A plantser is a writer who combines the structured planning of a plotter with the freeform discovery of a pantser. In practice, this usually means having a loose outline or knowing a few key plot points, like the ending or a major twist, while leaving the spaces between those landmarks open for improvisation. The balance looks different for every writer. Some lean more toward plotting with occasional detours, while others mostly pants but anchor themselves with a handful of planned beats.
Most writers eventually land somewhere in plantser territory, even if they started as a committed plotter or pantser. The approach gives you the confidence of knowing where your story is headed without killing the spark of surprise that makes writing feel exciting. It is a practical middle ground that acknowledges how messy and nonlinear the creative process actually is.
Pick a story idea and write down exactly three things you know about it: the opening image, one major turning point, and the final scene. Now start writing from the opening image without any other plan. When you reach a point where you feel lost, glance at your turning point and ask what needs to happen to get there. Notice how the planned anchors and the improvised connecting scenes feel different on the page.