Super Structure

1. Structure is Your Story's Best Friend, Not Its Enemy

Structure is "translation software for your imagination."

Structure unleashes creativity. Far from being a constraint, structure provides a framework that allows writers to effectively translate their ideas into compelling narratives. It acts as a guide, helping authors organize their thoughts and ensure their stories resonate with readers.

The three-act structure is natural. This fundamental storytelling pattern mirrors how we experience life:

• Act I: Beginning (childhood)
• Act II: Middle (adulthood)
• Act III: End (later years)

This structure taps into our innate understanding of narrative flow, making stories more engaging and satisfying for readers.

2. The Disturbance: Hook Readers from the First Page

The cat sat on the mat is not the beginning of a story. The cat sat on the dog's mat, is.

Start with trouble. The opening of your story should immediately introduce a disturbance to the protagonist's world. This could be:

• A change in circumstances
• An intriguing mystery
• A hint of impending conflict

Avoid the "Happy People in Happy Land" fallacy. Beginning with scenes of contentment and normalcy risks boring readers. Instead, introduce tension or conflict from the first paragraph to capture and hold their attention.

3. Care Package and Pet the Dog: Building Reader Empathy

The Care Package is a story element that greatly enhances reader connection to the Lead.

Care Package: Pre-existing relationships. Show the protagonist's caring side through their interactions with friends, family, or dependents early in the story. This humanizes the character and engenders reader sympathy.

Pet the Dog: Acts of kindness. In Act II, have the protagonist take a moment to help someone weaker or in need, even when facing their own troubles. This further deepens the reader's emotional connection to the character.

Examples:

• Katniss volunteering for her sister in The Hunger Games (Care Package)
• Rick helping Ilsa and Victor in Casablanca (Pet the Dog)

4. The Mirror Moment: The Heart of Your Story

The mirror moment is the most potent of all the signposts. It takes you to the heart of your story.

Central transformation point. The Mirror Moment occurs at the midpoint of your story, where the protagonist faces a crucial realization:

1. "Who am I? What have I become? What do I have to do to change?"
2. "I can't possibly win this battle. I'm going to die."

Illuminates character arc. This moment clarifies the inner journey of your protagonist, showing readers the core conflict and potential for growth.

Guides story development. Understanding your Mirror Moment can help shape the entire narrative, informing both earlier and later scenes.

5. Doorways of No Return: Propelling the Story Forward

The feeling must be that your Lead, once she is across the threshold, cannot go home again.

Doorway #1: Entering the main conflict. This occurs around the 20% mark of your story, thrusting the protagonist into the central struggle. It marks the transition from Act I to Act II.

Doorway #2: Heading towards the climax. Occurring near the 75% mark, this doorway leads to the final confrontation. It could be a major setback, discovery, or decision that makes the final battle inevitable.

Key aspects:

• Create a sense of inevitability
• Raise the stakes
• Accelerate the pacing

6. Mounting Forces and Lights Out: Intensifying the Conflict

Mounting Forces is perhaps the most logical beat in all of Super Structure.

Mounting Forces: Antagonist gathers strength. As the story approaches its climax, show the opposition preparing for the final confrontation. This increases tension and raises the stakes.

Lights Out: The darkest moment. Just before the climax, create a situation where all seems lost for the protagonist. This could be:

• Overwhelming odds
• A seemingly impossible dilemma
• The loss of a crucial ally or resource

These elements create a sense of desperation and uncertainty, heightening reader engagement as they wonder how the protagonist will overcome these challenges.

7. The Q Factor and Final Battle: Crafting a Satisfying Climax

Simply put, something happens that draws courage from the moral and emotional reservoir of the Lead.

Q Factor: Emotional impetus. Introduce an element in Act I that returns in Act III to provide inspiration or motivation for the protagonist. This could be:

• A physical object (e.g., Katniss's mockingjay pin)
• A memory of a mentor's advice
• A reminder of what they're fighting for

Final Battle: Internal and external conflict. The climax should resolve both the outer conflict (physical challenges) and inner conflict (psychological or moral dilemmas) of the protagonist.

Key elements:

• High stakes
• Clear consequences for failure
• Opportunity for the protagonist to demonstrate growth or change

8. Emotional Structure: The Key to Engaging Readers

The biggest changes we make in our own lives occur when we are thrust into a crisis.

Emotions drive engagement. While plot and structure provide the framework, it's the emotional journey that truly captivates readers.

Techniques for emotional impact:

• See it: Visualize the scene and its emotional content
• Feel it: Immerse yourself in the character's emotions
• Trust it: Write from that emotional place without overthinking

Revision for emotional resonance:

• Ensure emotions are consistent with the character
• Reveal new facets of the character through emotional responses
• Use a variety of techniques to convey emotion (action, internal thoughts, dialogue, etc.)

9. Super Structure for Both Plotters and Pantsers

Structure is flexible. You can utilize it at any time in the writing process.

For plotters: Use Super Structure as a framework for outlining your story. Start with the Mirror Moment to illuminate the heart of your narrative, then build outward.

For pantsers: Apply Super Structure elements as you write or during revision. Use them as guideposts when you're unsure where to go next in your story.

Adaptable approach:

• Focus on key elements (Disturbance, Doorways, Mirror Moment, Final Battle)
• Use other elements as needed to enhance your story
• Allow for flexibility and discovery within the structural framework

Remember, Super Structure is a tool to enhance your creativity, not constrain it. Use it to bring out the best in your unique storytelling voice.

Last updated: November 19, 2024