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Get to know what the storyline is, functions, types and stages 

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Plot is an important element in every literary work or film. As readers or viewers, we are often carried away by the emotional journey and adventures faced by the main character in the story. 

However, before we can really enjoy a story, it is important to understand what the plot is, its functions, types, and stages. In this article, we will discuss in full about the plot, from understanding to stages.

By understanding this concept, it will be easier for us to appreciate the literary works or films we watch, and can also improve our ability to write or make better stories.

Apa itu Alur Cerita 

The story plot is the sequence of events that occur in a literary work or film, from beginning to end. The story plot is usually built through a series of actions and reactions carried out by various characters in the story. 

The story plot has several important elements including introduction, conflict, escalation of conflict, climax, resolution. 

This can be arranged in various forms, such as linear or nonlinear, depending on how the author or filmmaker develops the story. In addition, some literary works or films may also have subplots, which are small stories that are intertwined with the main plot.

The story plot is an important element in literary and film works, because it allows the reader or viewer to follow the development of the story and evaluate the actions of the characters in the story. A strong and interesting story plot can make a literary work or film more interesting and captivating for readers or viewers.

Fungsi Alur Cerita 

Gambar visual dari alur cerita sebuah komik.
Alur cerita (Foto: Pexels)

It has several functions in a literary work or film, including:

1. Build tension

Plot can take the reader or viewer on a suspenseful journey. Through story plot, authors or filmmakers can build tension and anxiety among the characters in the story, thus attracting the attention of readers or viewers and making them want to continue following the story.

2. Increase interest

Plot can add to the interest of the reader or audience in the story being told. By constructing interesting and complex story plots, authors or filmmakers can make people want to know what will happen next and how the story will end.

3. Give direction to the story

This plot also serves to provide direction to the story. By determining the order in which events occur, an author or filmmaker can guide the reader or viewer through the story and ensure that it has clear directions and is easy to follow.

4. Make the character more attractive

Plot can make the characters in a story more interesting and complex. Through the story plot, readers or viewers can see how the characters in the story react to the events that occur, thus making them closer and involved with these characters.

5. Bringing a moral message

The story plot can also carry moral messages or values that the author or filmmaker wants to convey. By establishing an appropriate plot, the author or filmmaker can make the story more meaningful and have a positive influence on the reader or viewer.

Thus, the story plot plays an important role in forming a successful and interesting literary work or film. By using a good storyline, authors or filmmakers can make their work more interesting, meaningful, and entertaining for readers or viewers.

Jenis Alur Cerita 

Gambar merupakan visualisasi dari alur cerita dalam karya sastra.
(Image: Pexels)

There are several types of plot that are commonly used in literary works or films. Here is an explanation of the different types of storylines:

1. Linear

Linear plot is a plot which follows the chronological order of events in the story. This means that the story is told from start to finish chronologically, without any significant pauses or time jumps. This type of plot is usually used in simple films or literary works, and the aim is to produce a story that is easy to follow.

2. Non-linear

Non-linear plot is a plot that does not follow the chronological order of events in the story. The stories presented can jump forward or backward in time, or tell events from different points of view. This plot is usually used to create a more complex and interesting story, as well as to explore different points of view.

3. Circular

Circular plot is a plot that follows a circle, where the beginning and end of the story are connected to each other. The story will end at the same point as the beginning, creating the impression that the story forms a complete circle. It is usually used in literary works or films that have a philosophical or mystical theme, and can convey complex and deep messages.

4. Partial

Partial plot is a plot that does not cover all the events in the story. The author or filmmaker may choose to show only certain parts of the story, leaving the reader or viewer to fill in the rest of the story. It is usually used to create a sense of mystery or uncertainty in the story, and allows the reader or viewer to actively participate in the story.

5. Back and forth

Forward-backward plot is a plot that tells the story backwards, from the end to the beginning. The story can be told through flashbacks, or it can be preceded by a dramatic climatic event and then told backwards to explain how the story got to that point. 

This story plot is usually used to create tension and mystery in the story, and allows the reader or viewer to explore the story more deeply.

Check out the Stages of the Story Plot 

The stages of the story plot are the sequence of events in a story that are arranged with the aim of creating a dramatic impression and building strong conflicts and characters. Here are the stages of the story plot in full:

1. Introduction

The introduction stage is the initial stage in a story. Here, the reader or viewer is introduced to the background, characters, and problems faced by the main character in the story. 

The purpose of this stage is to build an emotional connection between the reader or audience and the main character, as well as provide important context and information needed to understand the story as a whole.

2. Conflict

The conflict stage is the stage where the main problem in the story begins to emerge. The main characters face obstacles or challenges that prevent them from achieving their goals, and the conflicts that occur in the story become more intense. This stage is usually the climax of the story and becomes the main focus of the storyline.

3. Climax

The climax stage is the culmination point in the story, where the conflict reaches its highest point and the main character must make an important decision to resolve the conflict. This stage is often a dramatic moment in the story, and can take the form of a heroic act or a major decision that can change the course of the story.

4. Completion

The completion stage is the stage where the conflict in the story is resolved. The main character finds a way to overcome the obstacles or challenges he faces, and the story reaches its final point. This stage is usually used to provide answers to all questions that arise during the story, as well as provide a satisfactory conclusion for the reader or audience.

5. Epilogue

Epilogue stage is an additional stage that is often added after the completion of the story. Here, the reader or viewer is given the opportunity to explore the impact of the events in the story on the characters or the environment. 

This stage is usually used to provide a stronger ending and to give an idea of what might happen after the story ends.

Within each story, the stages of the storyline may vary, depending on the objective and theme of the story. However, good use of storyline stages can help authors or filmmakers create strong, interesting, and satisfying stories for readers or viewers.

Also read: Definition, Impact, Causes and Background of the Industrial Revolution

Conclusions 

By using different types of storylines, authors or filmmakers can create stories that are more interesting, complex, and meaningful to their readers or viewers. Each type of storyline has its own advantages and disadvantages, and must be chosen carefully according to the purpose and theme of the story to be conveyed.