A book keeps us reading from beginning to end as we wait to find out what happens next to the main character.
That’s probably because we’re used to thinking of novels as one whole story with a basic plotline from beginning to end.
But some novels make use of an episodic plot: instead of the chapters forming a coherent whole, they tell about a specific incident or episode in the character’s life, with its beginning and end tied up neatly within the chapter.
In a sense, the bigger story is split into a series of smaller, usually self-contained events or adventures, but still tied together by a unifying theme or a larger narrative.
As each chapter resolves the conflict specific to that episode, it also sets up a new conflict for the next chapter.
Episodic Plot vs. Dramatic Plot
The most common plot structure that you’ve probably encountered in novels is the dramatic plot, wherein the story opens and then moves forward, even through twists and turns, toward its logical, satisfying conclusion at the end of the book.
In contrast, the episodic plot is made up of several loosely related incidents, tied together by common characters or a common theme. Usually, the episodic plot happens on a chronological basis. Sometimes, the author uses this strategy to show different angles of the same event.
This plot structure is only applicable in a novel, and many adventure novels use it to show different parts of the journey in every chapter. Others may highlight a different character in each chapter.
For a visual comparison of the dramatic plot versus episodic plot, take a look at the figure below:
What Is an Example of Episodic Plot?
An episodic story tells a series of separate but possibly interconnected scenes. One of the most popular examples of a story with an episodic plot is JD Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, wherein the narrator tells about different events that happened the year before.
A good way of visualizing an episodic plot is to take a look at TV or film series: you have the same characters, with some coming in or leaving, but each episode is a complete story in itself.
That’s why it’s perfectly fine to miss an episode of a TV series (although of course, if you’re hooked, you probably won’t want to miss a minute!); each episode wraps up its own conflict, so when you jump back in, it will be a whole new mini storyline you can enjoy.
Other examples include J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, which was originally written for the author’s young children.
Each chapter contained a stand-alone adventure that they could read before bedtime, somewhat akin to The Arabian Nights. Each chapter could be read on its own, but overall, they still moved the whole plot forward until the end.
Detective mysteries can also be considered episodic, such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series.
Important Elements of an Episodic Plot
Take a look at some of the most important characteristics of a story running on an episodic plot:
- Distinct but logically connected episode: Yes, each chapter in an episodic story can stand alone, but they still need to feel like they are part of a single story. This usually happens when you stick to the same characters or a common theme.
- Complete story elements in each episode: Because each chapter covers an episode, you need to make sure it has all the story elements in place: conflict, rising action, climax, and resolution, for example. Think of it as like writing several short stories about the same characters, but within the same overarching theme.
- Episodes contribute to the overall plot without affecting other episodes: Although each episode is a distinct mini-story, it still has to move the overall plot forward. Usually, it will not have any direct repercussions from previous chapters or to future chapters.
- A common theme binds the episodes together: This is perhaps the secret ingredient in an episodic plot: the overarching theme is what binds all the chapters, albeit separate mini-stories, into one coherent whole.
How Do You Write an Episodic Plot?
Here are some important tips to remember in order to write a successful episodic story:
1. Decide on your story’s natural structure.
Check on the story you want to tell: is it best told as a series of separate events, or through a dramatic plot?
The reason we ask this is because you can’t force an epic story that’s meant to take the reader through a progressive story arc into episodes, but lighter stories, such as those meant for children, can do well.
From the very start, decide whether the plot structure works for your story.
2. Feel free to add a secondary character or two in some episodes.
Although the episodic story generally tells about the same main characters, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the entire cast from Chapter 1 to 20.
Instead, consider what kind of secondary characters you can introduce in different episodes; you don’t have to add one to each episode, but adding one every few chapters can be a good way to keep your readers’ interest level up.
3. Make sure your characters and subplot move the overall theme along.
While each chapter can be a stand-along episode, pick subplots and characters that make sense to where your overall theme is going.
For example, if your story is about strengthening family relationships, a subplot that has nothing to do with this may not be the best choice for an episode.
4. Connect your episodes so that they flow together.
One challenge with writing episodic stories is that the stand-alone mini-stories can feel disconnected.
By adhering to a common theme and common main characters, it can help the episode come together as part of a larger whole.
5. Keep a consistent tone.
Again, just because you’re telling a bigger story in smaller episodes doesn’t mean you can change your tone every chapter! Decide what kind of story you’re telling and what mood you’re going for.
If possible, stay consistent. If you do divert, make sure you have a valid reason for doing so, such as, for example, showing a character’s dark mood in contrast to his usual sunny disposition.
Writing Episodic Plots
When you find a story idea that works well told in episodes, feel free to practice writing them as separate short stories, albeit sticking with a common theme.
Then, you can put them together in chapters and see if they come together; if not, feel free to tweak a bit here and there until they come seamlessly together.
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Subplots: How to Add Complexity to Your Story
- Scene and Sequel: How to Plot an Epic Novel
- Plot Holes: What They Are and How to Avoid Them
- How to Use a Beat Sheet to Plot Your Novel or Screenplay
Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
