Vector Theory and the Plot Structures of Literature and Drama

by Cynthia Joyce Clay

This book examines what literary and dramatic plotting is--what plot is. The premise of this book is that the concept of forces in literature and drama is analogous to the concept of forces in physics. In physics, vectors represent the forces that push and pull--that move, propel, objects. Vectors are used analogously to describe how characters, objects, and locations which are the "bodies" of literature and drama reflect the propelling of literary and dramatic "forces." Vector theory “elegantly,” as the mathematicians say, describes the workings of plot in literature and drama, and so will give fiction authors and the theater artists (playwrights, TV and screen writers, actors, designers, choreographers, puppeteers, directors, designers, and TV and film producers) a set of new analytical tools that will help in the creation, revision (including script doctoring and scene rehearsal), and criticism of tales written and performed. While vector theory is able to answer certain questions more thoroughly than they have been answered before, vector theory supports and supplements traditional forms of criticism.


One of the most important functions vector analysis serves for the analysis of literature and drama will be to lay to rest the notion that plot is conflict. Considering conflict to be the essence of plot has tended to flood American culture with stories of violence wanting in dimension, and to encourage fiction authors, dramatic artists, readers, and audiences to find conflict in stories that are not about conflict, and so miss the point of the tale. Vector theory yields a real understanding of the workings of plot and this should lead to the greater appreciation of all tales and to the creation of stories of greater scope.

Genres: Writing

226 pages, ebook

First published January 28, 2005

Reviews

[Guillermo Ramon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores the forces that contribute to the development of the plot in stories. The protagonist is analyzed as the main force to lead the story, while the antagonist is the main opposing force. Every element in the story must contribute to add or subtract strength to the protagonist and or the antagonist. The interaction of the forces forge the story, culminating with the climax. The book explores the plot forces the way vector theory does. Each force has a magnitude, a direction, and a sense. Every encounter of forces replaces each force with the resultant force of the encounter. This form of analysis allows us to understand the flow of plots with a clarity that cannot be achieved otherwise.
Using vector theory allows for literary analysis much more complex that simply looking at conflict.