What are some effective ways to structure your plot in a non-linear way?

2 Use multiple perspectives

Another way to structure your plot in a non-linear way is to use multiple perspectives, which are different points of view from different characters or narrators. Multiple perspectives can enrich your story by showing different aspects, opinions, emotions, or information about the same events or situations. They can also create suspense, irony, or unreliable narration by revealing or hiding things from the reader or the other characters. However, sure that each perspective is distinct, engaging, and credible. Use cues such as chapter titles, headings, fonts, or voice to differentiate the perspectives. Avoid using too many perspectives that confuse or dilute the story.

3 Use parallel timelines

A third way to structure your plot in a non-linear way is to use parallel timelines, which are two or more timelines that run simultaneously or alternately in the story. Parallel timelines can create connections, comparisons, or contrasts between different characters, settings, or themes. They can also create tension, anticipation, or curiosity by showing how the timelines affect, intersect, or diverge from each other. However, make sure that each timeline is relevant, interesting, and balanced. Use cues such as dates, locations, transitions, or colors to mark the timelines. Avoid using too many timelines that overwhelm or distract the reader.

4 Use circular or reverse structure

A fourth way to structure your plot in a non-linear way is to use circular or reverse structure, which are ways of arranging the scenes or events of the story in a non-chronological order. Circular structure means that the story begins and ends with the same or similar scene or event, creating a sense of closure, repetition, or cycle. Reverse structure means that the story is told backwards, from the end to the beginning, creating a sense of reversal, discovery, or explanation. However, make sure that the structure is logical, meaningful, and satisfying. Use cues such as clues, hints, or questions to guide the reader through the structure. Avoid using a structure that is arbitrary, confusing, or boring.

5 Use fragments or episodes

A fifth way to structure your plot in a non-linear way is to use fragments or episodes, which are short and disconnected scenes or events that form the story. Fragments or episodes can create a sense of fragmentation, randomness, or chaos that reflects the theme, mood, or style of the story. They can also create a sense of mystery, puzzle, or collage that invites the reader to fill in the gaps, make connections, or interpret the story. However, make sure that the fragments or episodes are coherent, engaging, and significant. Use cues such as titles, numbers, symbols, or images to organize the fragments or episodes. Avoid using too many fragments or episodes that lack structure, direction, or purpose.

6 Use metafiction or intertextuality

A sixth way to structure your plot in a non-linear way is to use metafiction or intertextuality, which are ways of breaking the illusion of reality and incorporating other texts or references into the story. Metafiction means that the story acknowledges its own fictionality, by addressing the reader, the author, or the writing process. Intertextuality means that the story borrows, quotes, or alludes to other texts, such as myths, legends, fairy tales, or literature. Both metafiction and intertextuality can create a sense of playfulness, creativity, or criticism that challenges the conventions, expectations, or meanings of the story. However, make sure that they are relevant, clear, and respectful. Use cues such as comments, footnotes, citations, or parodies to indicate the metafictional or intertextual elements. Avoid using them too frequently or excessively that disrupt or undermine the story.