Multiple Conflicts and Antagonists and "Arcs"...

[lonewolfwanderer]

A lot of writing resources i've read tell me that a story usually has a single core conflict. But i'd like to know, can a story have multiple core conflicts?

And can each conflict (core or not) have it's own Antagonist?

In my WIP what i'm leading towards is more of as Arc-like structure (as in multiple story Arcs). There is a central conflict within the story, with one Main Antagonist. But the Antagonist doesn't show up until much much later (obviously he/it* is mentioned here and there in the WIP, and his/its effects are felt throughout the story). Also he/it doesn't directly affect the Protagonists goals, at least not yet.

For my first part, i have: William tries to remember his past. Firstly, would that count as a conflict?

Secondly, if the answer is yes, this will be its own Arc, with its own antagonist (Possibly its own book entirely**). But there will be links with the next Arc (William searches for his father) and its conflict, and so forth. Eventually leading to the final "Core" conflict with the Main Antagonist at the end. All the while, the effect of the main antagonist is seen throughout, so he/it is there. Would this work? If such a technique has been used in novels, could you direct me to some examples, please?

*I say "he/it" because the true antagonist is more of a force than a person, but is possibly "represented" by a person.

**Would something like trying to remember your past be able to ride more than one book? Say maybe a Trilogy?

 

[Fishbowl Helmet]

You can basically do what you'd like in that regard, multiple arcs, plots, subplots, antagonists, and protagonists. Generally though there's only one "core" conflict as there's only one that's the most important to the story.

Check out this presentation on structure: Dan Wells on Story Structure, part 1 of 5 - YouTube

The bit about weaving multiple arcs together (with a Matrix example) might be especially helpful.

 

[barrett1987]

Am i right in thinking this is one of your, if not the, first thing you've written? I was watching a Brandon Sanderson thing and he was clear on this. When its a first couple of novels, keep it simple. Work on getting a story down thats good. So don't worry about future story lines and just focus on William's journey in finding his past. You can have vague or even concrete ideas about where William goes after the book but i wouldn't get to hook on it until you've written the first.

As so the whole multiple antagonist. You can do. Just make sure each one is real and has a satisfying conclusion.
If someone is out to stop william finding his past, why is he not introduced until the end? Where is he when william begins his 'journey'

 

[Dozmonic]

I was going to link what Fishbowl linked. The start of the Matrix summary is here: Dan Wells on Story Structure, part 4 of 5 - YouTube

I think it highlights it pretty well

 

[lonewolfwanderer]

You can basically do what you'd like in that regard, multiple arcs, plots, subplots, antagonists, and protagonists. Generally though there's only one "core" conflict as there's only one that's the most important to the story.

Check out this presentation on structure: Dan Wells on Story Structure, part 1 of 5 - YouTube

The bit about weaving multiple arcs together (with a Matrix example) might be especially helpful.

Fishbowl, that link is a lifesaver. It explained exactly what i was uncertain about, now i can return to my WIP with renewed confidence.

Am i right in thinking this is one of your, if not the, first thing you've written? I was watching a Brandon Sanderson thing and he was clear on this. When its a first couple of novels, keep it simple. Work on getting a story down thats good. So don't worry about future story lines and just focus on William's journey in finding his past. You can have vague or even concrete ideas about where William goes after the book but i wouldn't get to hook on it until you've written the first.

As so the whole multiple antagonist. You can do. Just make sure each one is real and has a satisfying conclusion.
If someone is out to stop william finding his past, why is he not introduced until the end? Where is he when william begins his 'journey'

It's my first novel, that is correct. Got a few adult short stories packed away somewhere for a rainy day, and a kids short story I came up with a while back. Haven't published anything yet, at least not outside a school publication (got a letter published once, but i don't think that counts).

And okay, yes. I've been told that too. But being that i do aim for this story to stretch over multiple novels, i've been working on the story for the whole series, which is the final resolution.

In my WIP the main Antagonist is more a thing than a person. It may, or may not be, represented by a person. Although, it may also be possible that the corruption itself is sentient. Haven't decided yet, all i know is that the corruption is the Antagonist.

The Antagonist isn't introduced early because it has been sealed away until William unknowingly breaks the seal. The effects of the corruption are visible because the seals were weakened when William was born. But i need to find out why and how William breaks the seal, and that is where the sub/parallel plots/arcs come into play. And, because the Antagonist is Passive until later, i needed something to drive the story until the seals are broken. However, they may be over complicating the story...

But after watching that link Fishbowl posted, i may be able to simplify it a little more.

 

[Fishbowl Helmet]

Fishbowl, that link is a lifesaver. It explained exactly what i was uncertain about, now i can return to my WIP with renewed confidence.

But after watching that link Fishbowl posted, i may be able to simplify it a little more.

Kick its arse. Just keep in mind the seven-point plot thingy from the video lecture is a skeleton of the major points along the path that is your story, not the whole thing.

 

[lonewolfwanderer]

Kick its arse. Just keep in mind the seven-point plot thingy from the video lecture is a skeleton of the major points along the path that is your story, not the whole thing.

Of course. I believe that generally there are no rules in writing, only guidelines. But even then, there are basics every writer follows, and they're there to help make the process of writing a little simpler.

The major points are what i am uncertain about. All i knew was the ending and who the protagonist and who the antagonist were. I just didn't know how to get it there. It's all good explaining the Hero's Journey, 3-Act system, etc but without at least one example, i get confused. I like to see it being done, step for step, because then i understand it because i've got something to reference it all with. The video you posted, breaks it down, explains the process and gives examples. Which was perfect.

Then by doing it myself, i begin to understand it better and thus can implement it in my own way. Like music. I've studied music since I was 10, and there are basic structures every song follows, basic rules and guidelines that are written that help to make it all possible. But every musician implements those rules differently, thus creating something different.

Or in fighting terms: "The best technique is the one which the last man standing used." or something like that haha

 

[RebeccaTheWrecker]

This is so odd. I was having almost exactly the same problem. First WiP, with short stories published, knew my characters and ending and had bits and pieces of plot everywhere, but no structure. I couldn't write anymore than a few chapters because I had nowhere to go. I also wanted to write multiple books, and needed overall plots and plots for each of them. Then I watched the Dan Wells video and it was like everything clicked into place. Not everything, but it was massively helpful when deciding where exactly I wanted to go.

Obviously I haven't sorted everything out yet, but watching that video was insanely helpful.

I actually don't have anything helpful to contribute to this thread, I just wanted to say you're not alone.