Structuring Your Novel

1. Story structure is the backbone of compelling narratives

Structure is required in all of art. Dancing, painting, singing, you name it—all art forms require structure. Writing is no different.

Universal underpinnings. Story structure provides a framework that ensures powerful plot and character arcs. It's not a formula that limits creativity, but rather a shape that allows authors to be concrete and confident in their creation of the story arc. This structure is present in all successful stories, whether the authors consciously applied it or not.

Key elements. The basic structure includes:

• A hook to capture readers' attention
• An inciting incident that sets the story in motion
• Rising action that builds tension
• A climax that resolves the main conflict
• A resolution that ties up loose ends

Understanding and applying these elements helps authors create stories that resonate with readers and keep them engaged from beginning to end.

2. The Hook: Capturing readers from the first page

If we can pique our readers' curiosity, we've got 'em. Simple as that.

Crafting curiosity. The hook is the opening of your story that grabs readers' attention and makes them want to keep reading. It often presents a question, either explicit or implicit, that readers want to see answered. This question should be specific enough to create genuine curiosity, not just general confusion.

Elements of a strong hook:

• Introduces a compelling character
• Establishes the setting
• Sets the tone for the story
• Presents conflict or tension
• Raises questions that demand answers

A well-crafted hook doesn't just entice readers to continue; it also sets expectations for the story to come and begins to establish the world and characters that will populate it.

3. The First Act: Setting the stage for the journey ahead

Beginnings are the sales pitch for your entire story.

Establishing foundations. The First Act, comprising roughly the first quarter of the story, is crucial for introducing characters, settings, and stakes. This is where you give readers a reason to care about what happens next. It's not just about action, but about developing characters and relationships that will drive the story forward.

Key components of the First Act:

• Character introductions (protagonist, antagonist, supporting characters)
• Setting establishment
• Introduction of the main conflict
• Foreshadowing of future events
• Building reader investment in the story's outcome

The First Act should end with the First Plot Point, a major event that propels the protagonist into the main conflict of the story and marks the point of no return.

4. Plot Points: Pivotal moments that drive the story forward

Plot points are what keep your story moving forward. They mix things up, keep the conflict fresh, and propel your character far away from any possibility of stagnancy.

Story catalysts. Plot points are major events that change the direction of the story and force characters to react. They occur at key moments in the narrative structure, typically around the 25%, 50%, and 75% marks of the story.

Types of plot points:

• First Plot Point: Launches the main conflict (25% mark)
• Midpoint: Changes the context of the conflict (50% mark)
• Third Plot Point: Sets up the final confrontation (75% mark)

These pivotal moments keep readers engaged by continually raising the stakes and presenting new challenges for the characters to overcome. They ensure that the story maintains momentum and avoids becoming predictable or stagnant.

5. The Second Act: Building tension and developing characters

The Second Act is where your characters find the time and space to react to the First Plot Point.

Character growth. The Second Act, comprising roughly 50% of the story, is where characters grapple with the consequences of the First Plot Point. This is a time of reaction, attempts at problem-solving, and personal growth. It's divided into two parts by the Midpoint, which often represents a shift from reaction to action for the protagonist.

Key elements of the Second Act:

• Rising action and complications
• Character development and internal conflicts
• Subplots that enrich the main story
• The Midpoint, marking a significant shift in the story
• Preparation for the final confrontation

This act is crucial for deepening reader investment in the characters and raising the stakes of the conflict. It's where the bulk of the character's journey takes place, setting the stage for the climactic events of the Third Act.

6. The Third Act: Delivering a satisfying climax and resolution

The Third Act is the moment we've all been waiting for—readers, writers, and characters alike.

Payoff and closure. The Third Act, comprising the final quarter of the story, is where all the threads come together for a satisfying conclusion. It begins with the Third Plot Point, which sets the stage for the final confrontation, and includes the Climax, where the main conflict is resolved.

Components of a strong Third Act:

• Increased pacing and tension
• Character arcs reaching their conclusion
• The Climax, resolving the main conflict
• Resolution of subplots
• A denouement that provides closure

The key to a successful Third Act is delivering on the promises made earlier in the story while still providing some element of surprise or satisfaction. It should leave readers feeling that the journey was worthwhile and complete.

7. Scene structure: Crafting engaging micro-stories within the larger narrative

Like the story itself, the Scene will follow a specific structure.

Building blocks of story. Scenes are the fundamental units of storytelling, each with its own mini-arc that contributes to the larger narrative. Understanding scene structure helps authors create compelling, purposeful scenes that drive the story forward.

The three-part structure of a scene:

1. Goal: What the character wants to achieve
2. Conflict: The obstacles preventing the character from achieving the goal
3. Disaster: The outcome, usually a setback that leads to the next scene

Each scene should have a clear purpose, advancing the plot, developing characters, or preferably both. By mastering scene structure, authors can ensure that every part of their story contributes meaningfully to the whole.

8. Sequels: Providing crucial character reactions and decisions

The sequel is where introspective moments, quiet conversations, and character development occurs.

Emotional processing. Sequels are the counterpart to scenes, providing space for characters to react to events, process emotions, and make decisions. They are crucial for pacing, character development, and maintaining realism in the story.

The three-part structure of a sequel:

1. Reaction: The character's emotional response to the scene's disaster
2. Dilemma: The character's consideration of their options
3. Decision: The choice that leads to the next scene's goal

Sequels allow readers to connect with characters on a deeper level by showing their internal processes. They also provide a natural ebb and flow to the story's pacing, preventing reader fatigue from constant high-intensity scenes.

9. Mastering variations in scene and sequel structure

Scene structure can flex to fit almost any proposed situation in your story.

Flexibility in storytelling. While understanding the basic structure of scenes and sequels is crucial, mastering the art of variation allows authors to keep their stories fresh and unpredictable. Variations can help control pacing, emphasize certain story elements, or create specific effects.

Common variations include:

• Implied goals or decisions
• Compressed or extended reactions
• Interrupted scenes
• Scenes that begin with conflict
• Sequels that occur in a matter of seconds or over several chapters

The key to successful variation is understanding the purpose of each structural element and ensuring that, even when altered, the scene or sequel still fulfills its role in advancing the story and developing characters. This flexibility allows authors to craft unique, engaging narratives while still benefiting from the solid foundation of story structure.

Last updated: January 24, 2025