Plot train
A plot train is a metaphorical gestalt of people, events, and narrative arcs within a larp over time to create an experience of story and game that is typically large in participant number, has its own momentum, and seems to be building towards a particular ending. The creation of a plot train typically depends on the input of key characters or group decisions leaving a significant mark on the world state of a larp, altering player's sense of connection to it. This may also be seen as the "main plot", especially if its creation was intended by GMs. There may be multiple different plot trains running concurrently within a sufficiently sized larp.
Plot in this context is defined best as "major events that move the action in a narrative"[1]. This sense of plot as 'movement' within a narrative through time is also reflected in the language of plot 'railroads', on which a plot train might be running, and which players may 'get on' or get 'off' from, by getting involved with or disengaged from that part of the game. Key agents or plot drivers may be moving 'to' an intentional end goal by collaborating as a team within the mechanics of a game towards a united purpose, or by acting out certain roles that create a particular story, such as playing a villain who will ultimately be defeated by the heroes.
Some players feel involvement with a plot train improves their sense of agency, feeling of belonging, or feeling of personal value in bringing the story to life. But it may also be spoken of in less desirable contexts, such as for players who feel overwhelmed and need to get 'off' the train during a live game to take a personal break; or when a player desires a different play experience, such as something more sandbox-like or intimate.
The more players that are involved, the larger the 'plot train', and the more that there may be an expected crowd opinion on where it should or shouldn't go or what happens - the metaphorical destination for the train - typically based on popular tropes[2]. Players have been known to use steering and even break rules of the universe or immersion in it to ensure the 'train' stays 'on the rails', or to make sure certain participants are included in it.[3] The larger the crowd and the more well-known the tropes, the more difficult it can be to organise the crowd into playing out a plot that varies from expectations, or to pause the scene to wait for a single player. Thus, much like a train in real life, once it has built up acceleration, it cannot be stopped easily.
See also
- Plot hoarding - it is possible to 'hoard' a plot train by excluding players who ask to be included in its scenes or withholding narrative information from them.
- Plot triage - plot trains may be 'triaged' into each other, the larger trains typically absorbing smaller plots in their wake.
References
- ↑ Ali, Asgar (2022). "CHAPTER 22 STRUCTURE OF THE PLOT IN ENGLISH LITERATURE". In DEVENDRA KUMAR GORA, YASHASWINI (ed.). INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH LITERATURE AND DRAMA (PDF). Jersey City: Alexis Press. p. 234. ISBN 978-1-64532-485-0. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
- ↑ Off the Rails on TVTropes. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
- ↑ Traveling at the Speed of Plot on TV Tropes. Retrieved 6 July 2026.