A Guide to Planning Your Narrative Using the Classic Story Structure with Questions

The classic story structure typically involves three acts: the Setup, the Confrontation, and the Resolution. You can incorporate key narrative elements within these acts to create a compelling story. Here's a guide with questions to help you plan each part of your narrative.

 

Act 1: The Setup

1. Introduction to the Main Character
• Who is your main character?
• What is their background, personality, and current situation?
• What are their goals, dreams, or desires?
2. Introduction to the Setting
• Where and when does the story take place?
• How does the setting influence the characters and events?
3. Establishing the Normal Routine
• What does your main character's everyday life look like?
• What challenges, conflicts, or dissatisfaction do they face in their routine?
4. Inciting Incident
• What event or circumstance disrupts your main character's normal routine?
• How does this incident compel them to take action or make a change?
5. Main Character's Reaction
• How does your main character initially respond to the inciting incident?
• What emotions, doubts, or fears arise?

 

Act 2: The Confrontation

6. Main Goal and Motivation
• What is your main character's specific goal or objective now?
• Why is achieving this goal important to them?
7. Rising Tension and Obstacles
• What challenges, conflicts, or obstacles does your main character encounter on their journey?
• How do these obstacles escalate and build tension?
8. Plot Development and Complications
• How does your main character's understanding of the situation deepen?
• Are there any unexpected twists or revelations that complicate their path?
9. Character Growth and Relationships
• How does your main character evolve throughout the story?
• How do their relationships with other characters evolve?
10. Midpoint and Climax Preparation
• What is the midpoint of your story where a significant shift occurs?
• How are the stakes raised, pushing the story towards the climax?

 

Act 3: The Resolution

11. Climax
• What is the highest point of tension or conflict in the story?
• How does your main character confront the central problem or antagonist?
12. Character Transformation
• How does your main character's growth culminate in this final showdown?
• What lessons have they learned or insights gained?
13. Falling Action
• How do events begin to wind down after the climax?
• Are there any loose ends to tie up or lingering conflicts to address?
14. Resolution and New Normal
• How does your main character's life change due to the events?
• What does their new normal look like?
15. Final Thoughts or Reflections
• Is there a message, theme, or takeaway you want to convey?
• How can you leave the reader with a sense of closure or contemplation?

By answering these questions and incorporating the resulting elements into your narrative, you can create a well-structured and engaging story that follows the classic story arc. Remember that while this structure provides a solid foundation, there's room for creativity and variation to make your story uniquely yours.