Write Better Stories with Strong Structure

Understanding story structure is essential for any writer who wants to craft great stories. Whether you are a plotter or a pantser, a strong foundation can elevate your story. Pre-existing formulas, like story structure, can be confusing. Therefore, you need a general idea of what it is.

In this guide, we will break down five of the most popular story structures used by authors today: the Three-Act Structure, the Hero’s Journey, the Seven-Point Story Structure, the Five-Act Structure, and the Fichtean Curve.

Each one offers a different approach to plotting your novel, short story, or screenplay. Let us dive into how each structure works. Which one is best for your story and how to choose the right one for your project.

What Is Story Structure and Why Is It Important?

Story structure is a framework or blueprint for a story. It outlines a story from beginning to end, organising the sequence of events so that the narrative flows smoothly.

Generally speaking, a story structure has a beginning, middle, and end. Each part serves a purpose, and traditionally, a story needs to have these three parts to be considered a story.

A story structure is a great way to prevent writer’s block and save time covering plot holes that might occur. To its disadvantage, following one too strictly might make your story predictable or a clichè. It is important to take it with a grain of salt and remember that it is only a guide to help push your plot forward. Not a rule. 

The Three-Act Structure: A Simple Framework for Beginners

Screenwriters often use the three-act story structure. The structure in itself is simple and is best suited for beginners who want as few steps as possible. It also gives breathing room for writers who do not like to plot much beforehand. 

The three acts are:

• Act one: Setup: Introduce the characters, setting, and inciting incident.
• Act two: Confrontation: The protagonist faces challenges, rising tension, and a major turning point.
• Act three: Resolution: The climax and the fallout, ending with closure or transformation.

Learn more about three-act story structure

The Hero’s Journey

This structure is best used for adventure stories. The protagonist undergoes a journey that affects them both internally and externally. This structure highlights that the protagonist must be active in the story.

There are 12 steps in the hero’s journey:

1. Ordinary World: The hero’s everyday life before the adventure begins.
2. Call to Adventure: The hero is presented with a challenge or quest.
3. Refusal of the Call: The hero hesitates or refuses the call due to fear or doubt.
4. Meeting the Mentor: The hero encounters someone who provides guidance or tools.
5. Crossing the Threshold: The hero commits to the journey, leaving the familiar world behind.
6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies: The hero faces challenges and meets friends and foes.
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave: The hero prepares for a significant challenge.
8. Ordeal: The hero confronts their greatest fear or challenge.
9. Reward: The hero gains a reward or insight.
10. The Road Back: The hero begins their return journey.
11. Resurrection: The hero faces a final test and emerges transformed.
12. Return with the Elixir: The hero returns home, bringing wisdom or a boon to share.
13. Ordinary World

Learn more about the hero’s journey

The Seven-Point Story Structure

I highly recommend the seven-point story structure if you know how you want your story to end. This structure is great for writers who need help developing their middle part. There are several pinch points spread throughout the story to make sure you are on the right track.

The seven points are:

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. Midpoint: 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.

Learn more about the seven-point story structure

The Five-Act Structure

The five-act story structure is most frequently used in plays and modern stories. It is useful if you are writing a play. This structure offers a classic structure seen in plays like Shakespeare. 

The five steps are:

1. Act one – Exposition: Introduce your characters, setting, and the central conflict.
2. Act two – Rising Action: Tension builds as your characters face increasing challenges.
3. Act three – Climax: The most intense moment, the big decision or confrontation.
4. Act four – Falling Action: Consequences unfold and the story starts to wind down.
5. Act five – Resolution: Loose ends are tied up and the character’s journey concludes.

Learn more about the five-act Story Structure.

The Fichtean Curve

Unlike many story structures, the Fichtean curve starts in media res. It leaps right into action and builds through a series of escalating crises. Shortly after the climax, the story concludes with a short resolution. 

The key steps are:

• Inciting Incident: starts in media res. The story starts in the middle of the action. Introduce the main conflict immediately.
• Crisis One: Present the first conflict that drives the character to respond. It should raise the stakes and give us new information either about the plot or the characters. 
• Crisis Two: Increase the intensity of the conflict. Create a situation that forces the protagonist to make a harder decision or confront a deeper challenge.
• Crisis Three: Tension continues to build. This crisis should test the characters’ limits and push them toward change.
• Climax: Reach the major turning point where the conflict reaches its peak. The protagonist faces the ultimate challenge, with everything on the line.
• Falling Action: Tension falls and resolves any remaining plot threads and emotional arcs.

Learn more about the Fichtean Curve.

How to Combine Different Story Structures Effectively

There is a common misconception that you cannot combine different story structures. Of course you can. Many successful writers blend elements from different structures. For example, you can use the three-act story structure as your framework. At the same time, you use the hero’s journey to map out how you want to develop the protagonist’s internal journey. You can even use the Fichtean curve to plan a mini-crisis for the sake of character development and to keep readers engaged. The key is to be intentional about exactly what elements you pluck and mix.

This is an example of how you can combine story structure strategically. 

• One handles plot shape (Three-Act)
• One deepens the character arc (Hero’s Journey)
• One increases emotional engagement and pacing (Fichtean Curve)

Flexibility in Using Story Structure Effectively

You do not have to follow a story structure strictly. Think of story structure as a guideline instead of a playbook. Story structure is a framework to support your storyline, not a law. Once you understand the story structure, you can break it down to suit your voice. 

Simplified Story Structure for Beginning Writers

There is no best structure for anyone. It all depends on you and your needs. However, the three-act story structure is one of the most beginner-friendly ones. It is simple. It consists of beginning, middle, and end. It offers clear phases and is easy to follow without feeling restricted. It is also widely known, making it easy to find resources and examples.

Selecting the Best Story Structure for Your Writing Project

There is no right approach to story structure. The best framework is the one that helps you craft a story. It might take a while before you get the hang of it. Test different methods, combine different structures, and discover what works best for you. Whichever structure you choose, pick one that highlights your voice and elevates your work.