Brandon Sanderson's three storytelling elements: Promises, Progress, Payoffs.
Video: Lecture #2: Plot Part 1 — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy
Brandon Sanderson is one of the most prolific fantasy authors in the world. He mentioned there are three critical elements of a good plot:
- Promises: Promises are expectations a story sets through genre, tone, character, and plot. These implicit promises shape reader engagement. For example, Indiana Jones' opening scene promises an epic adventure.
- Progress: Progress engages the reader when the story moves towards goals or plot progression, though the progress might not necessarily be linear. For example, Star Wars' plot progresses through location changes.
- Payoffs: Payoffs are the reader's feelings when the culmination of promises and progress leads to fulfilled resolutions. These feelings are earned when readers experience the characters' struggles and growth. For example, a story solves its mysteries or reaches climactic conflicts.
These elements are interconnected. Promises set expectations, progress moves towards them, and payoffs fulfill them.
Thanks to Kevin Hsu for sharing this with me. Check out his novel!