: Re: I am overplotting my story - how can I figure out what is necessary and cut out what isn't? I have recently discovered that the plot and cast of characters of my novel is so unbelievably

@Sherry594

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Maybe your story isn't made for one single novel. Sometimes your plot comes with so many essential storylines, that are important for the main story arc.

What I would suggest: Try to sort the characters in the categories "Main Char" and "Sub Char". Main chars are important for the progress of the main story or for understanding the main story. Then seperate the stories in "Main Story" and "Sub Story". Main stories are worth to tell. They are the core feature to the whole plot. But don't miss the Sub stories. They drive character development, tension grow and much more. Not even starting with deepening relationships between characters and so on.

If you split your stories and chars into these sections,you are able to make 2 choices.
1. Erase some stories: If you cut some Sub Stories, that have almost nothing to do for the plot, you can have a more clear way to see your story.
2. Divide stories into arcs or novels: If you want to keep every story, try to hold a few together and outline it better.

That would be my way to solve your plotting problem But I bet there are plenty others.

EDIT: As Secespitus mentioned as comment in your post. The question itself is not really clear. I assumed you need a technique to make the story more clear for yourself. So if the question is something else, I'm open to correction or revoking my answer for better answers

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