Growing up, most of us don’t dream of driving a Nissan. Instead, we fantasize about cruising around in a Porsche. As writers, we don’t dream of writing a simple narrative, and instead, we fantasize about creating a blockbuster like Toy Story 3. Together, let’s look at what one of the best scriptwriters in the film industry already figured out about story plot.
Story Plot: A Refresher from Part 1
Part 1 of this series likened fiction subplots to supporting characters.
In many books, the “B” story is often a subplot about an important character (e.g., Sidekick, Mentor, Love Interest, Villain, Co-protagonist). The character provides value to the story by fulfilling a specific purpose essential to the narrative. Likewise, subplots that do not amplify the main plot in meaningful ways are nothing more than time-wasting rabbit trails.
Frivolous characters and subplots risk irritating readers, who all too often voice their displeasure by leaving negative book reviews.
An Example of Story Plot Possibilities
Michael Arndt and the brain trust at Pixar entertained us with Toy Story 3, a 2011 Academy Award winner for Best Animated Feature.
This film also won the hearts of young and old, grabbing our emotions while inspiring us with universal themes about relationships. The movie showcased the need and courage to move on as we turn the page from one chapter in our lives to the next. Done with humor and engaging characters, this animated film wove together seven story plots.
But as solo writers without the fabulous resources of Pixar, how can we create and weave together multiple story plots?
Build a Story Spine for each Story Plot
Included in the Story Spine, Body, & Beats Development Workbook are the instructions and worksheet to build a story spine.
The story spine is one of three writing tools included in that workbook. I’ll share the results of using that tool. In the third installment of this series, I’ll summarize how to use these story spines to create story bodies and beats.
It’s that last effort that weaves together the story threads, keeping us spellbound from the first to last page of a novel.
Create a Story Premise for each Story Plot
Although I will not go into detail here, I’m also using the Story Premise Development Workbook, which shows how to turn an idea into a premise.
Here are my versions of a premise for each story plot:
- Andy: A 17-year-old teenager prepares to leave for college and struggles with what to do with the toys he loved as a youth as he moves on to become a young adult.
- Toys: A group of toys must find a new home because their owner has grown up and they need to be there for a new child.
- Lotso Bear: The leader of the current toys at Sunnyside day care must assimilate the new toys to keep control or risk facing his own fear of abandonment.
- Buzz Lightyear: A space ranger must change his role when the current leader leaves and the second in command becomes the new leader.
- Barbie and Ken: An attractive female doll and a handsome male doll fall in love but his prior work relationship with an evil dictator prevents them from living happily ever after.
- Sunnyside Day Care: A modern day care accepts toy donations for the children, but once donated, what may happen physically and emotionally to the toys remains unclear.
- Woody: The leader of the toys, Woody, struggles with whether he should leave his role and go with Andy to college, where he’ll likely become merely a dorm room decoration for his maturing owner.
Story Spine Purpose and Examples
The story spine tool helps writers draft a barebones version of the entire narrative.
Please keep in mind it’s merely the story’s spine, giving writers a glimpse of the story from front to back. Then the spine aids in fleshing out the full body of the narrative. The fairy-tale format of the story spine helps you quickly nail down the gist of each subplot.
- HOOK: Once upon a time there was ___.
- SETUP: Every day, ___.
- TRIGGER: But one day ___.
- THRUST INTO 2: Because of that, ___.
- MIDPOINT: Since that happened, ___.
- PLUNGE INTO 3: As a result of that, ___.
- CLIMAX: Until finally, ___.
- RESOLUTION: And ever since then, ___.
Below are my story spine examples for Toy Story 3. Each story plot represents a perception of the film. You might create different versions after watching the animated feature.
Writing Principle: The chief character in a plot, even the villain, believes they are the hero of their own story.
1. Story Plot: Andy’s Story Spine
HOOK
Once upon a time there was a 17-year-old named Andy who was excited about leaving for college, but he wasn’t sure what to do with his beloved old toys.
SETUP
And every day, he prepared to leave home, and with only a day before departure, his mom asked him to sort his “stuff” into boxes marked Attic, Garbage, or College, but Andy put the toys in a trash bag he intended for storage in the attic, and as the Friday deadline approached, things got hectic for him and for his mom.
TRIGGER
But, that same day, while hurrying to help his sister Molly, the toys Andy had placed in a trash bag and intended for the attic got left in the hallway, and he intended to carry them up the ladder to the attic.
