The Plot Checklist (2012 Edition)
To download a Word template of this checklist, click here.
For definition of the terms used below, see the “Quartet” talks in Second Sight, this blog post, and this one. I go deeper into all of these subjects in my Plot Master Class.
Central Action Plot: Conflict    Mystery   Lack
Stakes (beginning / end):
Central Emotional Plot: Conflict    Mystery   Lack
Stakes (beginning / end):
Desire/Compulsion: What does the protagonist want?
Overarching Obstacles: What keeps him/her from getting it?
Exposition: The situation at the beginning:
Inciting Incident: The status quo changes when:
Escalating or Complicating Events / Periods (include Events, Periodic Questions or Obstacles, Turning Points, and Takeaways if applicable):
Subplots / Relationships (include Type, Stakes, Obstacles, and other plot elements if applicable):
Climax: Everything comes together when:
Resolution: The reader can tell things have changed because:
Experiential Point:
Emotional Point:
Thematic Point: