5.4 Story arcs and plot structure

Story arcs and plot structure are the backbone of TV storytelling. They shape how narratives unfold, characters develop, and viewers engage with shows over time. From episodic to serialized formats, these elements determine pacing, tension, and emotional impact.

Understanding story arcs helps analyze how shows hook viewers and keep them invested. Key components like exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution work together to create satisfying narratives. Different plot models offer frameworks for crafting compelling arcs that resonate with audiences.

Types of story arcs

• Story arcs in television refer to the narrative structure and development of a story over multiple episodes or an entire series
• The type of story arc chosen can greatly impact the pacing, character development, and overall viewing experience for the audience

Episodic vs serialized

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• Episodic story arcs feature self-contained stories within each episode, with limited continuity between episodes (procedural dramas, sitcoms)
• Serialized story arcs have a continuous narrative that unfolds across multiple episodes or seasons, with events in one episode directly impacting future episodes (Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones)
• Some shows blend episodic and serialized elements, featuring standalone stories while also developing larger, overarching plotlines (The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Overarching vs self-contained

• Overarching story arcs span multiple episodes or an entire series, often involving a central conflict or mystery that gradually unfolds (Lost, The Wire)
• Self-contained story arcs are resolved within a single episode or a few episodes, allowing for more diverse storytelling and exploration of different themes (Black Mirror, Twilight Zone)

Character-driven vs plot-driven

• Character-driven story arcs prioritize the development, growth, and internal conflicts of the characters, with the plot often serving as a catalyst for character change (Mad Men, The Sopranos)
• Plot-driven story arcs focus on external events, obstacles, and conflicts that drive the narrative forward, with character development often taking a secondary role (24, Prison Break)
• Many successful shows strike a balance between character and plot, using external events to trigger character growth and letting character decisions propel the plot (Breaking Bad, The Americans)

Components of story arcs

• Understanding the key components of a story arc is essential for analyzing how a narrative is structured and how it engages viewers over time
• Most story arcs follow a similar pattern, with variations in pacing, emphasis, and complexity depending on the specific show and genre

Exposition and setup

• Exposition introduces the main characters, their relationships, and the story's setting, often establishing the status quo or the "ordinary world" (Friends pilot, Westworld's "The Original")
• Setup involves the inciting incident or catalyst that disrupts the characters' lives and sets the story in motion (Walter White's cancer diagnosis in Breaking Bad, the plane crash in Lost)

Rising action and complications

• Rising action presents a series of escalating challenges, obstacles, and conflicts that the characters must overcome, testing their skills, relationships, and beliefs
• Complications introduce new plot twists, revelations, or setbacks that raise the stakes and create additional hurdles for the characters (The Red Wedding in Game of Thrones, the appearance of the Others in Stranger Things)

Climax or turning point

• The climax is the story's peak, representing the moment of greatest tension, conflict, or emotional intensity, often forcing characters to make critical decisions or face their greatest fears
• Turning points are significant events or revelations that fundamentally change the characters' understanding of themselves, others, or the central conflict, setting the stage for the resolution (The "We have to go back!" moment in Lost, the basement reveal in Parasite)

Falling action and resolution

• Falling action deals with the aftermath of the climax, showing how characters react to and process the events that have transpired, often involving a period of reflection or regrouping
• Resolution presents the outcome of the central conflict, revealing whether the characters have achieved their goals, learned important lessons, or changed in significant ways (The final confrontation in Breaking Bad's "Felina," the bittersweet ending of Six Feet Under)

Denouement and aftermath

• Denouement provides closure and ties up loose ends, offering a glimpse into the characters' lives after the central conflict has been resolved, and showing how the story's events have impacted them in the long run
• Aftermath can also set up future storylines, introduce new conflicts, or hint at unresolved issues that may be explored in subsequent episodes or seasons (The flash-forward in Lost's "Through the Looking Glass," the final scene of The Sopranos)