THRUST INTO 2
And because of that, Andy was unaware that when the attic ladder closed, his mom mistook the bag full of toys in the hallway as trash and she carried them to the curb for garbage collection.
MIDPOINT
And because of that, Andy remained unaware his toys were at risk of going to the garbage dump the day before he would leave for college.
PLUNGE INTO 3
As a result of that, the lead character had no reason to feel worried about his toys.
CLIMAX
Unfortunately, Andy later discovered his mom put the toys at the curb for garbage collection. A third battle continued until Andy found the toys had somehow arrived safely in the attic, he and Mom had an emotional moment where they realized they’ll always be a part of each other’s lives, and the note on the attic box encouraged Andy to donate the toys.
RESOLUTION
And, ever since then, Andy knew that giving the toys to Bonnie was the right thing to do, which meant the toys would be there for Bonnie, and because of his epiphany about relationships, everyone will start new chapters in their lives.
2. Story Plot: Toy’s Story Spine
HOOK
Once upon a time there was a group of diverse toys who were happy being the singular focus of their child — Andy.
SETUP
And every day, the toys played out intricate stories with Andy, to his and their delight.
TRIGGER
But, one day, as Andy grew older, a major change occurred, and the toys realized life would not be the same and they tried to get Andy’s attention to see if he would take them with him to college.
THRUST INTO 2
And because of that, the toys realized they could not stay with Andy, and through a series of missteps, Andy’s mom left them at the curb for garbage collection, where they became convinced Andy no longer loved them; so they planned to find a new home, got into the donation box, and arrived at the Sunnyside day care — a place encouraging them to believe all is well.
MIDPOINT
And because of that, Mrs. Potato Head’s eye, which was inadvertently left under Andy’s bed, revealed that Andy did NOT intend to throw away the toys, but only wanted them stored in the attic, so now they needed to get back home BEFORE Andy left for college.
PLUNGE INTO 3
As a result of that, a new awareness of the need to defeat evil Lotso Bear occurred, leaving the toys feeling they must do whatever it takes to overcome Lotso even though it seemed like an impossible battle, but when Lotso got distracted, they escaped and the evil bear became a hood ornament for the garbage truck.
CLIMAX
Unfortunately, it seemed impossible the toys would get home BEFORE Andy left for college. A third battle continued until the toy got back home, and there they overheard a conversation that convinced them Andy cares, and they’ll gladly climbed into the box marked for the attic.
RESOLUTION
And, ever since then, because Andy’s had an epiphany, which resulted in a change of heart, he took the toys to Bonnie’s house; they arrived at a loving place endorsed by their leader, Woody, and after Andy introduced the toys to Bonnie, she made clear her love, and in response, the toys responded in kind.
3. Story Plot: Lotso Bear’s Story Spine
HOOK
Once upon a time there was a Lotso Bear, and his child, Bonnie, loved him until he got left behind at a rest stop.
SETUP
And every day, because Bonnie got a replacement bear, Lotso believed the love of a child was not real.
TRIGGER
But, one day, Lotso realized he could create a new life for himself, and after making his way to Sunnyside day care, he took control and he manipulated selfishly every facet of the facility and the toys.
THRUST INTO 2
And because of that, Lotso had a goal of assimilating newly donated toys according to his evil plan, regardless of the risk to the new toys.
MIDPOINT
And because of that, Lotso kept control over the toys but underestimated their desire to escape.
PLUNGE INTO 3
As a result of that, Lotso, in his efforts to send the toys to the dump, fell into the dumpster, leaving him feeling angry that he had allowed them to escape, but when the driver plucked him from the trash and made him a grill ornament on the garbage truck, he could only whimper.
CLIMAX
Unfortunately, Lotso could not free himself. A third battle continued, but Lotso, unable to get of the mess he created, stayed affixed to the front of the garbage truck.
RESOLUTION
And, ever since then, nothing changed for Lotso, which served as the negative consequence for his misguided belief that the love of a child was not real.
4. Story Plot: Buzz Lightyear’s Story Spine
HOOK
Once upon a time, there was a fearless space ranger named Buzz Lightyear, who was the second in command to Woody, the leader of Andy’s toys.
SETUP
And every day, as Andy prepared to leave for college and take Woody with him, Buzz got ready to be the new leader of the toys.
