Fiction Writing Plotting Structures: Mastering the Art of Storytelling

Plotting is the backbone of fiction writing, the framework that supports and shapes a story. For authors, understanding different plotting structures is crucial in crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers from start to finish. This article dives into the various plotting techniques available to writers, offering insights into how each structure works, when to use them, and how to adapt these frameworks to fit your unique storytelling style. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a seasoned author, or just someone passionate about storytelling, understanding plotting structures can elevate your writing to new heights.

Understanding the Basics of Plotting

Before diving into specific plotting structures, it’s important to grasp the fundamentals of plotting itself. A plot is essentially the sequence of events that make up a story. It’s not just about what happens, but how and why things happen, driving both the characters and the narrative forward.

Key elements of plotting include:

• Conflict: The engine of any story, conflict can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters, society, nature, etc.).
• Climax: The peak of the story’s tension and action, where conflicts come to a head.
• Resolution: The conclusion of the story where conflicts are resolved and loose ends are tied up.

Understanding these elements helps in constructing a coherent narrative regardless of the plotting structure used.

Classic Plotting Structures

1. The Three-Act StructureThe Three-Act Structure is one of the oldest and most commonly used plotting structures in fiction. This framework divides a story into three parts: Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution.
   • Act 1: Setup – This is where the
   characters, setting, and the main conflict are introduced. The inciting incident occurs, launching the protagonist into the main plot. Act 2: Confrontation – The middle of the story, where the protagonist faces various obstacles, raising the stakes. This act often includes the story’s midpoint, where a significant twist occurs. Act 3: Resolution – The final act where the climax occurs, conflicts are resolved, and the story concludes
   • .
   This structure works well for most genres because of its clear and easy-to-follow framework. It helps in maintaining pacing and keeps the audience engaged by gradually building tension.
2. The Hero’s Journey, popularized by Joseph Campbell and further adapted by writers like Christopher Vogler, is a monomyth that outlines a hero’s adventure from the ordinary world into a world of extraordinary events.
   • Stages of the Hero’s Journey:
     • Ordinary World: Introduction to the hero’s normal life before the adventure begins.Call to Adventure: The hero faces a challenge or a quest.Refusal of the Call: Initially, the hero may be reluctant or scared to take on the challenge.Meeting the Mentor: The hero encounters a mentor who provides guidance.Crossing the Threshold: The hero leaves the ordinary world and steps into the unknown.Tests, Allies, and Enemies: The hero faces trials, makes friends, and confronts enemies.Approach to the Inmost Cave: The hero prepares for the major challenge.Ordeal: The hero faces a great crisis, often a life-or-death moment.Reward: After surviving the ordeal, the hero receives a reward.The Road Back: The hero begins the journey back to the ordinary world.Resurrection: The final test where the hero faces a climactic ordeal. Return with the Elixir: The hero returns home changed, bringing something valuable.
   The Hero’s Journey is particularly effective in adventure, fantasy, and science fiction genres but can be adapted to fit almost any narrative.
3. Freytag’s PyramidGustav Freytag’s Pyramid is a five-part structure designed to outline dramatic stories. It includes Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Denouement.
   • Exposition: Introduction to characters, setting, and conflict.Rising Action: A series of events that create suspense and tension.Climax: The turning point, often the most intense part of the story.Falling Action: Events that unfold after the climax leading towards resolution.Denouement: The resolution where conflicts are resolved, and the story concludes.
   Freytag’s Pyramid is great for writers who want to emphasize a strong buildup of tension followed by a decisive climax and resolution.
4. Save the Cat Beat SheetOriginally a screenwriting guide by Blake Snyder, the Save the Cat Beat Sheet has been adapted for novel writing. It breaks down the story into specific “beats” or moments that every plot should hit.
   • Opening Image: A snapshot of the protagonist’s life at the start of the story.Theme Stated: The story’s theme is subtly introduced.Set-Up: Establishes the world of the protagonist.Catalyst: An event that disrupts the status quo.Debate: The protagonist debates the direction they should take.
   Break into Two: The protagonist makes a key decision that moves the story into Act 2.B Story: A subplot that adds depth to the main plot. Fun and Games: The heart of the story where the premise is fully explored.Midpoint: A major twist or turning point. Bad Guys Close In: Things start going wrong for the protagonist. All Is Lost: The protagonist hits rock bottom.
   • Break into Three: A realization that leads to the climax. Finale: The protagonist confronts the main conflict head-on.Final Image: Reflects how the protagonist has changed.
   This beat sheet is useful for authors who prefer detailed, prescriptive plotting guidance, especially for genre fiction like thrillers, mysteries, and romantic comedies.

Alternative Plotting Approaches

1. The Snowflake MethodCreated by Randy Ingermanson, the Snowflake Method is a step-by-step approach to plot development. It begins with a simple summary and gradually expands into a detailed plot.
   • Start with a one-sentence summary of your story.
   Expand this sentence into a paragraph that outlines major plot points.
   • Write a one-page description for each main character. Expand each sentence of your plot summary into a paragraph.
   This iterative method allows writers to build their story gradually, refining details and deepening character arcs as they progress.
2. The Fichtean CurveThe Fichtean Curve focuses on a series of crises leading to a climax rather than the traditional rise and fall of action. This method keeps the tension high throughout the narrative by centering the plot on smaller, escalating conflicts.
   • Introduce a crisis early on.
   Continue with a series of smaller crises that build on each other.
   • Reach the climax where the highest tension occurs. Conclude with a short resolution.
   This structure works well for thrillers and dramas where maintaining high tension is essential.
3. The Seven-Point Story StructureThe Seven-Point Story Structure was popularized by author Dan Wells and is centered around seven key plot points.
   • Hook: The starting point of the story that grabs attention.
   • Plot Turn 1: An event that pushes the protagonist into the main story.
   • Pinch Point 1: A moment that applies pressure on the protagonist.
   • Midpoint: A major turning point that changes the protagonist’s approach.
   • Pinch Point 2: Another moment of pressure, often worse than the first.
   • Plot Turn 2: The final push that leads the protagonist towards the climax.
   • Resolution: The conclusion where conflicts are resolved.
   This structure is flexible and works for both character-driven and plot-driven stories.

Crafting Your Unique Plotting Style

While understanding these plotting structures is invaluable, it’s important to remember that no single structure is the “correct” way to plot a story. Many successful authors mix and match elements from different structures, creating a hybrid approach that suits their narrative needs.

• Experiment with Structures: Don’t hesitate to try different plotting methods for different projects. What works for one story might not work for another.
• Focus on Character and Theme: Structures should serve your characters and themes, not the other way around. A well-developed character arc can often dictate the best plotting approach.
• Be Flexible: Allow room for improvisation. Plotting structures are guidelines, not rigid rules. Some of the most memorable plot twists and character developments occur organically during the writing process.

Final Thoughts

Mastering plotting structures can transform your fiction writing, providing you with tools to create compelling and coherent narratives. Whether you prefer the classic Three-Act Structure, the adventurous Hero’s Journey, or the meticulous Snowflake Method, understanding and experimenting with different approaches will help you find your own voice as a storyteller. Remember, the most important aspect of plotting is not following a formula but crafting a story that resonates with readers.