A Tale Of Three Acts
When discussing or researching creative writing, story structure always pops up at some point and there is no shortage of advice, articles, and books on the subject.
The basics of a beginning, middle and an end seem now to be so embellished in one form or another that it can be difficult to decipher what is right for you, your writing style and the piece you are working on.
I must admit I'm a self-confessed 'pantser'; someone who just lets the words flow and allows the story to develop as they go, albeit with a rough idea of how the storyline should pan out. Very different from a 'plotter'; someone who plans every event from beginning to end before they even begin. Be you a 'pantser' or a 'plotter ' you won't have a story without at least some basic structure.
The most basic is that of three acts -
Once Upon A Time . . . The infamous beginning. This is where you introduce your main character in their everyday setting or give insight into the world in which you want your reader to become immersed. It's also the time for your inciting event; for something to happen to that unsuspecting character or sleepy, peaceful world that will change them forever. Where boy meets girl or a scientist spots an asteroid on a devastating collision course.
The Middle . . . This is where the action heats up. To put characters through their paces and test their reactions to whatever fate you have in store for them. For the boy to try everything to get the girl to notice him. For the world to be thrown into turmoil because within days it will be wiped from existence unless a reclusive mathematician can work out a formula to throw the asteroid off course.
The End . . . As infamous as the beginning and just as important. If you haven't included twists and turns in the middle you need to before the end. When the girl finally realises the boy exists try not to let them walk hand in hand into the sunset. Not at least, until - he contracts a potentially fatal tropical disease so she can fall to pieces as she regrets not being with him sooner. Then he can miraculously recover and they can then live happily ever after. A far-fetched example, maybe, but if you don't build up to a climatic ending it could leave your reader feeling like they've pulled a Christmas cracker without the bang.
There are of course more things than just story structure to consider when writing but I hope you've enjoyed reading my brief insight into it. Just remember the most important thing of all - to just write . . .
Comments