Alright, this is my thinking out loud (figuratively speaking), so input is not expected, but would be appreciated if you have something to contribute.
Recently I have been reading up on Dan Well's blog at
http://www.fearfulsymmetry.net/?p=314#comments, and he has been discussing a seven segmented plot analysis. His system works really well, and I will briefly summarize the seven segments here:
1) Hook
The portion that captures a reader's interest in the character/story
2) Plot Turn #1
The portion that begins generating movement toward the midpoint and away from status quo of the Hook
3) Pinch #1
Really bad crap happens.
4) Midpoint
The story gets turned on its head/character goes from being acted upon to take on proactive role
5) Pinch #2
Now the story looks *really* hopeless
6) Plot Turn #2
Main character learns/obtains last vital thing to resolve main conflict
7) Resolution
Main conflict is resolved.
The above listed story structure works very well for the hero's journey (as Dan points out very well). However, I've been having some trouble adapting it to a revenge plot, specifically, *my* revenge plot. Do any of you have input on how a generic revenge plot might fit the above listed outline? I'm going to give a stab at it right now, and any feedback on the following would be really appreciated. I'm going to try to use The Count of Monte Cristo (movie version) as a template, so correct me if I am wrong in my analysis.
1) Hook
Edmund is living his life; there is conflict, but things are going well. He is moving up in the world.
Generic: Character is living his life, things are going okay
2) Plot Turn #1
Edmund is betrayed by his best friend.
Generic: Something devastating and personal happens and it is someone else's fault;
3) Pinch #1
Edmund is sent to Chateau Dif where he is tortured and left for years
Generic: Main character suffers greatly due to what happened to them.
4) Midpoint
Edmund meets the priest who helps Edmund realize the true depth of his betrayal; Edmund decides to seek revenge if he escapes
Generic: Story/Character changes and gains direction; Revenge is now the goal.
5) Pinch #2
Priest dies, and Edmund escapes and finds that everything he ever loved has been destroyed
Generic: Character hits rock bottom.
6) Plot Turn #2
Edmund has his betrayers completely within his grasp, ready to be destroyed, but finds out that the woman he loved did not betray him after all.
Generic: Revenge plot comes completely to fruition.
7) Resolution
Edmund executes his revenge, but spares the woman he loves.
Revenge is exacted and loose ends tied up.
Alright, after writing that out, I think I got most of it right (any corrections would be appreciated). That being said, here is a generic revenge plot summary:
1) Character is living his life, things are going okay.
2) Something devastating and personal happens and it is someone else's fault.
3) Main character suffers greatly due to what happened.
4) Story/Character changes and gains direction; revenge is now the goal.
5) Character hits rock bottom/suffers while going about setting up the revenge.
6) Revenge plot comes completely to fruition.
7) Revenge is exacted and loose ends tied up.
Any alterations? Comments?
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