October 2015
Looking Under the Hood at Plot
Join us for our first lecture series. Teacher/author Brendan Halpin discusses key elements of plots.
Event Materials
Plots: problems, progress and setbacks
At their core, plots are about a problem. Characters work to solve the problem, making progress and facing setbacks. Brendan examines the elements of plot, using examples of fiction and movies to illustrate the key plot elements. 14 minutes.
What do your characters want?
Your characters’ motivations drive the shape of your story. A deeper look at what characters want, including using their motivations to add depth and believability in your story. 10 minutes.
Exercises- Plots: problems, progress and setbacks
Try these two exercises after viewing the lecture.
Exercises- What do your characters want?
Try these two exercises after viewing the lecture.
About Brendan Halpin
Brendan Halpin is the author of 12 published novels, including the Alex-Award-Winning Donorboy (Villard) and, with Trish Cook, 2013's A Really Awesome Mess (Egmont USA). He also writes comic horror and fantasy under the name Seamus Cooper. He lives in Boston with his family.