Story Structure for Beginners

When authors say they just make up books as they go along, I kinda cringe inside.

There are two possible scenarios here:

• The author knows story structure innately and is using that innate knowledge to guide their pantsing (as it is often called—flying by the seat of one’s pants).

• The author has no idea and the book is a hot mess.

Books that don’t follow a natural story progression do not work. If you don’t believe me, read Wired for Story by Lisa Cron. Our brains naturally fall into the patterns that shape a story. Whether it’s the Three-Act Structure, The Hero’s Journey, or whatever archetype you want to follow, they all lead to the same place.

I am kind of a structure nerd and am always thinking about it, whether I’m reading or watching movies. I’m thinking about how those story beats fall in order to satisfy my lizard brain. Here’s what I’ve cobbled together based on my two favorite resources, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody and Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland.

Act I

Show the protagonist’s world as it currently is. An inciting incident occurs, prompting the protagonist to think differently about that current world (or maybe being forced into it). There is some kind of denial - not wanting to enter the new world. At the 20% mark of the book, the protagonist finally accepts the mission and Breaks into Act II. This is also Weiland’s First Plot Point.

Act II, Part One

Show the protagonist’s new world (Brody’s Fun and Games). At the 30% mark, add a new obstacle or challenge the protagonist has to face (Weiland’s First Pinch Point). If you want a subplot, now is the time to introduce it. This act/part ends at the midpoint, which leads the protagonist to either a False Victory or a False Defeat. The protagonist also has a Mirror Moment: looking at themself and having to decide who they really are as a result of the story.

Act II, Part Two

Things get worse (Brody’s Bad Guys Close In). Protagonist has to face the consequences of the False Victory/False Defeat. Another problem or challenge occurs (Weiland’s Second Pinch Point). At 70% of the story, something really bad happens (Weiland’s Third Plot Point) and the protagonist faces the All is Lost moment and the Dark Night of the Soul reflection. Now we Break into Act III.

Act III

Gear up for the climax! Now is the time for the protagonist to face the truth about themselves and defeat the villain. This could be an internal or external villain depending on the story you’re telling. The protagonist needs to gather a team to help them beat the bad guys. There’s another False Victory or False Defeat in there, but the protagonist ultimately triumphs (unless you’re using a negative plot arc, which is another whole post).

Got any tips and tricks for structure? Any plotting hacks that work for you? Share them with us!