Outline Types

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A MacGuffin outline is a great way to focus on the driving force of your story without getting bogged down in the details of the MacGuffin itself. Here's a breakdown of how to use this outline structure:

1. Define the MacGuffin:

    What is the object, person, or goal that characters are desperately pursuing?
    It can be anything – a mystical artifact, a missing person, a secret formula, or even just information.
    The key is that its intrinsic value is not important.

2. Introduce the MacGuffin and its Significance:

    How is the MacGuffin introduced in the story?
    Who desires it and why?
    What are the stakes involved in obtaining (or not obtaining) the MacGuffin?

3. The Protagonist's Pursuit:

    Outline the protagonist's actions in pursuit of the MacGuffin.
    What challenges and obstacles do they face?
    How does their pursuit of the MacGuffin reveal their motivations and personality?

4. The Importance of the Pursuit over the MacGuffin Itself:

    While the MacGuffin is the driving force, the focus should be on the protagonist's journey and the obstacles they overcome.
    The MacGuffin can be a red herring, destroyed in the climax, or even unattainable in the end.

5. Resolution:

    How does the protagonist's pursuit of the MacGuffin resolve the story?
    Do they obtain it? Does it change them in some way?
    Remember, the resolution should be about the protagonist's growth and the overall story arc, not necessarily about the fate of the MacGuffin itself.

Bonus Tip:

    Consider the emotional impact of the MacGuffin. What emotions does it evoke in the characters and the audience?

By using a MacGuffin outline, you can create a story with a thrilling chase or desperate quest, without getting hung up on the specifics of the desired object. The focus remains on the characters and their journey, making for a more engaging narrative.

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 Snowflake Method Outline:


The Snowflake Method is a popular outlining technique that starts with a tiny core idea and gradually expands it outwards, adding details and complexity until you have a fully fleshed-out story. Here's a breakdown of the ten steps involved:

1. Craft a One-Sentence Summary:
Think of the most concise way to capture your entire story's essence in a single sentence. This sentence should be the bare bones of your plot, highlighting the protagonist, their goal, and the central conflict.

2. Write a One-Paragraph Summary:
Expand on your one-sentence summary by creating a short paragraph that fleshes out the core idea. Introduce the protagonist's world, the inciting incident that disrupts it, and the main challenges they face in pursuit of their goal.

3. Create Character Synopses:
Develop brief summaries for your main characters. Describe their personalities, motivations, desires, and flaws. Consider how they will be impacted by the events of the story.

4. Grow Your Story to a One-Page Description:
Take your one-paragraph summary and expand it further. Include details about the setting, plot points, character interactions, and the emotional core of the story. This one-page summary should provide a clear picture of the narrative arc.

5. Review and Refine Your Character Descriptions:
Revisit your character synopses and refine them based on the details you developed in the one-page summary. Ensure their motivations and personalities align with the overall story direction.

6. Create a Four-Page Plot Outline:
Expand your one-page summary into a more detailed four-page outline. Break down the story into chapters or major plot points, outlining the events that happen, the characters involved, and the rising tension towards the climax.

7. Create Full-Fledged Character Charts:
Go beyond basic descriptions and create in-depth character charts for your main characters. Explore their strengths, weaknesses, backstories, relationships, and goals in greater detail. This can help you understand their motivations and ensure consistent character development.

8. Breakdown All Your Story Scenes:
List out every scene in your story, focusing on key moments and turning points. Briefly describe the action, purpose, and characters involved in each scene. This scene breakdown will help you visualize the flow of your narrative.

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9. Sketch Out Your Novel Chapters:
Using your scene breakdown, assign scenes to specific chapters. This will give you a clearer sense of the pacing and structure of your full novel. You can adjust the scene order and chapter breaks at this stage for optimal flow.

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The Blake Snyder Beat Sheet, also known as "Save the Cat!", is a popular 15-beat story structure framework used by many screenwriters.

 It breaks down a screenplay into key moments that propel the plot forward and keep the audience engaged. Here's a breakdown of each beat and its purpose:

Act 1

    Opening Image (0% - 1%): A captivating scene that establishes the story's world, tone, and mood. It grabs the audience's attention and introduces the protagonist's ordinary life.

