Draw a diagram to follow your progress within a story. This will allow you to keep track of main characters, their motivations and the plot points that go along with them. Pick a diagram method that works for you, whether a sequential chart, a tree or any other format.
Chunk similar information together within paragraphs. Isolate the main topic of each paragraph by viewing the paragraph as a single unit and looking at how it fits within the paragraphs before and after it.
Paraphrase the main point of each paragraph as a separate sentence in your notebook.
Apply the paraphrased chunks of information to the existing diagram to pair up characters, narrative objects and motivations.
Use the information gathered to make predictions about what might occur next in the story.