story’s plot is its progression of events. Plot not only involves the machinations of the powers that be, but the machinations of the characters as they pursue their own goals in the story. Plots are essential to the successful progression of the story. They serve as a beginning to, and a guide during, the story.

A story can have any number of plots (see “Story Style” for more details on this). These plots should all be wound together with skill and care before the actual game begins. The trick is to have all the pieces of a plot already written in the characters’ briefings so they can read about their own respective parts of the overall plot at the game’s beginning. Together, the characters’ backgrounds compose the main story, and by pursuing their own parts of the story, characters progress the plot as a whole.

During a story, it’s often helpful to keep a schedule of events. This is a pre-planned sequence of events (usually initiated by outside forces) that’s going to occur regardless of the characters’ actions. Typically, characters played by Narrators keep the schedule on track. It is also helpful to integrate occasional Narrator characters into the story to assist the progression of the plot (or plots). These tactics should be used sparingly; otherwise players may grow dependent upon interaction with Narrators instead of with each other. However, occasional Narrator intervention can add a new level of unpredictability and excitement to a story.