 Action/Adventure: September 09, 2009 Issue [#3239] |
  Action/Adventure
This week: Edited by: StephBee  
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I'm back in another guest editor spot this month for the Action/Adventure Newsletter. I had a great time with last month's newsletter, and I just want to thank everyone who wrote in about my feedback question.  . Now, let's go off and have an adventure this month!
Patterns of plot can really help give your story structure and keep it together. Today, we'll look at two different patterns of plot which fit in well with the action/adventure genre.
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There are between five to ten different plot patterns, which, while old, are battle tested. We'll look at two today. Remember, what makes old patterns fresh is what you, as an author, bring to them in the way of characters, voice, and style.
THE QUEST
This is one of the oldest patterns around. This is where the hero/heroine goes out into the world to look for something. A good example: Langdon searching for the Holy Grail in "The DaVince Code." The Holy Grail is a time honored plot, coming to us from the ages. One of the earliest heroes to search for the Holy Grail was Galahad.
A quest isn't just for a sacred object, though. It could be anything, including a person. It could be an inner peace. Keep in mind these elements:
1. The hero/heroine is incomplete in their ordinary life.
2. The object of the quest is important to the hero/heroine.
3. There must be obstacles in the quest.
4. The quest makes the hero different, usually for the better. A quest where the hero doesn't find his object usually ends in a tragedy. An example: After Harry and Dumbledore fail to find a horcrux in HP, Dumbledore dies.
THE ADVENTURE
The crux of an adventure plot involves a character who is yearning for adventure so he/she goes in search of it.
Adventure stories may be as old as the quest. Long ago, for those who were stuck in one geographical location, the adventure story allowed them to experience the "thrill" of venturing out. In one regard, adventure plots are similiar to quests in that the hero/heroine ventures out into the world. The difference is that the hero/heroine is searching to experience the sense of adventure - not an "object." Keep in mind these elements:
1. The hero/heroine is looking for the sense of adventure.
2. The hero/heroine experience several different situations.
3. At the end of the adventure, the hero/heroine usually is given some insight into their character.
"The Quest" and "The Adventure" are just two plot patterns your story can take on. There are a few more I'd love to explore if you'll have me back!
Have fun with your next adventure! 
FEEDBACK:
Does the Harry Potter series have more of a "quest" plot or more of an "adventure" plot. Explain your answer.
FEATURED PRODUCT REVIEW
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References for this newsletter:
Revision and Self-Editing, by James Scott Bell, 2008, F&W Publications
Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell, 2004, F&W Publications
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Here are a few adventures I found around the site:
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Here's some feedback from my last newsletter DTD: 12 AUG 2009.
sarahreed
Thanks so much for the advice on how to plot out an action/adventure story. I had never thought of it in terms of the 3 act structure, but it works perfectly for this genre. Thanks!
You're welcome. Let me know how it works for you.
Vivian 
Thanks for including "Collateral Damage." You're doing a great job with the newsletter. ~~ Viv
Thanks, Viv!
Ẃeβ࿚ẂỉԎḈĥ 
This was a great Newsletter with teriffic tips, Steph!
Thank you for highlighting my story.
Ta,
WW
You write well, Gigi. I love reading your stories.
Last month's feedback question: Which story embodies the action/adventure plot to you? Why?
Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, James Bond - "Dr. No."
Quick-Quill 
I don't consider the first 2 of those ACTION/ADVENTURE and that maybe my problem. To me James Bond is action/adventure, because his job is to respond to an incident that involves conflict directed at him personally to prevent him from achieveing that goal. The others are on a mission/quest to bring about a change that affects a larger target. For example. Batman. Rambo, Terminator to me are action/adventure, even the cartoon Superheros. Starwars, Narnia, Judgement Day, LOTR, Harry Potter are more Quest driven. I don't know if there is another catagory for that and if not then I guess it will have to fall into A/A. The difference between the two types are not dealt with in the same exact way.
A/A is one person (usually) against the antagonist which may be an Army, Government, Crime Ring. The quest is the a inner growth revealed in the outer actions. I hope I have said this right. Now I maybe more confused myself. Just a thought about A/A vs Quests. Response?
What a great response! Ah, you tackled quest verus adventure in your response which is the theme of THIS newsletter. In the aspect that Star Wars and LOTR stories go on a quest, it does fall in the "broader" perview of action/adventure with a more "tailored" plot pattern of the quest. Does Star Wars and LOTR forfil BASIC action/adventure plot elements? Yes. The hero goes outside of their ordinary world to have an adventure. Both Luke and Frodo leave the comfort of what they know. Are their obstacles in the way? Yes. Poor Frodo has it tougher than Luke, in my opinion. At the end, is there change? Yes. The Empire is defeated in SW and Frodo has done away with the evil in LOTR.
James Bond, "Dr. No" (and other James Bond tales) embody the "The Adventure" plot pattern an action/adventure can take on. James goes outside of his ordinary world in every story to have an adventure. Does he have insight into his character at the end of the story. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Because of his adventures, James is reluctant to "fall in love," as the woman he's involved with usually dies.
 You've got a MB coming from me for your reply!
StephBee is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. Her book, "Destination: Berlin," was published by IUniverse. "A tauntly written military adventure." - Midwest Book Review. Her children's book, "The Giving Meadow," will be released by 4RV Publishing in the spring of 2010. She is a full time editor of the Drama NL.
Your Full Time Action/Adventure Editors:
billwilcox
NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth 
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