Plot structure models

• Plot structure models provide frameworks for understanding and analyzing the arrangement and progression of events in a story arc
• Different models emphasize various aspects of storytelling, such as character development, conflict resolution, or thematic exploration

Three-act structure

• The three-act structure divides a story into setup, confrontation, and resolution, with each act serving a specific narrative purpose
  1. Act One introduces characters, establishes the story's world, and presents the inciting incident that sets the plot in motion
  2. Act Two escalates conflicts, challenges the characters, and builds toward the climax
  3. Act Three resolves the central conflict, addresses the aftermath, and provides closure
• Many films and television episodes follow this structure, as it provides a clear, concise way to organize a story (The Godfather, Breaking Bad's "Ozymandias")

Five-act structure

• The five-act structure, often associated with Shakespearean plays and dramatic television, expands upon the three-act structure by adding additional turning points and complications
  1. Act One: Exposition and inciting incident
  2. Act Two: Rising action and first major turning point
  3. Act Three: Midpoint, crisis, and second major turning point
  4. Act Four: Pre-climax and character development
  5. Act Five: Climax, resolution, and denouement
• This structure allows for more complex character arcs and multiple plot twists (Hamlet, Game of Thrones' "The Rains of Castamere")

Hero's journey

• The hero's journey, popularized by Joseph Campbell, outlines a archetypal story pattern focused on a protagonist's transformative adventure
• Key stages include the call to adventure, crossing the threshold, trials and allies, the ordeal, the reward, the road back, and the return with the elixir
• Many epic stories and mythic narratives follow this structure, which emphasizes character growth and the acquisition of wisdom (Star Wars, The Matrix)

Dan Harmon's story circle

• Dan Harmon's story circle is a simplified, eight-step version of the hero's journey, designed for creating compelling character arcs in television and film
• The steps are:
  1. A character is in a zone of comfort
  2. They desire something
  3. They enter an unfamiliar situation
  4. They adapt to it
  5. They get what they wanted
  6. They pay a heavy price for it
  7. They return to their familiar situation
  8. They have changed
• This model emphasizes character transformation and the consequences of pursuing one's desires (Rick and Morty, Community)

Pacing and tension

• Pacing refers to the speed and rhythm at which a story unfolds, controlling the release of information, the intensity of conflicts, and the emotional impact on viewers
• Tension involves creating a sense of anticipation, uncertainty, or anxiety in the audience, often by introducing high-stakes conflicts, mysteries, or cliffhangers

Buildup and payoff

• Buildup involves the gradual escalation of tension, suspense, or anticipation over the course of a story arc, often through foreshadowing, character development, or the introduction of new conflicts
• Payoff is the satisfying resolution or climax that delivers on the promises made during the buildup, providing emotional catharsis, plot revelations, or character breakthroughs (The Red Wedding buildup and aftermath in Game of Thrones, the basement reveal in Parasite)

Cliffhangers and suspense

• Cliffhangers are plot devices that end an episode or season with an unresolved crisis, twist, or revelation, leaving characters in peril or the audience in suspense until the next installment (The "Who shot J.R.?" cliffhanger in Dallas, the season finale of Stranger Things 3)
• Suspense is the feeling of excitement, anxiety, or uncertainty about the outcome of events, often created by withholding information, introducing time pressure, or presenting characters with difficult choices (The ticking clock in 24, the cat-and-mouse game in Dexter)

Foreshadowing and setup

• Foreshadowing involves hinting at future events, character developments, or plot twists through dialogue, visual cues, or symbolic imagery, creating a sense of anticipation or unease (The flashforwards in Breaking Bad's "737," the recurring motif of the color red in The Sixth Sense)
• Setup refers to the introduction of story elements, character details, or plot devices that will become important later in the narrative, often in surprising or revelatory ways (The seemingly innocuous objects in Chekhov's gun principle, the early appearance of the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings)

