3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
Find the perfect editor
for your book ➔
Join us
Contents
Guides > Perfecting your Craft
Last updated on Aug 08, 2022
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers
Should Know
Nothing makes the challenging task of writing a novel feel more attainable than
adopting a story structure to help you plot your narrative.
While using a pre-existing blueprint might make you worry about ending up with
a formulaic, predictable story, you can probably analyze most of your favorite
books using various narrative structures that writers have been using for decades
(if not centuries)!
This post will reveal seven distinct story structures that any writer can use to
build a compelling narrative. But first…
What is narrative structure?
Story structure, also known as narrative structure, is the order in which events
are organized into a beginning, middle, and ending in a novel. A story’s structure
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
1/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
directly affects the way the plot unfolds and how its driving forces (characters,
obstacles, setting, etc.) are introduced to the reader.
Join us
Contents
Tightly controlled narrative structure results in all the reader’s questions being
answered, provides a climax followed by resolution and information at the end of
the story, furthers the characters’ development, and unravels any central
conflicts. In other words, structuring the plot well creates a satisfying narrative
experience that accomplishes the author’s aims.
Structure helps writers draw connections between ‘things that happen’ and
‘things that matter.’ A tale about two vastly different people falling in love can also
be about the value of compromise. An account of a person who robs a bank can
become an examination of greed, loyalty, or the failure of the American Dream.
Writers can turn to story theory and narrative structure whenever their story just
isn’t working; when they feel that their writing is awkward, aimless, or — worst of
all — boring. Writing is an art, but if there’s one part of the craft that’s closer to
science, this would be it. Become a master of story structure, and you will have
the world at your feet.
Basic story structure
When people discuss different story structures, they’re often talking about the
different frameworks used to analyze stories. When you boil them all down, all
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
2/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
stories have certain shared elements.
Join us
The status quo. The protagonist is living some kind of ‘normal life’ but has a
Contents
greater desire or goal. This is usually the first part of the story — but not
always.
An inciting incident. Sometimes called a catalyst, this is an event that sets the
story in motion, forcing the protagonist out of their comfort zone.
Rising action. The protagonist pursues their goal and is tested along the way.
An all-is-lost moment. The protagonist believes they have failed.
A resolution. The protagonist a) gets what they want, b) doesn’t get what they
want, or c) doesn’t get what they want, but realizes that they have something
that’s more important.
These are all common ‘beats’ to most stories. It can be easier to see these
moments in genres with higher stakes (such as a military thriller), but you’ll find
them in almost any type of story.
Even in something as seemingly mild as a rural romance, there will be rising
action as our heroes tentatively fall in love and an all-is-lost moment where it
seems like they will never get together (before they inevitably do). Without these
steps, there is no conflict and, therefore, no story — merely a series of events that
will struggle to keep a reader interested.
Seven story structures every writer should know
Now that we’ve established the most essential components of story, let’s look at
seven of the most popular story structures used by writers — and how they
deploy these components.
1. Freytag's Pyramid
2. The Hero's Journey
3. Three Act Structure
4. Dan Harmon's Story Circle
5. Fichtean Curve
6. Save the Cat Beat Sheet
7. Seven-Point Story Structure
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
3/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
Revealed: Seven story structures every writer needs to know!
Join us
Click to tweet!
Contents
1. Freytag’s Pyramid
Named after a 19th-century German novelist and playwright, Freytag’s Pyramid is
a five-point dramatic structure that’s based on the classical Greek tragedies of
Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripedes.
Structure
Introduction. The status quo is established; an inciting incident occurs.
Rise, or rising action. The protagonist actively pursues their goal. The stakes
heighten.
Climax. A point of no return, from which the protagonist can no longer go back
to the status quo.
Return, or fall. In the aftermath of the climax, tension builds, and the story
heads inevitably towards...
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
4/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
Catastrophe. The protagonist is brought to their lowest point. Their greatest
fears have come true.
