The next step in building the foundation of my story is a Plot Grid. This is where I can overlay the Skeleton Outline (60-Minute Plotting Method) with the Character Arc (Story Circle) to see how the story flows.
The Plot Grid’s magic is in its flexibility. While this is great for customization, it can be overwhelming for writers. Let’s look at a few examples using the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
Chapter-based
If my story has several sub-plots, then I create one row for each chapter and a column for each subplot. After I enter the information for each plot, I can see what the other plots are doing in relation.
| Chapter | Main Plot | Katniss and Peeta | The Mockingjay |
| 1 | Intro Katniss. She survives by hunting and selling what she collects. Establish her friendships and everyday life. | . | Show the poverty of District 12 and the Capitol’s control/ cruelty. Explain the history of the Reaping Ceremony. |
| 2 | Effie calls Prim’s name at the Reaping. Katniss volunteers to take Prim’s place. | Effie calls Peeta’s name at the Reaping. Katniss remembers when Peeta helped her family by giving her burnt bread after her father died so they didn’t starve. | |
| 3 | Katniss says goodbye to her friends and family. Gale and Peeta’s father promise to look after Prim. | Madge gives Katniss a pin with a mockingjay. Explain how the mockingjays were used by the Capitol as spies, and how the rebels fed them false information. Establish the pin as a sign of rebellion. |
Character-Based
In order to track character-based plots, create a row for each scene and a column for each character.
| Scene | Katniss | Peeta | Snow |
| The Farewell | Katniss promises Prim she will try to win. Katniss is emotionally closed off . | Resigned himself to his fate. He is quiet and observant. | |
| The Cave | Katniss realizes she cares is Peeta lives or dies. | Peeta admits his long-time love for Katniss. | Snow changes the rules to play up the romance between Katniss and Peeta. |
| Rue’s Death | Katniss is grieving. She honors Rue by staying with her and covering her body in flowers to remind people Rue was a person. A child. | Katniss’s funeral for Rue causes a rebellion in District 11, which angers Snow. He orders the Peacekeepers to use violence to quell the rebellion. |
Why Use a Plot Grid?
By using a Plot Grid, you ensure that every part of your story appears where it needs to.
- Check for Story Gaps: If several chapters go by with no mention of the mockingjay, then it may be time to have it referenced for continuity.
- Pacing: An absent antagonist could be a sign that they need to make an appearance.
- Foreshadowing: Use the Plot Grid to see where foreshadowing will have the best impact.
Remember that these are just two examples of how to organize a Plot Grid. They can also include columns for clues, MacGuffins, or anything else that you need to track through a story.
If you are struggling with organizing your Plot Grid, please check out my author services to contact me about setting up a one-on-one coaching session. I can help you create a custom Plot Grid for your story.