The Revelation Plot

Disciplines > Storytelling > Plots > The Revelation Plot

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

In the revelation plot, the main character starts out ignorant of some fact, whether it is a personal failing or some issue in their lives, such as the unrealized betrayal by a supposed friend.

During the story, the person gradually or suddenly acquires the truth of the situation. The story then continues in exploring how they handle the shock of this discovery.

Example

Roald Dahl's 'Beware of the Dog'

Discussion

In reading the story, we start off fearing for the protagonist and perhaps frustrated that they do not realize what to us is glaringly obvious.

As they begin to realize the truth, we egg them on, and are mightily relieved when they discover what has happened.

We then worry for them as they go off the deep end in reacting to the revelation and smile for them as they handle the situation in an an appropriate manner.

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