that brings everyone together is Matt's decision over what to do with his family's dynasty. This looming decision about the fate of the King family's land in Hawaii sets the stage for all the ensuing drama and conflict.

Step 2: Define the Story Goal – The Beacon in the Chaos

Following the initial shake-up, there emerges a clear goal – something that characters either rally for or against. This goal is the guiding light amidst the narrative chaos. In our example, the goal is the decision about the King family land and specifically Matt getting the idea that his dynasty is worth something preserving for a bit longer.

It's important to note that the Story Goal of a complete narrative is the Author's Goal for the Story--not the "wants" or "needs" of the individual characters. Sometimes, these line up as being both conscious and directed, but other time--particularly in the case of a writer/directory like Alexander Payne--this Story Goal is more a point of reference for his story.

Once set, the Story Goal makes it easy to pit characters against each other, with some characters wanting to sell it the land to the developers, and others wishing to preserve it. This Goal becomes a central point around which various characters’ desires and conflicts revolve--and it all came about because of that initial inequity.

Step 3: Conclude with the Resolving Driver – The End of the Journey

Lastly, determine whether the Goal is achieved. Was resolution reached, or did the consequences of failing to arrive at the Goal overwhelm the characters in the narrative? This concluding Story Driver brings up the question of resolution in the story. In The Descendants, the deadline for the land decision acts as this driver. While it might feel a bit contrived, it effectively ties the story together logically (plot), marking a clear endpoint that is independent of the more emotional threads in the narrative.

Matt's decision to hold off and protect his family's dynasty (and his family itself), successfully resolves the initial inequity set about in Step 1 above. This Successful Story Outcome relays to the audience that Matt finally "got the idea" of what he should do in his unique position.

The Balancing Act: Emotion and Plot

The Descendants masterfully demonstrates how a simple, yet clear, Objective Story Throughline can balance emotional and relationship elements. The plot surrounding the land decision might seem contrived, but it’s essential. It balances the heart-wrenching drama of the family's personal struggles, providing a counterpoint to the deeply emotional relationship storyline.

Incorporating a well-defined Objective Story Throughline gives your narrative structure and clarity, ensuring that alongside the emotional rollercoasters and character arcs, there's a solid plot driving the story forward. It’s like having a strong skeleton that supports the heart of your narrative.

Closing Thoughts