TRIGGER
But, one day, as the toys debated whether Andy meant to put them in the garbage, Woody guaranteed to his friends that Andy would take care of them, but Buzz was not sure; Buzz took comfort believing they would all stay together, but the space ranger felt emotional pain when dropped into what he believed was a trash bag.
THRUST INTO 2
And because of that, through a series of events, Buzz and Woody climbed into the donation box in Andy’s mom’s automobile, and when they arrived at Sunnyside day care, they met friendly Lotso Bear and sensed it could be a good new home for the toys.
MIDPOINT
And because of that, when “leader Buzz” morphed into the “Spanish-speaking Buzz” because of reprogramming by evil Lotso, the changed space ranger acted like a prison guard over the toys he had promised to lead and protect.
PLUNGE INTO 3
As a result of that, the toys rallied to help Buzz, and as a positive consequence of unexpected events, his old self re-emerged, leaving the lead character feeling like he didn’t quite know what had happened but with his usual space ranger exuberance and bravado, he joined with the toys to defeat Lotso.
CLIMAX
Unfortunately, even though Buzz and the toys arrived in time before Andy left, things were in disarray. A third battle continued until Buzz helped the toys climb into the box marked “Attic,” but before he got into the box, Woody and he exchanged an emotional goodbye.
RESOLUTION
And, ever since then, because Buzz’s words reinforced the upcoming loss of friendships when Woody leaves with Andy, Woody put a note on the Attic box (unseen by audience), redirecting its contents to Bonnie’s house; once there, Andy introduced Buzz to Bonnie, and when she pressed the space ranger’s button, he said, “To Infinity.… And Beyond!!!” And that marked a new beginning in the lives of everyone.
5. Story Plot: Barbie and Ken’s Story Spine
HOOK
Once upon a time, a handsome male toy enjoyed a modest level of satisfaction with his life, and similarly, an attractive female toy felt okay about her life, but neither enjoyed a loving relationship.
SETUP
And every day, they went about their routines, Barbie conversing periodically with the toys in Woody’s group at Andy’s home and Ken helping the toys in Lotso’s gang at Sunnyside day care.
TRIGGER
But, one day, Andy’s upcoming move to college forced Barbie’s group of toys to look for a new home, and when they arrived at Sunnyside, Ken and Barbie had eyes for each other.
THRUST INTO 2
And because of the powerful attraction, Ken began wooing Barbie showed her his Dream House, and they fell madly in love.
MIDPOINT
And because of that, Ken told Barbie to stay in the Dream House, hiding the fact he took part willingly in Lotso’s evil plan to lock up the toys, but when she discovered he was part of Lotso’s gang, she broke up with him.
PLUNGE INTO 3
As a result of that, Barbie worked with her group of toys to escape, but Lotso, with Ken’s help, stopped their departure, and when that occurred, both Barbie and Ken felt devastated.
CLIMAX
Unfortunately, during the escape attempt, Ken held Barbie back from her friends, and that kept her from falling into the dumpster with them. A third battle continued until she realized her place was with Ken, and since neither she nor he were one of Andy’s toys, they stayed at Sunnyside.
RESOLUTION
And, ever since then, Barbie and Ken lived happily ever after in the Dream House and coordinated the rotation of the day care toys from room to room, which fulfilled their dreams and made everyone happy.
6. Story Plot: Sunnyside’s Story Spine
HOOK
Once upon a time there was a modern day care facility named Sunnyside, a wonderful place filled with many children of different ages, but the younger ones often abused the donated toys.
SETUP
And every day, the children divided into their age groups, met in separate rooms to play with the toys, and that resulted in the abuse of those toys left in the room assigned to the toddlers.
TRIGGER
But, one day, when Andy’s mom arrived at Sunnyside to donate toys, a conversation With the receptionist and her daughter Bonnie occurred, and the day care appeared to be a perfect place for the toys.
THRUST INTO 2
And because of that, the newly donated toys mingled with the current toys and the ones from Andy’s home expected to enjoy the love that would come from the many children; all appeared right on the surface, which encouraged Woody’s decision to return home before Andy left for college.
MIDPOINT
And because of that, after Woody left, the toys soon realized Sunnyside was NOT right for them because, once locked in the room with the youngest children, they got abused.
PLUNGE INTO 3
As a result of that, Sunnyside had a dark side where abuse routinely occurred, leaving the toys feeling like it was not a safe place.
