Plot Quote by Mark Twain
![“T[he rules of writing] require that the episodes in a tale shall be necessary parts of the tale, and shall help to develop it.” quote by Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7e1/mark-twain-22_plot_t-he-rules-of-writing-require-that-the-e_2085504.jpg)
““T[he rules of writing] require that the episodes in a tale shall be necessary parts of the tale, and shall help to develop it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, 1876
Every episode in a story must serve a purpose and advance the narrative.
In simple terms: Story parts must be essential.
Key Takeaway
Make each scene count.
Themes
writing
structure
narrative
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
instructional
explanatory
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- teaching storytelling
Key Concepts
plot relevance
storycraft
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you test if a scene is essential?
- What happens if you remove a scene?
A Different Perspective
A scene that adds no value can still feel necessary to the author.
![“T[he rules of writing] require that the personages in a tale shall be alive, except in the case of corpses, and that always the reader shall be able to tell the corpses from the others.” quote by Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be6/mark-twain-22_books_t-he-rules-of-writing-require-that-the-p_2169332.jpg)
![“Steve [King] has been incredibly supportive. He's also really good about getting back to me when I have questions about plot or characterization.” quote by Robin Furth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c0c/robin-furth-29780_characterization_steve-king-has-been-incredibly-supportiv_8517.jpg)
![“It's not the plot [of Valley of Violence] - the plot is the reason to get all these things to happen, all these character moments to happen. It was always meant to have these two perspectives.” quote by Ti West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3dc/ti-west-2310_character_it-s-not-the-plot-of-valley-of-violence_20670.jpg)
