Idiot Plot or Realistic Plot

[PeacefulMyst]

so today I learned about idiot plots. I knew watching the threads on the forums like an eagle would be a good idea

 

[Representing_Tromba]

so today I learned about idiot plots. I knew watching the threads on the forums like an eagle would be a good idea

glad you learned something.

 

[Agentt]

Oh, I did that plenty. Some days I would accidentally over drink and wake up the next day with a good 4k words written that I would have to edit into something cohesive. I did that on and off for the first 800 pages.

Quite an expensive hobby, I must say

 

[ArcadiaBlade]

I tried to write idiot characters but was too afraid that it wasn't good enough and I don't really see any appeal in trying to dumb the people. Instead, I did the opposite and tried to write smart characters instead.

The result?

Imagine in an arena where people are gathered and two opponents face off and show off their skills. Then, sparks begin to intensify as experts began to decipher what they are doing and whatnot while spectators only cheer as they don't know what the hell is going on but just yell because it just kept your blood boiling in excitement, not even knowing what they are doing.

I am part of that spectator and while the comments argue how such a match becomes exciting, I'm still processing what the fuck is going on and still trying to catch up because I was scammed by one of the people of the stage and wanted to know if he is winning or not. Thats basically how my stories work.

 

[JayDirex]

For some reason, the story I'm writing is supposed to be a light-hearted, isekai rom-com but ended quite serious than what I intended.

That's because rom-com, by definition, is an idiot plot. The things that happen in Rom-Coms are 1. Misunderstandings 2. Density 3. Dense misunderstandings. 4. Bad Decisions by seemingly rational people.

Which goes to show just how difficult writing comedy is. If you follow the Saturday Night Live Comedian in Movies approach, the scenario is TYPICALLY:

1. Everyone but the MC is either a dumbass, full retard, or just not as smart as him (meaning you can have square characters that are not complete idiots, but when the MC pulls his smart stunt, these characters are also impressed.

2. The whole movie relies on the MC creating scenes. Either ridiculous, going undercover and becoming one of his stand up characters, or maybe outwitting a one dimensional bad guy.

The point is, the MC is typically the smartest guy in the room. As for Japanese Rom-coms. The MC is typically a moral center. A square, a virgin. But his heart is in the right place. He will then do the DUMBEST FUCKING things imaginable either for a laugh, OR, so that it takes the stupid away from the love interest and keeps it squarely on the MC.

The Authors don't care if you hate the MC. But they absolutely want you to like the Waifu/Love interest. Hence the burden of dumbass falls on the MC to create the comedy.

 

[Deleted member 54065]

The Authors don't care if you hate the MC. But they absolutely want you to like the Waifu/Love interest. Hence the burden of dumbass falls on the MC to create the comedy.

So uh, I'm more on creating a 'logical' reactions to my story and characters. Maybe that's why I end up always getting my plotlines serious.

Ah in any case, I'm still trying to redirect it to romcom from time to time. I mean, I've seen people acting irrationaly and stupid because they love someone.

Addendum: I don't watch Saturday Night Live because I don't watch TV shows (I prefer to read), I'm in Asia, and I'm not interested in talk shows. ?

 

[Representing_Tromba]

Quite an expensive hobby, I must say

Not really. I make my own rum and mead. It's pretty cheap that way. Plus, I would only drink once or twice a week as I don't want to become dependent on it.

 

[Agentt]

. I make my own rum and mead.

Oh my, you have a cellar?

 

[Representing_Tromba]

Oh my, you have a cellar?

No, I have some fermenting bags that keep all the mead and rum I make at the right temp. I just finished bottling up 10 gallons of cherry mead last week. Though it's all pretty much kept in my closet.

 

[georgelee5786]

Have you ever written a story with the intention of making all the characters just dumb enough to slow the progression of the plot as whatever problem they face would be solved instantly if they were smarter? This is known as an Idiot Plot. The exact definition is "Any plot containing problems that would be solved instantly if all the characters were not idiots."

Because of how easy it is to write I tried practicing with idiot plots. However, I try not to make any of the characters obviously dumb. This somehow alters things just enough to somehow make a plot with realistic progression as the reader is learning everything along with the characters. How this happens? I don't know. I just want to make a bunch of chaotic dumbasses but instead all I do is make somewhat rational chaotic neutral characters.

Anyways, I digress. What are your thoughts on idiot plots and realistic plots in terms of writing and reading? Do you enjoy writing either of them and is it difficult or easy? Which is more fun or interesting to read. Would you rather have a wacky idiot Plot or a more realistic steady plot?

I prefer realistic, steady plots

 

[Fortunis]

Like any structure the idiot plot has its place and uses, mainly on comedy or satire. Writing a realistic plot or an idiot plot is always interesting, now the problem arises when writers use the excuse of the idiot plot to just spew gibberish. In any plot structure consistency is a must and even on the wackiest of plots you need to have a natural coherent progression that makes sense within the rules you set up for your story.

 

[gogo7966]

idiot plots physicly hurt me.

 

[Representing_Tromba]

idiot plots physicly hurt me.

If pain lasts more than 4 hours you should seek medical attention.

 

[RepresentingCaution]

Idiot plots don't interest me because I can't relate to the characters. However, I'm sure those stories appeal to idiots because idiots can relate to the characters. If you have fun writing it, do it! Someone will love it.

 

[Representing_Tromba]

Idiot plots don't interest me because I can't relate to the characters. However, I'm sure those stories appeal to idiots because idiots can relate to the characters. If you have fun writing it, do it! Someone will love it.

I agree. I had only wanted to write an idiot Plot because it was easy to start out with but somehow I messed that up and made a serious story.

 

[RavenRunes]

Idiot plots, hmm? Someone came up with Sharknado...