Post History

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/48662
License name: CC BY-SA 4.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

I'm in the process of writing a mystery novel/novella and it conforms to the traditional/classic mystery novel, emulating that of Agatha Christie or A.C. Doyle. I'm having doubts as to the proper way to structure the mystery plot. I know the general principles regarding the incorporation of common plot structures such as Freytag's Pyramid, plot twists, subplots, etc. to mystery novels. But, my question involves the use of scenes, sequels, and MRUs (motivation reaction units).

It is intuitive to use generalized plot elements in a mystery novel such as exposition, rising, middle, climax, and resolution as outlined by Freytag's Pyramid. But, on a microscopic level, it does not make much sense to structure a mystery novel with alternating sequences of scenes and sequels which is composed of MRUs. I bring this up because the sequence of events in a scene is Goal, Conflict, and Disaster. And a sequel consists of Reaction, Dilemma, Decision. This structure is, in my opinion, not compatible with a traditional mystery novel. I don't know if contemporary authors use repeating scenes and sequels in non-traditional mystery novels written today, but in the traditional style mystery novels written today, I don't see this type of plot structure as being conducive to writing an effective mystery or deriving a pleasurable reading experience.

The issue I see is that mysteries and traditional/classic style whodunit mysteries in particular cannot have disasters at every turn. And I don't see how MRUs apply conveniently to mystery stories. How can you have motivation and reaction driving every minute action of the detective? The MRU structure, in my opinion, just doesn't play well with a typical mystery novel, especially traditional style mysteries. I also don't see how sequels fit in nicely with the plot structure of a mystery novel. Moreover, A mystery is like an intellectual game between the reader/detective and the villain/detective. It is race to see who will solve the puzzle first and a game of cat and mouse before the detective brings the antagonist or villain to justice. It is purely an intellectual exercise, and disasters at every turn dilute the main effect of a mystery novel. So are scenes, sequels and MRUs actually incorporated into mystery novels, especially traditional mysteries? If so, how is this done effectively. I haven't been able to find anything online on this topic. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

Original score: 3