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A Study on the Critical Methods of Creative Writing Theories -Focused on Plotting-

  • Korean Language & Literature
  • 2008, (66), pp.303-327
  • Publisher : Korean Language & Literature
  • Research Area : Humanities > Korean Language and Literature

Lee, Mi-ran 1

1전남대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This paper aims at providing a framework for evaluating plotting from the standpoint of creative writing theory, and at analysing works using this framework. Reading works by a critical method based on creative writing theory is a reading including both synthetic reading as a reader and analytic reading as a writer. The synthetic evaluating standard is ‘Unity.' And the analytic evaluating standards are ‘precision', ‘congruty' and ‘affinity'. In terms of unity, ‘Is there a dramatic tension?,' and ‘Is the theme well exposed?' must be investigated. The analaytic evaluating elements of the former can be ‘Is the plot point appropriate?', ‘Are the stakes rising?', ‘Is the flashback effective?' (precision), ‘Is the lead's objective dominant?’, ‘Are obstacles powerful?', ‘Do the circumstances and situations give feeling of tension?’(congruty), ‘Is the ending logical?’, ‘Does the ending has a fresh impact?', ‘Are the story's important knots unreveled?’(affinity). The analaytic evaluating elements of the latter can be ‘Is there a character arc?’(precision), ‘Is the motive of inner conflict clear?’, ‘Is the opposing character’s temperament considered?’, ‘Are symbols and motifs effectively used?’(congruty), ‘Does a character take a action based on realization?’, ‘Does the ending give a feeling of resonance?’(affinity). With the framework above, the plotting in “Believing Love” written by Kwon Yeo-sun is analysed. This work is plotting with dramatic tension, designed three layers of story structure. There are various plot points and powerful obstacles, tense circumstances and situations, and a impactive and logical ending. Also, this work is plotting with two layers of theme; ‘the triviality of love’ and ‘the value of trivial love’, through good character arc. There are profound journeys, and intensive motivated characters, effective aphoristic sentences, and taking action. “Believing Love” is a good work with effective plotting. This study can be useful for fiction writing lessons. For student-writers it can be a standard for evaluating and revising their own writing. Furthermore this study may be a step toward developing fiction writing theories.

Citation status

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