Story structure

An exciting twist on more common story structures, the Four Act Structure is one you'll definitely want in your novel writing toolkit.

Learn how to use the Three-Act structure to create riveting stories, and see expert examples of the Three-Act structure in use!

Learn how the Hook grabs readers from the very first page with an irresistible question that piques their curiosity and keeps them reading.

The best way to learn story structure is to analyze good stories. Can you readily identify each plot point in every movie you see or book you read? Or do terms like ‘inciting incident,’ ‘midpoint reversal,’ and ‘black moment’ leave you confused? In our Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the movie “Jurassic World” we show you how to recognize each element and provide a Free Plot Template so you can draft satisfying, high-quality stories of your own.

✨New Series✨ Story Structure Basics First up is the classic five-act story structure: 1. Exposition: introduce the characters, provide some backstory, and end with an inciting incident that disrupts their daily life. 2. Rising Action: Conflict begins to rise & character starts to pursue their goal. 3. Climax: The character(s) thinks they’ve achieved their goal, tension is at it’s highest, can be a major turning point in the plot. 4. Falling Action: The character(s) must face consequences and…

6 story structures, complete with story structure charts to help you create an original plot and outline your next novel.

Every novel must include these seven key story elements. Get these right and you can write a story readers love.

Story plotting and structure provide a way to give your storytelling scope in a systematic writing process. Learn more.

Aristotle, about 2,500 years ago invented this 3 act structure in his book ‘Poetics’ and is often credited by screenwriting how-to authors with having originated three-act structure because of his observation that a tragedy must have a beginning, middle and an end.