An outline's purpose is to establish plot elements for you to return to while you write your novel, but it also helps root your story concept in a meaningful way. Your outline will organize your scenes, characters, and ideas in a logical, sequential order. It can also help you avoid duplicating material in your novel. The first thing to understand about plotting a story is that there are two types: linear and circular. A linear plot follows a sequence of events that unfolds predictably until it reaches a conclusion. Sherlock Holmes mysteries are examples of linear plots because each chapter or section tells a coherent story that leads up to and then moves forward from a central event. In a circular plot, several different stories or arcs are going on at once with no clear beginning or end. Shakespeare's plays are examples of circular plots because each one has many storylines that don't come together until the last act. It's best if you can write a linear plot because it makes planning your story easier. You can divide up your manuscript into sections based on what happens in relation to the central event, and each section can have its own unique ending. This way you won't need to worry about conflicting requirements from your publisher or agent. However, not all stories are suitable for being written as linear plots.