Join us
Contents
This structural model is less frequently used in modern storytelling, partly due to
readers’ limited appetite for tragic narratives (although you can still spot a few
tragic heroes in popular literature today). By and large, commercial fiction, films,
and television will see a protagonist overcome their obstacles to find some small
measure of success. That said, it’s still useful to understand the Pyramid as a
foundational structure in Western literature — and you will still see it
occasionally in the most depressing contemporary tales.
To learn more, read our full guide on Freytag’s Pyramid.
2. The Hero’s Journey
Inspired by Joseph Campbell’s concept of the monomyth — a storytelling pattern
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
5/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
that recurs in mythology all over the world — The Hero’s Journey is today’s bestJoin us
known story structure. Some attribute its popularity to George Lucas, whose Star
Wars
was heavily influenced by Campbell’s The Hero With a Thousand Faces.
Contents
Luke Skywalker, a hero with a thousand faces. (Image: Lucasfilm)
Campbell’s original structure uses terminology that lends itself well to epic tales
of bravery and triumph — with plot points like “Belly of the Whale,” “Woman as
the Temptress,” and “The Magic Flight.” To make The Hero’s Journey more
accessible, Disney executive Christopher Vogler created a simplified version that
has become popular amongst mainstream storytellers.
Here, we’ll look at Vogler’s streamlined, 12-step version of The Hero’s Journey.
Structure
1. The Ordinary World. The hero’s everyday life is established.
2. The Call of Adventure. Otherwise known as the inciting incident.
3. Refusal of the Call. For a moment, the hero is reluctant to take on the
challenge.
4. Meeting the Mentor. Our hero meets someone who prepares them for what
lies ahead — perhaps a parental figure, a teacher, a wizard, or a wise hermit.
5. Crossing the First Threshold. The hero steps out of their comfort zone and
enters a ‘new world.’
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies. Our protagonist faces new challenges — and maybe
picks up some new friends. Think of Dorothy on the Yellow Brick Road.
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave. The hero gets close to their goal. Luke
Skywalker reaches the Death Star.
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
6/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
8. The Ordeal. The hero meets (and overcomes) their greatest challenge yet.
Join us
9. Reward (Seizing the Sword). The hero obtains something important they were
after, and victory is in sight.
after, and victory is in sight.
Contents
10. The Road Back. The hero realizes that achieving their goal is not the final
hurdle. In fact, ‘seizing the sword’ may have made things worse for them.
11. Resurrection. The hero faces their final challenge — a climactic test that
hinges on everything they’ve learned over their journey.
12. Return with the Elixir. Having triumphed, our protagonist returns to their old
life. Dorothy returns to Kansas; Iron Man holds a press conference to blow his
own trumpet.
While Vogler’s simplified steps still retain some of Campbell’s mythological
language with its references to swords and elixirs, the framework can be applied
to almost any genre of fiction. To see how a ‘realistic’ story can adhere to this
structure, check out our guide to the hero’s journey in which we analyze Rocky
through this very lens.
3. Three Act Structure
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
7/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
Join us
Contents
Following the old adage that “every story has a beginning, middle, and end,” this
popular structure splits a story’s components into three distinct acts: Setup,
Confrontation, and Resolution. In many ways, the three-act structure reworks
The Hero’s Journey, with slightly less exciting labels.
Structure
Act 1: Setup
Exposition. The status quo or ‘ordinary world’ is established.
Inciting Incident. An event that sets the story in motion.
Plot Point One. The protagonist decides to tackle the challenge head-on. She
‘crosses the threshold,’ and the story is now truly moving.
Act 2: Confrontation
Rising Action. The story's true stakes become clear; our hero grows familiar
with her ‘new world’ and has her first encounters with some enemies and
allies. (see Tests, Allies, Enemies)
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
8/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
Midpoint. An event that upends the protagonist’s mission. (Similar to the
Join us
climax in Freytag’s pyramid)
Plot Point Two. In the wake of the disorienting midpoint, the protagonist is
Plot Point Two. In the wake of the disorienting midpoint, the protagonist is
Contents
tested — and fails. Her ability to succeed is now in doubt.
