The Maturing Plot

Disciplines > Storytelling > Plots > The Maturing Plot

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

In the maturing plot, the main character acquires maturity in some way. This may be the adolescent transition from child to adult. It may also be an adult transitioning as a new level of wisdom and realization is gained through hardship and difficulty. The maturation may be a 'coming of age' experience, with culturally classic rites of passage and symbolic transitioning. It may also come through tough experiences, from kidnap to war.

An important element within this plotline are the turning points of the life decisions that the hero makes, hopefully taking responsibility for themselves and making wise choices.

Example

Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations' and James Joyce's 'Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man'

Discussion

Maturation is a theme for all of us as we transition between stages in our life. Such changes are, by definition, life-changing, and seeing others successfully navigate these choppy water can give us hope and confirm the decisions we have made ourselves along the way.

The Maturing Plot is one of Friedman's story plots.