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.
Probably one of the best things I’ve discovered trying to write. Actually, I’m going to go ahead and say this is the BEST things I’ve discovered when it comes to writing. This has freed my writing so much!! In fact, looking back some of the work I tried to write followed this formula before I was even aware of it. And I find that I write best this way.
Also adding other links to other articles on the subject for future reference:
- https://mythicscribes.com/plot/kishotenketsu/
- https://www.katekrake.com/forwriters/kishotenketsu-the-four-act-narrative-or-the-plot-without-conflict/
- http://magickless.blogspot.com/2012/12/kishotenketsu.html?m=1
- http://robynpaterson.com/ki-sho-ten-ketsu-a-japanese-way-to-structure-your-stories/
- http://www.nicolewlee.com/features/2014/7/18/essay-on-kishtenketsu
- https://www.google.com/amp/s/spontaneousderivation.com/2013/09/15/writing-dissonance-kishotenketsu-or-plot-without-conflict/amp/
The significance of plot without conflict
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