Red herrings and misdirection

• Red herrings are false clues or misleading plot elements that divert the audience's attention from the true culprit, solution, or twist, often used in mystery and thriller genres (The multiple suspects in Broadchurch, the fake-out deaths in The Walking Dead)
• Misdirection involves leading the audience to make incorrect assumptions or interpretations about characters, events, or outcomes, only to subvert those expectations later in the story (The twist reveal of the Sixth Sense, the unreliable narrator in Mr. Robot)

Subplots and parallel storylines

• Subplots are secondary storylines that run parallel to the main plot, often involving supporting characters or thematic explorations that complement or contrast with the central narrative
• Parallel storylines are multiple plot threads that unfold simultaneously, often in different locations or time periods, which may or may not intersect or converge as the story progresses

A, B, and C plots

• The A plot is the main storyline, focusing on the central conflict and the protagonist's journey, and receiving the most screen time and narrative emphasis (Walter White's transformation in Breaking Bad)
• The B plot is a secondary storyline that often involves supporting characters or subplots, providing additional depth, complexity, or thematic resonance (Jesse Pinkman's struggles with addiction and morality in Breaking Bad)
• The C plot is a tertiary storyline that may involve minor characters, comic relief, or thematic parallels, often intersecting with the A or B plots in meaningful ways (Saul Goodman's legal antics in Breaking Bad)

Interweaving and convergence

• Interweaving involves the careful integration of multiple plot threads, often through parallel editing, thematic connections, or character interactions, creating a sense of unity and coherence (The intersecting storylines in Pulp Fiction, the various character arcs in Game of Thrones)
• Convergence occurs when seemingly disparate subplots or parallel storylines come together in a meaningful or revelatory way, often during the climax or resolution of the story (The merging of timelines in Westworld, the intersection of characters in Babel)

Thematic connections and contrasts

• Subplots and parallel storylines can be used to explore different aspects of a central theme, providing multiple perspectives or contrasting examples that enrich the story's thematic depth (The various depictions of power in Game of Thrones, the exploration of identity in Sense8)
• Thematic contrasts can also be used to create irony, tension, or emotional resonance, highlighting the differences between characters' experiences or the unintended consequences of their actions (The juxtaposition of wealth and poverty in Parasite, the contrast between the public and private lives of characters in Mad Men)

Character development and arcs

• Character development refers to the process of revealing and evolving a character's personality, motivations, and relationships over the course of a story
• Character arcs are the transformative journeys that characters undergo, often in response to the events and conflicts of the plot, leading to growth, change, or self-discovery

Protagonist's journey and growth

• The protagonist's journey is the central focus of most stories, tracing the main character's path from their initial state, through conflicts and challenges, to a transformed or enlightened state
• Character growth can involve overcoming personal flaws, learning important lessons, or making difficult choices that reflect a change in values or perspective (Walter White's descent into villainy in Breaking Bad, Aang's maturation and acceptance of responsibility in Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Supporting characters' subplots

• Supporting characters' subplots provide additional depth and complexity to the story, often exploring themes or conflicts that parallel or contrast with the main plot
• These subplots can involve romance, rivalry, personal struggles, or moral dilemmas that complement or complicate the protagonist's journey (Jesse Pinkman's search for redemption in Breaking Bad, Arya Stark's quest for revenge in Game of Thrones)

Antagonist's role in plot progression

• Antagonists, whether individuals, groups, or forces of nature, serve as obstacles or foils to the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the plot forward
• The antagonist's actions, motivations, and development can also provide thematic contrast, moral ambiguity, or cautionary examples that enrich the story's complexity (Gus Fring's calculated villainy in Breaking Bad, the White Walkers' existential threat in Game of Thrones)

Narrative devices and techniques

• Narrative devices and techniques are storytelling tools that writers use to convey information, create emotional impact, or manipulate the audience's perceptions and expectations
• These devices can involve structural choices, stylistic flourishes, or psychological manipulations that enhance the story's depth, complexity, or impact

