Story plot structure

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

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

Michael Hauge's six-stage plot structure for writing great stories.

Plot structure can mean the difference between 50,000 words worth of beautiful descriptions, action-packed scenes, and witty dialogue—and an actual story.

Do you struggle with plotting? A simple, easy-to-follow template for writing a fictional story is the W-Plot, perfect for both new writers and non-plotters. The W-Plot structure allows you freedom to create yet keeps your story on track all the way to that grand satisfying end. In our post, How to Write a Novel with the W-Plot Template, we break down each step to take the frustration out of plotting and give you tips to write a story readers will love.

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.

Three act structure is the satisfying story structure underlying many successful stories, from children's books to groundbreaking novels. Learn more.

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