Sample Plotting Worksheet
Copyright 1999 Leigh Michaels
This example shows how the plotting worksheet can help to reveal story weaknesses, develop new directions, and create a plot in which each scene and event relates to those before and after.
1. What is the heroine's short-term problem? With a new business to establish, Molly needs to acquire a good, well-paying client who can not only provide her with income but can give her references and contacts.
2. What is the hero's short-term problem? After suffering a stroke, Luke's father seems to have lost interest in everyday life, and Luke is looking for a way to reawaken Warren. Since the only thing Warren seems interested in is the past, Luke suggests writing a book about Warren's company and its history.
3. How are the two problems related? Warren's book project is exactly the kind of job Molly needs for her new company.
4. How do these problems come to the reader's attention? In Chapter One Molly meets with Warren to discuss the possibilities of his project and show samples of her work.
5. How does the heroine's short-term problem grow worse? She realizes after she's made the pitch for the job that Luke, the man who once rejected her, is now the head of the company--and she'll actually be working for him.
6. How does the hero's short-term problem grow worse? Suddenly he's saddled with Molly, the woman who used to have an embarrassing crush on him.
7. What is the heroine's long-term problem? Though she has gone on with her life and is raising her daughter--Luke's child--Molly has never gotten over Luke's rejection of her.
8. What is the hero's long-term problem? The sudden loss of his mother caused him to irresponsibly turn to Molly for comfort; shocked and horrified by the way he had used her, he was cold and cruel in smashing her attachment to him, and he's never forgiven himself for either action.
9. How are the two problems related to each other? They are forever joined because of their daughter--the result of Molly's urge to comfort Luke and Luke's reception of that comfort.
10. How are the long-term problems of each character related to their short-term problems? The short-term problem concerning Warren forces them back together; Warren's growing attachment to the granddaughter he doesn't know is his granddaughter leads to Bailey's endangerment, to Molly's confession, to a custody quarrel, and the proposal of a marriage of convenience.
11. What is the black moment at which it seems impossible the problem can ever be solved? Luke has proposed a marriage of convenience, so both can be full-time parents to the child they adore. Molly refuses, knowing that even if her decision leads to her losing Bailey, the alternative--being the wife in name only of a man she loves but who doesn't love her--would be worse.
12. How is each character's short-term problem resolved? Luke's goal is achieved when Warren's interest in life is reawakened by his fondness for Molly and Bailey, more than through the book. The book project forms a solid foundation for Molly's infant business.
13. How does the solution of the short-term problems contribute to the solution of the long-term problem? Pressure from Warren to bring Molly and Bailey into the family force Luke to look at himself and his feelings, especially why he's still so bothered by how he'd treated Molly. Molly has to admit that she's no longer a girl with a crush but a woman in love, and face up to how she's been dishonest with Luke by not telling him about his daughter.
14. How do the main characters contribute to the solution of their own problems? By looking honestly at themselves. By finally admitting to each other the hidden corners of their feelings.
15. What event brings about the ending? Molly's rejection of Luke's cool proposal forces him to look at his motives and realize he loves her; his attempt to show her that he cares for her as a woman rather than simply as his daughter's mother brings about the switch and the resolution.
16. What is the happy ending? Luke and Molly marry, forming a permanent loving relationship between themselves as well as being cooperating parents of their child.
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