Section 10
Chapter 10: Simple and Complex Plots explained simply
Poetics by Aristotle
Original excerpt
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Plots are either Simple or Complex, for the actions in real life, of which the plots are an imitation, obviously show a similar distinction. An action which is one and continuous in the sense above defined, I call Simple, when the change of fortune takes…
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Plots are either Simple or Complex, for the actions in real life, of
which the plots are an imitation, obviously show a similar distinction.
An action which is one and continuous in the sense above defined, I call
Simple, when the change of fortune takes place without Reversal of the
Situation and without Recognition.
A Complex action is one in which the change is accompanied by such
Reversal, or by Recognition, or by both. These last should arise from
the internal structure of the plot, so that what follows should be the
necessary or probable result of the preceding action. It makes all the
difference whether any given event is a case of propter hoc or post hoc.
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Simple English explanation
Aristotle distinguishes simple plots from complex plots. Complex plots include reversal or recognition, where the direction of the action changes through discovery.
1-minute summary
Aristotle divides plots into simple and complex. A simple plot moves without major reversal or recognition, while a complex plot turns through those changes and can produce stronger tragic force.
Key takeaways
- Simple plots have a direct movement of action.
- Complex plots include reversal or recognition.
- The strongest turns arise from the plot itself.
- Complexity should be structural, not decorative.
Modern example
A mystery becomes complex when a clue changes what the audience thinks the whole story means.