Flashbacks and flash-forwards

• Flashbacks are scenes that depict events from a character's past, often providing context, motivation, or revelation that informs their present actions or state of mind (The character backstories in Lost, the childhood memories in Sharp Objects)
• Flash-forwards are scenes that depict events from the future, often creating a sense of anticipation, dread, or mystery about how the story will unfold (The opening scene of Breaking Bad, the glimpses of the future in Westworld)

Dream sequences and hallucinations

• Dream sequences are scenes that depict a character's subconscious thoughts, fears, or desires, often in surreal or symbolic ways that provide psychological insight or foreshadowing (The dream sequences in The Sopranos, the nightmares in Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
• Hallucinations are scenes that depict a character's distorted perceptions of reality, often due to mental illness, drug use, or supernatural phenomena, which can create a sense of unease or unreliability (The hallucinations in Mr. Robot, the visions in Legion)

Unreliable narrators and plot twists

• Unreliable narrators are characters who tell the story from their perspective, but whose account may be biased, incomplete, or deliberately misleading, often to conceal a secret or manipulate the audience (The narrator in Fight Club, the protagonist in Gone Girl)
• Plot twists are unexpected revelations or reversals that subvert the audience's assumptions or expectations about characters, events, or outcomes, often recontextualizing earlier scenes or clues (The reveal in The Sixth Sense, the twist in The Usual Suspects)

Nonlinear storytelling and timelines

• Nonlinear storytelling involves presenting events out of chronological order, often through flashbacks, flash-forwards, or parallel timelines, creating a sense of mystery, confusion, or revelation as the pieces fall into place (The structure of Pulp Fiction, the timelines in Westworld)
• Multiple timelines can be used to explore different aspects of a character's life, to contrast different historical periods, or to create a sense of convergence or inevitability as the story progresses (The past and present storylines in True Detective, the alternate realities in The Man in the High Castle)

Impact of story arcs on viewers

• Story arcs have a profound impact on viewers' emotional engagement, investment, and satisfaction with a television series
• The structure, pacing, and resolution of story arcs can influence viewers' viewing habits, discussions, and overall perception of a show's quality and impact

Emotional investment and engagement

• Well-crafted story arcs create an emotional connection between viewers and characters, encouraging empathy, identification, and investment in their journeys and fates
• Engaging story arcs keep viewers hooked through a combination of suspense, anticipation, and emotional resonance, encouraging them to follow the story over multiple episodes or seasons (The character-driven arcs in Friday Night Lights, the high-stakes drama in 24)

Binge-watching and cliffhangers

• Binge-watching, or consuming multiple episodes in rapid succession, has become increasingly common with the rise of streaming platforms and serialized storytelling
• Cliffhangers and other narrative hooks can encourage binge-watching by creating a sense of urgency or curiosity about what happens next, leading viewers to watch "just one more episode" (The addictive pacing of Stranger Things, the twists and turns of Orphan Black)

Satisfying vs frustrating payoffs

• Satisfying payoffs provide a sense of closure, catharsis, or revelation that justifies the buildup and investment in a story arc, leaving viewers feeling fulfilled and rewarded for their dedication (The final season of Breaking Bad, the conclusion of The Good Place)
• Frustrating payoffs, such as unresolved cliffhangers, unsatisfying twists, or inconsistent characterization, can leave viewers feeling cheated, confused, or let down, souring their overall perception of a series (The controversial ending of Lost, the cliffhanger cancellation of My Name Is Earl)

Discussions and theorizing among fans

• Compelling story arcs can spark discussions, debates, and theories among fans, who analyze clues, speculate about outcomes, and share their reactions and interpretations online or in person
• This communal aspect of storytelling can deepen viewers' engagement with a series, as they compare notes, make predictions, and explore the themes and mysteries of the story together (The fan theories surrounding