Act 3: Resolution
Pre Climax. The night is darkest before dawn. The protagonist must pull
herself together and choose between decisive action and failure.
Climax. She faces off against her antagonist one last time. Will she prevail?
Denouement. All loose ends are tied up. The reader discovers the
consequences of the climax. A new status quo is established.
When we speak about a confrontation with an antagonist, this doesn’t always
mean a fight to the death. In some cases, the antagonist might be a love rival, a
business competitor, or merely an internal or environmental conflict that our
protagonist has been struggling with the entire story.
If you’re interested in using this model to plot your own story, read our guide to
the three-act structure, and be sure to sign up to our free course on the subject.
FREE COURSE
How to Plot a Novel in Three Acts
In 10 days, learn how to plot a novel that keeps readers hooked
Enter your email
Enroll now
Google
Facebook
4. Dan Harmon's Story Circle
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
9/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
Join us
Contents
Another variation on Campbell’s monomyth structure, the Story Circle is an
approach developed by Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon. Again, heavily
inspired by the Hero's Journey, the benefit of Harmon's approach is its focus on
the protagonist's character arc. Instead of referring to abstract concepts like
'story midpoint' and 'denouement', each beat in the story circle forces the writer
to think about the character's wants and needs.
Structure
1. A character is in a zone of comfort... This is the establishment of the status
quo.
2. But they want something... This 'want' could be something long-standing and
brought to the fore by an inciting incident.
3. They enter an unfamiliar situation... The protagonist must do something new
in their pursuit of the thing they want.
4. Adapt to it... Faced with some challenges, they struggle then begin to succeed.
5. Get what they wanted... Usually a false victory.
6. Pay a heavy price for it... They realize that what they 'wanted' wasn't what they
'needed'.
7. Then return to their familiar situation... armed with a new truth.
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
10/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
8. Having changed... For better or worse.
Join us
Created by a writer whose chosen medium is the 30-minute sitcom, this
Contents
structure is worded in a way that sidesteps the need for a protagonist to undergo
life-changing transformations with each story. After all, for a comedy to continue
for six seasons (and a movie) its characters can't completely transform at the end
of each episode. They can, however, learn small truths about themselves and the
world around them — which, like all humans, they can quickly forget about if next
week's episode calls for it.
To learn more and see this structure applied to an episode of Rick and Morty,
check out our full post on Dan Harmon's Story Circle.
Side note: for this kind of character-driven plot (and, indeed, for all of these
structures), you're going to want to know you're protagonist inside and out. Why
not check out some of our character development exercises for help fleshing
your characters out, like the profile template below.
FREE RESOURCE
Reedsy’s Character Profile Template
A story is only as strong as its characters. Fill this out to develop yours.
Enter your email
Download now
Google
Facebook
5. Fichtean Curve
story structure | The fichtean curve, an upward line with many mini-crises that
apexes with the climax. It is followed by a drop that is the resolution.
Fleshed out in John Gardner’s The Art of Fiction, the Fichtean Curve is a narrative
structure that puts our main characters through a series of many obstacles on
their way to achieving their overarching goals. Resembling Freytag’s Pyramid, it
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
11/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
encourages authors to write narratives packed with tension and mini-crises that
keep readers eager to reach the climax.
Join us
Contents
Bypassing the “ordinary world” setup of many other structures, the Fichtean
Curve starts with the inciting incident and goes straight into the rising action.
Multiple crises occur, each of which contributes to the readers’ overall
understanding of the narrative — replacing the need for the initial exposition.
Structure
To discuss this unusual structure, it’s perhaps best to see it in use. We’ll use
Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You as an example. Needless to say, spoilers
ahead.
Rising Action
Inciting incident. The novel begins with
the line: “Lydia is dead. But they don’t
know this yet.” Within the first three
paragraphs, Marilyn realizes that her
daughter Lydia is missing. Thus, readers
are thrown straight into rising action as
Marilyn anxiously searches all the usual
places Lydia might be found.
First crisis. Lydia’s family is informed her
body was found in a nearby lake. From
this first crisis's climax, the narrative
flashes back to provide exposition and details of the family’s history.
