2: Narrative Structures

2: Narrative Structures

Think of narrative structure as the invisible skeleton holding your story together. It’s the roadmap guiding readers from the beginning to the end, shaping their journey and emotional experience. Without it, stories can feel aimless or confusing. A clear structure helps you manage pacing, build tension, and deliver a satisfying payoff.

One of the most common and intuitive frameworks is the Three-Act Structure:

1. Act 1: Setup: Introduce your characters, their world, and the central problem (the "inciting incident" that kicks things off). This is where you answer: Who is the story about, and what do they want?
2. Act 2: Confrontation: This is the meat of your story! Your character faces obstacles, makes attempts to solve the problem, experiences setbacks, and learns important lessons. Tension rises steadily towards a major crisis or turning point.
3. Act 3: Resolution: The climax hits – the final, decisive confrontation. After the dust settles, we see the outcome (success or failure) and the new "normal" for the characters. Loose ends are tied up.

Another famous model is the Hero’s Journey (inspired by myths). It follows a character who leaves their ordinary world, faces trials and allies/enemies in a special world, undergoes a big transformation, and returns home changed. It’s great for epic adventures and quests.

Stories don’t always start at the very beginning. In Medias Res (Latin for "in the middle of things") throws readers straight into intense action or drama. You hook them immediately, then weave in backstory and context later. This is common in thrillers or mysteries.

Consider the flow of time too. A Linear structure moves chronologically from Point A to Point B. A Non-Linear structure might jump between past, present, and future (using flashbacks or flash-forwards) to build suspense or reveal secrets gradually.

Remember: These structures are flexible tools, not rigid rules. Don’t feel pressured to perfectly follow one model. Mix elements, experiment with order, and find what best serves your story’s unique needs. The goal is to create a journey that feels engaging and purposeful for your reader. Start simple, try outlining using the Three-Act Structure for your next idea, and see how it shapes your plot!