How to Use the Seven-Point Story Structure to Write a Captivating Story

Do you know exactly how you want your story to end but have no idea how to start? If you already have an amazing story but cannot quite figure out how to structure it, or maybe you have already started writing, but somewhere in the middle, the story loses momentum. If any of this sounds familiar then let me present to you the seven-point story structure.

What Is the Seven-Point Story Structure? (And Why It Works)

The seven-point story structure is a storytelling technique. It is a guide that helps you craft a well-paced and engaging narrative. Unlike many structures, it encourages you to begin with the resolution. Start with how the story ends and work your way to the start to make sure it leads to a satisfying conclusion. The seven-point story structure consists of seven key points.

The Seven Key Points of the Seven-Point Story Structure

1. Hook: The starting point where you introduce your protagonist’s ordinary life.
2. Plot Point 1: The inciting incident. The transition from the protagonist’s ordinary life into adventure.
3. Pinch Point 1: The situation escalates and the protagonist has to face challenges and conflicts.  
4. Mid Point: A pivotal moment where the protagonist moves from reaction to action, shifting the story’s direction.
5. Pinch Point 2: The story’s central conflict turns for the worse, creating a major setback for the protagonist.
6. Plot  Point 2: The climax of the story. This is where the protagonist learns something that helps them resolve the central conflict.
7. Resolution: The central conflict is solved and the protagonist reaches their goal or learns a valuable lesson.

Examples of the Seven-Point Story Structure in Popular Books

We see the seven-point story structure in many different types of media. In literature, a perfect example is To Kill a Mockingbird (literary fiction) and Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (Young Adult Fantasy). 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Literary Fiction)

1. Hook: Scout Finch lives in Maycomb, a sleepy Southern town, during the Great Depression.
2. Plot Point 1: Atticus Finch, Scout’s father, takes on the case of defending Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.
3. Pinch Point 1: Scout and Jem face prejudice and hostility from the townspeople due to their father’s decision.
4. Midpoint: The trial begins, and Atticus presents compelling evidence proving Tom’s innocence.
5. Pinch Point 2: Despite the evidence, Tom is convicted, showcasing the deep-rooted racism of the town.
6. Plot Point 2: Bob Ewell seeks revenge, attacking Scout and Jem as they walk home one night.
7. Resolution: Boo Radley saves the children, and Scout gains a deeper understanding of empathy and human complexity.

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (YA Fantasy)

1. Hook: Percy Jackson is a troubled kid living with his mother and abusive stepfather.
2. Plot Point 1: Percy discovers he’s a demigod and is taken to Camp Half-Blood for protection.
3. Pinch Point 1: Percy faces multiple monster attacks while trying to fit into the new world of gods and monsters.
4. Midpoint: Percy accepts his quest to retrieve Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt to prevent war among the gods.
5. Pinch Point 2: Betrayal from someone he trusted makes his mission even more dangerous.
6. Plot Point 2: Percy confronts Ares and uncovers the real mastermind behind the theft.
7. Resolution: Percy returns the bolt, prevents war, and gains newfound confidence in his identity.

Why the Seven-Point Story Structure Keeps Readers Hooked

The seven-point structure works because it is an easy guide to follow. You as the writer know how your story should move from point A to point B. Your plot moves with intention. Every point has a purpose, which will save you a lot of work during the editing phase. 

This structure also helps you keep your readers interested because every point builds on the one before it. Many new writers tend to create plots that happen just to have a story. The story should unfold logically. A happens, which leads to B. Because B happens, C follows naturally. There should be a red string throughout the whole story.

One of the biggest struggles for new writers is keeping the middle of the story engaging. Many stories start strong but lose momentum before the climax. The seven-point story structure prevents this by ensuring every point serves a purpose. It emphasizes the midpoint in particular. It takes a turn of events that keeps the readers hooked and makes them curious about how the conflict will resolve. 

The Importance of Pinch Points in Storytelling

You know that feeling when a story starts strong but then kind of drags in the middle? That is usually because it is missing solid pinch points. These are the moments where things get real for the protagonist. When the stakes rise, tension builds, and they are forced to deal with challenges head-on. Think of pinch points as pressure points in a story. Without them, the plot can start to feel aimless. But with them, every moment pushes the character closer to their breaking point. It is what keeps readers hooked, flipping pages to see what happens next.

How to Apply the Seven-Point Story Structure to Your Own Writing

Start with the resolution. Think of how your story ends. Do the protagonists reach their goal, or do they fail? Do you want something bittersweet? It may be easier to work your way back to how it started rather than starting with the beginning. 

Work back to connect the dots. When you already know how it ends, plot holes can be noticed more easily. With that knowledge, you can craft a much more meaningful plot. You can also cut out scenes that do not serve the plot or character development. A great rule to follow: If you remove a scene or character, does the climax still happen the same way? If yes, that scene or character might not be necessary.

Add scenes to strengthen your story’s flow. Add a few scenes if needed to give it a longer-lasting emotional impact. Focus on building character arcs. If change does not happen, then the whole journey might as well not happen.

Writing Exercise

Based on what you learned, take some time to review these writing exercises.

• Take your favorite book or movie and break it down into seven points. Do you see how they connect?
• Write the resolution of a new story idea, then work backward to outline how it gets there.
• Look at a story you are struggling with. Does it have strong pinch points? A clear midpoint? See where you can improve it.