Causality of Plots

Posted

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue

By Mackenzi Lee

Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2017

 

Mackenzi Lee creates a wonderful example of the domino effect in plotting in this adventure story. The protagonist, Henry “Monty” Montague, is a likable rogue who is taking a tour of Europe before settling down to run the family estate. In a somewhat immature act of revenge, Monty steals an ornamental box from a duke.

This theft sets every subsequent scene in motion. Their company is beset by highway men who are trying to recover the box but end up separating the teens from their chaperone and their finances. They travel to learn the code that opens the box. Once they learn what’s inside, they travel again to utilize that information. Without giving away any more of the story, I’ll simply say no domino is out of place.

Every scene in a novel should cause at least one other scene. I check the causality of my manuscripts by listing the scenes and drawing arrows to show which events caused other things to happen. Every scene should trigger another scene or be the result of a previous occurrence.

24 Responses to “Causality of Plots”

  1. Vicky Lorencen

    Thanks, Ann. I like the way your layered your critique with a lesson writing. (Once a tutor, always a tutor.)

    And I am enjoying your new space too.

    • ann

      Thanks, Vicky. I was trying to decide what to post on this blog, and I didn’t want to do book reviews, per se. I learn a lot from reading other people’s books, so I might as well write about that.

    • ann

      Thanks, Deb. I’m working on a talk about this. When I get that slide done, I’ll email it to you.

  3. Sandy

    What a great bog start, Ann. I look forward to reading this book, as well as your future posts.

    • ann

      Thanks Sandy. This is a fun book. Monty is such a rake, and yet we adore him. I’m looking forward to the sequel, THE LADIES’ GUIDE TO PIRACY AND PETTICOATS.

  4. Lisa Wheeler

    I love short and sweet, Ann! I also love a review that doesn’t give it all away, makes me want to read the book, and gives great writing tips. Thanks!

    • ann

      Thanks, Ruth. I’m hoping to continue this series – when I have time to read …

  8. Stella Giacomazzi

    What a creative way to do a mini book review and a writing lesson all in one! Nice job, Ann. I’m looking forward to more. 😊

  9. keo nha cai

    Hello to all, the contents present at this site are genuinely awesome for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.

  10. Sue Thoms

    Love this short and sweet review- writing lesson combo! And the book sounds like a great read.

  12. keo nha cai

    When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
    Thank you!