Does Plot Mean Plan? Unraveling the Connection Between Plot and Storytelling

What’s the Difference Between Plot and Plan?

Honestly, when we talk about storytelling, especially in novels, films, or plays, the words plot and plan often get thrown around. But do they actually mean the same thing? You might think that "plot" is just another word for "plan," but that’s not exactly right. At first, I thought they were interchangeable, too. But after thinking about it and discussing it with a friend who’s a writer (shout-out to Sam), I realized there’s a pretty clear distinction between the two.

• Plot is what actually happens in the story. It's the sequence of events that move the narrative forward.

• Plan, on the other hand, refers more to the preparation or outline of how those events will unfold.

A plot is the what, while a plan is the how. It’s a subtle difference, but trust me, it’s a game-changer when you start to think about it!

The Role of Plot in Storytelling

Well, if plot isn't the same as a plan, what does it actually mean for a story? In simple terms, the plot is the backbone of your story. It’s what keeps readers (or viewers) hooked, and it’s what gives your narrative purpose. Without a solid plot, you’re kind of lost.

Take, for example, any classic story you know – think of The Lion King or The Hunger Games. The plot follows a clear trajectory: The hero faces a challenge, rises to meet it, and either succeeds or fails in the end. But here's the catch: this plot is not the same as the plan the creators made before starting. It’s the unfolding of events, the actual content of the narrative.

Plot: The Events That Drive the Story

The plot usually involves a beginning, middle, and end, where the main character or characters undergo significant changes or challenges. A solid plot creates tension, excitement, or drama, and moves the story forward. The plot is driven by actions, reactions, and consequences.

But honestly, when I was first writing my short story last year, I thought the plot was just a bunch of events slapped together. It wasn’t until I spent hours working on structure that I understood how crucial it was to ensure every event flowed logically into the next. It’s like setting up dominoes: each piece has to hit the next in just the right way to keep everything from collapsing.

What is a Plan in the Context of Storytelling?

Now, let's talk about plans. A plan is something different – it’s a blueprint or a strategy. If you’ve ever created a story outline, you’ve likely made a plan. This involves deciding what should happen in your story and organizing it before you actually sit down to write. Think of it like a road map: you know your destination (the ending of the plot), and the plan helps you decide the best route to take.

It’s really easy to get confused here, but I promise you: planning is just the groundwork. Some writers plan in detail, creating entire chapter-by-chapter breakdowns. Others, like me, just jot down a few key ideas and hope the plot figures itself out.

The Power of a Good Plan

From my own experience, I can say that planning has saved my stories from becoming chaotic messes. I was working on a novel once, and I didn’t have a clear plan. Let me tell you, that was a nightmare. I ended up writing myself into a corner and had to delete 10,000 words. Yep, 10,000! That taught me a lesson I’ll never forget. Now, I always try to make a plan before I dive in. Even if it’s just an outline, it helps keep me on track.

Can You Have a Plot Without a Plan?

Hmm, this is a good question. Technically, yes. You can create a plot as you go, but that often leads to what people call "pantsing" (writing by the seat of your pants). Some authors thrive in this kind of chaotic environment, where the plot unfolds organically as they write. It’s a more spontaneous approach, and I get the appeal of it. But for me? I need structure.

Take George R.R. Martin, for example. I’ve heard (and maybe you’ve heard too) that he doesn’t write with a strict plan in mind. Instead, he builds his plot as he goes. He’s like a sculptor working with clay. But hey, I’m no George R.R. Martin. I’ve tried this method, and it often ends with me scrapping entire chapters. So yeah, for me, a plan is definitely needed.

Can a Plan Replace a Plot?

Okay, so this is where it gets interesting. Can you have a plan but no plot? Theoretically, yes. You could have a detailed outline, but if you don’t flesh out what happens during the story, you won’t have an actual plot to engage your readers. A plan can’t carry the story on its own – it needs the events that make up a plot to bring it to life.

Take the movie Inception—this is a great example. The plot of Inception is mind-bending and complex. It’s not just about planning a heist; it's about the events and twists that make it so interesting. Without those, the plan alone wouldn’t work. The plot makes it all click.

Final Thoughts: Plot vs. Plan – Why the Difference Matters

So, does plot mean plan? Well, not quite. Plot is the unfolding of events, while a plan is the preparation for those events. If you’re writing a story or creating content, it's crucial to understand both. Your plot gives your story direction and purpose, while your plan ensures you don’t get lost along the way.

Honestly, at the start, I used to think they were the same thing. I’d throw a plot together and hope for the best. Now, I’ve learned that planning is just as essential, if not more. The two concepts go hand in hand, and the better you understand them, the smoother your writing process will be.

So, next time you sit down to write, think about it: Are you just creating a plot, or do you have a plan to bring it all together?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.