CLIMAX
Unfortunately, it was difficult to leave the day care, and once the toys left, they did whatever it took to never return to Sunnyside. A third battle continued until all the toys, along with evil Lotso, but not Barbie and Ken, got carried away in the garbage truck.
RESOLUTION
And, ever since then, Barbie and Ken remained at Sunnyside, which created a whole new environment based on the best interest of toys AND children, turning the daycare into a true toy paradise for all. Under the couple’s leadership, the daycare toys rotated their time between the Butterfly Room and the Caterpillar Room, held beach parties at the sandbox, and had discos in the Butterfly Room.
7. Story Plot: Woody’s Story Spine
HOOK
Once upon a time there was a pull-string cowboy doll who was the de facto leader of the toys and was always their for Andy, but he could not bring himself to move on when Andy grew up and prepared to leave for college.
SETUP
And every day, Woody reminded the toys of their chief role: to be there for Andy, who continued to love them.
TRIGGER
But, one day, during the preparation to leave for college, Andy’s mom moved the toys intended for storage in the attic to the curb as trash, and Woody had to get them back into the attic; but because of a series of events, Andy’s mom took them to Sunnyside day care in the donation box.
THRUST INTO 2
And because of that, once they arrived at Sunnyside, things seemed fine, and Woody thought it would be okay for him to leave his friends at the day care and head home to get back in the box destined to go with Andy to college.
MIDPOINT
And because of that, Woody faced many challenges on his way to Andy’s house, and along the way, Bonnie took him to her home. While there, Woody learned that Lotso was evil, and so the cowboy must go back to Sunnyside and rescue his friends.
PLUNGE INTO 3
As a result of that, after Woody rejoined the toys at Sunnyside, they discussed the need to escape, a rally occurred, leaving the lead character feeling all the toys would face an impossible battle but one worth their best efforts. Confronted by Lotso, Woody countered with the how the bear’s original child, Bonnie, did NOT abandon him, but accidentally left him at a rest stop, which was why the child’s parent replaced the bear with another. Woody emphasized Bonnie never stopped loving Lotso, but Lotso stopped loving the child. This news from Woody distracted Lotso, enabling the toys to escape.
CLIMAX
Unfortunately, it’s another battle to get home before Andy’s Friday departure. A third battle continued until Woody helped the toys arrive at Andy’s home, they safely got into the box marked for the attic, Woody had an epiphany during his goodbye to Buzz, and scribbled a note on the Attic box, but instead of jumping back into the College box, he joined his friends in the Attic box.
RESOLUTION
And, ever since then, after Woody wrote Bonnie’s address on the attic box, which gave Andy the idea to take the toys to the young girl’s home. Andy introduced each toy to their new child, showing them and the audience that they would have new lives full of love and adventures.
A Decided Focus on Principles, Not Rules
In this series, I’ve focused on major events, what I think of as the principles of story plot.
A focus on story plot helps us avoid majoring in the minors. As you may have surmised, my view of Toy Story 3 may not align with your perspective. That’s okay.
After all, it’s the differences that make our stories unique.
Conclusion
The Trellis Method book explains the array of writing tools designed to speed up the creation and enhancement of your stories.
In part 2 of this series, I used the instructions and worksheets available in the Story Premise Development Workbook and the Story Spine, Body, & Beats Development Workbook to speed the creation of a spine for each story plot. In part 3 of this series, I’ll show how story beats help to weave together these subplots.
It’s the fun part, and involves liberal doses of creativity!
For More Plot Structure Insights
Check out these posts to learn more about Story Plot:
- Fiction Writers: Map Your Plot Structure and Weave Together Threads Like a Pro
- Amplify Your Main Plot: Turn Random Story Ideas into Subplots (Part 1)
And take a look at this plot development tool:
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How do you create and weave together subplots for your stories?
4 responses to “Amplify Your Main Plot: Build a Story Spine for Each Story Plot to Enhance the Overall Narrative (Part 2)”
I love your examples of the supporting Toy Story characters’ plots.
Thanks, Vera! Toy Story 3 is one of my all-time favorite films. It’s rich with many examples of how writers can use life’s universal truths to entertain and inspire audiences.
Timely reminders for me as I draft the three books in my trilogy.
I look forward to hearing your progress, Jacqui. Reverse engineering a masterwork, whether film or novel, gives writers so many insights. We typically view only the finished product, but digging deeper, we learn every great story required many edits to get that structure right. You’ve got this!