Not every “good” book has a plot.
From an early age, we’re taught the components of a good story: setting, character, plot, conflict, and theme. These five components form the backbone of what we typically consider a “good” book. However, the rise of plotless fiction rejects the most pivotal of these cornerstones: plot.
Plot often stands out as the most critical literary element—a sequence of events, driving the story forward and keeping readers hooked. Divided into five parts—exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution—this structure creates a sense of progression and suspense, guiding readers through a series of events which culminate in a satisfying conclusion.
But not every “good” book needs a plot. Recently, I’ve found myself gravitating towards plotless fiction. These are books that don’t follow the traditional arc of conflict and resolution, but instead focus on the inner lives of characters, the nuances of relationships, and the beauty of ordinary moments.
These novels don’t rely on an external series of events to create meaning, rather, they invite readers to sink into the emotional and psychological depth of their characters. The Idiot by Elif Batuman, which is currently staring at me from my bookshelf across the room, is an example of a novel that, while not driven by a strong plot, draws readers in through its exploration of the protagonist’s inner world.
The Idiot follows Selin, a first-year Harvard student, as she navigates the complexities of language, love, and identity. There’s no traditional conflict or resolution, and no explosive climax. Instead, the book meanders through Selin’s thoughts and experiences, capturing the awkwardness, uncertainty, and curiosity of early adulthood.
What makes The Idiot compelling isn’t what happens, but how Batuman captures the mundane in a way that feels both relatable and profound. Selin’s observations about life and her often awkward interactions with others creates a sense of intimacy, making the reader feel as though they are experiencing the world through her eyes.
The lack of a structured plot allows space for moments to breathe, to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and immerse yourself in the subtle, often overlooked details of life. This unhurried pace mirrors the way we experience the world—through fragmented thoughts, quiet epiphanies, and long stretches of introspection.
It’s in these plotless narratives that we often find the most truth. I’ll it that a plotless book isn’t for everyone. The lack of a clear direction or climactic event might feel frustrating, but that’s real life.
Just because it’s plotless, doesn’t mean it’s pointless. The absence of a driving narrative allows for a more intimate, reflective kind of storytelling. It mirrors real life, where not every experience is neatly packaged with a clear beginning, middle, and end, tied up with a bow.
Life doesn’t need to be a grand narrative arc to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s in the small, quiet moments—the ones that don’t seem to move the story forward—where we find the most insight into ourselves or others. These books encourage us to slow down, to sit with discomfort or uncertainty, and to appreciate the subtle beauty of everyday experiences.
For readers like myself, plotless books like The Idiot, Normal People by Sally Rooney, and My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, offer a sense of reliability that more structured narratives often lack. Plotless novels don’t ask us to suspend disbelief for the sake of a tidy story arc. Instead, they ask us to sit with the messiness of life, and that’s okay.
While plot may be a cornerstone of many great books, it’s not always necessary for a story to be impactful. Sometimes, the most powerful narratives are the ones that don’t follow a conventional path, and that’s all the story we need.
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