A collect the pieces plot is a plot in which the objective is to reassemble some item (which generally has mystical powers) which has been broken up in some fashion. A common object in a collect the pieces plot is a crystal. It is particularly useful for creating a long, segmented story such as those in serials and video games, because each segment with its unique challenges can be dedicated to the location of a single piece.

Forms

There are two main forms of collect the pieces plots:

Total recovery:

• A total loss of the item, which results in many sub quests for the pieces. Each sub-quest can have a completely different storyline to it, although each ends in a recovery of one of the pieces.

Partial recovery:

• Only part of the item is missing, but the whole still cannot function without the missing portion.

Works which use the collect the pieces plot

• InuYasha — the Jewel of Four Souls
• Kirby 64
• The Light Fantastic
• Super Mario RPG
• The Legend of Zelda — Triforce pieces, medallions, crystals, and other items
• Dragon Ball — the dragon balls
• The Pirates of Dark Water — the Thirteen Treasures of Rule
• King's Quest VIII — Mask of Eternity pieces