OMG, I love this

[la_vie_noire]

The significance of plot without conflict.

In the West, plot is commonly thought to revolve around conflict: a confrontation between two or more elements, in which one ultimately dominates the other. The standard three- and five-act plot structures—which permeate Western media—have conflict written into their very foundations. A “problem” appears near the end of the first act; and, in the second act, the conflict generated by this problem takes center stage. Conflict is used to create reader involvement even by many post-modern writers, whose work otherwise defies traditional structure.

The necessity of conflict is preached as a kind of dogma by contemporary writers’ workshops and Internet “guides” to writing. A plot without conflict is considered dull; some even go so far as to call it impossible. This has influenced not only fiction, but writing in general—arguably even philosophy. Yet, is there any truth to this belief? Does plot necessarily hinge on conflict? No. Such claims are a product of the West’s insularity. For countless centuries, Chinese and Japanese writers have used a plot structure that does not have conflict “built in”, so to speak. Rather, it relies on exposition and contrast to generate interest. This structure is known as kishōtenketsu.

Comments

[dorothean]

I saw that! It blew my mind!

[la_vie_noire]

I loved it!

[zulu]

That's a great explanation; the comics help put it perfectly.

[la_vie_noire]

Yes, they are pretty awesome!

[willow]

Don't many short stories follow the same rhythms as the examples given?

[la_vie_noire]

Of course. A lot of shonen manga also follow the three arcs/conflict structure.

I guess it's making a point about a dominant discourse in Western narrative.

[willow]

What's become the dominant discourse, I guess. I had the experience a few years ago of reading lots of things about 'the death of the short story' and 'let's revive the novella' etc...

[la_vie_noire]

Oh, I didn't know that. To be honest, most of the western fiction I'm familiarized with follow the "conflict" structure UNLESS of course they are non-mainstream/indie/obscure fiction... or pretentious/critical appraised works about characters introspection... you know.

[willow]

Granted, I'm not sure which of what I read growing up was 'Western' and which wasn't. But I read loads and loads of short stories, of all types. Some are Edgar Allen Poe and Isasc Asimov and O'Henry. Some I can't remember the names of, because I read them for joy, and didn't end up years later having a teacher try to 'introduce me to them'. Only to go 'Oh, I read this. That's the name of the author? Ok.'

But yeah, I didn't know about the 'pretentious' bit or 'obscure' bit and now I do. It explains though why I've had trouble finding models for my own writing for the things I want to try.

[la_vie_noire]

Yeah, yeah, you are right about Poe and stuff. Still, kinda the minority. But yeah, now I remember things like Lolita that kind of don't fit.

Don't know, but yeah, most recent western fiction is all about this three-arc stuff.

[glass_icarus]

*____* :D

[la_vie_noire]

Pretty amazing!

[eccentricyoruba]

Interesting stuff, thanks for sharing!

[la_vie_noire]

You welcome, bb! <3