Second crisis. In flashbacks, we discover that, 11 years prior, Marilyn
abandoned her family to resume her undergraduate studies. In her absence,
the family begins to fall apart. Marilyn learns she is pregnant and is forced to
return home. Having lost her opportunity for further education, she places the
pressure of academic success on her children.
Third crisis. Back in the present, Lydia’s father, James, is cheating on Marilyn.
The police decide to close the investigation, ruling Lydia’s death a suicide. This
results in a massive argument between her parents, and James leaves to stay
with the “other woman.”
Fourth crisis. Flashback to the day Lydia died. From her perspective, we see
that she’s misunderstood by her parents. She mourns her brother’s impending
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
12/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
departure for college, leaving her as the sole focus of her parents’ pressure.
Join us
Isolated, she tries to seduce a friend — who rejects her advances and explains
he’s in love with her brother.
he’s in love with her brother.
Contents
Climax
Lydia takes a boat into the lake in the middle of the night — determined to
overcome her fear of water and reclaim control of her life. Lydia jumps off the
boat, into the water, and out of this life. As in a classical tragedy, this moment is
both devastating and inevitable.
Falling Action
Some level of resolution is achieved, and readers get to at least glimpse the
“new norm” for the characters. Lydia’s family lean on one another in their grief.
While they may never be able to make their amends with Lydia, they can learn
from her death. Not all of the loose ends are tied off, but readers infer the
family is on the long road to recovery.
Note: In the rising action stage, all of the crises should build tension towards
— and correspond with — the story’s major climax. Like the three-act
narrative structure, the Fichtean Curve’s climax typically occurs two-thirds
through the book.
While this structure lends itself well to flashback-heavy novels such as Everything
I Never Told You, it is also incredibly common in theatre. In stage plays like The
Cherry Orchard and A Doll’s House, the action takes place in a fixed time and
place, but backstory and character development are revealed through moments
of high drama that occur before the audience’s eyes.
For a deeper look at this structure, head to our full post on the Fichtean Curve.
6. Save the Cat Beat Sheet
story structure | a diagram showing the save the cat beat sheet, with the 15
points plotted along a wavy line.
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
13/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
Another variation of the three-act structure, this framework created by
Hollywood screenwriter Blake Snyder, has been widely championed by
Join us
storytellers across many media forms.
Contents
Contents
Fun fact: Save the Cat is named for a moment in the set up of a story (usually
a film) where our hero does something to endear himself to the audience.
While many structures are reluctant to prescribe exactly when in a story the
various beats should take place, Snyder and Save the Cat have no such qualms.
The number in the square brackets below refers to the page that the beat should
take place — assuming you’re writing a 110-page screenplay.
Structure
1. Opening Image [1]. The first shot of the film. If you’re starting a novel, this
would be an opening paragraph or scene that sucks readers into the world of
your story.
2. Set-up [1-10]. Establishing the ‘ordinary world’ of your protagonist. What does
he want? What is he missing out on?
3. Theme Stated [5]. During the setup, hint at what your story is really about —
the truth that your protagonist will discover by the end.
4. Catalyst [12]. The inciting incident!
5. Debate [12-25]. The hero refuses the call to adventure. He tries to avoid the
conflict before they are forced into action.
6. Break into Two [25]. The protagonist makes an active choice and the journey
begins in earnest.
7. B Story [30]. A subplot kicks in. Often romantic in nature, the protagonist’s
subplot should serve to highlight the theme.
8. The Promise of the Premise [30-55]. Often called the ‘fun and games’ stage,
this is usually a highly entertaining section where the writer delivers the
goods. If you promised an exciting detective story, we’d see the detective in
action. If you promised a goofy story of people falling in love, let’s go on some
charmingly awkward dates.
9. Midpoint [55]. A plot twist occurs that ups the stakes and makes the hero’s
goal harder to achieve — or makes them focus on a new, more important goal.
10. Bad Guys Close In [55-75]. The tension ratchets up. The hero’s obstacles
become greater, his plan falls apart, and he is on the back foot.
