How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

The Sentimental Plot

Disciplines > Storytelling > Plots > The Sentimental Plot

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

In the sentimental plot the main character is attractive in some way, but is not the all-action hero of the action plot. Instead they are generally frail, passive or with other weaknesses and limitations.

Nevertheless, they are thrown into difficult storylines and have to survive, which they do by luck and necessity. Their passivity means that they they are often done-to rather than taking the bull by the horns.

In the end, they gain their just rewards, although succeeding may be as much a surprise to them as it is to us.

Example

Discussion

Not all of us are aspiring heroes and this often makes it easier for us to associate with the sentimental hero. We worry more about them as we wonder how they will survive what is thrown at them. We also feel better about ourselves afterwards -- if the fragile hero can survive such difficulties, then perhaps we can do likewise.

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