Plotlys

Plotlys are a term used in narrative theory to denote discrete units of plot within a larger story. Each Plotly represents a self-contained mini-arc characterized by a clear goal, internal obstacles, and a resolving outcome, while contributing to the overall dramatic progression of the work.

Origin and scope: The term Plotly is used informally by writers and educators as a convenient label for discussing how individual plot threads structure pacing and tension. It is not part of any formal, widely adopted theory, and definitions vary among practitioners.

Structure: A typical Plotly includes an objective, inciting incident, increasing complications, a turning point or crisis, and a resolution that advances the principal narrative. Plotlys may be single-episode units or interwoven across acts, scenes, or chapters.

Applications: In screenwriting, fiction editing, and teaching, Plotlys are used to map beats, test pacing, and identify gaps where a story loses momentum. They can be represented on index cards, spreadsheets, or narrative maps to visualize interdependencies among threads.

Example: A Plotly might follow a hero's search for a key item, encountering a rival, facing a setback, and ultimately achieving a partial victory, while other Plotlys intersect to complicate the main goal.

See also: beat sheet, story arc, three-act structure, narrative theory, screenplay structure.