Summary
Story Charts. Write stories or analyze classics. Keep to yourself or broadcast to the world. Mobile friendly, private by default, and auto-archived by email. Write stories down to live a meaningful life. A story is made up a sequence of scenes which propel one or more plots towards their resolution. Plots are one of three types: internal, external, or relationship, that change through the story. A story chart maps the changes of these plots through the scenes. The interaction of the plots and their ultimate resolution gives the story its meaning. In the story chart above, there are three plots, one of each type. Let's say the relationship plot depicts whether two characters, call them Rick and Ilsa, find love together. Let's say the external plot depicts whether a resistance fighter, Laslo, can escape Nazi capture. Let's say the internal plot depicts whether Rick will become a patriot and take an active role in the resistance against the Nazis. This story would be Casablanca. At its resolution, Rick gives up his chance at love in order to become a patriot and ensure Laslo's escape. The meaning thus derived would be something like love leads to living responsibly. The story chart helps visualize the invisible threads that weave the story.
Internal
A plot reflecting internal change in a character.
External
A plot reflecting an external quest.
Relationship
A plot reflecting a change in the relationship between two people.
Scene - inciting incident
A change in the world setting in motion a series of choices and consequences.
Scene - back story
Raising the stakes.
Scene - confrontation
Choice and consequence.
Scene - confession
Choice and consequence.
Scene - resolution
Irreversible conclusion.