    Theme Stated (5%): A subtle hint or line that expresses the story's central theme. The protagonist may not grasp its meaning yet, but it foreshadows their journey.

    Set-Up (1% - 10%): Introduces the main characters, their relationships, and the world they inhabit. It establishes the protagonist's desires and the lack of something fulfilling in their current life.

    Catalyst (10%): The inciting incident that disrupts the protagonist's ordinary world and propels them towards change. It forces them to confront a challenge or pursue a new goal.

    Debate (10% - 20%): The protagonist wrestles with the consequences of the catalyst and their internal conflict. They may hesitate to take action or question their ability to succeed.

Act 2

    Break into Two (20%): A turning point where the protagonist commits to their new goal or path. They leave their comfort zone and embark on their journey.

    B Story (22%): Introduces a subplot or character arc that intertwines with the main plot, enriching the story and offering character development opportunities.

    Fun and Games / Midpoint (20% - 50%): Explores the protagonist's pursuit of their goal. This section often includes successes, humorous moments, and a sense of progress. The midpoint (around 50%) marks a significant shift in the story's direction, raising the stakes or introducing a new obstacle.

Act 3

    Bad Guys Close In (50% - 75%): The antagonist's forces intensify, and the protagonist faces increasing challenges and setbacks. The stakes become clear, and the pressure mounts.

    All is Lost (75%): The protagonist experiences a major defeat or setback. They reach their lowest point, feeling hopeless and questioning their ability to succeed.

    Dark Night of the Soul (75% - 80%): The protagonist confronts their inner demons and doubts. They may experience a moment of reflection or a change of heart that prepares them for the final push.

Climax and Resolution

    Break into Three (80%): Another turning point where the protagonist regains their resolve and decides to fight back. They may receive help from an unexpected source or discover a newfound strength.

    Finale (80% - 99%): The protagonist confronts the antagonist in a climactic showdown. They utilize their skills and learned lessons to overcome the final obstacle.

    Final Image (99% - 100%): A final scene that reinforces the story's theme and leaves a lasting impression on the audience. It shows the protagonist's transformation and the impact of their journey.

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Here are 5 more outlining approaches to add to your repertoire:

Thematic Outlines:

    Moral Dilemma Outline:

    Identify the central moral conflict faced by the protagonist.
    Outline the events that lead to this dilemma, highlighting the opposing viewpoints and potential consequences of each choice.
    Show the protagonist's internal struggle as they grapple with the right decision.
    Conclude with the protagonist's choice and the resulting impact on themselves and the story.

Non-Linear Outlines:

    Circular Outline:

    This structure breaks away from the traditional linear narrative.
    Start with a key scene in the middle of the story and then branch out, outlining events that lead up to it and the consequences that flow from it.
    Repeat this process for other key scenes, creating a web of interconnected moments that reveal the overall narrative.

Sensory Outlines:

    Five Senses Outline:

    Focus on the sensory experience of your story.
    Outline key scenes or moments, describing them in detail through the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
    This approach helps you create a more immersive and evocative reading experience.

Brainstorming Outlines:

    Mind Map Outline:

    This is a visual brainstorming technique.
    Start with your central story concept in the center of a page.
    Branch out with lines connecting to related ideas, characters, plot points, and settings.
    Continue adding details and sub-branches as ideas flow freely.
    This helps you explore all possibilities and identify connections you might have missed in a linear outline.

Genre-Specific Techniques:

    Fairytale Outline:

    Many fairytales follow a predictable structure: "once upon a time" introduction, introduction of the protagonist and their ordinary world, a magical disruption, a quest or challenge, encounters with helpers and obstacles, a confrontation with an antagonist, a resolution (often involving marriage or "happily ever after").
    You can use this basic structure as a foundation and add your own creative twists.

Remember, the best outlining method depends on your personal writing style and the specific needs of your story. Experiment with different approaches and find the one that helps you structure your narrative most effectively.