About Plotopus
Story outlining, one question at a time
Plotopus is a story outlining and plot planning tool for writers. Start with a rough idea, find the character or question at its center, and build a connected chain of events. Each step explains what to consider and shows recurring story examples before you answer.
Connect what happens with what changes
Describe each event and its immediate result, then decide what happens because of it. Explore the stakes, world, opposition, and personal tension as your story takes shape. You can jump between questions, keep tentative answers, and save alternative ideas in the parking lot.
Take your outline into your writing process
Plan a novel, screenplay, short story, or another story format. Review your connected outline and export it as Markdown, or download a JSON backup to keep your project portable. Stories save in your browser on this device.