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
14/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
11. All is Lost [75]. The hero hits rock bottom. He loses everything he’s gained so
Join us
far, and things are looking bleak. The hero is overpowered by the villain; a
mentor dies; our lovebirds have an argument and break up.
mentor dies; our lovebirds have an argument and break up.
Contents
12. Dark Night of the Soul [75-85-ish]. Having just lost everything, the hero
shambles around the city in a minor-key musical montage before discovering
some “new information” that reveals exactly what he needs to do if he wants to
take another crack at success. (This new information is often delivered through
the B-Story)
13. Break into Three [85]. Armed with this new information, our protagonist
decides to try once more!
14. Finale [85-110]. The hero confronts the antagonist or whatever the source of
the primary conflict is. The truth that eluded him at the start of the story
(established in step three and accentuated by the B Story) is now clear,
allowing him to resolve their story.
15. Final Image [110]. A final moment or scene that crystallizes how the character
has changed. It’s a reflection, in some way, of the opening image.
Some writers may find this structure too prescriptive, but it’s incredible to see
how many mainstream stories seem to adhere to it — either by design or
coincidence. Over on the Save the Cat website, there are countless examples of
films and novels analyzed with Snyder’s 15 beats. You’ll be surprised how accurate
some of the timings are for each of the beats.
For a deeper dive into this framework, and to watch this video where Reedsy’s
Shaelin plots out a Middle-Grade fantasy novel using Snyder’s method — head to
our full post on the Save the Cat Beat Sheet.
7. Seven-Point Story Structure
story structure | The seven-point story structure
A slightly less detailed adaptation of The Hero’s Journey, the Seven-Point Story
Structure focuses specifically on the highs and lows of a narrative arc.
According to author Dan Wells, who developed the Seven-Point Story Structure,
writers are encouraged to start at the end, with the resolution, and work their
way back to the starting point: the hook. With the ending in mind, they can have
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
15/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
their protagonist and plot begin in a state that best contrasts the finale — since
this structure is all about dramatic changes from beginning to end.
Join us
Contents
Structure
1. The Hook. Draw readers in by explaining the protagonist’s current situation.
Their state of being at the beginning of the novel should be in direct contrast
to what it will be at the end of the novel.
2. Plot Point 1. Whether it’s a person, an idea, an inciting incident, or something
else — there should be a "Call to Adventure" of sorts that sets the narrative and
character development in motion.
3. Pinch Point 1. Things can’t be all sunshine and roses for your protagonist.
Something should go wrong here that applies pressure to the main character,
forcing them to step up and solve the problem.
4. Midpoint. A “Turning Point” wherein the main character changes from a
passive force to an active force in the story. Whatever the narrative’s main
conflict is, the protagonist decides to start meeting it head-on.
5. Pinch Point 2. The second pinch point involves another blow to the
protagonist — things go even more awry than they did during the first pinch
point. This might involve the passing of a mentor, the failure of a plan, the
reveal of a traitor, etc.
6. Plot Point 2. After the calamity of Pinch Point 2, the protagonist learns that
they’ve actually had the key to solving the conflict the whole time.
7. Resolution. The story’s primary conflict is resolved — and the character goes
through the final bit of development necessary to transform them from who
they were at the start of the novel.
For a deeper look into Wells's approach — including the key to using it — check
out our full post on the seven-point story structure.
We've said it before, and we'll say it again: story structures aren't an exact
science, and you should feel welcome to stray from the path they present. They're
simply there to help you find your narrative's footing — a blueprint for the world
you're about to start building.
– Originally published on Jul 20, 2018
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
16/17
3/4/23, 12:53 PM
Story Structure: 7 Narrative Structures All Writers Should Know
Join us
Next post in series
Freytag’s Pyramid: Understand the Shape of Tragic Drama
Contents
Reedsy Professionals
Join a community of over 1 million authors
Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to
discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.
Enter your email
Join now for free
Google
reedsy logo
Facebook
Twi
Fac
Lin
Tru
Terms Privacy Reedsy Ltd. © 2023
https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/
17/17